New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday delivered a heartfelt speech in bidding farewell to the existing Parliament building before moving to the new block.

Addressing the Lok Sabha in a five-day special session, Modi referred to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and his "A tryst with destiny" speech.

"The echo of Pandit Nehru's 'at the stroke of midnight' speech will keep on inspiring us.

"It is also in this House, Atal Bihari Vajpayee said governments will come and go, parties will be created and destroyed but the country will remain forever," said Modi in the lower house of Parliament.

Modi has paid respect to all who have been part of the Parliament building which is witnessing the last proceedings on Monday.

Highlights of Modi's speech

"It is a very emotional moment to bid farewell to this House. As we are leaving this House, our mind is filled with many emotions and many memories."

"Around the world, people are praising the achievements of India. The success of the Chandrayaan-3 showcases a new side of India's ability which is related to innovation, technology, science and the capabilities of our scientists."

"More than 7,500 public representatives have so far contributed in both the houses. During this period, about 600 women MPs have enhanced the dignity of both the Houses."

PM Modi outside Parliament | Photo courtesy: Twitter/UNI

"Today I also salute those who faced bullets on their chests to save the House and its members while fighting the terrorists. They are not among us, but they have protected us in a great way."

"Today, India is being acknowledged as the 'Vishwamitra'! The whole world is seeing India as a friend; the main reason for this is our culture from the Vedas to Vivekananda. The mantra of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' is helping us unite the world."

"Today, as we are leaving this House, I also want to remember those journalist friends who have spent their entire lives reporting the work of Parliament. In a way, they have been a living witness. They provided every moment information to the country."

"In the post-independence period, many learned people raised various concerns about India. They raised apprehensions about whether India would be able to thrive or not, whether it would remain united or not, whether the democracy in India would survive or not. But it is the power of this parliament that the world was proven wrong. India thrived, despite all the doubts and darkness!"

"The movement for the liberation of Bangladesh was also supported by this House under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. This House had also seen the attack on democracy during the Emergency. And this House also saw the return of democracy, making the people of India realize the power."

"The mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, many historical decisions, issues pending for decades and their solutions were also taken in this House.
This House will always remember Article 370. One Nation One Tax, GST was also decided by this House. 'One Rank, One Pension' was also seen by this House. 10% reservation for the poor happened in this House without any controversy."

"The decision to construct this building was of foreign rulers. But we can never forget that my countrymen had invested hard work, sweat and money in the construction of this building. Even though we will move to a new building. But this old building will also always inspire the coming generations."