The echo of Jawaharlal Nehru's historic 'A tryst with destiny' speech in Parliament will continue to inspire the country's elected representatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday while addressing a special session of Parliament.
The Prime Minister was tracing the nearly eight-decade journey of the old Parliament building that has also been the country's journey following its Independence from British rule.
"The echo of Nehru ji's Stroke of Midnight speech will inspire us. It is also in this House where Atal Bihari Vajpayee said governments will come and go, but this country will stay," Prime Minister Modi said as he listed key milestones in the history of the old Parliament building.
Parliament met for a five-day special session, which would also witness the transfer of proceedings to the new Parliament building. Monday was the last day of proceedings at the old building.
The Prime Minister said this is an occasion to remember everyone who has been part of the Parliament's historic journey. Here are the highlights of his speech:
- This Parliament has also witnessed the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shashtri to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh who gave a direction to this country: PM Modi
- Biggest achievement of 75 years of this House is the ever-growing trust of the people in Parliament: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
- It is this august house that has seen active contribution from members aged 25 as well as those aged 93: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
- Post-Independence, many expressed doubts about country's success; but the power of this Parliament proved naysayers wrong: PM Modi
- Number of women MPs may have been low earlier, but gradually their representation, contribution increasing: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
- We will move to new Parliament building, but this old building will also always inspire coming generations: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
- When I first entered this building as member, I never imagined that I will get so much love from people: PM on old Parliament building
- Emotional moment to bid goodbye to this building; many bitter-sweet memories have been associated with it: PM Modi on old Parliament building
- This old Parliament building was built with sweat, hardwork and money of our countrymen: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
- G20 Summit success is that of entire country, not of one person alone or one party: PM Modi in Lok Sabha
- PM congratulates ISRO scientists for the grand success of Mission Chandrayaan-3
- It is time to remember inspirational moments associated with this Parliament building before we move to new premises: PM Modi in Lok Sabha