PM Modi delivers last speech in old Parliament building | Top quotes

Speaking in the Lok Sabha marking the commencement of the special Parliament session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the old Parliament building as the government moves to the new one on September 19.

In a speech that ran over an honour, Modi touched upon former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's "Tryst with destiny" speech, the G20 Summit, Chandrayaan-3 and a lot more.

# We might be going to the new Parliament, but the old building will continue to inspire the coming generation.

# Today we have an opportunity to connect with the past. We are leaving this building with hope for the future. I am confident that as we enter the new Parliament building, we will go there with new hope and confidence. Today is the day for remembering the 7,500 MPs who have served here... I salute every brick of this building.

# Over 7,500 members have so far contributed to both Houses; about 600 women MPs have enhanced dignity of both Houses.

# We are fortunate to be part of a moment that links the past with the future.

# This old Parliament building was built with the sweat, hard work, and money of our countrymen.

# Today, we are taking leave from this historic building. Before Independence, this was the Imperial Legislative Council and after Independence, it became the Parliament building. We may go to the new building, but the old building will also inspire generations to come. This is an important chapter of India's journey.

# There were celebrations everywhere when three new states of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh were created, but Telangana being carved out of Andhra Pradesh left bitter memories in both states.

# In 75 years, the most significant achievement is the increasing trust of the country's common man towards the Parliament. It is the biggest strength of democracy that the same trust continues to exist towards the great institution of Parliament.

# It is also an occasion to hail all those who have led this House and shared their vision for India, ranging from Pandit Nehru to Vajpayee.

# BR Ambedkar's vision for industrialisation, which was aimed at bringing social justice to the country during the first government of independent India, continues to remain at the heart of every industrial policy even today.

# At the same time, there have been sad and emotive moments when Parliament witnessed the loss of three serving prime ministers — Nehru, Shastri and Indira Gandhi — and they were paid rich tributes.

# This House also supported the liberation of Bangladesh under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. At the same time, this House also witnessed an attack on democracy during the Emergency and through this House, the people also asserted their power as we saw the return of democracy.

# #It is this Parliament where Pandit Nehru spoke at 'stroke of midnight hour' which continues to inspire everyone.

# This Parliament saw a party with just four MPs sitting in power, while the party with more than 100 MPs sat in opposition. This House also witnessed 'cash for votes' scam during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

# Today, India has established itself as a global friend and the entire world is seeking a friend in India and experiencing India's friendship.

The prime minister also conveyed his gratitude to the Chandrayaan-3 team which made India the fourth-ever nation to land on the Moon. He emphasised the success of the G20 Summit as well, which saw the inclusion of the African Union.

The success of the summit is that of 140 crore Indians, not of one person or party alone, the prime minister said.

He emphasised this point earlier during his interaction with the media outside the building.