**Executive Summary**
On April 1, 2026, the Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, released the book ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’ at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi. Authored by MP Smt. Sudha Murty and published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the book documents India’s civilizational journey through 124 mural panels. The Vice President utilized the occasion to emphasize national unity and called upon citizens to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation under the spirit of "Rashtra Pratham."
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Book Details and Authorship**
* The publication is titled ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’.
* It is authored by Smt. Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), and published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
* The book serves as a tribute to India’s civilizational journey, bringing history to life through descriptions of 124 mural panels.
* **Historical and Cultural Scope**
* The murals span from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Indian freedom struggle, including the Dandi March and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose.
* Featured subjects include great thinkers (Maharishi Valmiki, Chanakya), spiritual teachers (Mahavira, Gautama Buddha), and historical rulers (Ashoka, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj).
* Cultural milestones such as the Konark Sun Temple and the Bhakti movement are highlighted to show India’s diversity and continuity.
* **Democratic Traditions and Values**
* The Vice President described Bharat as the “mother of democracy,” citing ancient systems like Vaishali and the Kudavolai system.
* Parliament is defined by the core principles of dialogue, debate, dissent, and discussion, aimed at constructive decision-making for the national interest.
* The integration of traditional symbols, such as the sacred Sengol, is noted as a bridge between modern India and its roots.
* **National Vision**
* The document reiterates the Prime Minister’s vision for "Viksit Bharat @ 2047" through the principle of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development and Heritage).
* Despite regional or linguistic diversity, the document emphasizes that the nation remains united in its national purpose.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Citizens**
**Impact**
They are presented with an accessible narrative of India’s long-standing democratic traditions and civilizational history across generations.
**Action Required**
Embrace the spirit of “Rashtra Pratham” (Nation First) and dedicate themselves to national service with commitment and integrity.
**Members of Parliament**
**Impact**
The book and the Vice President’s address reinforce the importance of their role in a vibrant democracy that values dialogue and constructive debate.
**Action Required**
Ensure that parliamentary discussions, debates, and dissents ultimately contribute to decision-making that serves the national interest.
**Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats**
**Impact**
The Secretariats are recognized for their collaborative efforts in documenting and publishing works that preserve parliamentary and national heritage.
**Action Required**
Continue efforts to bring historical narratives and the symbolism of parliamentary murals to the public.
Key Entities Referenced
Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament: A book authored by Smt. Sudha Murty and published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, documenting India's civilizational journey through 124 mural panels.
Smt. Sudha Murty: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and author of the book, recognized for capturing the symbolism of parliamentary murals.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan: Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha who officially released the publication at Samvidhan Sadan.
Viksit Bharat @ 2047: A strategic government vision for a developed India by 2047, cited in the context of balancing development with heritage (Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi).
Lok Sabha Secretariat: The parliamentary administrative body responsible for the publication of the book.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President releases book ‘Tides of Time:
Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’
authored by MP Smt. Sudha Murty
Vice President says the murals in Samvidhan Sadan are not
merely works of art but visual narratives reflecting India’s
civilizational journey
Vice President lauds Smt. Sudha Murty for capturing the
timeless beauty and profound symbolism of the
parliamentary murals
Vice President calls Bharat the “Mother of Democracy,”
highlighting India’s continuous, inclusive, and deeply rooted
democratic traditions
Vice President says Bharat has always been one and will
remain one forever
Posted On: 01 APR 2026 12:48PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released
the book ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament’, a Lok Sabha Secretariat
publication authored by Smt. Sudha Murty, Member of Parliament(Rajya Sabha), at Samvidhan Sadan,
New Delhi.
Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan
released the Lok Sabha Secretariat publication ‘Tides of Time: Bharat’s History
through Murals in Parliament’, authored by Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha),
Smt. Sudha Murty, at Samvidhan Sadan, New… pic.twitter.com/sA8BTOj1aj
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 1, 2026
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President expressed his pleasure on the occasion and lauded Smt.
Sudha Murty for capturing “the timeless beauty and profound symbolism of the parliamentary murals,” as
well as for her efforts in bringing history closer to people across generations. He noted that the murals in
Samvidhan Sadan are not merely works of art but visual narratives reflecting India’s civilizational journey.He highlighted that from Vaishali in the north to the Kudavolai system in the south, democratic practices
in India have been continuous, inclusive, and deeply rooted in society. These traditions, he said, are part of
a broader civilizational ethos that values dialogue, consensus, and respect for diverse opinions, making
Bharat the “mother of democracy”.
Quoting the great Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, the Vice President underlined the richness of India’s
wisdom, dignity, charity, and cultural depth, noting that such a foundation naturally fosters inclusiveness
and respect for all voices.
He appreciated the integration of traditional symbols in the Parliament building under the leadership of the
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He also referred to the ceremonial display of the sacred Sengol of
the Chola dynasty during the President’s address to a Joint Sitting of Parliament, describing it as a
powerful symbol connecting modern India with its civilizational roots.
The Vice President said Parliament represents the core principles of a vibrant democracy, dialogue, debate,
dissent, and discussion. He emphasised that while discussion, debate and dissent are vital, they must
ultimately contribute to constructive decision-making in the national interest.
Describing the book as a remarkable tribute to Bharat’s civilizational journey, the Vice President noted
that it brings history to life through descriptions of 124 mural panels. He highlighted that the book spans
from the Indus Valley Civilization to the wisdom of great thinkers like Maharishi Valmiki and Chanakya,
and the spiritual teachings of Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. He added that it also highlights India’s early
democratic traditions, the achievements of rulers like Ashoka and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and the
cultural richness reflected in monuments such as the Konark Sun Temple and movements like the Bhakti
movement.
He further noted that the book pays homage to India’s freedom struggle, including movements like the
Dandi March and the leadership of icons such as Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose.
Referring to the vision of the Prime Minister for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Vice President reiterated the
guiding principle of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi,” stating that development and heritage are complementary.
He added that the parliamentary murals embody this philosophy by anchoring progress in identity, values,
and continuity.
Commending the author, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that Smt. Sudha Murty brings a rare combination
of wisdom, humility, and social commitment to public life. He highlighted her journey from the corporate
world to social service and Parliament, noting that her contributions are always guided by the larger public
good. He also appreciated the efforts of the Lok Sabha Secretariat in bringing out the publication.
Quoting Subramania Bharati again, he emphasised that despite diversity in language, region, and culture,
India remains united in its national purpose. He said that Bharat has always been one and will remain one
forever.
Calling upon citizens to embrace the spirit of “Rashtra Pratham,” the Vice President urged everyone to
dedicate themselves to the service of the nation with commitment, integrity, and pride.
The Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla; Union Ministers Shri J. P. Nadda and Shri Manohar Lal; the
Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; and MP, Rajya Sabha and author of the book, Smt. Sudha
Murty, along with Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Secretariats, were present on the occasion.
***
PR/ASM/VM
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