‘Day to renew pledges’: PM Modi calls to root out casteism, regionalism

“Humein dhyaan rakhna hai ki aaj Ravan ka dahan bas ek putale ka dahan na ho, ye dahan ho har us vikrti ka jisske kaaran samaaj ka aapsi sauhard bigadta hai. Ye dahan ho un shaktiyon ka jo jaativaad aur kshetravaad ke naam par Maa Bharti ko baantne ka prayaas karti hain (we need to ensure that the burning of Ravana isn’t merely the burning of an effigy. It should be the burning of every evil that destroys peace in society…all those forces that divide society on the basis of caste and region),” he said.

The PM also mentioned the Ayodhya Ram Temple that he said was near-completion after centuries of wait. “Bhagwan Shri Ram bas aane hi waale hain,” Modi said.

“The temple being built at the birthplace of Lord Ram is a symbol of victory… patience of Indians who waited for centuries… next Ram Navmi, prayers at the temple will spread happiness in the entire world… imagine the joy when after centuries, the idol of Lord Ram will be installed at the temple,” the PM added.

VIDEO | PM Modi shoots arrow at Ravana effigy during Dussehra celebrations at DDA ground in Dwarka, Delhi.#VijayaDashami2023 #Dussehra2023 #Dussehra pic.twitter.com/guiAgLCIXQ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 24, 2023

The construction of the temple, Modi said, was happening amid many auspicious developments such as India’s successful lunar mission, the inauguration of the new Parliament building, and the enactment of the women’s reservation law. “India is today emerging as the world’s largest democracy as well as the most trusted one,” he said.

Vijaydashami, he said, was a festival of victory of justice over injustice, of humility over arrogance, and of patience over anger… a day to renew pledges.

Laying down the idea of an India that functions on the ideals of Lord Ram, Modi asked the gathering to take 10 pledges. These included saving water, motivating others to undertake digital transactions, to ensure cleanliness, to follow the mantra of ‘vocal for local’, to do quality work and make quality products, to travel through India before travelling to foreign countries, to spread awareness about natural farming among farmers, to include superfood millets in diet, to exercise and prioritise health.

He said India will become a developed nation only when everyone is developed, asking citizens to help raise the social status of at least one poor family, in his 10th pledge.

Referring to the tradition of ‘shastra poojan’ on this day, he emphasised that in India weapons are not used for annexation but for defence.