NEW DELHI: Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday announced that the sacred symbol of fair and equitable governance, known as Sengol, will be installed in the new Parliament House by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Sengol holds historical significance as it was accepted by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the transfer of power ceremony on the night of August 14, 1947.
Shah explained the profound meaning of the Sengol. Derived from the Tamil word “Semmai,” meaning “righteousness,” it is considered a national symbol of Amrit Kaal (Era of Nectar). The Sengol features a hand-carved Nandi, symbolizing “Nyaya” (justice) with its unwavering gaze. The recipient of the Sengol is entrusted with the responsibility to rule justly and fairly.
Addressing the press conference, Shah said that the symbol represents India’s transfer of power from the British to the Indians. He expressed his surprise that even after 75 years of independence many people in India are unaware of this significant event.
“It was a special occasion on the night of August 14, 1947, celebrating India’s independence. On this night Jawaharlal Nehru received the ‘Sengol’ from the Adheenams (Priests) of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam (Mutt) in Tamil Nadu, who had specially arrived for the occasion. It was precisely the moment in which power was transferred by the British into the hands of Indians. What we are celebrating as independence is actually marked by the very moment of handing over the ‘Sengol’,“ he added.
The same Sengol from 1947 will be prominently installed in the Lok Sabha, close to the speaker’s podium, and will be displayed on special occasions for the nation to see. Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the Parliament House is the most fitting and sacred place for the installation of this historic symbol.
