Mrs Sudha Murty's 51st book, Tides of Time: Bharat's History Through Murals in Parliament, published by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Government of India, was released jointly by the Honourable Vice President of India, Shri. C. P. Radhakrishnan and the Honourable Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri. Om Birla on April 1st, 2o26 at the historic Princes' Chambers of the Old Parliament Building.

About Tides of Time: Murals are among humanitys oldest forms of communication. Long before written language was fully developed, people used paintings to express their emotions and document their daily lives. This tradition of visual storytelling is evident across civilisations, and Bharat is no exception.

From the prehistoric caves of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, where paintings over 30,000 years old depict geometric patterns, humans and animals, to the murals of the Ajanta and Ellora caves rendered in natural colours with exquisite artistry, Bharats walls have long preserved its stories. In later periods, Indian kings and emperors commissioned paintings to decorate courts and palaces, incorporating increasingly complex colours, patterns and styles. In 1954, the first speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri G. V. Mavalankar, commissioned 58 mural panels along the circular corridors of the Samvidhan Sadan (the Old Parliament Building).

As one walks these corridors, the murals unfold as a chronological journey through Bharats history, beginning with the Indus Valley Civilisation at Mohenjo-daro and culminating in the historic flag hoisting at the Red Fort in 1947.The inspiration for Tides of Time emerged from a personal observation by Mrs Sudha Murty.

While visiting the Samvidhan Sadan, she noticed students pausing briefly before these magnificent murals. Upon conversing with them, she discovered that while they were curious to know more about the history behind the art, there was no available literature on the subject, rather only a single line description on the copper plates below.

She then embarked on a labour of love that spanned over 20 months to document the profound stories captured within these walls. Tides of Time presents the historical context behind each of the 58 murals, serving as a tribute to the artists and curators who depicted the values of Bharatiya Sanskritishaped by tolerance, patience, and compassion. Mrs Murty has dedicated the book to 'the people of Bharat from Mohenjo-daro to the present day, and to all the soldiers who have protected and continue to protect our borders, so that Bharat remains a safe, sovereign and democratic nation.'

Through this book, she shares her hope that future generations will engage with and enjoy the richness of the culture she has known. Mrs Murty is grateful to the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the Honourable Vice-President, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi and the Honourable Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri. Om Birla for their guidance and unwavering support for this massive undertaking. She is also thankful to the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Honourable Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, Shri. Utpal Kumar Singh, who has supported her tremendously in this publication.

Refreshments served before the show.