The Lok Sabha meeting in the new Parliament building on Tuesday will be a significant event in India's history. But what happens to the old Parliament building? Let's take a closer look at the old Parliament building's crucial role in history and what might happen to it in the future
The architectural marvel was meticulously crafted by the renowned British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, a monumental undertaking that spanned six years and culminated in its completion in 1927. Over the years, the building underwent structural alterations, including the addition of two additional floors in 1956, and the establishment of the Parliament Museum in 2006
The old Parliament building, heralding India's first chapter post-Independence, stands as an indomitable witness to momentous events, including the historic adoption of the Constitution, impassioned debates, spirited protests, and intellectual deliberations that have shaped the nation
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking on Monday as the last session took place in the old Parliament building, emphasized the importance of moving forward while reflecting on the 75-year journey of our parliamentary system. "Saying farewell to this structure brings forth a mix of emotions. It's a place filled with both fond and challenging memories. We've seen disagreements and conflicts within these walls, but we've also experienced a sense of unity and belonging, often referred to as 'Parivaar bhaav'."
In March 2021, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told the Rajya Sabha that once the new Parliament building is ready, the old one would need some fixing and a new plan on how to use it. The government has no intention of demolishing the old Parliament building, affirming commitment to its preservation and adaptation for alternative purposes
The inauguration of the new Parliament building is poised to facilitate the relocation of the national archives, thereby opening avenues for heritage-conscious restoration and extensive refurbishment
A segment of the old Parliament building could be converted into an enriching museum, affording visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the historic Lok Sabha chamber and the narratives it holds