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Why has the significance of Nehru's 'golden walking stick' known as 'sengol' been forgotten over time?

 Title: Rediscovery of Historic Sengol: Chennai Jewellers' Video Catches PM Modi's Attention


Introduction:

A one-minute video by Chennai-based Vummudi Bangaru Jewellers (VBJ) has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to the retrieval and rediscovery of a significant historical artifact. The video showcased the story of the 'sengol,' a five-foot-long gold sceptre that symbolized the transfer of power from the British to India in 1947. The sceptre had been lying mislabelled as Nehru's 'golden walking stick' at the Allahabad Museum for decades. This article delves into the journey of the sengol, its rediscovery, and the subsequent events that have unfolded.

The Forgotten 'Sengol':

VBJ Managing Director Amarendran Vummudi revealed that the family was unaware of the sengol's story until they read about it in a magazine in 2018. In 2019, they found the sceptre at the Allahabad Museum but were unable to hold a planned press conference due to the pandemic. To compensate, they created a video that caught the attention of PM Modi. The Vummudi family had forgotten about the sengol's existence, and the memories associated with it were hazy for Vummudi Ethiraj, the son of its creator, Bangaru Chetty.

Rediscovery and Documentary:

Arun Kumar, the jewellers' marketing head, stumbled upon the sengol while exploring the Allahabad Museum. It was erroneously displayed as the 'Golden walking stick gifted to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.' Recognizing the sceptre's true identity featuring Goddess Lakshmi and a sacred bull atop, Kumar brought it to the attention of the Vummudi group. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) team, along with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), historians, and Shaivite mutt heads from Tamil Nadu, collaborated to create a documentary. Renowned filmmakers Priyadarshan and Sabu Cyril were involved in its production, with a replica of the sengol crafted for reference.

The Commissioning of a Silver Replica:

Less than a month ago, officials from IGNCA requested a second booking for the sengol. Vummudi was tasked with designing a replica of the gold sceptre on a silver sheet, which was later gold-plated. The silver sceptre would be used for public display, while the original would be permanently housed in Parliament. With only eight days for completion, three teams of artists worked day and night to deliver the replica. The gold-plated sceptre was entrusted to officials at Chennai Airport, flown separately to Delhi, and will soon be installed in the new Parliament building.

Historical Significance and Research Efforts:

A letter from Padma Subrahmanyam, a noted danseuse, to the Prime Minister's Office set in motion meticulous research into the sengol. Quoting an article in the Tamil magazine Thuglak, Subrahmanyam emphasized the importance of making this information public on Independence Day. The Culture Ministry, with assistance from IGNCA and other experts, delved into various sources such as the National Archives of India, contemporary newspapers, books, and online information. They discovered that the sengol, worth ₹15,000 at the time, was commissioned by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam in Tamil Nadu and crafted by Vummidi Bangaru Chetti and Sons, a renowned jeweller and diamond merchant.

Installation and Symbolism:

On May 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will install the historic sengol near the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair in the new Parliament building. The ceremony aims to honor the sceptre's historical significance and its role as a symbol of power transfer during India's independence. The Vummudi family has been invited to meet the Prime Minister and attend the inauguration ceremony.

Conclusion:

The rediscovery of the sengol, a forgotten historic gold sceptre, has garnered attention thanks to a video created by Vummudi Bangaru Jewellers. The sengol, which had been mislabelled at the Allahabad Museum, was brought to light through the efforts of VBJ, the PMO, historians, and filmmakers. With a replica created for public display, the original sengol will find its permanent place in the new Parliament building, symbolizing India's journey towards independence. The upcoming installation ceremony, to be attended by the Vummudi family and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the nation's rich history.

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