A VISIT TO PARLIAMENT HOUSE
On 18th, 19th and 22nd December,
2014, students of classes 9 and 10 visited the Parliament House along with
their teachers where they got a lifetime opportunity to see Indian democracy at
work. The excitement was palpable, the curiosity overflowing and the questions
endless. As the tour started, after ample frisking and checking at every entry
point, the serenity of this stately institute swept us all to watch Lok Sabha
in action on all the three days.
The chamber of
Lok Sabha is adorned with a green carpet – to signify grass root politicians –
we were told. We looked down from the visitor’s gallery, and saw the place
where India is run from. Students observed the smallest details- and had a hundred
questions ranging from the emblems of the princely states to the seating
arrangements.
The students absorbed history with every breath, and
learnt about their unit with every step. Children went through several security
checks and got the clearance.The controversy
among politicians centred on whether e-rickshaws should be allowed to ply on
the streets of Delhi or not, implementation of MNREGA, and conversion issues during
the afternoon session of the Lok Sabha where our students listened to UnionTransport
minister, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Parrikar, Venkaiah Naidu and other
parliamertarians including L. K. Advani, Paresh Rawal, Pappu Yadav, Ranjeeta
Yadav,etc. They watched the MPs
raising issues, demanding answers; slogans and voices getting drowned in the
din.
At noon, when both Houses got back
to work, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister assured the Opposition that the
controversies had worried the government as well. "We are open to an
inquiry and try to find out solutions," said Venkaiah Naidu.
This was a big achievement for the students
who tried recounting the famous personalities they saw in the House.The students were satisfied and they
won't forget this trip in a long time.