You Have Done Us Proud, Rajinikanth Tells PM Modi

Superstar Rajinikanth thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making Tamilians proud as the latter will install the Sengol in the new Parliament today.

The gold plated 'Sengol' was made by a Tamil jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty before India's independence. First handed over to Viceroy Lord Mountbatten, the Sengol was passed over to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on August 14 1947. This was seen as a symbol of transfer of power.

"The traditional symbol of Tamil power - the scepter - will shine in India's new Parliament building," Rajinikanth tweeted. "My sincere thanks to the honorable Bharat Pratham @narendramodi who made Tamilians proud," Rajinikanth wrote.

The scepter was out of the eye of the public for 75 years. It is now getting recognition, thanks to the Modi government which has decided to install it next to the podium of the Lok Sabha Speaker in the new Parliament. The passing of the Sengol is a tradition which dates back to the Chola dynasty when a new king was coronated in the presence of a spiritual leader.

PM Modi was handed over the Sengol at his residence by 25 Adheenams who travelled from Tamil Nadu to New Delhi. PM modi had hauled the contribution of Tamils and said that they always had a feeling of service to Mother Bharath and thew welfare of India in their hearts.

"Tamil Nadu has played a significant role in the freedom struggle of India. This state has given great leaders and has been a centre of Indian nationalism. But it's unfortunate that despite this all, the contributions of Tamilians were not fully recognised," the PM said.

PM said that the Sengol holds significance not only because it was a sacred symbol of power transfer in 1947, but it is also significant as it served as a connecting bridge between the ancient and glorious traditions of India.