It has been announced by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, that a golden sceptre, called ‘Sengol’, will be installed at a prominent spot in the new Parliament building, which is to be inaugurated by PM Modi, at noon on Sunday, 28th May. Sengol has a highly significant historic item, as it was presented to the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, as a symbol of the transfer of power from the British. On the eve of India’s independence, Sengol was handed to Nehru by three priests from Tamil Nadu.
The word ‘Sengol’ has derived from the Tamil word ‘semmai’, which means ‘excellence’. The Sceptre became important after the last Viceroy of British India, Lord Mountbatten, asked Nehru about a symbolic power transfer. Following this, Nehru asked C Rajagopalachari for advice, who suggested the ‘Sengol’, inspired by the Chola dynasty, wherein a similar ceremony used to take place when power was transferred from one king to another.
The sceptre is 5-feet long and has the majestic figure of Nandi baba on top, which represents justice and fairness.
Making the announcement, Amit Shah emphasized on the importance of the sceptre in the transfer of power, and said that after being told of the same and following due verification, PM Modi ensured that it will hold pride of place in the new Parliament building.
