Prime Minister Narendra Modi Reflects on Historic Achievements and Emotional Farewell

| 18 September 2023

| Christie Anto

New Delhi, India - In a poignant and reflective address to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the 'historic decisions' and achievements of the Indian Parliament over several decades. The occasion was the opening remarks in the Lok Sabha at the beginning of the five-day special session on Monday, marking the last day of parliamentary proceedings in the iconic old Parliament building.

Historic Decisions and Achievements

Prime Minister Modi, in his hour-long speech, highlighted the significance of Parliament in shaping the nation's destiny. He emphasized that the House had witnessed the resolution of several 'historic decisions and long-pending issues' that had persisted for several decades. These included the scrapping of Article 370, the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the implementation of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, and the introduction of 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).

"The House will always say proudly that (abrogation of) Article 370 became possible due to it. GST was also passed here. One Rank One Pension was witnessed by this House. 10 per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Section was successfully allowed the country for the first time without any dispute," Prime Minister Modi stated, underlining the significance of these legislative milestones.

A Transition Connecting Past with Future

Prime Minister Modi also expressed his emotions regarding the shift from the old Parliament building to the new one. He called it a moment that "links past with future" and expressed his confidence that MPs would enter the new building with "new hope and confidence."

"Today we have an opportunity to connect with the past. We are leaving this building with hope for the future. I am confident that as we enter the new Parliament building, we will go there with new hope and confidence," PM Modi said.

A Tribute to Parliamentarians and Indian Efforts

The Prime Minister dedicated his "last day in the heritage building" to the "over 7,500 parliamentarians who served in this building since Independence." He stressed that while the decision for constructing the old Parliament building was taken by foreign rulers, it was "constructed through the sweat, hard work, and money of Indians."

"We may go to the new building, but the old building will also inspire generations to come. This is an important chapter of India's journey," Modi noted.

He also highlighted the achievements of Indians, showcasing the success of Chandrayaan-3 as a testament to India's technological and scientific prowess.

A Journey Through History

Prime Minister Modi took the Lok Sabha on a journey through the Parliament's history, mentioning key incidents such as the Emergency, the Bangladesh Liberation movement under Indira Gandhi's leadership, and the "cash-for-vote" scam during the Manmohan Singh government. He also praised the vision of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, P V Narasimha Rao, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

PM Modi said the echo of Jawaharlal Nehru's 'at the stroke of midnight' speech in the Parliament "will continue to inspire us."

He further mentioned Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said, "And this is that very Parliament where Atal Ji said 'sarkaren ayyengi, jayengi; partiyan banegi, bigedgi; magar ye desh rahna chahiye."

Resilience and Unity

In concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi praised the unity of the nation and the trust people have in Parliament. He remarked that, despite challenges, India has remained united and committed to the democratic process.

"After independence, many critics thought about whether India would remain united or not but we proved all of them wrong... People's trust in the Parliament remains intact," PM Modi noted.

He expressed gratitude to Members of Parliament for appreciating the success of G20, emphasizing that it was a collective achievement of the entire nation.

"Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20...I express my gratitude to you. G20's success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is India's success, not that of an individual or a party...It is a matter for all of us to celebrate," PM Modi said.

As the Indian Parliament prepares to shift to its new home on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, Prime Minister Modi's address served as a poignant reminder of the institution's pivotal role in India's journey and the promise of a future guided by hope, confidence, and unity.