From Nehru To Chandrayaan-3: Ten Key Highlights Of PM Modi's Speech In Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (18 September) said that bidding goodbye to the old Parliament building was an emotional moment for him.

During his address in the Lok Sabha on the beginning of the special five-day session of the Parliament, the Prime Minister hailed the historic decisions taken in the old building including on Article 370 and GST law.

Here are the salient points of PM Modi's speech in the Lok Sabha:

G20 Success is India's Success

PM Modi said that the success of the G20 Summit in India was the "success of the G20 is the success of 140 crore Indians"

"It is the success of India, not of a person, not of a party. India's federal structure, and its diversity conducted over 200 summits in past one years," PM Modi added.

Old Parliament building result of the blood, sweat, and wealth of Indians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was a decision of the colonising forces to build the parliament, but "we must not forget and say with pride that the formation of the parliament is a result of the blood, sweat, and wealth of Indians".

Recollection of Personal Journey

Prime Minister Modi also recollected his journey from a platform of a railway station to the Parliament.

"When I first entered as an MP, I bowed down and honoured the 'Temple of Democracy. It was an emotional moment... I could have never imagined a child from a poor family, living on the railway platform, would ever be able to enter Parliament. I never imagined I would get so much love..." he said.

Bidding goodbye to the old building an emotional moment

PM Modi said that bidding goodbye to the old building was an emotional moment for him as there are many memories associated with it.

"We had differences and disputes but we witnessed 'parivaar bhaav' ('feeling of family')," he added.

Lok Sabha's contribution in passage of important bills

He also highlighted the contribution of the Lower House of the Parliament in passage of many important bills.

"The House will always say proudly that (the abrogation of) Article 370 became possible due to it... GST was also passed here... 'One Rank-One Pension' was witnessed by this House (and) 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections was also passed without any dispute in this house," he said.

India being acknowledged as 'Vishwamitra'

PM Modi said that today, India is being acknowledged as the 'Vishwamitra' (World's Friend).

"The whole world is seeing India as a friend; the main reason for this is our culture from the Vedas to Vivekananda. The mantra of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' is helping us unite the world," he said.

Chandrayaan-3's success

The Prime Minister also praised the success of the Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission.

He said that the success of Chandrayan 3 showcases a new side of India's ability which is related to innovation, technology, science and the capabilities of our scientists.

G20 Summit

He credited the entire nation for the success of the G20 Summit.

"The success of the G20 is the success of 140 crore Indians. It is the success of India, not of a person, not of a party. India's federal structure, and its diversity conducted over 200 summits in past sixty years," PM Modi said.

Growing number of Women MPs in Parliament

During his speech, PM Modi referred to the growing representation and contribution of women MPs in the House proceedings.

He said that while their numbers had been low earlier, they had continuously increased over the years.

“Around 600 women MPs have enhanced dignity of both Houses,” he said.

Contributions of various leaders

In his speech, the PM acknowledged the significant contributions of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Manmohan Singh, recognising their efforts in shaping Parliament.

“From Jawaharlal Nehru to Lal Bahadur Shastri to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this Parliament has seen several leaders presenting their vision of India,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister said more than 7,500 members have so far contributed to both Houses; about 600 women MPs have enhanced the dignity of both Houses.

PM Modi said Nehru's ‘At the stroke of Midnight Hour’ poem will always echo inside the premises of the old Parliament building.  

“And this is that very Parliament where Atal Ji said sarkaren ayyengi, jayengi; partiyan banegi, bigedgi; magar ye desh rahna chahiye,” the PM said.

He said this “august house” has seen active contribution from members aged 25 to 93.

PM Modi praised former prime minister Indira Gandhi for making tough decisions during her tenure as Prime Minister at this building.

“This Parliament will remember Indira Gandhi's decision on Pakistan's partition and formation of Bangladesh," PM Modi said.

He recollected Lal Bahadur Shastri's contribution during the Indo-Pak war and the Green Revolution.

“From the cash-for-votes scandal during the tenure of former PM Manmohan Singh to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, this Parliament has witnessed it all,” said PM Modi.