New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised former PM Manmohan Singh's contribution to Parliament and said his valuable thoughts as a leader are 'inspiration" for lawmakers.

In his farewell speech for the outgoing Rajya Sabha members, he said "I remember during the voting in the House. It was obvious that the treasury bench would win but Dr Manmohan Singh came on a wheelchair and cast his vote in August 2023. This is an example of a member being alert of his duties. He was an inspirational example," he said.

The Prime Minister added that "Six times he has made a huge contribution to this house with his valuable thoughts as a leader and also as the Leader of the Opposition".

"I pray that he lives long and keeps guiding us," he added.

Extending his best wishes to all the retiring members of the Upper House, Modi said "…they will scale new heights after getting educated in this "eternal university.

“I hope the experience of retiring MPs will benefit the country and inspire new generations,” he added.

Calling the house a symbol of continuity, the PM said, "This house receives a new vitality and energy every 2 years.

"Every two years, the departing members leave behind such memories, which are a priceless legacy for the new incoming members," he said.

Retiring Rajya Sabha members will be given a farewell at Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's residence today.

They will attend the farewell function at 6.30 pm.

Earlier, members of the Rajya Sabha took part in a group photo at 10 am at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking next, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge thanked PM Modi for his words about Manmohan Singh.

"Manmohan Singh did good work. I thank the PM for his words. This is how things should be. Appreciate good work and criticise the bad," said the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha.

Manmohan Singh, a veteran politician who has been elected as a Member of Parliament six times, held the position of India's 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.

Before his tenure as Prime Minister, he served as the finance minister in the PV Narasimha Rao government. He also served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 1982 to 1985.

(With UNI inputs)