I Love Vienna
Falling asleep in an express train while returning to Kolkata after a trip outside of West Bengal, listening to that “jhak jhak'' sound of the wheels on track was like my mother swaying me to sleep in her arms after playing all day.
Tracing the journey of the then Imperial Legislative Council and Central Legislative Assembly, to the present day Delhi Vidhan Sabha, Speaker Vijender Gupta on Saturday paid a visit to the British Library in London, United Kingdom for a specially curated exhibit of archival material, rare photographs and manuscripts with regard to the present day Delhi assembly complex.
Gupta studied India’s legislative records from 1900–1930, offering valuable insights into the nation’s legislative and parliamentary history.
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He closely examined rare manuscripts, photographs, and archival volumes that capture important milestones of the country’s legislative and parliamentary development under the erstwhile British regime.
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Gupta has said that the study of legislative history is not just an academic exercise, but a way to connect with the foundations of the country’s democratic journey.
He said, “These invaluable records will inspire our lawmakers, scholars, and youth to understand the evolution of governance and strengthen the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution.”
Gupta further said that legislative history must be studied with seriousness so that future policymakers can draw lessons from the past while shaping the laws for present and future.
The British library officials and associates warmly welcomed speaker Gupta’s initiative and appreciated the Delhi Assembly’s efforts to make these archives accessible for researchers and legislators in India.
This collaboration with the British Library marks a significant step in promoting India’s legislative heritage while strengthening cultural and institutional ties between the two nations.
The Delhi assembly speaker was given a detailed briefing on the preservation and digitization techniques employed by the British Library to protect fragile documents of historical significance.
He also reviewed rare visual records of the Indian Legislative Council and Council Chambers from the early 20th century.
This meeting at the British Library was convened by the British High Commission for Gupta, and he presented the book titled Modi@20, on this occasion to Ms. Cécile Communal, International Office Manager of the facility and expressed his gratitude for the library’s cooperation.
Member of British High Commission Sarah Qureshi was also present during the visit.
Gupta also studied the remarkable collection of historical photographs highlighting India’s political, ceremonial, and urban history.
Key images include early views of New Delhi including the secretariat buildings, and formal gardens.
The Sir Hugh Trowbridge Keeling Collection documents the city’s early construction, including government house foundations, Viceroy’s Court, and supporting infrastructure.
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