Khairul Alam: On Tuesday, India bid a tearful farewell to its historic Parliament building, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s history as the first session commenced in the newly constructed premises.
The new legislative home is aptly named the “Parliament House of India,” while the former building will be known as the “Constitution Hall.”
The renaming decision, amidst debates over “India” versus “Bharat” for the country’s official name, has added a touch of continuity to this change.
Before the inaugural session at the new Parliament House in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed, “The new Parliament House symbolizes a herald of a new future.”
Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), echoed this sentiment, stating, “The new Parliament House will bring new hopes and aspirations for everyone.”
Monday marked the final session at the iconic old Parliament building, which had stood for 96 years. He paid tribute to every Member of Parliament who had graced its chambers.
The historic building, designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens, witnessed India’s first speech as a sovereign nation by Jawaharlal Nehru on the midnight of August 15, 1947, and it was here that the Indian Constitution was adopted.
The construction of the new Parliament House became necessary due to the limitations of space and the need for technological advancement.
The new building, with its distinct features and modern technology, stands in stark contrast to the old one. Each Member of Parliament (MP) now has a separate chamber equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Materials from various states of India have been used in the construction, emphasizing the motto “One India, Best India.” The idea was to celebrate India’s cultural diversity and unity in its new legislative home.
The new Parliament House comprises six entry gates, each guarded by a unique set of statues representing real and mythological creatures. These statues provide an intriguing backdrop to the entrance gates.
The Lok Sabha, the lower house, now accommodates 888 seats, while the Rajya Sabha, the upper house, boasts 300 seats. The interiors of the new Parliament House reflect the national bird, the peacock, for the Lok Sabha, and the national flower, the lotus, for the Rajya Sabha.
With the move to the new Parliament House, India is embracing a future that combines modernity with tradition, while still preserving the essence of its rich history.