New Delhi, Sep 20: In his final address from the Old Parliament House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made an important announcement, that the historic structure will be renamed “Samvidhan Sadan” or “Samvidhan Bhawan”. Following this announcement, the Prime Minister led all Members of Parliament on a symbolic walk to the newly constructed Parliament House, which will now serve as the official seat of the Indian Parliament.
Commencing a new chapter in India’s vibrant democracy, the new Parliament building stands as a beacon of hope and progress. It symbolises our nation’s aspirations and the boundless possibilities of our future. pic.twitter.com/JxWSVl5eLL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 19, 2023
Highlighting the auspiciousness of the occasion as it coincided with Ganesh Chaturthi, Prime Minister Modi made the heartfelt request while addressing both Houses of Parliament. He appealed to his fellow MPs to consider and approve renaming the old Parliament House as “Constitution House”. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preserving the heritage and significance of the old building. He said that by renaming it as “Samvidhan Sadan”, it will always be associated with the memories of the great leaders who convened the Constituent Assembly within its walls. He urged that this sentiment will serve as a permanent source of inspiration for the coming generations.
The iconic Old Parliament House, a masterpiece designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, was completed in 1927 and has stood for 96 years. However, over time, it became clear that the building no longer met the requirements of the modern era. During his address in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to every aspect of the old structure and appreciated its historical importance. He emphasized that the transition to the new building represents a new beginning full of new hope and faith.
Government sources have clarified that the old building will not be demolished but will undergo a process of retrofitting to create a more functional space for parliamentary events. There are also reports that a portion of the old building may be renovated as a museum. It is important to note that the historic structure will be preserved, as it is considered a valuable archaeological asset for the nation, as confirmed by government sources.
Yesterday was a very special day for our democracy. I am confident that the new Parliament will enhance the dedication and further transformative governance for our nation. Here are the highlights… pic.twitter.com/kBurEL249C
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2023