Modi government faces controversy over the design of the national emblem unveiled over the new parliament building. Opposition criticises the “aggressive” and “insulting” design. The designers, however, claim that there is “no deviation.”
The unveiling of the National Emblem
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the massive bronze 9,500 kg and 6.5-metre-tall structure. The structure has been placed upon the roof of the new parliament building. The new parliament building, part of PM Modi’s Central Vista Redevelopment Project, has been marred in controversy since its construction.
The Opposition also lashed out at PM Modi for flouting norms and not inviting Opposition leaders for the event.
Controversy over National Emblem design
Opposition leaders have accused the Modi government of giving the iconic four-lion Ashoka Stambh an unnecessary makeover. They argue that the original National Emblem is “graceful and regal”.
The new adapted National Emblem structure shows the four lions snarling and baring their fangs. Opposition leaders argue that the new version is “unnecessarily aggressive” and “shows man-eater tendencies”.
The official Twitter page Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal expressed their dissatisfaction on Twitter. The tweet reads, “The original emblem has a mild expression, but those built during Amrit Kaal show a man-eater’s tendency to consume everything in the country.”
Trinamool Congress leader Jawhar Sircar also fuelled in the controversy. He tweeted, “Insult to our national symbol, the majestic Ashokan Lions. Original is on the left, graceful, regally confident. The one on the right is Modi’s version, put above new Parliament building — snarling, unnecessarily aggressive and disproportionate. Shame! Change it immediately!”
Opposition Leaders not invited, religious ceremony performed
Another point of contention was the fact that Opposition leaders were not invited to the unveiling. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh.
Along with this, the leaders also objected to the performance of a religious ceremony at a secular government site. Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) also brought up this issue on Twitter.
“Constitution separates powers of parliament, govt & judiciary. As head of govt, @PMOIndia shouldn’t have unveiled the national emblem atop new parliament building. Speaker of Lok Sabha represents LS which isn’t subordinate to govt. @PMOIndia has violated all constitutional norms”, he wrote on Twitter.
Lawyer, politician, and prominent critic of the Modi government Prashant Bhushan also slammed the move on Twitter.
He said “From Gandhi to Godse; From our national emblem with lions sitting majestically & peacefully; to the new national emblem unveiled for the top of the new Parliament building under construction at Central Vista; Angry lions with bared fangs. This is Modi’s new India!”. Bhushan also added a before and after picture of the National Emblem for comparison.
Designers claim “no deviation”
The designers say no changed have been made despite the controversy. The Gujarat-based sculptors claim there is “no deviation”.
The sculptors, Sunil Deore and Romiel Moses, stressed that there is “no deviation”. Speaking to NDTV, they say “We’ve paid attention to detail. The character of lions is same. There may be very minor differences. People may have different interpretations. It’s a large statue, and a view from below may give a distorted impression,” they said, adding that as artists, they are proud of the sculpture.
History of the National Emblem
The National Emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, an ancient Mauryan Empire structure dating back to 280 BCE. It presents four Asiatic lions sitting back-to-back on a cylindrical base, with four Ashoka Chakras carved on it. The Chakras are flanked by a bull to the right and a horse to the left. The bull represents hard-work and the horse represents loyalty.
Carved below the emblem is the national motto “Satyamev Jayate” meaning “Truth Alone Triumphs”. This is a quote from the Mundaka Upanishad, part of the sacred Hindu Vedas.
The National Emblem is the official seal of all Indian government offices. It used in all official government documents and letterheads, including currency and passports.
