Valedictory

Officials of the Parliament of India, Members and staff of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, colleagues, my fellow parliamentary interns, friends, guests, ladies and gentlemen.

For an auspicious occasion like this, delivering a valedictory speech is a big honor – I feel privileged to give a message in behalf of the participants of the 27th Parliamentary Internship Programme for Foreign Parliamentary Officials. I know everyone is capable of coming up with enriching speeches based on his or her own learnings gained in the past 4 weeks of training. We don't have time for this, though, so I guess I'll just have to do my best to share some insights and realizations during the internship program.

We are gathered here today to ceremonialize a commencement exercise. But let me quickly bring you all back in time -- picture the very first day of the internship program when we were asked to assemble for the welcome and briefing session. In retrospect, there was an atmosphere of eagerness and expectations yet there were uncertainties whether we will learn something at the end of the course. At the same time, we were looking forward to having an animated, well-disposed weeks ahead. Nevertheless, time simply flew. Yes! the Parliamentary Internship Program is paying off and today, it is coming to a close. And now, we are here in this very same hall gathered once more with feeling of triumph as well as ambivalence. Triumph because we all made it – we all deserve a congratulations and a pat in the back; ambivalence because it’s time to say adieu.

The Programme was a worthwhile undertaking for each and every one of us. It has given everyone opportunities to work on our own parliamentary issues. For the participants, it was a truly rewarding experience as well as an enlightening one. More than that, it was a challenge. And I say the best challenge should lie ahead, when we are all expected to share the significant inputs; to use the practical tools we have picked up during the lectures that may enhance the parliamentary system in our respective countries. Indeed, this added knowledge will certainly broaden our parliamentary perspectives.

Today is a fitting time to express gratitude. We have much to be thankful for. The programme organizer – the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training has given us the opportunity to be acquainted with India’s Parliamentary affairs as well as glimpses of the different legislative processes and practices in other parts of the globe; to appreciate and experience the unique culture of India through local sight-seeing tours, visits to museums and places of attractions and historical importance, cultural shows, etc.

We would like to convey our deep appreciation to the Parliament of India, the Lok Sabha, the Secretariat and its staff who painstakingly worked to ensure the success of the training program. Thank you for the warmth, cordiality and generosity we all have received during the month-long stay in Incredible India .

Likewise, we acknowledge the vital roles the resource speakers have played in taking charge of the task of imparting to us through their expertise the workings of the Parliament of India including its functions and activities in the context of how it goes about its constitutional responsibilities.

Furthermore, the 4-week activity went beyond just India Legislature. It has touched beyond culture and beyond borders. It’s about building relationships and cultural bridges. We may have culture mix and differences in tradition but these did not prevent 45 people from other parts of the world to come together, foster friendships, motivate each and everyone to face challenges to new heights; and somehow to bring out the best in ourselves. In the end, however, it is our own duty and responsibility how much of these parliament information we could imbibe and what we will do with it. What is essential is that we have acquired new and unique information that can benefit our respective mother institutions back home.

Lastly, we are thankful for each other – for the camaraderie we have shown to one another in too short a time. We will keep the flame of friendship burning even with geographical distances between our countries. We will carry on to develop lasting professional relationships and continue to exchange concepts and ideas of matters related to Parliament long after this Internship Programme has come to an end. Today is one special event to acknowledge the value of maintaining and strengthening ties to the world. So let us all mark this moment with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

I know we're all anxious to get on with the ceremony and begin the celebratory banquet so allow me to share with you one last thought by William Arthur Ward (an American scholar, teacher and author):

“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than dream: work.”

Best wishes for our future endeavors. Thank you and Mabuhay!

TERENCE M. GRANA - Philippines
Participant
27th Parliamentary Internship Program for Parliamentary Officials
Lok Sabha, New Delhi, India
(2 December 2011)