PM Modi Always Stood With Tamil Culture: Madurai Adheenam Priest

Sri Harihara Desika Swamigal, the head priest of Madurai Adheenam, on Sunday, hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting Tamil Adheenams for the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

"I feel very proud to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building. PM Modi has always stood proudly with the Tamil culture and Tamil people. Modi ji is the first PM who invited Tamil Adheenams and proudly encourages the Tamil culture in the Parliament," ANI quoted the 293rd head priest of Madurai Adheenam as saying.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister performed puja and installed sacred 'Sengol' in the Lok Sabha chamber, right next to the Speaker's chair in the new Parliament building.

"It was a historical moment when PM Modi installed the 'Sengol' in the new Parliament building today. The 'Sengol' was made by our family 75 years ago," Vummidi Sudhakar, chairman of Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers which made historic sceptre 'Sengol', told the news agency.

This is the same Sengol that was accepted by the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru at his residence on the night of August 14, 1947.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the new Parliament building was a reflection of the aspirations of New India and a testament to the dawn of a self-reliant nation.

"The new Parliament building will be a testament to the dawn of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). It will be a witness to our journey towards a Viksit Bharat (developed India)," the Prime Minister said in his address after inaugurating the new Parliament House.

The event was attended by former president Ram Nath Kovind, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Chief Ministers Y S Jagan Reddy, Yogi Adityanath, Eknath Shinde and Neiphu Rio, foreign envoys, BJP leaders, etc.

"More than just a building, the new Parliament encompasses the aspirations and dreams of 1.4 billion people. It sends a powerful message to the world about India's unwavering determination," he added.