The Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman, M. Hamid Ansari has said that the Parliament of India is a forum for debate, discussion, legislation and accountability.
Each of these requires the ability to advocate one's viewpoint cogently. Each requires knowledge of the subject and an ability to present it succinctly.
Addressing on the occasion of "Presentation of the Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards for the years 2010, 2011, 2012" to Union Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress leader Karan Singh and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) president, Sharad Yadav" in the Central Hall of the Parliament here today, he opined that a good debater is one who has the power to persuade, impress and transform.
A great debater has the capacity to touch the audience emotionally and possibly even bring about a change of mind.
He said that an outstanding parliamentarian, besides possessing these virtues in ample measure, is thoroughly familiar with the rules, procedures and precedents of the House and has the ability to use them deftly to his or her advantage.
Ansari said that the three Honourable Members selected for the awards today possess these attributes and have put them to excellent use over a period of time. Yet each is unique in regard to background, experience, oratorical skill, persuasive methodology. Together, they are studies in contrast. He congratulated Arun Jaitley , Karan Singh and Sharad Yadav on the recognition bestowed on them today.
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