New Delhi, Sep 25 Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Friday remembered former Union minister Arun Jaitley as an outstanding leader with profound knowledge and exceptional debating skills, saying his strong belief in democracy enabled him to engage with different viewpoints.
Addressing the third Shri Arun Jaitley Memorial Debate at University of Delhi’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Radhakrishnan said Jaitley never hesitated to debate on issues, or listen to views different from his own.
“Arun Jaitley always liked debates because his belief in democracy was so strong that he never hesitated to debate anything or listen to views of others. That is his greatness,” he said.
Radhakrishnan — the chancellor of University of Delhi — said questioning was an essential pillar of democracy but should be aimed at developing rather than disrupting.
“Without asking questions, there is no democracy. But questions should be asked where required — not to disrupt, but to develop,” he said.
Remembering Jaitley’s parliamentary interventions, the vice-president said his articulation was “incomparable” and he possessed deep knowledge of the subjects he spoke about.
“That is why when he used to give answers in Parliament, there would be pin-drop silence because he would address every aspect of the question,” he said.
Radhakrishnan also highlighted Jaitley’s contributions as Union minister, including in the areas of GST (Goods and Services Tax), taxation and fiscal reforms, and said a debate in his name was a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The vice-president congratulated SRCC on completing 100 years and said institutions endure when they remain rooted in their values while adapting to changing times.
He also urged students to exercise independent judgement and stressed the importance of reasoned discourse, freedom of expression, and respect for opposing viewpoints.
Referring to the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), Radhakrishnan said the challenges posed by it could be converted into opportunities, while cautioning students against allowing algorithms to replace human intellect and creativity.
“The Rajya Sabha is working towards introducing AI-enabled translation in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule,” he said.
Jaitley’s wife Sangeeta Jaitley, who was present at the event, recalled his close association with SRCC and said the college had given him some of the best years of his life.
“My husband had the best three years of his life in this college,” she said, recalling how Jaitley had wanted to show her the places where he and his friends used to spend time.
Sangeeta Jaitley said Jaitley became a member of the SRCC governing board in 2001 and was keen on bringing changes to the institution.
She recalled that Jaitley’s mother had told her that during his three years at SRCC and three years at the Faculty of Law, he did not ask his parents for pocket money as he earned through debating.
“He loved to debate,” she said, adding that Jaitley later turned his debating skills into a profession as a lawyer and politician.
“I think it is a fitting tribute to him by hosting this debate in his honour,” she said.
Radhakrishnan presented awards to the winners of the third edition of the memorial debate and felicitated distinguished SRCC alumni.
University of Delhi Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, SRCC Governing Body Chairman Ajay S Shriram, Principal Simrit Kaur, faculty members, alumni and students were present at the event.
(PTI News)
