On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the history of the historic Parliament House, which has traveled nearly eight decades alongside India since it gained independence from the British Empire.
As he set the tone for Parliament to move to its new site, PM Modi praised “historic decisions” made by Parliament, including the repeal of Article 370 and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and One Rank One Pension laws.
“The House will always be able to claim with pride that it was here that Article 370 was made possible… GST was approved here as well. “One Rank-One Pension” was witnessed by this House, and a 10% EWS reservation was successfully implemented for the first time in the nation without any contention, he said.
When discussing the significant historical events that shaped the structure, Prime Minister Modi also recalled how Jawaharlal Nehru, the nation’s first PM, delivered his “stroke of midnight” address here, laying the groundwork for India’s independence.
“The resounding inspiration of Nehru Ji’s ‘Stroke of Midnight’ speech will be with us. The prime minister remarked today that Atal Bihari Vajpayee once observed, “Governments will come and go, but this country will stay. ” He then recounted several significant events that took place in the ancient Parliament building.
Today, the Parliament convened for a special five-day session during which Tuesday’s transfer of proceedings to the new Parliament building would take place. The last day of business in the old building is today.
‘Bitter-sweet memories’ are recalled by PM Modi.
The 2001 terrorist attack and the building’s function during colonial times were among the “bitter-sweet memories (of the old building)” that the prime minister shared with the crowded House. He also mentioned the building’s significance at the time.
“Leaving this building is a bittersweet experience…It has a lot of memories that are both bitter and sweet. We have all seen disagreements and conflicts, but we have also seen “parivaar bhaav,” or “a sense of family,” the prime minister remarked in his speech.
“A terrorist attack occurred (on Parliament). This wasn’t an attack on a structure; rather, it was an assault on our living soul—the “Mother of Democracy.” He praised the security personnel murdered in the attack and stated, “The nation can never forget that incident.
In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “The imperial legislative council met in the previous Parliament before Independence. Following Independence, it adopted the name “Sansad Bhawan.” While it is true that foreign rulers made the choice to create this edifice, we can never forget that my countrymen’s blood, sweat, and money were spent on its construction.
In a speech full of nostalgia, the prime minister also complimented India’s Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission, saying it “made the world proud” and “highlighted a new form of India’s strength.” He also discussed the G20 Summit’s success, saying that “140 crore citizens… not any individual or party” were responsible for it.
The negotiation of the unified communique from G20 leaders, according to the Prime Minister, highlighted India’s strength and status in the international community. He also made reference to the historic Delhi Declaration.
