The Grand Inauguration of India's New Parliament Building: A Celebration of Democracy

India recently witnessed a historic moment in its democratic journey with the inauguration of the new Parliament building as a part of the revamped Central Vista project. This grand event was marked by a series of rituals and ceremonies that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. The Prime Minister, during the inauguration, called the new parliament building a symbol of the “aspirations” of 140 crore citizens. He emphasized that it would serve as a driving force for India in the upcoming 25 years, aligning with the nation's aspiration to achieve developed country status by its 100th Independence Day anniversary.

Rituals and Traditions

The inauguration of the new Parliament building was not just a political event; it was a cultural celebration.

The inaugural ceremony was a two-phase event. In the morning, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Lok Sabha Speaker, paid his respects at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the premises. Following this, amidst the melodious Vedic chants by priests, a Ganapati homam was conducted.

The Prime Minister, showing reverence to the Sengol, sought blessings from esteemed priests representing various adheenams in Tamil Nadu while holding the scepter. Subsequently, he led a procession carrying the Sengol to the new Parliament building. This procession was accompanied by the resonating tunes of nadaswaram and the chanting of Vedic mantras. The Sengol was then ceremoniously placed in a designated enclosure on the right side of the Speaker’s chair in the Lok Sabha chamber.The rituals underscored the deep spiritual and cultural roots of Indian democracy. The second segment of the ceremony commenced at noon as the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, entered the new building.

Features of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the New Parliament Building

The new Parliament building is a symbol of modernity and innovation while preserving the essence of Indian heritage. It houses both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the two houses of the Indian Parliament.

The new Lok Sabha chamber has a peacock theme, with designs drawn from the national bird’s feathers carved on the walls and ceiling, complemented by teal carpets. It is equipped with electronic voting systems, translation services, and a modern chamber. The design ensures inclusivity, with facilities for differently-abled members.

The Rajya Sabha chamber has been decorated with the lotus as its theme, with red carpets. It exudes an aura of sophistication. The circular chamber encourages healthy debates, and the building is adorned with artworks that celebrate India's diversity.

In line with the environment-friendly focus of the new Parliament, all records — House proceedings, questions and other business — are being digitised. Besides, tablets and iPads will become a norm.

The Significance of the Sengol

One of the most intriguing features of the new Parliament building is the 'Sengol' or the Great Bell. In Tamil tradition, the sceptre represented the idea of righteousness that the kings had to abide by rather than an object.

This massive bell is a symbol of unity and diversity. A golden sceptre (Sengol), given to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of Independence to mark the transfer of power from the British, will sit in the new Lok Sabha chamber, near the Speaker’s podium. It has inscriptions in 15 languages, including all the scheduled languages of India. The bell is a reminder that democracy thrives when diverse voices come together to shape the nation's destiny. The Sengol, PM said, was considered a symbol of the “kartavya path” (path of duty), “seva path” (path of service) and “Rashtra path” (path of the nation).

In conclusion, the inauguration of the new Parliament building is not just about bricks and mortar; it signifies the strength of India's democratic institutions. The rituals, features, and the Sengol all contribute to the essence of this historic occasion. As India continues its democratic journey, the new Parliament building stands as a testament to the nation's commitment to fostering dialogue, inclusivity, and progress.