With reference to Sahil Makkar's article, "India's temple of democracy needs expansion" (August 9), any proposal to shift Parliament to another building should be deliberated upon carefully, because the present building has witnessed many a historic event and occasion, the memories of which should be preserved for posterity.
It was here that freedom fighter Bhagat Singh dropped two bombs in April 1929. It was in the central hall of Parliament that independent India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, delivered his famous "Tryst with destiny" speech. It was on the premises of Parliament that the Constitution of India was enshrined after historic orations by stalwarts.
Being home to the Central Legislature, the building reminds us that it had once hosted the erstwhile Chamber of Princes, a conclave of rajas and maharajas who governed one third of what is modern-day India. The erasure of their kingdoms from the map of India is one of the proudest moments of post-Independence India. It also housed India's Federal Court (1937-50) and was the first home of the Supreme Court Of India.
If debating chambers indeed require more space, able architects can surely carve that out within the building by shifting non-legislative activities to another part of the building, possibly a new complex nearby.
All attempts should be made not to erase the history and sanctity of this august structure. It would be an act more regrettable than throwing the baby out with the bath water.
R C Mody New Delhi
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
