He remarked that he never imagined he would have the opportunity to sit in a new Parliament building during his lifetime. Gowda, a seasoned politician, considered it a stroke of good fortune to witness such a significant moment in India’s democratic history.
Reflecting on his political journey, Gowda shared, “When I entered this great house of the people 32 years ago, I had never thought I would be Prime Minister, and I did not expect to last this long in public life.” He expressed his surprise at the fact that he could be present in a new Parliament building at the age of 91.
Gowda highlighted the auspiciousness and rarity of entering a new home in Indian tradition and emphasized that this moment was not only personally significant but also extraordinary for the nation as a whole. Recalling the inauguration of the old Parliament House during the era of colonial rule, Gowda praised India’s peaceful and non-violent path to independence, calling it a priceless achievement. He stressed the importance of preserving and passing on the values of peaceful coexistence and non-violence to future generations.
According to Gowda, the Indian Parliament has witnessed both triumphs and setbacks throughout its history. It has experienced arrogance and humility, victories and defeats, but it has consistently aimed to strike a balance and fulfill the aspirations of the Indian people. Gowda commended Parliament for nurturing diversity, accommodating various castes, ethnicities, religions, languages, and regions. He noted that Parliament has been a platform for all sorts of opinions, ideas, and ideologies, celebrating the rich diversity of India.
Gowda acknowledged the wisdom of the Indian people, stating that they have always been watchful and vigilant. Whenever they have witnessed anyone disrupting the equilibrium or exceeding their authority, they have quietly removed them from Parliament. He expressed his gratitude to the Indian citizens and saluted them on the occasion of the new Parliament building’s inauguration.
In conclusion, Gowda fervently prayed for India’s democratic traditions to continue to thrive and shine in the future. He hoped that the new Parliament building would serve as a symbol of India’s rich diversity and contribute to the nation’s progress for generations to come.
