Reacting to the imminent appointment of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla expressed on Sunday that such decisions reside within the purview of political factions, absolving himself of any involvement.

“These resolutions are determined by political entities. They are beyond my jurisdiction,” Birla remarked. Additionally, the Speaker of the 17th Lok Sabha highlighted the inauguration of the ‘Prerna Sthal’—a commemorative site featuring statues of eminent leaders and freedom fighters, designed to inspire both current and future generations.

“Within the Parliament complex, statues honoring our nation’s luminaries, revolutionaries, spiritual figures, and cultural icons—those who ignited a new awareness—have been strategically positioned. The Parliament has resolved that all these statues should be collectively showcased in a meticulously curated ‘Prerna Sthal’ so that visitors, both Indian and international, who seek to understand India’s democratic ethos, can gain knowledge about them,” Om Birla elucidated.

“Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will officiate the inauguration today. Many visitors previously unaware of these statues will now find them consolidated in this inspirational locale, thereby motivating both the present and future generations,” he elaborated.

The Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha will preside over the inauguration of the newly established Prerna Sthal, accompanied by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs on Sunday evening. An official communique indicates that all Members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are invited to the event.

An initiative has been outlined to utilize modern technology to disseminate the life stories and messages of these illustrious Indians to visitors, aiming to inspire them, the press release stated. It is noteworthy that during the construction of the new Parliament Building, the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, and Chaudhary Devi Lal were relocated within the premises.

Following the unveiling of the Shilapatt (headstone) at the inauguration, dignitaries will offer floral tributes to the statues.