Ramnath Goenka Lecture Live Updates: We win elections because we are committed to development and welfare 24/7, says PM Modi

"Which country criticises its own languages? Japan, China, Korea, they adopted many global ideas but never compromised on language. This is why our National Education Policy emphasises learning in local languages. We do not oppose English -- we support Indian languages. Macaulay’s crime in 1835 will complete 200 years in 2035, ten years from now. So today, through this platform, I urge the nation: Let the next 10 years be our resolve to free ourselves from this colonial mindset. These ten years are crucial."

"Look at tourism. Every country where tourism thrives takes pride in its heritage. In India, post-Independence, the opposite happened, we neglected our own heritage. Without pride, there is no preservation; without preservation, heritage becomes ruins. Pride in heritage is essential for tourism growth," said PM Modi.

"Friends, lakhs of BJP workers have nurtured the party with their sweat, and in many states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir, even with their blood. For such a party, winning elections is not the only goal, serving people and winning their hearts is equally important," said PM Modi.

"Someone once told me a story about Ramnath ji receiving the Jan Sangh ticket from Vidisha. Nanaji Deshmukh told him: 'You only need to come to file your nomination and later to collect your certificate after winning.' Nanaji and party workers fought the election on his behalf and ensured his victory. I mention this not to suggest that candidates should only come to file nominations, but to highlight the dedication of BJP’s countless committed workers," said PM Modi.

“Ramnath Goenka ji bravely stood up to British rule. In one of his editorials, he wrote that he would rather shut down his newspaper than follow the ideals of the British. Similarly, when the country was pushed into the darkness of Emergency, he rose to resist that attempt to enslave the nation. This year also marks 50 years since the Emergency was lifted. And The Indian Express showed even then that a blank editorial can challenge a mindset that seeks to silence and subdue the people, said PM Modi.

“For the past five decades, almost every region in India had been affected by Maoists. But unfortunately, the Congress chose to nurture those who do not believe in the Indian Constitution. Congress went on to embed ‘urban naxals’ within major institutions. The urban naxal–Maoist ecosystem that had taken root in the Congress 10–15 years ago has now transformed into the ‘Muslim League Maowadi Congress (MMC)’. And today, I say with full responsibility that the MMC has sidelined national interest for its own political gain,” says PM Modi.

Speaking about Bastar region in Chhattisgarh, PM Modi said the number of naxalites and terrorists has reduced significantly in the country. However, in the past five decades, it was unfortunate that the Congress favoured naxalites. They not only favoured the group dwelling in forests, but also those in urban areas as well, PM Modi added.

"Our GDP is growing at near 7 per cent despite global instabilities; India is not just an emerging market but an emerging model too," says PM Modi.

“The country’s development must reach every section of society. We have seen over the past decades how some parties focused only on their own interests.... But our mission to build 12 crore toilets has restored dignity to those who were once forced to defecate in the open.”

Referring to the states ruled by the Left, Right, and the Centre, PM Modi said the Bihar election results have taught us a lesson about the sort of government that we are running. Such an impact will be reflected in the upcoming elections as well, said PM Modi.

Its the victory of democracy that Bihar recorded a historic voter turnout, especially in the category of women, says PM Modi.

India is not just an emerging market, but an emerging model, says PM Modi.

Speaking about the group’s founder Ramnath Goenka, Modi said he always stood by the truth and added that national interest remained his foremost priority.

"Although the past four to five years have brought significant global challenges, India has nevertheless sustained a high growth rate," says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his address at the Sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture. Speaking about the group's founder Ramnath Goenka, Modi said he always stood by the truth.

"In 75th year, we are reminded that democracy survives through daily acts of courage by leaders who listen, journalists who persist and readers who care, " says Viveck Goenka, Chairman, Express Group. Goenka is delivering the welcome speech.

Viveck Goenka, Chairman, Express Group is delivering the welcome speech and he traces back the time when the founder Ramnath Goenka stood firm during the Emergency.

Ramnath Goenka Lecture will begin in a few minutes. Stay tuned here for updates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the sixth Ramnath Goenka lecture shortly and in a post on X, he wrote that he is glad to see this Lecture become a significant forum for ideas that shape our national discourse.

Modi's post read, "At around 8:15 PM this evening, will be delivering the sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture in Delhi. This platform celebrates the life and work of one of India’s most respected media pioneers. Shri Ramnath Goenka Ji stood for courage and integrity in public life. Glad to see this Lecture become a significant forum for ideas that shape our national discourse."

https://www.youtube.com/live/LMfSx0t0t2U?si=ul7T2vbXh0LQsxx3

Viveck Goenka, Chairman, Express Group, said that the Prime Minister, speaking in Ramnath Goenka’s name, is “a reaffirmation that the dialogue between the state and the free press remains the heartbeat of a confident nation.” “This lecture is not a ceremony but a commitment to the values of truth-telling, accountability, and the power of ideas,” he said. This is a time when power equations of the world are being upended, when nations are redefining both their place and purpose and when uncertainty and volatility are the keywords of our times. That’s why listening to the Prime Minister, representing the highest elected office in the world’s largest democracy, has a deeper resonance,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver the Sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture shortly. The lecture, named after the founder of the Express Group, invites speakers who have shaped change and inspired critical thought on the most pressing contemporary challenges and issues.

Hello and welcome to Ramnath Goenka Lecture Live blog!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver the sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture shortly.

Stay tuned here for the latest updates from the lecture series.