Introduction: The recently unveiled design of India’s new Parliament speaks volumes about the aims and policies of the Narendra Modi government. Laden with symbols, it serves as both a marvel of design and a political and policy statement. Beyond the impressive architectural features, the chosen symbols convey messages about the government’s priorities and self-perception. Notably, the lotus, the peacock, and the sagar-manthan mural hold significant meaning within the design.
Lotus: Emblem of Economic Growth and Potential
The lotus, deeply rooted in Indian culture, symbolizes wealth and prosperity through its association with the goddess Lakshmi. Reflecting the Modi government’s foremost agenda, economic growth takes center stage. Initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), digital payments infrastructure, and support for manufacturing plants aim to position India as an advanced economy. Modi’s emphasis on GDP growth highlights the nation’s potential for prosperity. Additionally, the lotus represents spiritual growth and the realization of India’s full potential, aligning with the government’s vision for an advanced country.
Peacock: Symbol of Military Preparedness
The peacock, omnipresent in the new Parliament’s design, carries more than just its beauty. As the vehicle of the Hindu god Kartikeya, the peacock symbolizes belligerence, war, and conquest. This symbolism resonates with Modi’s focus on national security, evident through initiatives to bolster indigenous defense production and strengthen military capabilities. The government’s assertive stance towards China and its proactive response to security challenges demonstrate a strategic focus on accumulating hard power. While the peacock’s prominence is due to its status as India’s national bird, it also represents the government’s confidence as a military power ready to rise to any challenge.
Sagar-Manthan: Emblem of Rigorous Economic Reform
The mural depicting sagar-manthan, the churning of the ocean, symbolizes the creation of abundance through intense effort. In the context of the new Parliament’s design, it signifies the Modi government’s commitment to economic reform. The churning process, analogous to policymaking, involves collaborative efforts among various stakeholders. Despite the challenges and opposition faced by the government, it maintains its resolve to implement bold reforms. The mural serves as a reminder of the government’s willingness to undertake the messy and arduous process of creating laws and regulations to better manage the country’s economy.
The symbolism evident in India’s new Parliament offers insights into the priorities and self-image of the Narendra Modi government. With the lotus representing economic growth, the peacock embodying military preparedness, and the sagar-manthan mural signifying rigorous economic reform, each symbol conveys a distinct message. While promoting national symbols and cultural references, the government’s choice of these symbols reflects its ambitions, priorities, and its perceived role in shaping India’s future.
