New Delhi, 28 May : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the newly constructed Parliament building to the Nation today.
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla graced the occasion and addressed the distinguished gathering.
Former President, Union Ministers, former Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, Judges of the Supreme Court, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Members of Parliament, former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Lok Sabha, former Deputy Chairpersons of Rajya Sabha, Bharat Ratna Awardees, Diplomats and several other dignitaries also graced the occasion.
The inaugural ceremony was conducted in two phases.
In the morning Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on his arrival in Parliament premise, joined Shri Birla in offering floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the premise.
Prime Minister Shri Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Birla joined the havan which was performed on the occasion of inauguration of the New Parliament Building.
Thereafter, Prime Minister Shri Modi installed the sacred symbol of fair and equitable governance, Sengol, in the Lok Sabha Chamber of New Parliament House.
Prime Minister Shri Modi also felicitated eleven shramjeevis for their contributions towards the construction of the New Parliament Building.
The first phase of the programme concluded with a Sarva Dharm Prarthna Sabha attended by the Prime Minister Shri Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Birla and other Dignitaries.
Inaugural Programme in Lok Sabha Chamber
The second phase of the programme began around 12 noon in the Lok Sabha Chamber with the National Anthem.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that there are few moments in every nation’s history that are immortalized. Some dates become the immortal signature on the face of time, the Prime Minister said The 28th of May, 2023 is one such day. “People of India have given themselves a gift for the Amrit Mahotsav”, he said. The Prime Minister congratulated everyone on this glorious occasion.
The Prime Minister said that this is not merely a building but is a reflection of the aspirations and dreams of 140 crore Indians. “This is a temple of our democracy that gives a message of India’s resolution to the world”, he said. He continued, “This new Parliament building connects planning to reality, policy to realization, willpower to execution, and sankalp to siddhi”. This will be a medium for realizing the dreams of the freedom fighters. It will witness the sunrise of Aatmnirbhar Bharat and will see the realization of a Viksit Bharat. The Prime Minister said that this new building is an example of the coexistence of ancient and modern.
“India is not only a democratic nation but also the mother of democracy”, the Prime Minister said as he noted that the nation is the principal foundation for global democracy. He underlined that democracy is not just a system that is practiced in India but it is a culture, thought and tradition. Referring to the Vedas, the Prime Minister highlighted that it teaches us the principles of democratic assemblies and committees.
“Our democracy is our inspiration and our Constitution is our resolution”, Shri Modi said as he noted that the biggest representative of this resolution is the Parliament of India. Reciting a shloka, the Prime Minister explained that luck runs out for those who stop moving forward, but the fate of those who keep moving forward continues to soar.
The Prime Minister said that the new Parliament Building will strengthen the nation’s belief in its success and will inspire everyone towards a Viksit Bharat. “We will have to move with a spirit of – Nation First. We will have to keep the path of duty above all. We will have to be an example with our conduct while constantly improving ourselves. We will have to tread our own path”, he said. The Prime Minister said that the new Parliament will give new energy and strength to the largest democracy of the world. He said while our Shramjivis have made the Parliament so grand, it is the responsibility of the Parliamentarians to make it divine with their dedication.
Stressing the importance of the Parliament, the Prime Minister said that it is the resolution of 140 crore Indians that consecrates the Parliament. He expressed the hope that every decision taken here will adorn the coming centuries and strengthen the coming generations.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and coin on the occasion.
Speaking on this occasion, Shri Birla welcomed the dignitaries to the inauguration ceremony. He thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for gracing the historic occasion and lauded his efforts and inspirational guidance which ensured that the New Parliament Building was completed in less than two and a half years. Shri Birla also paid tributes to the shramjeevis whose hard work went into this gargantuan endeavor. Shri Birla especially commended the shramjeevis who showed remarkable dedication towards their duty even at the height of COVID pandemic.
Mentioning the democratic journey of India, Shri Birla noted that during the Amrit Kaal, India’s prestige has seen unprecedented enhancement. Today, the whole world is looking forward to India for the spread of democratic values as well as for solving global challenges, added Shri Birla. The Parliament of India is the highest revered center of the democratic system and the increasing participation of people in democratic processes underlines this truth, Shri Birla further added.
Highlighting democratic principles of India, Shri Birla said that democracy is not only a valuable asset of our history but the strength of our present and the basis of our golden future. Our Parliament has the ability to convert domestic and global challenges into opportunities, stressed Shri Birla.
Noting that Parliament of India is the custodian of the proud democratic heritage of our ancient nation, Shri Birla said that the present Parliament House has been a witness to many historical events right from independence and the making of the Constitution, to the many historic legislations since. He added that therefore it is the collective responsibility of all MPs to preserve this precious heritage.
Referring to installation of the ‘Sengol’ by the Prime Minister, Shri Birla observed that by installing ‘Sengol’, an important heritage of our history, near the Speaker’s Chair, the Prime Minister has reiterated his resolve to respect historical traditions and just and fair governance.
Appreciating the architecture of the New Parliament Building, Shri Birla noted with happiness that the new building is a wonderful amalgamation of India’s rich culture, ancient heritage and modern aspirations. It showcases the excellent and diverse cultural heritage of the whole of India. In this building, every Indian will get a glimpse of the culture of his State. In the new building, the Members will be able to increase their efficiency by using new techniques and technology, Shri Birla further noted.
Shri Birla urged that in the New Parliament Building, the Parliamentarians should set new benchmarks of parliamentary discipline, decorum and dignity and become role models for democratic institutions of the world. Every word and action of every Member in the House should take the country forward by empowering the last person of the society.
Delivering Welcome Address, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh said that our present Parliament House has been a vibrant center of democratic activities in the country and it has been the guiding spirit of our progress. This building has been a witness to many historical events during our glorious democratic journey right from the attainment of India’s independence and constitution making. However, with the changing times, the honorable members were realizing the need for a new Parliament House, equipped with modern facilities and new technology, for the proper discharge of their parliamentary duties. Parliament Building is not just a brick and mortar structure; Rather, as the highest elected institution of the country, this building is the medium to fulfill the hopes, expectations and aspirations of the citizens of the country, added Shri Harivansh.
Two short movies titled “Sansad ka Nav Nirmit Bhavan” and “Sengol” were screened in the Lok Sabha Chamber on this occasion.
Messages received from President of India and Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha were read by Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh. Copies of the messages are attached.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the new Parliament Building in the Parliament House Complex on 10 December 2020 in the gracious presence of the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. On this occasion, several Union Ministers, Hon’ble Members of Parliament and other distinguished guests were also present.
