Team News Riveting
New Delhi, September 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the Parliamentarians to pause “rona-dhona” and give maximum time to the special session of Parliament that started today to say goodbye to the old Sansad Bhawan.
Addressing the media outside the Parliament building before the commencement of the five-day special session, Modi said, “I urge all members to give maximum time to this special session of Parliament.” The Parliament session may be small in duration but is big on occasion, it is a session of historic developments,” he added.
The Prime Minister said, “Rone dhone ke liye bahut samay hota hai, karte rahiye. There are a few moments in life that fill you with enthusiasm and faith. I look at this short session like that.”
Modi lauded contribution of chamber attendants and House officials in ensuring smooth functioning of Parliament. Post-Independence, many expressed doubts about country’s success; but the power of this Parliament proved naysayers wrong. Biggest achievement of 75 years of this House is the ever-growing trust of the people in Parliament, he said.
He added that it is this august house that has seen active contribution from members aged 25 as well as those aged 93. Number of women MPs may have been low earlier, but gradually their representation, contribution increasing. The Prime Minister said emotional moment to bid goodbye to the building; many bitter-sweet memories have been associated with it. “We will move to new Parliament building, but this old building will also always inspire coming generations,” Modi said.
“…All of us are saying goodbye to this historic building. Before independence, this House was the place for the Imperial Legislative Council. After independence, this gained the identity of Parliament House. It is true that the decision to construct this building was taken by foreign rulers but we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen,” Modi said.