Old Parliament building sentinel of time, repository of India’s democracy

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New Delhi: The Parliament House, which will soon hand over its position as the country’s hallowed legislature to a new complex inaugurated four months ago, has stood for over 96 years as a sentinel of time and a repository of India’s democratic journey.

Opened on January 18, 1927, by Lord Irwin — the then viceroy — amid fanfare, the landmark has witnessed colonial rule, the Second World War, the dawn of Independence, the adoption of the Constitution, and the passage of many legislations — some landmark and many controversial.

The government on Wednesday listed a special discussion on the Parliament’s 75-year journey, starting from the Samvidhan Sabha, on the first day of the five-day session beginning on September 18.