Uphold cultural values, strengthen national solidarity’
New Delhi, Oct 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for national unity against forces that undermine India’s honour, dignity, social harmony and cultural heritage, while urging citizens to embrace self-reliance, hard work and the ideals of Lord Ram on the occasion of Vijayadashami.
Addressing the Dussehra celebrations organised by the Shri Ramlila Committee Indraprastha at the DDA Utsav Ground in IP Extension, Patparganj, East Delhi, the Prime Minister participated in the traditional Ravana dahan ceremony and highlighted the enduring cultural, moral and national significance of the festival.
Offering salutations to Lord Shri Ram, Mother Janaki and Bajrangbali, Modi extended his heartfelt Vijayadashami greetings to the nation. He said the spirit of Lord Ram permeates every corner of India, with Ramlila performances staged in villages and cities across the country.
Describing Ramlila as a living tradition that preserves the ideals of Lord Ram, the Prime Minister said the performances proclaim the end of tyranny and terror while reaffirming the eternal triumph of truth over falsehood.
“For us, this is not merely a festival. It is the life force of India,” he said, adding that Vijayadashami represents the victory of good over evil and draws its strength from India’s civilisational values.
Modi emphasised that India’s faith in Lord Ram extends beyond the defeat of Ravana and rests on the ideals the deity embodied. Recalling Lord Ram’s life, he said that despite facing numerous hardships, he never abandoned the path of truth and dharma.
The Prime Minister noted that Lord Ram remained composed both when offered the throne and when sent into exile, demonstrating steadfastness in the face of changing circumstances. He also recalled Lord Ram’s embrace of Nishadraj and his respect for Mother Shabari, describing these acts as enduring examples of compassion, equality, love and social harmony.
Referring to the concept of Ram Rajya, Modi said Lord Ram established a model of governance based on justice, equal opportunity and the welfare of all, without discrimination. He stressed that the welfare of the poor and marginalised must remain the highest priority, invoking the principle of “Nagrik Devo Bhava”.
Calling for unity of thought and purpose, the Prime Minister urged political parties, institutions and citizens to stand together in the national interest. He said those who damage the country’s prestige, divide society or harbour hatred towards its culture must be recognised as adversaries of “Maa Bharati” (Mother India).
He underscored the importance of national solidarity, stating that the teachings of India’s ancient seers emphasised unity against forces threatening the nation’s foundations. The message, he said, was particularly relevant as the country seeks to strengthen its cultural identity and advance towards its development goals.
Modi also linked the ideals of Lord Ram to India’s vision of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation. He urged citizens not to depend on others when confronted with difficulties but instead to recognise their own strengths, trust their resources and find solutions through determination and hard work.
“No matter how big the crisis or how difficult the challenge, we must not sit back and depend on others. We must recognise our own strength, trust our resources, turn our resolve into strength and find solutions through our hard work,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the same spirit of perseverance must guide India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasising that challenges should strengthen rather than weaken the nation’s resolve.
He also recalled the vision articulated during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, describing it as a pathway from “Ram” to “Rashtra” and from “Dev” to “Desh”. He expressed confidence that this vision could be realised through collective commitment and unity of purpose.
Highlighting efforts to restore India’s cultural heritage, Modi said more than 650 ancient artefacts and idols had been brought back to the country over the past 12 years. He also referred to recent international recognition of Indian cultural traditions, including Diwali’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Prime Minister said national progress must be accompanied by self-respect rooted in the country’s heritage and civilisational values. He presented cultural preservation, social cohesion and inclusive development as interconnected elements of India’s future.
Earlier in the day, Modi had extended Vijayadashami greetings, expressing hope that the festival would strengthen people’s resolve and bring happiness, prosperity and success into their lives.
The celebrations concluded with the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigy, marking the victory of dharma over adharma. Through his address, Modi combined the traditional message of Dussehra with a broader appeal for national unity, cultural pride, self-reliance and inclusive progress.
