The BJP leader Smt Sushma Swaraj, MP, has been honoured with the award for outstanding Parliamentarian, 2004. The award was presented by the President of India Smt Pratibha Patil. She is the first woman Parliamentarian to be presented with this award. The citation said:
Smt Sushma Swaraj has had a distinguished public career spanning over three decades. She has the distinction of having been the youngest Cabinet Minister in the Government of Haryana and the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi. A forceful orator, she has made notable contributions towards strengthening parliamentary democracy in the country.
Smt. Sushma Swaraj has performed her role as a Member of Parliament alternating between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and also between the Treasury and the Opposition benches with commendable versatility. She has utilised the parliamentary platform in articulating forcefully the concerns of the people. Whether as a member of the Treasury Benches or of the Opposition she has always upheld the dignity of the parliamentary institutions by her adherence to the rules and norms of conduct. As the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs she ensured meaningful and purposive debates on the floor of the Houses. She is also credited with initiating policies having far reaching effects as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Her deep understanding of the functioning of Parliament, her genuine concern for the issues facing the nation, her incisive mind and her powerful articulation of views have provided vibrancy to the debates in the Houses. A great champion of democratic values, she has consciously and ceaselessly strived to uphold the dignity and decorum of Parliament.
Smt Sushma Swaraj has always taken up the challenges and faced them with courage during her long years of service to the nation. Her sensitivity to social issues and sincere devotion to her duties have been admired by all. Her indomitable fighting spirit and her courage of conviction have made her a notable leader in India'spublic life. (FOC)
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