Modi played unparalleled role in uniting nation: House Chairs

The same address was read out in Rajya Sabha by its ex-officio Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar in the presence of Prime Minister Modi.

Delivering the valedictory address in the last sitting of the 17th Lok Sabha and referring to the “resolution on Ram temple that this House has passed”, Prime Minister Modi said, “It will give constitutional powers to the future generations of the country to take pride in its heritage.” He said the resolution comprises samvedna (sensitivity), sankalp (resolve) and sahanubhuti (sympathy) along with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’.

On the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Prime Minister said, “Chunav bahut door nahin hain. Kuchh logon ko ghabrahat hoti hogi. (Elections are not far away. Some people might be nervous).” He said elections are a natural and essential dimension of democracy. “I am confident that the elections will be in accordance with the glory of our democracy,” he said.

Modi said the next 25 years are very important for our country. “Political activities have their place but the aspirations, expectations, dreams and resolve of the country is that these 25 years are something in which the country will achieve the desired results,” he said.

Noting that the 17th Lok Sabha recorded a productivity of 97 per cent, Modi said, “I am confident that as we conclude the 17th Lok Sabha, we will transition into the 18th Lok Sabha with a resolution to achieve more than 100 per cent productivity.”

Elaborating on the key business agenda transacted by the current Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister mentioned abrogation of Article 370 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. “This same House removed Article 370… For 75 years after independence, our justice system was dictated by the rules made by the Britishers. But now, our future generations will proudly say that they live in a society that follows Nyaya Sanhita and not ‘Dand Sanhita’… We can say with satisfaction that many things for which many generations waited were completed through this 17th Lok Sabha. The wait of the generations is over,” he said.

Referring to the Covid-19 period, Modi said that in these five years, mankind faced the biggest crisis of this century. “Remembering the challenging times of Covid, I want to express my gratitude to the members of Parliament who decided to relinquish their privileges in times of need without a second thought,” Modi said.

Discussing the construction of the New Parliament building, Modi said, “Everyone used to discuss that there should be a new building of the Parliament. But no decision used to be taken. It was your (Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla) leadership that decided this, held meetings with the government and as a result, the country received this new Parliament building.”

The Parliament will continue to inspire its members to leave behind a legacy and work to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of future generations with the collective effort of all its members. Modi said the last five years in the country have been of “reform, perform and transform”.

Earlier in the day, during the discussion on Ram temple, Home Minister Amit Shah said January 22 marked the “end of a struggle and a movement that began in 1528” and that it would remain a historic day for ten thousand years. “Ram temple is a victory of vikas (development) over vidhwansh (destruction). It is a day of hope, aspiration and accomplishment of crores of devotees…It is the beginning of India’s glorious era…,” he said.

Soon after the discussion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the House under Rule 360, and said, “The construction of a grand and divine temple of Lord Shri Ram at his birthplace in the ancient holy city of Ayodhya is a historic and glorious achievement for the country. All of us MPs, with full unity, obeisance and devotion, join the joy and enthusiasm of the countrymen on this occasion and also appreciate it through this resolution. This is an unforgettable moment in the country’s development journey, which is extremely important for India socially, culturally and historically).”

“January 22, 2024 has filled every corner of the country with amazing joy and enthusiasm. There was a lot of discussion about Ram temple in different cultures around the world. A sea of faith was seen rising everywhere. It has become a national festival, about which our generations will continue to be enthralled for ages,” he said.

“Our Honourable Prime Minister has played an unparalleled role in uniting the entire nation on this auspicious occasion associated with Lord Ram. He followed the difficult Yama-Niyamas with complete dedication for the ritual of consecration of the idol of Shri Ramlalla. During this, he also visited important pilgrimage places associated with Lord Shri Ram from Nashik to Lepakshi and Triprayar to Rameshwaram and gave the message of national unity. This journey has once again made the countrymen experience the power of unity in diversity, and has awakened a wonderful, spiritual consciousness in the entire public,” Birla said.

“After centuries of tapasya (penance), the temple of Lord Shri Ram being built in Ayodhya has started a new era of good governance and public welfare in the country. We all are very proud to pass this resolution related to the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram, which has become a symbol of the sentiments of the people in Ayodhya. We are confident that this historic achievement will convey the values of hope, unity and collectivism to the coming generations. Along with this, it will also deepen the feeling of unity in diversity of our country,” he said.