1. Hon. members, this year has come and gone. We’ve faced so much external and internal strife.
2. December is said to be the ‘season with a reason’. What we as this Hon. House must always endeavour to foster is peace and prosperity; in keeping with the teachings of the Holy Bible.
3. The MF thanks all dedicated political leaders, legislature staff and citizens who have inspired courage and confidence in our times of need and at all times upheld the values in our Constitution.
4. So many loved souls have passed on due to COVID-19, the July unrest, high crime, road accidents and for other reasons. We pray their souls rest in peace.
5. As trusted leaders in society, as we go out on recess, may we do so with deeper purpose to help our people overcome anxiety, give them peace of mind with the visibility of our enforcement personnel and political leadership.
6. Let’s all do social responsibility as role-models and champions with acts of kindness that will not only stimulate and activate the minds of people creatively but also act as an instrument to deepen the spiritual lives of people, as we celebrate Christmas and all the good that we have become accustomed to traditionally.
7. Hon. Speaker, the 14th December 2021 is one of the holiest days for Hindus, Gita Jayanti or the birth of our holy book the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by our Lord Shri Krishna to Arjuna-a solider on the battlefield –the battlefield of life. Every politician should read this book as it prompts an individual to think, to make fair and righteous decisions and to look at life refreshingly, without surrendering one’s identity.
8. Our Madiba once said, “As I walked out the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison” and Madiba had read the Bhagavad Gita and other holy books.
9. So on the 16thDecember, the Day of Reconciliation, let’s all celebrate the human spirit of Madiba.
10. I wish you all a peaceful Christmas this December25th, and a Happy New Year and leave you all with the first verse of an anonymous poem titled “Give thanks”:

For all that God, in mercy sends,

For health and children, home and friends,

For comfort in the time of need,

For every kind word and deed,

For happy thoughts and holy talk,

For guidance in our daily walk,

For everything give thanks!

11. Safe travels all. God bless. Thank you until we meet next year.

Hon.S. Thakur-Rajbansi