In a significant ceremony held on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the revered ‘Sengol’ as a national symbol of the Amrit Kaal in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament building. The ‘Sengol’ was handed over to PM Modi by Adheenams, and this historic relic holds great importance as it was accepted by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, on the night of August 14. The installation of the ‘Sengol’ took place after a traditional ‘pooja’ with Vedic rituals, attended by PM Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The inauguration proceeded in two phases, with the first phase commencing in a pandal near the Gandhi statue in Parliament. During the pooja, priests from Tamil Nadu, including the original jeweler who designed the ‘Sengol,’ conducted rituals. After the completion of the morning phase, the second leg of the ceremony was expected to begin at noon in the Lok Sabha chamber, where all dignitaries, including PM Modi and members of Parliament, were seated.
As part of the second phase, Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Hariwansh delivered a speech and read a congratulatory message on behalf of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar. A written message from President Droupadi Murmu was also shared on this auspicious occasion. The presence of esteemed guests and leaders added to the grandeur of the event.
The decision to construct a new building for Parliament was driven by the need for more space and better arrangements for the Members of Parliament. The present building, which is almost 100 years old, was unable to meet the current requirements and hindered the efficiency of parliamentary work. Recognizing these challenges, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed resolutions urging the government to construct a new building.
Responding to the call, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the new Parliament building on December 10, 2020. The construction of the new building was completed in record time, showcasing high-quality craftsmanship. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the new Parliament building aims to enhance India’s democratic traditions and constitutional values, enabling Members to carry out their functions more effectively.
The installation of the ‘Sengol’ as a national symbol in the Lok Sabha chamber holds immense cultural and historical significance. This sacred relic, now adorning its rightful place beside the Speaker’s chair, symbolizes the unity, heritage, and spirituality of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture highlights the government’s commitment to upholding the country’s rich traditions while embracing progress and development.