India
oi-Prakash KL
On Sunday, history will once again unfold as the nation dedicates the new Parliament House. On this special occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the sacred symbol of fair and equitable governance, ‘Sengol’ and install it in the new Parliament House.
‘Sengol’ symbolises the transfer of power from British to India, just as it was originally used to mark the handing over power from one king to another during the Chola dynasty in Tamil Nadu. It has to be noted that it was the same ‘Sengol’ that was accepted by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, from the Adheenams (Priests) of the ThiruvaduthuraiAdheenam (Mutt) in Tamil Nadu on August 14, 1947.
However, this historical piece of information was not known by many till it a few days ago. In fact, not many are aware of the fact that it was classical dancer Dr Padma Subrahmanyam who brought it to the notice of the Prime Minister’s Office in 2021.
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“I am the one who has been writing a history of culture, I didn’t know about the ‘Sengol’ episode in our history because no textbook has any reference to it. I thought ‘Sengol’ has to be publicised. So I translated the entire Tughlaq article into English and wrote a covering letter to the Prime Minister stating that the ‘Sengol’ must be brought out from wherever it is and wide publicity should be given during the 75th year of the celebration of freedom. This is how the whole thing started,” ANI quoted her as saying in an interview.
Though she had written an e-mail to the PMO, Subrahmanyam did not any response from his office. “I did not get any reply immediately. I thought it went unnoticed but this came as a big surprise to me. I felt elated that ‘Sengol’ is going to be placed in the new Parliament House. It’s such a moment of pride for every Indian,” she said.
“Anyone who has studied Tamil Literature will know about ‘Sengol’. It has been a tradition in many parts of India. ‘Sengol’ is a symbol of the transfer of power. I feel elated that it’s not just a part of the 75th year, but it is going to be permanently placed in the building of our pride. Feel elated ‘Sengol’ will be placed in the building of India’s secular government. It will be there symbolising justice,” she added.
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The head priest of Madurai Adheenam Sri Harihara Desika Swamigal will be presenting the ‘Sengol’ to the Prime Minister during the inauguration of the new Parliament building.
