'Removing symbols of colonial legacy: PM Modi at Seva Teerth inaugural event, hails new buildings as important milestones

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed first public event at the newly inaugurated Seva Teerth complex on Friday.

Addressing the gathering of Union ministers, senior bureaucrats and other officials of the central government, Modi said the100-year-old buildings were becoming dilapidated, lacked space, facilities and were inadequate to meet the needs of a new nation.

"India's capital was moved from Kolkata to buildings on Raisina Hill that were built according to the wishes of British royalty," he said, adding that South Block and North Block were built with an aim to keep India under colonial shackles for centuries.

"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.

Modi said that after Independence, many important decisions shaping the nation's future were made and key policies were developed within buildings such as the South Block and North Block. However, it is important to remember that these structures were originally built as symbols of the British, he said.

Modi said a new model of governance has emerged in the past 11 years where the citizen is at the centre of decision-making.

He said that "Nagrik Devo Bhava" (citizen is akin to God) is not just a phrase but the working culture, which must be embraced as officials enter these new buildings.

The prime minister said India was advancing rapidly towards new heights and a new era, and the nation's identity in the coming years will not be defined just by its economy but by the quality of governance, clarity of policies and dedication of karmayogis.

He said that every decision taken in Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan will not be just a file's approval but will shape the direction of Developed India 2047.

PM Modi said that the Race Course Road, where the prime minister's residence is located, was renamed Lok Kalyan Marg and this was not only a change of name but it was also an effort to transform the mindset of power into a spirit of service.

"The initiative to rename is not merely a change of words; behind all these efforts lies the same ideological thread -- the independent identity of independent India. A mark free from the shackles of slavery," he said.

On the occasion, the prime minister also released a commemorative postage stamp and a coin on which the new building, Seva Teerth, is inscribed.

Before the event, the final cabinet meeting at the South Block building, marking the end of operations at the premises, was held.

Seva Teerth -- a set of three buildings -- houses the PMO, the National Security Council Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat, all of which were previously located across different locations within the Central Vista area.

Modi unveiled the plaque of Seva Teerth at the new complex, the name inscribed in Devanagari script on its wall. Below it is the motto "Nagrik Devo Bhava" (Citizen is akin to God).

The buildings are designed according to 4-Star GRIHA standards and include  renewable energy systems, water conservation measures and feature digitally integrated offices.

"The inauguration marks a transformative milestone in India's administrative governance architecture and reflects the Prime Minister's commitment to building a modern, efficient, accessible and citizen-centric governance ecosystem, a statement from the PMO said on Thursday.

(With PTI inputs)