A momentous occasion was witnessed as the new Parliament building was inaugurated today by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The stage was graced by the Prime Minister, and his speech not only marked the beginning of a new chapter but also set the tone for a promising future for India, which was affectionately referred to as the “Amrit Kaal”.
In his address, heartfelt gratitude was expressed by Prime Minister Modi to the Speaker for granting him the privilege to speak on this extraordinary day. A warm welcome was extended to all the Members of Parliament who graced this historic event with their presence.
During his speech, India’s recent achievements were proudly showcased by Prime Minister Modi. The successful Chandrayaan 3 mission was applauded, a testament to India’s prowess in space exploration, and the significance of India’s role as the host of the recent G20 summit was underscored, a platform that has propelled India’s influence on the global stage to new heights. A belief truly exists that India stands at the threshold of unique opportunities.
Prime Minister Modi’s address coincided with Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the deity associated with prosperity and wisdom. This auspicious backdrop served as a reminder that it’s time for resolutions to be transformed into actions and fresh journeys to be embarked upon.
September 19th also marked Samvatsari Parva, a festival that revolves around the theme of forgiveness. Everyone was encouraged by Prime Minister Modi to take a moment to seek forgiveness, whether for intentional or unintentional wrongs, in a spirit of harmony and reconciliation. His own forgiveness was offered to all, fostering a sense of unity.
A pause was taken by the Prime Minister to reflect on the sacred Sengol, a bridge connecting the past and present of India. Sengol bears the touch of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and stands as a symbol of India’s journey towards freedom and progress.
Acknowledgment was made by Prime Minister Modi of the tireless efforts of the engineers and laborers who worked relentlessly on the new Parliament building. Their unwavering dedication, even during the challenging times of the pandemic, was nothing short of remarkable. More than 30,000 workers contributed their sweat and toil to make this architectural marvel a reality.
The importance of a change in our feelings to match the transformation in the building was stressed by the Prime Minister. It was reminded by him that Parliament is not about political parties but about serving the nation.
In his address, the call was made by Prime Minister Modi for the values enshrined in the Constitution to be upheld by Members of Parliament through their words, thoughts, and actions. It was reminded by him that their work is under constant public scrutiny and unity of purpose was encouraged. His call was clear: let’s honor the rich parliamentary traditions that guide us.
The significant contributions of Indian women across various fields, from space exploration to sports, were acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi. Government initiatives like the Jan Dhan Scheme, Mudra Yojana, and PM Awas Yojana, which have particularly benefited women, were highlighted.
Perhaps the most significant announcement of the day was the unveiling of the Reservation of Women in Parliament Bill. Prime Minister Modi revealed that this historic bill had been approved by the Union Cabinet, designed to amplify women’s voices in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas. There was no room for doubt about his commitment to turning this bill into law, and all members were urged to unite in passing it with consensus.
As Prime Minister Modi concluded his address, a sense of optimism and purpose was left with us. A picture was painted of a day in India’s journey where history was being written. A reminder was given of the vital role women play in shaping our nation’s destiny, and all members were urged to seize this historic moment by opening doors of opportunity for women.
Prime Minister Modi’s address was not just a speech; it was a powerful message of hope, progress, unity, and empowerment that resonated deeply with all who heard it. It marked the dawn of a promising new era in India’s parliamentary history within the stunning walls of the new Parliament building.