PM Modi inaugurates IECC, names it Bharat Mandapam

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi today, and urged the nation to move ahead with the principle of ‘Think Big, Dream Big, Act Big’. The complex has been named, ‘Bharat Mandalam’.

Prime Minister also unveiled the G-20 coin and G-20 stamp at the grand opening ceremony and participated in the naming ceremony of the Convention Centre. Developed as a national project at a cost of about Rs 2700 crores, the new Convention Complex will help showcase and promote India as a global business destination.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister performed puja at the Complex and felicitated the Shramjeevis involved in the construction of the International Exhibition cum Convention Centre.

In his welcome address at the inaugural function, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for sparing his valuable time to participate in the inauguration of the International Convention Complex – Bharat Mandapam.

He said that Prime Minister Modi has changed the way the country thinks and has inspired us to move as a nation towards the goal of becoming a developed nation. He highlighted the role of Shramjeevis and architects for the development of the Complex.

Shri Goyal pointed out the reason for having a world-class convention and exhibition centre in the country for showcasing the country to the world. He said it was the farsightedness of the Prime Minister that resulted in the building of this complex. He said it will now be possible to showcase to the world the output of our farmers, MSMEs, artisans and industries. He said that the various policies of the government to promote industry and to ensure the progress of the nation are also being supplemented with the building of our modern infrastructure.

Shri Goyal said that the name – Bharat Mandapam – derives its root from Lord Basaveshwara’s idea of Anubhav Mandapam, which was a pavilion for public ceremonies. This complex will be available for all people and will have all the facilities to help the country achieve the goal of making a developed and modern nation.

International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) project revamps the old and outdated facilities at Pragati Maidan and has been developed as a National project. With a campus area of approximately 123 acres, the IECC complex has been developed as India’s largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. In terms of the covered space available for events, the IECC Complex finds its place among the top exhibition and convention complexes in the world. The newly developed IECC complex at Pragati Maidan comprises multiple state-of-the-art facilities including Convention Centre, Exhibition halls and amphitheatre, etc.

The Convention Centre is developed as the centrepiece of the Pragati Maidan complex. It is a grand architectural marvel, designed to host large-scale international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and other prestigious events. It is equipped with multiple meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheatre and a business centre making it capable of hosting a wide range of events.  Its majestic multi-purpose hall and plenary hall have a combined capacity of seven thousand people, which is larger than the seating capacity of the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. Its magnificent Amphitheater is equipped with a seating capacity of 3,000 individuals.

The architectural design of the Convention Centre building is inspired by Indian traditions and showcases India’s confidence and conviction in its past while also embracing modern facilities and way of life. The shape of the building is derived from the Shankha (conch shell), and different walls and facades of the Convention Centre depict several elements of India’s traditional art and culture including ‘Surya Shakti’ highlighting India’s efforts in harnessing solar energy,  ‘Zero to ISRO’, celebrating our achievements in space,  Pancha Mahabhuta signifying the building blocks of universal foundation – Aakash (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jal (Water), Prithvi (Earth), among others. Also, various paintings and Tribal art forms from different regions of the country adorn the Convention Centre.