Governor Haribhau Bagde and Speaker Vasudev Devnani Unveil Rajasthan Legislative Assembly's Emblem and Name its 13 Gates

Jaipur. Governor Haribhau Bagde and the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Vasudev Devnani, grandly inaugurated the Assembly's 'Amrit Mahotsav' (Diamond Jubilee celebrations) in Jaipur on Monday. Marking the Assembly's entry into its 75th year, they unveiled the Assembly's official emblem (logo) and revealed the name plaques for its 13 gates.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Bagde stated that the Legislative Assembly is the sacred temple of democracy. The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, he noted, possesses a glorious history of its own. He pointed out that while the Legislative Assembly in independent India was formally constituted in 1952, its origins in Rajasthan date back to 1913—prior to independence—when Maharaja Ganga Singh established a 'Representative Assembly,' serving as a shining example of faith in democratic governance. Bagde remarked that the unveiling of the State Legislative Assembly's emblem on the occasion of its 'Amrit Kaal' (Diamond Jubilee era) represents a significant initiative.

Governor Bagde further stated that the logo—developed at the initiative of Speaker Devnani—aptly represents the collective ethos and mindset of the people of Rajasthan. Discussing the imagery incorporated into the emblem—specifically the State Tree, the *Khejri*, and the Assembly building itself—he observed that it reflects the resilience and zest for life of the people of Rajasthan, who continue to live with a festive spirit even amidst the state's challenging geographical conditions. He described the *Khejri* as Rajasthan's very own *Kalpa Vriksha* (wish-fulfilling tree). While highlighting the cultural significance of the *Khejri* and the sacrifices made to protect it, the Governor noted that the inclusion of the State Animal (the Camel) and the State Bird (the *Godawan* or Great Indian Bustard) within the logo symbolizes a culture of harmony and coexistence. He also commended the decision to name the Assembly's gates after places and landmarks associated with Rajasthan's rich legacy of valor and heroism.

The Governor also shared anecdotes from his own tenure as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Maharashtra, emphasizing that democracy is strengthened only when we remain as conscious of our duties as we are of our rights. He stated that a nation progresses solely through education. The talent of its children serves as a catalyst for this progress. It is essential to translate education into practice. Everyone must collectively and comprehensively deliberate on how to ensure that all schools are of high quality, how to lay a strong foundation for children's lives within them, and how to provide practical education. Only then—upon graduating from schools and colleges—will young people be equipped to pursue higher education and face competitive examinations with confidence.

On this occasion, the Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Vasudev Devnani, stated that during the 'Amrit Kaal' (Golden Era) of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, our resolve and future vision are anchored in the unwavering trust of the people. He noted that the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has emerged as a unique legislative body in the country, distinguished by its own specially designed emblem (logo). As a witness to a glorious history of continuous dedication to democracy, public trust, and constitutional propriety, the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has played a historic role—evolving from the princely states of Rajputana—in the creation of modern Rajasthan, the establishment of democratic values, and the strengthening of the tradition of representative governance.

*The Legislative Assembly: A Sacred Hub of the Hopes of Millions of Citizens*

Speaker Devnani remarked that this logo of the State Legislative Assembly serves as a vivid symbol of Rajasthan's 75-year-old democratic tradition, public aspirations, and constitutional dignity. The image of the Legislative Assembly building depicted within the emblem represents the central hub of the hopes and aspirations of millions of citizens. The Ashoka Pillar, majestically adorning the apex of the emblem, symbolizes the Indian ethos of *Rajdharma* (righteous governance), truth, justice, and unwavering devotion to duty. The Great Indian Bustard (*Godawan*)—inscribed within the emblem—represents Rajasthan's unique cultural and natural identity, while the *Khejri* tree conveys a message of the tradition of sacrifice, patience, and public welfare. Furthermore, the camel and the Great Indian Bustard symbolize the resilience, enduring spirit, and inspiration for continuous progress inherent to the *Marudhara* (the desert land). He added that the motto inscribed on the logo—"Rashtraya Dharmanishtha Vidhayika" (A Legislature Devoted to Righteousness for the Nation)—serves as the guiding mantra for the public service and constitutional propriety upheld by the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. A legislature devoted to righteousness for the nation—one that is just and dutiful—works tirelessly for the sake of truth, justice, balance, and public welfare. The greatest strength of a democracy lies, fundamentally, in the fulfillment of one's duties. Speaker Devnani emphasized that, within the context of Indian philosophy, the term *Dharma* encompasses the principles of truth, justice, duty, balance, and public welfare. The House of the Legislative Assembly strives to fulfill the aspirations of the people while strictly adhering to the constitutional framework and its inherent limitations.

*Names of the Entrances: Symbols of the Core Ideals of Democracy*

Speaker Devnani also described the naming of the various entrances to the Legislative Assembly building as a historic and value-driven decision, noting that the names assigned to these entrances serve as symbolic representations of the core ideals upon which democracy is founded. Every individual entering through these portals will feel that they are not merely stepping into a building, but rather into a sacred sanctuary of democratic values. Devnani stated that, within the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, the Northern Gate (Brass)—through which the Governor, Chief Minister, Speaker, and Leader of the Opposition enter—has been named *Kartavya Dwar* (Gate of Duty); the Southern Gate—through which the true power of the legislature, the public, enters—has been named *Shakti Dwar* (Gate of Power); the Western Gate—through which the legislators enter—has been named *Sushasan Dwar* (Gate of Good Governance); the Eastern Gate—through which officials enter—has been named *Sankalp Dwar* (Gate of Resolve); and the Northern Gate (Temple)—through which dignitaries arrive—has been named *Shaurya Dwar* (Gate of Valor).

*A Glimpse of Rajasthan's Regional Essence in the Names of the Gates*

Assembly Speaker Devnani remarked that:

The outer gates of the Assembly building have been dedicated to the names of Rajasthan's various regions—Braj, Shekhawati, Vagad, Hadoti, Marwar, Mewar, Merwara, and Dhundhar. This represents an innovative endeavor to bridge the gap between democratic institutions and Rajasthan's rich cultural diversity, heritage, and folk traditions. He further explained that Gate Number One has been named *Braj Dwar*; Gate Two, *Shekhawati Dwar*; Gate Three, *Vagad Dwar*; Gate Four, *Mewar Dwar*; Gate Five, *Marwar Dwar*; Gate Six, *Hadoti Dwar*; Gate Seven, *Merwara Dwar*; and Gate Number Eight, *Dhundhar Dwar*. Braj is renowned for devotion and cultural harmony; Shekhawati for art and entrepreneurship; Vagad for its nature-centric tribal consciousness; Hadoti for its literary and architectural traditions; Marwar for its resilience and spirit of struggle; Mewar for national pride and sacrifice; Merwara for its saintly traditions; and Dhundhar for its political and cultural vitality. He emphasized that, collectively, these elements constitute the very soul of Rajasthan. Today, by embracing all these diverse cultural currents, this Assembly building presents a vibrant tableau of democracy.

*The Assembly: A Witness to Historic Decisions*

Speaking at the ceremony, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Tikaram Juli, stated that the 75-year journey of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has witnessed numerous historic decisions and public-welfare laws. Commending the innovations being introduced by Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, he described the initiatives to make the Assembly paperless and to integrate cultural symbols with democratic institutions as praiseworthy steps. He noted that the Great Indian Bustard (*Godawan*), the Khejri tree, and the camel serve as symbols of Rajasthan's culture and identity.

*State's Prestige Enhanced Through Continuous Innovation in the Assembly*

On this occasion, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Jogaram Patel remarked that Speaker Devnani has elevated the state's prestige by consistently introducing innovations within the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. He stated that this emblem of the Assembly would serve to represent Rajasthan's cultural identity and democratic values. Our House remains in session for longer durations than other legislative assemblies, and its operational efficiency and promptness in task execution also surpass those of other states. The rules and laws enacted by the Assembly continue to benefit the common people for years to come. The naming of the various gates of the Assembly building will serve to connect the new generation with their heritage, and entering through these gates will evoke a sense of pride.

*Designer of the Emblem, Sher Singh, Honored*

During the ceremony, Governor Haribhau Bagde and Speaker Vasudev Devnani honored Sher Singh—the designer of the newly created emblem of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly—by presenting him with a replica of the emblem. Subsequently, Speaker Vasudev Devnani presented a replica of the emblem to Governor Haribhau Bagde, while Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Assembly, presented replicas to Speaker Devnani, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Jogaram Patel, and Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Juli.

*Ministers and Legislators in Attendance*

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa; members of the State Council of Ministers—including Manju Baghmar, Otaram Dewasi, Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, Jhabar Singh Kharra, Joraram Kumawat, K.K. Bishnoi, and Gajendra Singh Khimsar—along with a large number of legislators, Principal Secretary Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Special Assistant K.K. Sharma, and various other officers and employees of the Legislative Assembly. The Governor and the Speaker inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the ceremonial lamp.