DH NEWS SERVICE
new delhi, FEB 13
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural event of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan-1 & 2 in New Delhi today. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that today all are witnessing the making of a new history. He highlighted that on Vikram Samvat 2082, during Phalgun Krishna Paksha, on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Ekadashi, on Magh 24, and on Shaka Samvat 1947, which in the present calendar is 13 February 2026, the day has become a witness to a new beginning in India’s development journey. He emphasized that in the scriptures, Vijaya Ekadashi has held great significance, as the resolve taken on this day always leads to victory. Shri Modi stated that today, with the resolve of a developed India, all are entering the Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan. He underlined that the divine blessings for victory in this goal are with them. He extended congratulations to everyone, including the PMO team, the Cabinet Secretariat, and employees of various departments, on Seva Teerth and the new buildings. He expressed gratitude to all engineers and worker colleagues associated with their construction.
Highlighting that after Independence, many important decisions and policies for the nation were made from buildings such as South Block and North Block, the Prime Minister remarked that these structures, however, were built as symbols of the British Empire, intended to keep India chained in slavery for centuries. Shri Modi recalled that Kolkata once served as the capital of the country, but during the 1905 Bengal Partition, it had become a strong center of anti-British movements. Therefore, in 1911, the British shifted the capital from Kolkata to Delhi. He noted that subsequently, keeping in mind the needs and mindset of colonial rule, the construction of North Block and South Block began. The Prime Minister pointed out that when the buildings on Raisina Hills were inaugurated, the then Viceroy had said that the new structures were built in accordance with the wishes of the British monarch, meaning they were a medium to impose the thinking of Britain’s king on the soil of enslaved India. He emphasized that Raisina Hills was chosen so that these buildings would stand above all others, allowing none to be equal. Shri Modi contrasted this with the new Seva Teerth complex, which is not on a hill but more connected to the ground. Underlining that while South Block and North Block were constructed to implement the colonial mindset, the Prime Minister exclaimed that today, Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan have been built to fulfill the aspirations of the people of India. He stressed that the decisions taken here will not reflect the thinking of any monarch but will serve as the foundation to advance the expectations of 140 crore citizens. With this spirit, the Prime Minister dedicated Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan to the people of India.
The Prime Minister remarked that the first quarter of the 21st century has now been completed, and it is essential that the vision of a developed India is reflected not only in policies and schemes but also in workplaces and buildings. He emphasized that the places from where the nation is governed must be effective and inspiring, impressive and motivating. He highlighted that with new technologies rapidly emerging, the old buildings were proving inadequate for expanding facilities and adopting new tools. Shri Modi pointed out that South Block and North Block faced space constraints and limited amenities, and being nearly a hundred years old, they were deteriorating from within, along with several other challenges. The Prime Minister stated that it is important to continuously inform the nation about these challenges, noting that even decades after Independence, numerous ministries of the Government of India were functioning from more than 50 different locations in Delhi. He underlined that every year, ?1,500 crore was being spent on rent for these ministry buildings, while daily logistics costs were incurred for 8,000 to 10,000 employees moving between offices. He stressed that with the construction of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan, these expenses will reduce and employees’ time will be saved.
Shri Modi acknowledged that amidst this change, memories of years spent in the old buildings will remain, as many important decisions were taken there, giving new direction to the nation and initiating reforms. He affirmed that those premises are an immortal part of India’s history. Therefore, Prime Minister announced the decision to dedicate the old building as a museum for the nation, making it part of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum. He underlined that the building will serve as a center of inspiration for future generations, and when young people visit, the historical legacy will guide them.
