Bihar Assembly building centenary pillar ready for unveiling by PM

Patna: A ceremonial pillar topped with an ornate bronze sculpture depicting the emblem of Bihar and erected in the state Assembly premises to mark the centenary of its iconic building is all set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 12.

On Sunday morning, workers were giving finishing touches to the tall obelisk that has been mounted in a garden opposite the central portico of the majestic landmark. “We are all ready to host our Prime Minister, and all preparations have been made for his visit to the Bihar Assembly premises on July 12. It is a matter of great honour for us that the PM will be unveiling the Shatabdi Smriti Stambh that marks 100 years of the building that houses the Assembly. The pillar is 40-foot high, including 25 feet of civil structure clad with Jaisalmer stone and topped with a 15- foot bronze sculpture,” a senior official said. The bronze sculpture symbolically depicts the emblem of Bihar -- a Bodhi tree with prayer beads dangling from its side branches, flanked two ‘Swastikas’ — he said. The historical emblem is used as a logo of the government of Bihar.

The pillar with an octagonal cross-section has five tiers below the sculptural tree which had been lent a green hue, and sits on a wide platform with three approaching steps from all sides. Panels have been added on the faces of the base of the pillar, depicting several illustrations as shown in different parts of the Constitution of India. “The number of leaves in the tree symbolically represent the combined strength of the members of both the Legislative Assembly (243) and the Legislative Council (75). It has nine branches depicting the nine administrative divisions of Bihar,” the official said. The foundation stone of the centenary pillar was laid by President Ram Nath Kovind on October 21 last year. The President had also planted a sapling of Bodhi tree, which now stands in front of the ceremonial column.