Beneath the Indian sun, a new chapter in democracy unfolds before us. This is the New Parliament House. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on May 28 2023. It stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage and bright future.
The New Parliament House is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. This project revamps the central administrative area near Raisana Hills. The old Parliament House, almost a century old, raised concerns about its stability. The New Parliament House ensures a robust foundation for India’s legislative activities for the next 150 years.
PM Narendra Modi laid the building’s foundation stone on December 10 2020. The New Parliament House can accommodate 1272 members. 888 seats are for the Lok Sabha and 384 for the Rajya Sabha. It cost ₹862 crores to construct this triangular marvel. Bimal Patel is the chief architect. Tata Projects Limited oversaw its construction. The New Parliament House is about 10% smaller than the old building.
A significant artefact resides within these walls. It is a historical sceptre called “Sengol”. The Sengol embodies the transfer of power from British rule to India. C. Rajagopalachari conceived the idea. He drew inspiration from the Chola Dynasty’s traditions. Vummidi Bangaru Chetty in Chennai crafted the Sengol. It was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14 1947. The Sengol is a five-foot staff. Nandi the divine bull adorns its top. Nandi symbolizes fairness and justice. High priests blessed it.
The New Parliament House has three entrances. They are called Gyan Dwar Shakti Dwar and Karma Dwar. Six guardian statues stand at these entrances. They are Gaja Ashwa Garuda Makara Shaardoola and Hamsa.
Inside a Foucault pendulum hangs from the Constitution Hall’s ceiling. The National Council of Science Museums in Kolkata created it. It symbolizes India’s connection to the cosmos.
The Lok Sabha chamber now houses the Sengol. The Shilp Deergha or crafts gallery showcases Indian artistry. It includes 255 crafts from 400 artisans across the country.
The New Parliament House commenced official business on September 19 2023. The Women’s Reservations Bill 2023 was introduced here. The building embodies India’s democratic traditions. The Constitution Hall displays exhibits from the Vedic period to today. The Sri Yantra inspires the building’s design. It is a symbol of pure energy. The Constitution Hall has a digitized copy of the Indian Constitution.
Three ceremonial foyers showcase brass images. They include Mahatma Gandhi Chanakya Gargi Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar. The public entrances lead to three galleries. The Sangeet Gallery exhibits Indian musical traditions. The Sthapthya Gallery depicts architectural heritage. The Shilp Gallery showcases handicraft traditions. The New Parliament building is home to nearly 5000 artworks.
The Lok Sabha chamber’s interiors feature the peacock theme. The Rajya Sabha reflects the lotus theme. Teakwood from Nagpur and sandstone from Rajasthan were used in the construction. Green stone from Udaipur red granite from Ajmer and white marble from Ambaji add to its beauty.
The New Parliament House stands as a symbol of India’s journey. It represents its commitment to democracy progress and unity. It reflects the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. The New Parliament House bridges the past with the future.