Addressing the gathering, the Vice President expressed his pleasure on the occasion and lauded Sudha Murty for capturing “the timeless beauty and profound symbolism of the parliamentary murals,” as well as for her efforts in bringing history closer to people across generations. He noted that the murals in Samvidhan Sadan are not merely works of art but visual narratives reflecting India’s civilizational journey.

 

He highlighted that from Vaishali in the north to the Kudavolai system in the south, democratic practices in India have been continuous, inclusive, and deeply rooted in society. These traditions, he said, are part of a broader civilizational ethos that values dialogue, consensus, and respect for diverse opinions, making Bharat the “mother of democracy”.

 

Quoting the great Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, the Vice President underlined the richness of India’s wisdom, dignity, charity, and cultural depth, noting that such a foundation naturally fosters inclusiveness and respect for all voices.

 

He appreciated the integration of traditional symbols in the Parliament building under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He also referred to the ceremonial display of the sacred Sengol of the Chola dynasty during the President’s address to a Joint Sitting of Parliament, describing it as a powerful symbol connecting modern India with its civilizational roots.

​​​​​​​

 

The Vice President said Parliament represents the core principles of a vibrant democracy, dialogue, debate, dissent, and discussion. He emphasised that while discussion, debate and dissent are vital, they must ultimately contribute to constructive decision-making in the national interest.

 

Describing the book as a remarkable tribute to Bharat’s civilizational journey, the Vice President noted that it brings history to life through descriptions of 124 mural panels. He highlighted that the book spans from the Indus Valley Civilization to the wisdom of great thinkers like Maharishi Valmiki and Chanakya, and the spiritual teachings of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. He added that it also highlights India’s early democratic traditions, the achievements of rulers like Ashoka and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and the cultural richness reflected in monuments such as the Konark Sun Temple and movements like the Bhakti movement.

 

He further noted that the book pays homage to India’s freedom struggle, including movements like the Dandi March and the leadership of icons such as Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose.

 

Referring to the vision of the Prime Minister for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Vice President reiterated the guiding principle of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi,” stating that development and heritage are complementary. He added that the parliamentary murals embody this philosophy by anchoring progress in identity, values, and continuity.

 

Commending the author, C. P. Radhakrishnan said that Sudha Murty brings a rare combination of wisdom, humility, and social commitment to public life. He highlighted her journey from the corporate world to social service and Parliament, noting that her contributions are always guided by the larger public good. He also appreciated the efforts of the Lok Sabha Secretariat in bringing out the publication.

 

Quoting Subramania Bharati again, he emphasised that despite diversity in language, region, and culture, India remains united in its national purpose. He said that Bharat has always been one and will remain one forever.

 

Calling upon citizens to embrace the spirit of “Rashtra Pratham,” the Vice President urged everyone to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation with commitment, integrity, and pride.

 

The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Om Birla; Union Ministers J. P. Nadda and Manohar Lal; the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha,  Harivansh; and MP, Rajya Sabha and author of the book, Sudha Murty, along with Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats, were present on the occasion.