Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant address today at the commencement of the special parliamentary session, set to run until September 22. During his nearly one-hour speech in the Lok Sabha, he touched upon a wide array of topics, ranging from the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the moon to the recent G20 event hosted in India, as well as reflecting on various policies and decisions made in the parliament over the years. The Prime Minister also remembered former Indian Prime Ministers iconic speeches in the building, from Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘tryst with destiny’ to Atal Bihari Vajpayjee’s famous quote of “sarkare aayengi, jaayegi” in the historic parliament building.
The session commenced with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressing gratitude for the success of the G20 event, praising PM Modi’s vision to make it an inclusive event for the nation. PM Modi, in his speech, acknowledged that the current parliament building had its origins in the imperial legislative council but emphasised that it was constructed with the toil, resources, and dedication of the Indian people. He underscored the building’s importance in India’s history, stating that while a new parliament building is on the horizon, the old one remains a symbol of the nation’s aspirations and strength.
He said although we are moving to the new building of the parliament, but the old building is a great part of India’s golden times and will keep inspiring the coming generations. He added, “The light of the first dawn of Amrit Kaal, a new faith in the nation, new confidence, new enthusiasm, new dreams, new resolutions and new strength of the nation is filling it,”.
PM Modi also hailed the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3, not only as an achievement for India but as a source of pride for the entire world. He thanked the scientist community for their invaluable contributions, highlighting how this success showcased India’s technological prowess, scientific capabilities, and the strength of its 1.4 billion citizens. “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.”
In his address,PM Modi stressed that the triumph of the G20 Summit belonged to the entire nation, emphasizing that it wasn’t the accomplishment of any single individual or party. He thanked the speaker for appreciating the success of the G20 summit. “Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20…I express my gratitude to you. The G20’s success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country…It is a matter for all of us to celebrate…” he said. Along with this he elated that under the Indian presidency the African Union became a part of G20. “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.”
Prime Minister Modi complimented the contribution of women MPs in making the roots of parliamentary democracy stronger in India. In his speech, he said “Initially the number of women parliamentarians was fewer but with time our mothers and sisters have also played a role in parliament…Over 7,500 members have so far contributed to both Houses, of which around 600 women parliamentarians have enhanced the dignity of the house.”
Reflecting on the 2001 terrorist attack on the parliament, PM Modi described it not as an attack on a building but as an assault on the mother of democracy and the nation’s soul. He paid tribute to those who had courageously defended the parliament and its members during that trying time.
PM Modi shared heartfelt anecdotes and memories of camaraderie among members, highlighting the sense of “Parivaar bhaav” (family spirit) that permeated the parliament. He reminisced about his own journey, from a humble upbringing on a railway platform to becoming the Prime Minister and entering the parliament for the first time, expressing deep gratitude for the love and support he received from the people.
PM looked back on the contributions made by the former prime ministers in outlining their vision for India. He stated that Parliament has seen several leaders present their vision for India, from Nehru to Shastri to Vajpayee. He also fondly remembered the iconic speeches of Pandit Nehru and Atal bihari. “The echoes of Pandit Nehru’s “at the stroke of the midnight” will keep inspiring us. It is this house where Atal ji said “governments will come and go, parties will be formed and dissolved but the country should remain”. This echoes even to this day…,” PM Modi said. He noted how their speeches and vision had left an indelible mark on India’s history.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the MPs to share their experiences of the previous parliament building. In his remarks on the legacy of the 75-year-old parliament, he urged all members to share their thoughts of this assembly.
The sudden announcement of a special session of Parliament, just 38 days following the conclusion of the Monsoon Session, took both Opposition parties and even some members within the ruling alliance by surprise. Furthermore, the government kept the session’s agenda undisclosed during the announcement, giving rise to various speculations.
Following the all-party meeting held on Sunday, Pralhad Joshi, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, indicated that the special session is scheduled to encompass five sittings, during which eight legislative matters are anticipated to be addressed. Nevertheless, there are rumors circulating that the government might introduce an unexpected bill.
