Sachin Pilot- 'Promising Young Parliamentarian'

Kochi, Dec 18: Congress MP Sachin Rajesh Pilot was bestowed the first P M Sayeed Foundation Award for a 'Promising Young Parliamentarian' by Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi here today.

Congratulating the Foundation for choosing Mr Pilot for the award, Mr Ravi described him as an upcoming, competent and capable leader.

Stating that the Congress had chosen Mr Pilot to initiate the discussion in the Lok Sabha on the proposed Indo-US nuclear deal, Mr Ravi said that this was a major recognition of the young MP's ability to analyse and present a case.

Recalling his association with the late Union Power Minister P M Sayeed, whose first death anniversary is being observed today, Mr Ravi said Mr Sayeed had devoted his entire life to the development of the Lakshadweep Islands.

Mr Ravi said that India had progressed as a nation as it was an inclusive society. Leaders such as Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad had laid the foundation of a secular society by establishing a secular education system.

The judiciary also had played a major role in protecting the rights granted to the people by the Constitution, he added.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Pilot described Parliament as a ''most dynamic and forceful place'' and said his last two-and-a-half years as an MP had been most challenging and fulfilling.

Describing Mr Sayeed as a most humane, humble and approachable leader and a truly secular individual, Mr Pilot said that the late leader was the face of secular India. He was seen not only as a leader of the Muslims or the people of Lakshadweep, but as national leader, who was much admired for his learning and dedication.

Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy released a 'Sayeed Memoir' by handing over a copy to Mr Syed Ali, vice-president, Lakshadweep Territorial Congress Committee.

Kerala Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala later inaugurated a seminar on 'Role of Secularism in a Pluralistic Society' on the occasion.

UNI