Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, famous for his outspoken statements and excellent English in Indian politics, has once again heated up the market of discussions in political circles with his statement. Recently, while speaking on a public platform, Shashi Tharoor has given a big statement regarding the new Parliament Building of the country. He has openly said that he feels a ‘lack of belonging’ in the new Parliament House like in the old Parliament House. Ever since his statement came to light, different types of reactions have started coming in from both the pro and opposition camps, and people are curious to know why he said this.
Memories of the old Parliament House and the special attachment associated with it
Shashi Tharoor clarified in his statement that the old Parliament House was not just a building of stones and walls, but the long history of Indian democracy and a special intimacy resided in every part of it. He told that there used to be a different sense of familiarity and informal warmth in the corridors of the old building, the structure of the Central Hall and the ease with which the MPs there used to meet each other. The atmosphere of communication and interaction that existed among the MPs in that decades-old building had become a cultural heritage of Indian democracy. This is why the memories associated with the old Parliament House are very close to the hearts of many experienced MPs.
Discussion on the design and modern architecture of the new Parliament building
The new Parliament House has been constructed under the Central Vista Project keeping in mind state-of-the-art facilities, digital technology and increased seating capacity. But Shashi Tharoor believes that amid this modernity and grandeur, that old intimacy has been left behind. The new building has tight security arrangements, hi-tech gadgets and a spacious hall, but the natural opportunities for interaction and informal conversation between MPs, which were easily available in the old building, have now reduced. Modern architecture and grand design are great in their own right, but this new environment feels a little different when it comes to human connection.
Discussion and reactions to the statement started in political circles.
As soon as this statement of Shashi Tharoor appeared in the media and social media, a debate broke out on it among political analysts and leaders. Some people believe that it takes some time to adjust to any new building and workplace and gradually MPs will start feeling the same connection with the new building. On the other hand, some political experts also say that it is not immediately possible for any new modern construction to match the spirit and heritage of old historical structures.
The real strength of democracy is not buildings but ideas
During this entire discussion, Shashi Tharoor also underlined that ultimately the real strength of democracy for any country is not its buildings or architecture, but the meaningful debates taking place in the House, the sensitivity of the public representatives and their accountability towards the public. Whether the Parliament is old or new, what really matters is what kind of dignified discussions take place within the House on important issues of the country. On one hand, his statement was related to old memories, on the other hand, it has also proved to be a thought-provoking comment on the changing political system of modern India.