New Parl to witness making of atmanirbhar Bharat: PM

Quote:

Dialogue crucial

“Our democracy has moved forward with the goal that there is always a room for differences so long as it is not entirely disconnected from the process” Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 10

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasised the new Parliament building would be a witness to the making of an ‘atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) Bharat, just as the existing Parliament House provided direction to the country post-Independence.

“It is a historic day… a milestone in India’s democratic history…. The people of India will together build this new building of Parliament,” PM Modi said, addressing a gathering after laying the stone for the 64,500 square metre building. It is estimated to be built at a cost of Rs 971 crore by 2022 to commemorate the 75th Independence Day.

The making of the new Parliament building was an example of co-existence of the new with the old, he said.

Referring to traditions and practices in India reflecting democratic traditions much before the 13th century Magna Carta document, PM Modi said the day was not far when the world would call India the “mother of democracy”.

His remarks came around the time when there is criticism from a section of the Opposition over spending of resources for construction of a new building amid the economic downturn accentuated by the pandemic.

Modi asserted that democracy in India had always been a means of resolving differences along with governance. Different views and different perspectives empowered a vibrant democracy, he noted.

The Prime Minister quoted Guru Nanak Dev to underscore the importance of dialogue and noted that the Sikh Guru had said that interaction should continue till eternity. “Our democracy has moved forward with the goal that there is always a room for differences so long as it is not entirely disconnected from the process,” he said.