An Unforgettable Educational Trip to the Parliament of India
Visiting the Parliament of India, New Delhi is not just a journey through a grand building—it is a journey into the heart of the nation’s democracy. The visit was to give the boys firsthand knowledge of how the country’s highest legislative body functions. It was an exciting opportunity to witness the heart of Indian democracy in action.
This journey for the Humanities boys of Class 12 under the guidance of HOD of History and Political Science, Mr. M Kharga started on the morning of the 10th of August, 2025. As we reached Delhi by evening, we checked in at the YMCA Tourist Hostel at Connaught Palace. Soon after supper one of the highlights of our trip became a reality when we met our celebrated alumni, Mr. Sharad Kumar (Silver Medallist at Paris 2024 Paralympics and a former world no. 1, Padma Shri and Arjuna Award winner), Mr. Rituraj Das (Executive Officer at the Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India), and Dr. Rajdeb Saha, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine) and DM (nephrology) at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, all of whom are illustrious alumni of St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling. The boys had a wonderful time interacting with them, who shared their memories of school as well as advice for the young Paulites.
The next day, 11th August, was by far the most important, the visit to the Parliament and specifically to the Lok Sabha when in Session. As we approached Sansad Bhavan with bated breath, the sight was breathtaking. We saw the iconic old circular Parliament building, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, which still stands tall with its majestic sandstone structure and beautifully landscaped gardens. Multiple layers of security were in place which was extremely tight, but the process overall was smooth, and soon we were inside the complex.
The highlight of the visit was entering the Lok Sabha viewing (visitors) gallery. Seeing the green benches, the Speaker’s chair with Mr. Om Birla seated, and the arrangement of seats made us realize the scale of decision-making that happens here. The grand hall of the Lok Sabha in itself was a spectacle.
We were fortunate to watch Lok Sabha’s live session, where members were discussing important national issues. Chaired by the Speaker, many important ministers and respected members of Parliament were present, which included Mr. Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mrs. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mr. Asaduddin Owaisi, Ms. Mahua Moitra, Mr. Ravi Kishan, Ms.Kangana Ranaut, and many more. The session however was adjourned rather quickly due to protests regarding Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The boys then got the opportunity to tour the Parliament grounds and gardens, which included the Old Parliament building, the Secretariat, the Committee rooms, as well as the Parliament Canteen where the boys enjoyed a sumptuous lunch. While touring the grounds with Mr. Rituraj Das, we were greeted by some honourable Members of Parliament – Mr. Kamakhya Prasad Tasa (from the constituency of Kaziranga, Assam), Mr. Kripanath Mallah (from Karimganj constituency of Assam) and Mr. Richard Vanlalhmangaiha (from the Mizoram constituency). Our visit ended with a group photograph in front of the grand building, capturing a day that was both educational and inspiring.
The Parliament of India is more than a place for lawmakers—it is a living classroom for every citizen. Theoretical understanding of a concept may come from books, but the practical usage and real-life experiences may sometimes feel worlds apart. What impressed us most was how alive everything felt compared to reading about it in classrooms. We could almost feel the weight of history in the walls and where countless laws shaping our lives have been debated.
The school extends its immense gratitude to the three Old Paulites who came to meet and talk to the boys. A special mention to Mr. Rituraj Das, Old Paulite 2010 and Executive Officer at the Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India without whose help and guidance the trip would not have been possible at all.
The school extends its gratitude to our Political Science Master, Mr. M. C. Kharga, for taking out the time and responsibility for giving the boys a truly once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable experience in real world working of the Legislature and also arranging to meet some of the distinguished old boys of our school.
Moniti Meliora Sequamur
