At the 16th Edition of the Sansad Ratna Awards 2026, celebrated on 9th September 2026 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, the Chief Guest address was delivered by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal and Mines. Addressing an eminent gathering of parliamentarians, jurists, civil society leaders, and students, the Union Minister delivered an inspiring, wide-ranging, and deeply reflective address touching upon the rigours of grassroots political life, the critical necessity of maintaining decorum in legislative institutions, and the enduring imperative of national consensus across party lines.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal and Mines, delivering the Chief Guest address at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
Comprehensive Gist of Shri G. Kishan Reddy’s Keynote Speech
Delivered in Hindi, Shri Kishan Reddy's address blended heartfelt personal anecdotes with statesmanlike counsel on constitutional governance. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all key points articulated by the Hon’ble Minister:
- Four Decades of Grassroots Struggle: Coming from an agricultural family background, Shri Kishan Reddy recalled his earliest days in public life dating back to 1980 when the Bharatiya Janata Party was established. Leaving his home with just a small bag, he lived inside the party office for nearly 16 years until his marriage in 1995. During the initial decades in undivided Andhra Pradesh, there were neither financial resources nor public transport luxuries; party workers travelled long distances by state transport buses, bicycles, or borrowed scooters.
- Public Service as a Demanding and Sacrificial Life: Describing politics as an extraordinarily tough and frequently thankless calling, he candidly revealed that due to continuous constituency commitments and party responsibilities—as state and national youth wing president, three-time MLA from Hyderabad, and now a two-term Member of Parliament from Secunderabad—he had rarely been able to sit down for a quiet, uninterrupted meal at home with his wife and children. Constituents arrive at his doorstep from 6:00 AM every single day.
- Dispelling Wholesale Cynicism Against Politicians: The Minister urged the public and social media commentators to refrain from indiscriminate criticism of public representatives. While trivial issues like canteen prices are sensationalised, winning repeated elections in a country where voters are exceptionally mature and discerning requires unrelenting dedication. He recalled India's landmark democratic verdicts—such as the historic 1977 election and the 1983 Andhra Pradesh mandate—which proved that the Indian electorate rewards genuine leadership irrespective of resources or media campaigns.
- Legislative Responsibility & Preparation: Reflecting on his own 15 years in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, he stated that he never missed a single day of proceedings, nor did he ever rush into the well of the House, even when serving as his party's sole MLA. Turning to Parliament, he lamented the frequent cancellation of Question Hour due to disruptions. He explained how ministers and MPs spend sleepless nights preparing for Question Hour like high school pupils studying for crucial examinations, only to see the opportunity squandered when proceedings are stalled.
- Venkaiah Naidu’s Golden Principle on Parliamentary Conduct: Echoing former Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, he reminded parliamentarians of the vital maxim: "Speak out, or walk out—but never stop out or break out." Dissent, debate, and walkouts are legitimate parliamentary instruments, but deliberate obstruction, physical scuffles, and tearing clothes inside legislative chambers demean the vision of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
- ‘Samudra Manthan’ in Parliament: Drawing an analogy to the cosmic churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), he remarked that Parliament is the great confluence where ideas from diverse states and ideologies must be vigorously churned to yield constructive policy outcomes for the welfare of the poorest citizen.
- Statesmanship and Bipartisan Unity on National Issues: Highlighting India's rich tradition of political maturity, he cited the legendary precedent when Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao deputed Leader of the Opposition Atal Bihari Vajpayee to lead India's official delegation at the United Nations in Geneva. He reiterated Bharat Ratna Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's fundamental doctrine: regardless of sharp ideological divides domestically, when it comes to national security, armed forces, technological self-reliance, and international standing, all political parties and 1.4 billion citizens must stand united as one nation.
- Safeguarding the Sanctity of Democratic Institutions: In the presence of former Chief Justice Justice Shri B.R. Gavai, Shri Kishan Reddy urged everyone never to denigrate or undermine constitutional pillars such as the Parliament, the Supreme Court, or the Election Commission. He noted that political regimes and parties will come and go, but the constitutional framework must remain sacrosanct.
- Commending Prime Point Foundation & Award Winners: In conclusion, Shri Kishan Reddy warmly commended the Prime Point Foundation for their steadfast, transparent, and non-partisan commitment since 2010 to identifying and honouring MPs who demonstrate exemplary discipline, attendance, and legislative research. On behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the nation, he extended hearty congratulations to all 2026 Sansad Ratna awardees.
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