New Delhi | February 12, 2026
The Delhi Legislative Assembly inaugurated a dedicated book stall for its commemorative coffee table book “Centenary Journey: The Legacy of Vithalbhai Patel” at the DU Literature Festival, organized by Delhi University from February 12 to 14, 2026, at the Sports Multipurpose Hall.
Speaking at the inauguration, Speaker Vijender Gupta said the publication reflects a hundred years of India’s legislative evolution. He highlighted that Vithalbhai Patel was not only the first elected Indian Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly but also a steadfast guardian of parliamentary independence and institutional dignity.
The Delhi Assembly stall witnessed heavy footfall from students, faculty members, and literature enthusiasts. Visitors engaged actively with the exhibition, raising questions about the book’s research methodology, archival materials, and the development of parliamentary traditions in India.
To facilitate easy access, a dedicated QR code was introduced at the stall for pre-booking the coffee table book. A large number of students scanned the QR code, indicating growing curiosity among youth to explore India’s democratic and legislative heritage.
A specially designed selfie point was also set up to connect young visitors with parliamentary history in an engaging manner. The initiative emerged as a major attraction, encouraging students to interact creatively with the Assembly’s heritage theme.
Additionally, a documentary on the life and legacy of Vithalbhai Patel was screened at the stall. Narrated by Anupam Kher, the film highlighted Patel’s leadership, constitutional vision, and contribution to strengthening parliamentary democracy. The documentary resonated strongly with audiences and enhanced their overall experience.
The Speaker noted that the overwhelming response at the literature festival reflects a growing interest among young citizens in understanding India’s parliamentary past and democratic values.
Centenary Journey is a meticulously curated volume documenting one hundred years of India’s parliamentary development from 1925 to 2025. Through rare photographs, archival records, and research-based narratives, the book captures key institutional milestones and the enduring legacy of Vithalbhai Patel.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker stated that participation in academic and literary platforms is part of the Delhi Assembly’s broader commitment to promoting constitutional awareness and reconnecting young citizens with the history, values, and responsibilities of legislative democracy.
