Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first address after inaugurating the new Parliament building on Sunday said that India is the mother of democracy. “It is also the foundation of global democracy. Democracy is our culture, idea and tradition,” said PM Modi.
While speaking at the ceremony, Modi said that the building is equipped with modern facilities and equipped with the latest gadgets. “It has given employment to over 60,000 labourers. We have created a digital gallery to honour their hard work,” he added.
He also added that the new Parliament building reflects aspirations of new India.
“From panchayat bhawan to Sansad bhawan, our pledge and inspiration remains the development of our country and its people,” he said in the new Parliament building.
“Today, as we are proud of the construction of this new Parliament, it also gives me immense satisfaction when I think about the construction of homes for 4 crore poor people and 11 crore toilets in the country in the last 9 years. When we talk about modern facilities in the new Parliament, I feel content we have constructed over 4 lakh kilometres of roads to connect villages in the country,” said Modi.
"There was a need for new Parliament. We also have to see that the number of seats and MPs will increase in the coming time. That's why it was need of the hour that a new Parliament is made,” he added.
Several years of foreign rule stole our pride from us. Today, India has left behind that colonial mindset, he said.
“It is our good fortune that we have been able to restore the pride of the holy 'Sengol'. Whenever proceedings start in this House the 'Sengol' will inspire us,” he said.
“When India moves forward, then the World moves forward. This new Parliament will also lead to the development of the world through the development of India,” said Modi.
Special stamps and Rs 75 coin was launched by the PM during the event.
President's message
In the absence of President Droupadi Murmu at the inaugural ceremony, her message was read out by Rajya Sabha deputy speaker chairman Harivansh.
"Inauguration of the new parliament building is a matter of pride and joy for all the people of India," she said in her message.
Noting the parliament is a guiding light for the country, President Murmu said the new Parliament building "is an important milestone in our democratic journey".
"The occasion of the inauguration of the new parliament building will be written in golden words in the history of India," Murmu said.
Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, S. Jaishankar and Jitendra Singh, chief ministers of several states and BJP president J P Nadda were present on the occasion.
(With agency inputs)