Teachers, Ms Shikha Sharma and Ms Sandhya Batheja, of our School, had the honour of witnessing the new Parliament building's inaugural ceremony on September 19, 2023, a turning point in our country's history. Mr. Bharat Arora, the General Secretary, Action Committee of Unaided Private Schools, extended the invitation on this historic event.
The participants were instructed to gather at the residence of Ms Meenakshi Lekhi ( MP), before making their way to the new parliament building. Ms Lekhi is India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture.
At Ms Lekhi's residence, there was a broad group of career women from various walks of life, including education, law, business, and entrepreneurs. Media reporters were particularly interested in hearing the excited guests' opinions on the Women's Reservation Bill, which was to be imminently submitted during the first session at the new parliament building.
A sumptuous lunch accompanied by a warm welcome to all invitees was followed by dividing the guests into groups of 20 and escorting them to the new parliament building.
Standing before the majestic four-story building, which represents the aspirations of contemporary India, was a source of great pride. With interest and wonder, the participants walked around the premises. The edifice has three entrances, the Gyan Dwar (knowledge gate), Shakti Dwar (power gate), and the Karma Dwar (karma gate), each with a distinctive name. Gaja, Ashwa, Garuda, Makar, Shardula and Hams are six guardian statues that stand vigil at these gates, adding to the grandeur of the building.
At around 2 pm, admission to the building was granted through the Shardula Dwar. Strict security protocols were followed including a ban on bags and cell phones. The group was led to the Rajya Sabha gallery that was designated for VIP invitees. A brief inaugural address that lasted around five minutes came next. The House met for the first time in the new parliament building after the national anthem, and the chairman then called the meeting to a close. Unfortunately, after the adjournment, guests were not permitted to see the Rajya Sabha's proceedings.
The visitors were then led on a tour of the building. On the way, it was observed that the new complex sits adjacent to the existing complex and is of a hexagonal design. 888 seats in the Lok Sabha chamber and 384 seats in the Rajya Sabha chamber are provided in the new building. It lacks a central hall, unlike the former parliament building. During joint sessions, the Lok Sabha chamber can accommodate 1,272 members. The remaining four storeys of the structure are made up of committee rooms and minister offices.
The new Lok Sabha chamber has a peacock theme, with intricate carvings of the feathers of the national bird, on the walls and ceiling, which are complemented by teal coloured carpeting. The new Rajya Sabha chamber, in contrast, has a lotus theme and has red carpeting.
The invitees were honoured to meet Mr Jaishankar, Honourable Minister of External Affairs. It was an extremely proud moment. The attendees congratulated him on the G20 success.
In conclusion, the ceremony was a momentous occasion, representing the nation's ongoing advancement.
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