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This is an archive article published on October 24, 2023

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

Modi, who was speaking at a Dussehra event organised by the Shri Ramlila Society in Delhi’s Dwarka area, said that the burning of Ravana should not be confined to an effigy but every evil that threatens the social harmony.

Prime Minister’s Dussehra speech: ‘Day to renew pledges’: PM Modi calls to root out casteism, regionalismPM Narendra Modi asked the gathering to take 10 pledges. (Express photo by Renuka Puri)
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‘Day to renew pledges’: PM Modi calls to root out casteism, regionalism
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon the nation to finish off the forces trying to divide the country on caste and regional lines.

Modi, who was speaking at a Dussehra event organised by the Shri Ramlila Society in Delhi’s Dwarka area, said that the burning of Ravana should not be confined to an effigy but every evil that threatens the social harmony.

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.

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.

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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.

Saman Husain is a Correspondent at The Indian Express. Based in New Delhi, she is an emerging voice in political journalism, reporting on civic governance, elections, migration, and the social consequences of policy, with a focus on ground-reporting across Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Honours) from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, and is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beats: Her reporting focuses on the national capital’s governance and politics. She specializes in Delhi’s civic administration and the city units of the BJP, AAP and Congress. In western Uttar Pradesh, she mostly reports on crime. Specialization: She has a keen interest in electoral processes and politics — her recent contributions include work on electoral roll revisions. Recent Notable Articles (since July 2025) Her recent work reflects a strong show-not-tell approach to storytelling, combining narrative reporting with political and historical context: 1. Politics: “On the banks of the Yamuna, a political tussle for Purvanchali support” (October 6): A report on how migration histories shaped electoral strategies in Delhi before the Bihar elections. “Explained: How Delhi’s natural drainage vanished gradually over the centuries” (September 29): An explanatory piece tracing the historical reasons that eventually led to the erosion of Delhi’s rivers and its impact on perrenial flooding. 2. Longforms “Four weddings, three funerals: How a Uttar Pradesh man swindled insurance companies” (October 7): A long-read reconstructing a chilling fraud by a man who killed three of his family members, including both his parents for insurance proceeds. His fourth wife discovered his fraud… “How Ghaziabad conman operated fake embassy of a country that doesn’t exist — for 9 years” (July 27) : A story on bizarre fraud operation and the institutional blind spots that enabled it. 3. Crime and Justice: “He was 8 when his father was killed. Fifteen years later, in UP’s Shamli, he took revenge” (October 18): A deeply reported crime story tracing cycles of violence, memory and justice in rural Uttar Pradesh. “Who killed 19 girls in Nithari? With the SC rejecting appeals, there are no answers and no closure” (July 31): A report capturing the long legal and emotional aftermath of one of India’s most chilling unsolved criminal cases. 4. Policy Impact “At Manthan, over US tariffs, Delhi-NCR’s apparel industry brainstorms solutions” (September 8) and “Trump’s 50% tariff begins to bite: Agra’s leather belt feels the impact” (August 13) : Reports documenting how global trade decisions ripple through local industries, workers and exporters. Signature Style Saman is recognized for her grassroots storytelling. Her articles often focus on the "people behind the policy". She is particularly skilled at taking mundane administrative processes and turning them into compelling human narratives. X (Twitter): @SamanHusain9 ... Read More

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