Indian Prime Minister Modi inaugurates the country's new Parliament building
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the country's new parliament building by unveiling the plaque marking the inauguration, as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.
Before the inauguration, the Prime Minister also congratulated the builders with traditional traditional shawls and handed over mementoes. Meanwhile, 'Sarv-dharma' prayers are being held in the new parliament building, with priests of different religions reciting traditional poems.
"When India's new parliament building opens, our hearts and minds are filled with pride, hope and aspirations. May this iconic building be a pillar of power, igniting dreams and turning them into reality. May it move our great nation to new heights of progress," said Modi before the first meeting of parliamentarians at the new complex began.
A series of ceremonial activities to inaugurate the complex began at dawn. The rituals, in accordance with Hindu tradition, in which the Prime Minister participated, opened with havan, a fire ceremony in which an offering to the gods (traditionally grains, ghee, milk and incense) is made to the fire. This was followed by the presentation of the sceptre, considered to be the symbol of Indian independence. The sceptre was introduced by Modi personally. This was followed by a collective prayer by representatives of various religions of India in the parliamentary complex.
The Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman, Hariwansh delivered a speech and read out a written congratulatory message on behalf of Rajya Sabha, Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankar. A written message from President Droupadi Murmu was also read out on the occasion.
The first meeting of deputies and invited guests was inaugurated in the new building with the playing of the national hymn and the parliamentary complex was given the status of being officially opened.
The new Parliament building, which will work to further enrich India's glorious democratic traditions and constitutional values, is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to help members of parliament better perform their functions.
It will enable 888 members of Parliament to sit in the Lok Sabha. The present Parliament building in the Lok Sabha can seat 543 members of parliament, while the Rajya Sabha can seat 250.
Considering the future needs, arrangements have been made to hold a sitting of 888 Lok Sabha members and 384 Rajya Sabha members in the new Parliament building. The joint sitting of the two Houses will be held in the Lok Sabha Chamber.
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