Prime Minister Narendra Modi Reflects on the Old Parliament Building’s Legacy

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi looked back at the rich history of the old Parliament building and said the historical structure will continue to inspire the generations to come. Addressing the special session of Parliament, PM Modi also highlighted India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, the “unprecedented” success of its G20 presidency among other recent developments in the country.

This was Prime Minister Modi’s last address in Lok Sabha at the old Parliament building, as the proceedings of both Houses will be shifted to the new complex from Tuesday, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Top Quotes From PM Modi’s Speech

1. “Today, the achievements of all Indians are being discussed everywhere. This is the result of our united efforts during the 75 years of the history of our Parliament. The success of Chandrayaan-3 has not only made India but the world proud. This has highlighted a new form of India’s strength which is connected to technology, science, the potential of our scientists and the strength of the 140 crore people in the country. Today, I again want to congratulate our scientists.”

2. “Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20…I express my gratitude to you. G20’s success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India’s success, not that of an individual or a party…It is a matter for all of us to celebrate…”

3. “India will be proud that when it was the president (of the G20), the African Union became its member. I cannot forget the emotional moment when the announcement was made, African Union President said that perhaps he will break down while speaking. You can imagine the fortune India had, to fulfill such a huge hopes and expectations…It is India’s strength that it (unanimous Declaration) became possible…Under your chairmanship the P20 – Summit of G20 Parliament Speakers – you announced, will have our full support.”

4. “Many people have a tendency of being suspicious about India, and this has continued since Independence. This time too (referring to the G20), they were confident that there will be no declaration. However, it is India’s strength that it happened.”

5. “It is time to remember inspirational moments associated with this Parliament building before we move to new premises.”

6. “Before Independence, this Parliament was the place of imperial legislative council. After the Independence, it got the identity of Sansad Bhawan. While it is true that constructing this building was the decision of the foreign rulers, but we can never forget and can say it proudly that the sweat, hard work and money used in building it was of my countrymen.”

7. “We might be going to the new Parliament, but the old building will continue to inspire the coming generations.”

8. “Emotional moment to bid goodbye to this building; many bitter-sweet memories have been associated with it.”

9. “When I first entered this building (Parliament) as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the temple of democracy. It was an emotional moment for me. I could have never imagined that a child belonging to a poor family, living on the railway platform would ever be able to enter the Parliament. I never imagined that I would get so much love from people.”

10. “Bidding goodbye to this building is an emotional moment…Many bitter-sweet memories have been associated with it. We have all witnessed differences and disputes in the Parliament but at the same time, we have witnessed ‘Parivaar bhaav’…”

11. “All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. It is true that the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen.”

12. “There was a terror attack (on the Parliament). This was not an attack on a building. In a way, it was an attack on the mother of democracy, on our living soul. The country can never forget that incident. I also bow before those who took bullets to their chest to protect the Parliament and all its members, while fighting the terrorists…”

13. “This is the time to move forward while remembering the parliamentary journey of 75 years.”

14. “As we leave this Parliament building, I want to remember those journalist friends who spent their lives reporting on the Parliament. They conveyed the information from here to the country, even when there was no technology available.”

15. “Many MPs attended the session despite health issues. During the COVID-19 crisis, our MPs attended the proceedings of both of the Houses and performed their duties…With the feeling that India’s growth journey should not be impacted, all the members considered this House as an important part of their duty…After independence, many critics thought about whether India would remain united or not but we proved all of them wrong… People’s trust in the Parliament remain intact.”

16. “The echo of Pandit (Jawahlal) Nehru’s ‘at the stroke of midnight’ in this Parliament will continue to inspire us. And this is that very Parliament where Atal Ji said ‘sarkaren ayyengi, jayengi; partiyan banegi, bigedgi; magar ye desh rahna chahiye’.”

17. “Several historic decisions and solutions to issues pending for several decades were made in this House. The House will always say proudly that (abrogation of) Article 370 became possible due to it. GST was also passed here. One Rank One Pension was witnessed by this House. Ten per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Section was successfully allowed in the country for the first time without any dispute.”

18. “It was this Parliament that saw the Bangladesh Liberation movement and its support under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. It was the same Parliament that also witnessed the attack of democracy during the Emergency.”

19. “The mantra of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’, several historic decisions on issues pending since decades, their permanent resolution has been found in this Parliament.”