PM Modi has unveiled the cast of the National Emblem on the new Parliament building which is expected to be completed by the deadline of this Winter Session, October-November 2022.
There has been a lot of debate on the Emblem. Let’s check out the complete story behind it.
11th July 22, New Delhi,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled 16000 kgs of the National Emblem on the roof of the New Parliament Building in a special ceremony.
Prime Minister also tweeted:
“This morning, I had the honor of unveiling the National Emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament.”
The prime minister also interacted with Sharamjeevis involved in the construction work of The Parliament who worked overtime to meet the deadline and asked about their well-being.
“I had a wonderful interaction with the Shramjeevis who have been involved in the making of the Parliament. We are proud of their efforts and will always remember their contribution to our nation.”
It is said that over 100 artisans and craftsmen from across the country have worked for nine months to create the National Emblem cast for the new Parliament building.
About the National Emblem Cast:
The 6.5 meters high fully-handcrafted National Emblem sits atop the new Parliament building is made of 9,500 kilograms of high-purity bronze and is supported by a metallic structure weighing 6,500 kilograms.
The mammoth is designed by Architect Sunil Deore (Aurangabad) and Sculptor Lakshman Vyas (Jaipur) and was designed and built in Aurangabad, Jaipur, and Delhi.
This comes under the government’s Central Vista project which was bagged by Tata Projects Ltd.
The Central Vista project has the vision of strengthening and refurbishing governance infrastructure, leading our country closer to the vision of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
Debates on this National Emblem cast:
The Indian National Emblem is an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion Capital from Ashoka’s era. The National Emblem has four lions mounted back to back from each other in a circular abacus resting on a bell-shaped lotus. The abacus has dharma chakra, a galloping horse, elephant, bull, and lion intervening Dharma Chakra.
Now, there’s a collage image surfacing on the internet comparing the “old” and “new” National Emblems of India.
The claims are made that it shows the difference between “Old India” and the “New India”, New India losing its regal grace and confidence and looking more like what this New India has turned, more violent and aggressive.
The claim: The mouth of the Lions on the new emblem on the roof of the parliament building has open mouths and visible fangs which is a recent addition to the original National Emblem of the country and a violation of The Prohibition of Improper Use Act 2005.
Do the Lions of Sarnath and other Ashokan capitals have their mouth open and visible fangs?
It can be seen in the photos of the Lions on various pillars of Ashokan capitals and even on Sarnath that the Lions had open mouths and visible fangs.
These images are received by The Archaeological Survey of India and can be seen Here and Here.
Even the pictures given by the State Emblem of India show The Lions with open mouths and visible fangs which was much before the Modi government.
Conclusion
All the claims made by the opposition and social media users are MISLEADING. There is no New National Emblem of India, and no additions are made to the original National Emblem of India.