New Delhi, October 4 (IANS) Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijantter Gupta on Saturday visited the British Library in London, who was dating back to the colonial era to see archival materials, rare photographs and the manuscripts of the House.
An official of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat said in a statement that especially curated exposure discovered the journey of the Imperial Legislative Council and the Central Legislative Assembly in the present Delhi Assembly.
Gupta said, “The study of legislative history is not just an educational practice, but a way to connect with the foundation of India’s democratic journey. These invaluable records will inspire our MPs, scholars and youth to understand the development of governance and strengthen the democratic values inherent in our constitution.”
He said that legislative history should be studied seriously so that future policy makers can attract lessons from the past by shaping the rules of tomorrow.
The journey and conversation were held with the help of the British High Commission.
Officials and colleagues of the British Library welcomed the efforts of the Delhi Legislative Assembly to make these archives accessible for researchers and MLAs in India.
The statement said that this cooperation with the British Library is an important step in promoting India’s legislative heritage, strengthening cultural and institutional relations between India and London.
The statement said that on the occasion, Gupta presented the book “Modi@20” to the Skele Communal, International Office Manager, and thanked for the expanded cooperation by the library.
Sahara Qureshi, a member of the British High Commission, was also present during the visit.
Gupta studied the legislative record of India from 1900–1930, which provides valuable insight into the legislative and parliamentary history of the country.
He also examined rare manuscripts, photographs and archival versions occupying the important milestones of legislative and parliamentary development of India under British rule.
The speaker was given a detailed briefing on the protection and digitization techniques employed by the British Library to protect delicate documents of historical importance.
The statement said that he also reviewed the rare visual records of the Indian Legislative Council and the Council Rooms from the beginning of the 20th century.
Gupta also studied a collection of historical photographs highlighting India’s political, formal and urban history.
Major images include 1911 Delhi Durbar, including the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary, formal processions, and colors, as well as early scenes of New Delhi and government houses, including the secretariat buildings, court halls and formal gardens.
The Sir Hug Turbridge Keeling Collection is the document of the city’s initial construction, including the foundation of the government house, the court of the Viceroy and the support of the assistant infrastructure. The statement said that these photos provide a unique view of the roots of Delhi’s development and India’s legislative and democratic traditions.
The British Library is the National Institute of UK and the largest library in the world, which has an estimated collection of more than 200 million items from many countries.
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