PM dedicates new secretariat to citizens

Inaugurating the new PMO, named Seva Teerth, and two buildings of the central secretariat, called Kartavya Bhawan 1 and 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the towers have been built to fulfil the aspirations of the people of India.

The PM said the historic structures such as the South Block and North Block, which housed important ministries such as defence, home and finance besides the PMO, were built to embody the ideals of the British Empire but the Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan have been constructed to realise the aspirations of the people of the nation.

“The decisions made here will serve as the foundation for advancing the ambitions of 140 crore citizens, rather than reflecting the will of a monarch. With this spirit, I dedicate Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan to the people of the country,” he said.

The PM said India’s capital moved from Kolkata to buildings on Raisina Hill that were built according to the wishes of the British royalty. As the nation moves towards a Viksit Bharat, it is vital that India sheds every trace of colonial mindset, he said. “It is unfortunate that even after Independence, symbols of slavery have continued to be carried here,” he said.

“The scriptures have accorded great importance to Vijaya Ekadashi. On this day, any resolve with which one moves forward is sure to bring victory. Today, we are all entering the Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan with the resolve to build a developed India. The divine blessing to be victorious in our goal is with us,” he said.