In a heartwarming gesture, Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar shared their voice-overs for a video showcasing the new Parliament building in response to a special request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video, which was initially shared by PM Modi himself, gained positive reviews as various celebrities and political leaders, including Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, shared their views.

Shah Rukh Khan, known for his charismatic personality, expressed his thoughts on the new Parliament building, referring to it as a “new home for the people who uphold our Constitution.” Followed by words from his film Swades, his voice-over resonated with the spirit of unity and inclusion, stating, “May this new home be so big that it has a place for everyone from every village, city, and every corner of the country. May the arms of the new home embrace people from all castes, creeds, and religions.” PM Modi, appreciating the sentiment, quote tweeted it, saying, “Beautifully expressed!”

Similarly, Akshay Kumar, an actor known for his patriotic roles, defined the new Parliament building as an “iconic symbol of India’s growth story.” In his voice-over, he combined captivating visuals, denoting the reflection of a new Parliament building as India’s rich heritage. PM Modi agreed with Kumar’s sentiments, emphasizing the building’s significance in representing India’s progress.

The prime minister retweeted these videos just a few hours before the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building on Sunday. 

Among the many voices adding their unique perspectives to the video, PM Modi also acknowledged actor Anupam Kher’s contribution. Kher’s poetic tribute to the new Parliament building praised it as a testament to democracy and remarked, “This is the feeling expressed in your poem, which is going to strengthen the faith of people in the temple of democracy.” 

Overall, the share of voice-overs between Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar for the new Parliament building video connects with the sentiments of the Indian people, however, PM Modi’s further appreciation strengthens the significance of this unique initiative.

The collective participation of celebrities and political figures in lending their voices to the video not only demonstrates their support for the new Parliament building but also showcases the unity and pride shared by Indians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building with an elaborate Sengol ceremony preceded by prayers from all faiths.

PM Modi arrived at the complex at 7:15 am and took part i a puja with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Seers (aadheenams) from Tamil Nadu then handed the PM the Sengol, which is said to have been given to India’s first PM Jawaharlal Nehru by Viceroy Louis Mountbatten to mark the transfer of power. The PM prostrated before the Sengol before the seers gave it to him. He then proceeded to walk into the new Parliament, holding the Sengol aloft in his hands accompanied by seers who chanted slokas.

PM Modi then installed the Sengol near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair with Om Birla by his side. He then lit a lamp marking the inauguration of the structure.

The Opposition was absent from the solemn festivities since it had boycotted the inauguration, holding that it should be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu and not PM Modi.

With state-of-the-art structure, the new Parliament building is said to meet the needs and standards of the 21st century. It is equipped with the latest technology and is up to the mark in terms of its environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.

The new Parliament can accommodate 888 Lok Sabha MPs and the Rajya Sabha chamber can seat 300. Both Houses of Parliament of 1,280 MPs can be seated in the Lok Sabha chamber.

About the new Parliament building

The new parliament building is spread across 64,500 sq m and is located in the heart of New Delhi, and is made of steel and glass. The building has a state-of-the-art audio-visual system and a conference hall that can accommodate up to 1,000 people.

The new Parliament was designed by a team of architects led by Bimal Patel. The building is inspired by the traditional Indian architectural style. The building’s facade is made of white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings. The interior of the building is decorated with traditional motifs and artwork.

The construction of the new Parliament began in 2020, and was completed in 2023 with an installation cost of Rs 20,000 crore to build.

Significance of the new Parliament building

With the BJP set to end its second term in power, the party aims for re-election with a call to make India a developed nation in the next 25 years by when Independent India will turn 100. PM Modi has christened the period Amrit Kaal. As part of this, the new Parliament symbolises India’s progress and prosperity since 1947. It is a testament to the country’s growing economic and political power. The building is also a symbol of India’s commitment to democracy and its desire to become a leading global power.

It is significant that May 28 is also the birth anniversary of Veer Savarkar, the Hindutva ideologue. Among other projects, the Ayodhya Ram temple is due to be opened for the public early next year when India will elect its next government and send a fresh set of MPs to the new Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the eight governing council meeting of Niti Aayog today. At least Chief Ministers of six states skipped the meeting, a day ahead of the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

The list of CMs who boycotted the meeting are West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann.

The meeting was held at the new Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, Delhi.

The theme of the meeting was Viksit Bharat at 2047: Role of Team India. Niti Aayog in an official statement stated today’s meeting will be participated by Chief Ministers, Lt Governors of all states and union territories, Union Ministers as ex-officio members, vice chairman and the members of the Niti Aayog.

The leaders of the states had announced their decision to skip the meeting due to various reasons.

Delhi CM Kejriwal in a written letter to PM Modi stated he is boycotting the meeting to protest against the May 19 ordinance moved by the Centre nullifying the Supreme Court judgement. Kejriwal in his letter termed the ordinance as undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Bihar CM Kumar while speaking to the media in Patna raised questions on the need of the new Parliament which is et to be inaugurated by PM Modi on May 28.

Kumar attacking the BJP said, the Central government in rule will change the history of the country and further added he sees no sense in attending the Niti Aayog meeting today at the new Parliament inauguration tomorrow.

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin will not be able to attend the meeting as he is on a three-day tour to Singapore and Japan, said state officials.

Punjab CM Mann stated the reason behind the boycott to be the Central government’s ignorance on farmer issues.

Telangana CM Rao is expected to attend a prearranged meeting with Kejriwal in Hyderabad on Saturday, the reason he is not attending the meeting.

While West Bengal CM Banerjee reason behind not attending the meeting was not stated, CM Banerjee is scheduled to visit Khadikul village in West Bengal to meet the family members of the victim of the blast in an illegal firecracker factory.

This comes after at least 20 opposition parties decided to boycott the inaugural event of the newly built Parliament building today.