'Vanquish Forces Trying To Divide India On Basis Of Caste, Regionalism': Modi's Swipe At Oppn On Dussehra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed that Ravan Dahan should also be about "vanquishing the forces dividing India on the basis of caste and regionalism".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the auspicious occasion of Dussehra by attending a grand event in Dwarka, where he set ablaze towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The Prime Minister also urged the gathering to recognise that the burning of Ravana's effigy should symbolise more than just a ritual, it should signify the eradication of societal ills that threaten mutual harmony. He emphasised the importance of defeating
"divisive forces" that seek to fragment India along the lines of casteism and regionalism.

In a veiled jibe at the Opposition, he told people that Ravan Dahan should not only be about burning effigies of Ravana but also be about "vanquishing the forces dividing India on the basis of caste and regionalism".

The remark can be seen in the context of the Opposition particularly, the Congress party promising caste survey in states as well as a nationwide caste census while also demanding reservation for the Other Backward Class (OCB) community in run up to the upcoming assembly polls in five states and the 2024 Lok Sabha election. 

In his address to the gathering, PM Modi expressed his deep sense of privilege at witnessing the construction of the Ram Temple. He looked forward to the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, anticipating the joy it would bring to the world as the sounds of devotion echoed from Ramlala's temple.

He celebrated the construction of the temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram as a symbol of victory after centuries of waiting. He expressed confidence that prayers at the temple during the next Ram Navmi will spread happiness worldwide, remarking, "Bhagawan Shri Ram bas aane hi wale hain (Lord Ram's arrival is imminent)".

 "We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every sound echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world," he remarked.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significance of Vijayadashami as a festival that symbolises the victory of justice over injustice, humility over arrogance, and patience over anger. He described the occasion as a moment for the renewal of resolutions.

Notably, this year's Vijay Dashmi coincides with the two-month anniversary of the Chandrayaan landing, an achievement that reflects India's scientific prowess. Referring to the Shastr Poojan tradition observed on this day, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that in India weapons are not instruments of annexation but tools of defence.

"We know the 'maryada' (boundaries) of Ram as well as how to defend our borders," Prime Minister Modi asserted.

Drawing parallels between the signs of Lord Ram's arrival as described in Ramcharitmanas and contemporary developments, including India's ascent to the world's fifth-largest economy, lunar exploration, the new Parliament Building, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Prime Minister Modi declared that India is evolving as the world's most trusted democracy.

Prime Minister Modi envisioned India's fortune rising as Lord Ram's return approaches, underscoring the importance of the next 25 years for the nation.

"We have to create an India of Lord Ram's ideas. A developed India, which is self-reliant, a developed India, which gives the message of world peace, a developed India, where everyone has equal rights to fulfill their dreams, a developed India, where people feel a sense of prosperity and satisfaction. This is Ram Raj's vision,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that India's fortunes are now going to rise after 75 years of independence. He further stated that the burning of Ravana should not be the burning of just an effigy, it should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates.

"In a way, after 75 years of independence, India's fortunes are now going to rise. But this is also the time when India has to be very cautious. We have to keep in mind that today the burning of Ravana should not be the burning of just an effigy, it should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates," PM Modi said.

PM Modi Urges Nation To Take 10 Resolutions, Performs 'Lanka Dahan'

In this light, the Prime Minister asked everyone to take 10 resolutions, including saving water, promoting digital transactions, ensuring cleanliness, advocating for local products, focusing on quality production, and supporting natural farming and millet consumption. Prime Minister Modi concluded by asserting that as long as even one poor family in the country lacks basic facilities like housing, electricity, gas, and healthcare, the nation will not rest in its pursuit of equitable development.

He performed the ceremonial burning of the effigies, known as 'Lanka Dahan.' 

 

The Prime Minister also worshipped artists enacting the roles of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman during Dussehra celebrations at the DDA ground in Dwarka, Delhi.

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