New Delhi : The Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today released the book ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’, a Lok Sabha Secretariat publication authored by Smt. Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament(Rajya Sabha), at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President expressed his pleasure on the occasion and lauded Smt. Sudha Murty for capturing “the timeless beauty and profound symbolism of the parliamentary murals,” as well as for her efforts in bringing history closer to people across generations. He noted that the murals in Samvidhan Sadan are not merely works of art but visual narratives reflecting India’s civilizational journey.
He highlighted that from Vaishali in the north to the Kudavolai system in the south, democratic practices in India have been continuous, inclusive, and deeply rooted in society. These traditions, he said, are part of a broader civilizational ethos that values dialogue, consensus, and respect for diverse opinions, making Bharat the “mother of democracy”.
Quoting the great Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, the Vice President underlined the richness of India’s wisdom, dignity, charity, and cultural depth, noting that such a foundation naturally fosters inclusiveness and respect for all voices.
He appreciated the integration of traditional symbols in the Parliament building under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He also referred to the ceremonial display of the sacred Sengol of the Chola dynasty during the President’s address to a Joint Sitting of Parliament, describing it as a powerful symbol connecting modern India with its civilizational roots.
The Vice President said Parliament represents the core principles of a vibrant democracy, dialogue, debate, dissent, and discussion. He emphasised that while discussion, debate and dissent are vital, they must ultimately contribute to constructive decision-making in the national interest.
Describing the book as a remarkable tribute to Bharat’s civilizational journey, the Vice President noted that it brings history to life through descriptions of 124 mural panels. He highlighted that the book spans from the Indus Valley Civilization to the wisdom of great thinkers like Maharishi Valmiki and Chanakya, and the spiritual teachings of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. He added that it also highlights India’s early democratic traditions, the achievements of rulers like Ashoka and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and the cultural richness reflected in monuments such as the Konark Sun Temple and movements like the Bhakti movement.
He further noted that the book pays homage to India’s freedom struggle, including movements like the Dandi March and the leadership of icons such as Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose.
Referring to the vision of the Prime Minister for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Vice President reiterated the guiding principle of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi,” stating that development and heritage are complementary. He added that the parliamentary murals embody this philosophy by anchoring progress in identity, values, and continuity.
Commending the author, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that Smt. Sudha Murty brings a rare combination of wisdom, humility, and social commitment to public life. He highlighted her journey from the corporate world to social service and Parliament, noting that her contributions are always guided by the larger public good. He also appreciated the efforts of the Lok Sabha Secretariat in bringing out the publication.
Quoting Subramania Bharati again, he emphasised that despite diversity in language, region, and culture, India remains united in its national purpose. He said that Bharat has always been one and will remain one forever.
Calling upon citizens to embrace the spirit of “Rashtra Pratham,” the Vice President urged everyone to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation with commitment, integrity, and pride.
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today emphasized the intrinsic relationship between a nation’s past and its future. He remarked that the strength and direction of a nation’s development are deeply influenced by the depth of its historical consciousness. Reflecting on India’s civilizational journey, he observed that despite facing numerous challenges across centuries, the country has consistently demonstrated resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
Shri Birla described the book as a powerful and accessible medium that brings to the people the rich history, culture, and civilizational heritage depicted in the murals of Parliament. He noted that the murals in the historic Samvidhan Sadan serve as a vivid visual narrative of India’s extraordinary journey, capturing its ancient traditions, cultural evolution, and the monumental struggle for independence. He further observed that the book rearticulates Parliament’s artistic legacy, democratic spirit, and collective national memory. By presenting these narratives in a compelling and engaging format, it acts as a bridge between the past and the present, inspiring future generations to embrace the values of service, dedication, and nation-building.
Shri Birla commended Smt. Sudha Murthy for her simplicity of expression and depth of insight. He noted that her lucid and sensitive writing style makes complex historical themes accessible to a wide audience, particularly the youth. He expressed confidence that the book would play an important role in reconnecting younger generations with India’s roots, cultural heritage, and national identity, thereby fostering a deeper sense of pride and belonging. He also remarked that nations, that remain connected to their heritage, draw strength and inspiration from it, enabling them to chart a confident path toward the future. In this context, he described the book as a significant contribution to strengthening the country’s cultural and intellectual foundations.
In her remarks, Smt. Sudha Murthy thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Lok Sabha Secretary-General Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, and the Lok Sabha Secretariat for their support in bringing out the book. Sharing the inspiration behind her work, she stated that her interactions with young people across the country revealed a concerning gap in awareness about India’s history and heritage. She emphasized that history is not merely a collection of dates or isolated events, but a living continuum that shapes our identity, values, and worldview. She underscored that the sacrifices, struggles, and achievements of our ancestors must be communicated in a manner that is engaging, relatable, and meaningful for younger generations. By doing so, she noted, it is possible to instil a sense of confidence, pride, and belonging among the youth, while also encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s future.
Secretary-General, Lok Sabha, Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of the publication as an important addition to the documentation of Parliament’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla; Union Ministers Shri J. P. Nadda and Shri Manohar Lal; the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; and MP, Rajya Sabha and author of the book, Smt. Sudha Murty, along with Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats, were present on the occasion.
The Coffee Table book has been published by Lok Sabha Secretariat.
