On 24 April 2026, The Indian School held an educational excursion for the students of Classes VIII to X to the Parliament Library, located in the Parliament House Annexe. This visit was part of the School’s Literary Week, aimed at encouraging students to explore a diverse range of books and to gain insight into the functioning of India’s parliamentary system.
30 students participated in the excursion. Upon arrival, the students and teachers were warmly received by Mr Manish Baghel, who served guide at the session. The visit commenced with a mandatory security check, followed by an introduction to the Parliament's significance and functioning. Entry passes were issued to all visitors due to the high-security nature of the premises.
The first stop was the Parliament Library. At the entrance, students observed a replica of the Indian Constitution displayed in a glass case. The guide explained that the original Constitution is preserved in a nitrogen-filled chamber to prevent deterioration. The library houses an impressive collection of over 3.5 lakh books. Students were introduced to two prominent sections within the library, the Gandhian and the Nehruvian sections. The Gandhian section contains works by and about Mahatma Gandhi, while the Nehruvian section is dedicated to literature related to Jawaharlal Nehru. Portraits displayed at the entrance of each section helped to identify them. The visit also included a brief photography session for students.
The group then proceeded to the main Parliament building, where the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha hold sessions. Before entering, students observed bullet marks on the pillars and walls, which were remnants of the Parliament attack carried out by terrorists in 2001. This sight served as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced in safeguarding the nation’s democratic institutions.
After undergoing another round of security check, the students were escorted by a guide who provided a detailed explanation of the architecture and functioning of both Houses. The guide explained that Parliament holds four sessions in a year and highlighted that the session beginning on 1 February is particularly significant, as the Union Budget is presented during this period. He further explained that there are six galleries in the Parliament. Galleries 1 and 6 are designated for the general public; galleries 2, 4, and 5 are reserved for the media, while gallery 3 is meant for the Speaker’s guests, including VIPs and dignitaries. The guide also elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of members seated in the assemblies and explained the symbolic themes and colour schemes followed in each chamber.
The visit also offered students a unique opportunity to interact briefly with international visitors, including defence personnel from Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. This interaction added a global perspective to the experience and further enriched the students’ understanding.
Overall, the excursion proved to be highly informative and engaging. The students displayed great curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the visit. It was an enriching educational experience that successfully met its objective of combining literary exposure with civic awareness.
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