Returning to the venue he had graced during Dasara celebrations in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon people to finish off forces trying to divide the country with casteism and regionalism.
Addressing a huge gathering in Dwarka, Delhi, he said the festival should also mark the burning of ideologies that detract from India’s development. “It should not be confined to the burning of Ravana’s effigies and Lord Ram’s victory over the demon but also mark the triumph of patriotism over every evil in the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s comments come against the backdrop of the Opposition parties zeroing in on the demand for a nationwide caste survey as one of the major poll planks for next year’s general election.
During his address, Mr. Modi said that the next Ram Navami will be celebrated in Ayodhya. “The temple being built at the birthplace of Lord Ram is a symbol of victory for the patience of us Indians after centuries of waiting,” he said, referring to the Ram Temple that is likely to be inaugurated early next year.
The construction of the temple, the PM said, is happening amid many auspicious developments, and cited India’s successful lunar mission, the inauguration of the new Parliament building, the country emerging as the world’s fifth-largest economy and the enactment of the women’s reservation law as signs of the arrival of Lord Ram.
Talking about the next 25 years as being extremely crucial for the country, Mr. Modi said, “We have to create an India of Lord Ram’s ideas. A developed India, which is self-reliant, gives the message of world peace, where everyone has equal rights to fulfil their dreams, where people feel a sense of prosperity and satisfaction. This is Ram Rajya’s vision.”
Ten oaths
He also urged all citizens to take 10 oaths on the occasion – promote digital transactions, cleanliness, indigenous products, quality products, natural farming, millets, domestic tourism and fitness, to save water, and to raise the social status of at least one poor family by becoming a member of their household.
Dressed in saffron, the PM also participated in the ‘Ravana Dahan’ (burning of Ravana effigy). Area MP Parvesh Sahib Singh and former MLA and chief patron of the Dwarka Shri Ramlila Society Rajesh Gehlot also attended the event.
