parliament building

New Delhi, May 24: The new parliament building, set to be inaugurated this Sunday, will witness a significant event as Prime Minister Narendra Modi installs a historic golden sceptre near the Speaker’s seat.

The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, announced that this revered sceptre was handed over to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, symbolizing the transfer of power from the British to the Indian people. Known as “sengol,” the sceptre derives its name from the Tamil word “semmai,” meaning “righteousness.”

The History Behind Sengol

The journey of the sengol began with a simple question posed by Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of British India, to Prime Minister Nehru. Mountbatten inquired about the symbolic representation that would mark the transfer of power upon India’s independence.

Prime Minister Nehru sought counsel from C. Rajagopalachari, the country’s final Governor General, who introduced him to the Tamil tradition of presenting a sceptre to a new king during the coronation. Rajaji, as he was affectionately called, cited this tradition being followed during the reign of the Cholas and suggested it as a fitting symbol for India’s freedom from British colonial rule. Thus, the responsibility of procuring the sceptre fell upon Rajaji.

The Making of Sengol

Rajaji approached Thiruvaduthurai Atheenam, a prominent religious institution in present-day Tamil Nadu, to undertake the task of creating the sceptre. The then seer of the institution graciously accepted the responsibility. The sengol was meticulously crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, a renowned jeweler from Madras (now Chennai). It stands at an impressive five feet in length and is crowned with a ‘nandi’ bull, symbolizing justice.

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The Handover Ceremony

During the handover ceremony, reports suggest that a senior priest from Thiruvaduthurai Atheenam initially presented the sceptre to Lord Mountbatten, only to retrieve it shortly after. The sceptre was then sanctified with gangajal, holy water from the Ganges, and carried in a grand procession to Prime Minister Nehru.

It was handed over to him approximately 15 minutes before the stroke of midnight, symbolizing the historic moment when India attained Independence. A special song was composed and performed as Prime Minister Nehru received the sceptre, adding a touch of reverence to the occasion.

Sengol’s Place In New Parliament

The Home Minister emphasized that the history and significance of the ‘sengol’ remain unknown to many. Its installation in the new parliament serves as an effort to bridge our cultural heritage with modernity.

Amit Shah further commended Prime Minister Modi for his forward-thinking vision, reflected in the plan to install the sengol in the new parliament building. Currently housed in a museum in Allahabad, the sceptre will soon find its new home within the parliament premises, preserving and honoring this forgotten chapter of history.

In response to media inquiries, the Home Minister emphasized that the Sengol should not be politicized. He emphasized the importance of administering the country based on the rule of law, with the sceptre serving as a constant reminder of this principle. The installation of the sengol in parliament sheds light on a historical event that deserves recognition and appreciation.

The placement of the historic sengol sceptre in the new parliament building is a symbolic gesture that encapsulates the spirit of India’s struggle for independence and its ongoing commitment to upholding righteousness and justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of our rich cultural heritage and the sacrifices made by our forefathers. As we move forward, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate these symbols of our past, which continue to inspire and guide us in building a brighter future for our nation.