Sengol is the talk of the country for the last 2 days, ever since the news of it getting placed at the new parliament building came out. On Friday 26 May, Chennai-based Jewellery retail chain VBC Jewellery, a part of the Vummidi Bangaru family informed the details of the artefact which will adorn the walls of the House of Parliament. The new building will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi on 28 May 2023.
“Vummidi” is among the trusted jewellery names in India for over a century. It is a family name, which has branched out to various business over the past 50 years.
Way back in 1947, the Sengol that was sent to the Indian Parliament at the time of transfer of power to India by the British, was also created by the same family.
The Sengol is said to be 5 feet long amd weighs 1.5kg in weight. The base metal is silver and adorned with gold finish. The design was provided to the Jewellers by Thiruvadurai Adheenam and took over a month to design it. Atleast a dozen silversmiths were involved in this work.
Shri Vummidi Ethiraj, 97 years old, who is the family patriarch currently, is also expected to attend the event on Sunday along with other members of the family. He was said to be around 18 years when the Sengol was presented the last time.
Sengol represents righteousness according to history. In former times, it is said that many Kings and Emperors of yore would keep it next to their throne. All important decisions and annoucements would be made with the Sengol besides the King (or Queen).
According to the family, a design for Sengol was provided by the Madurai Adheenam to them and a job order was given. It was only recently that the family got to know that their handcrafted artefact would find a new house at the Indian Parliament.
A big matter of pride for the jewellery family which is currently being run by their fifth generation. Full details of press event here.
