Opinion In nine years of Modi government, India’s cultural pride has been restored

The achievements of the government over nine years are unapparelled. From schemes for the welfare of the poor and world-class infrastructural development to international security, economic progress and global respect for India — every ministry has established milestones. The implementation of the new National Education Policy 2020 and the safe repatriation of citizens trapped abroad have ensured that every Indian can raise their head with pride.

When invaders vandalised our ancient places of faith and reverence, India was wounded. In the 18th century, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar awakened India’s self-respect and started to restore its cultural glory. From the construction of temples at all major pilgrimage sites to building ghats on river banks, from wells and drinking water arrangements for devotees to appointment of scholars in temples, her work was exemplary. In many places, such as Kedarnath and at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, people recount her contributions to this day. Just like the Somnath temple in Gujarat was freed from every trace of colonial rule right after independence, the country too should have been liberated. But, the work of crushing Indian self-respect continued — this time for so-called “secularism”. Over the years, crushing Hindu self-respect and minority appeasement became the hallmarks of “secularism”. PM Modi has worked tirelessly to re-establish India’s cultural pride. This noble task may very well be likened to the accomplishments of Maharani Ahilyabai.

The grand Ram temple in Ayodhya will soon be ready. Not just the temple but the entire city of Ayodhya is a remarkable sight that is attracting the attention of the world. The magnificence of Varanasi and the Kashi Vishwanath are remarkable. The sight of Kedarpur in the Himalayas is breathtaking. The grand statue of Adi Shankaracharya is a symbol of India’s unity. Today, the cave where the prime minister meditated has become a pious site. Similarly, the Mahakal Lok in Ujjain has demolished all previous records of visiting devotees with its magnificence.

The doors of the Ma Sharada temple at the 2,400-year-old Sharada Peeth — established by Shankaracharya — located in Kupwara district close to the Line of Control, have been opened for worship after 70 years. After 500 years, PM Modi hoisted the Dharma Dhwaja at the Mahakali temple located in Pavagadh, Gujarat.

In memory of Shankaracharya, the Advaita Centre at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh is taking shape.

Even during his foreign visits, PM Modi has visited places of worship including the Toji-in Buddhist Temple in Japan, the Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Lord Shiva Temple in Mauritius, the Naguleswaram Temple of Sri Lanka, the Mahabodhi Temple and the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal.

The PM’s decisions to observe the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, visit the resting place of great Kabir, offer prayers at the Sant Ravidas temple, and offer obeisance at a gurudwara and distribute langar, his presence in Pandharpur as an everyday devotee, commemorating of the virtues and teachings of Lord Mahatma Buddha, remembering the great saint Shankardev — all these efforts are an inspiration.

His efforts to re-establish the civilisational glory of yoga and Ayurveda are also praiseworthy. Today, yoga is of great interest to the world and has become the basis of a healthy and disciplined life. June 21 is now observed with great enthusiasm as the International Day of Yoga. According to some estimates, more than 300 million people around the world now practise yoga. The recent boom in the wellness and fitness sectors can also be linked to yoga.

Efforts are being made for the growth of Ayurveda by increasing budgetary allocations. The budget of the Ministry of AYUSH is now Rs 3,050 crore. More than 50 Ayurvedic products have been registered in eight countries. The world’s first WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is being established in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Efforts to bring back India’s stolen heritage and symbols of our self-respect are also remarkable. Between 1976 to 2013, a total of just 13 items were returned, while after 2014, 235 cultural and historical artefacts have been brought back from abroad. The placement of the Sengol in the new Parliament building has revived an ancient tradition.

Through our culture, we can give the world qualities like a sacrifice-centred lifestyle free from indulgence, coordination in place of conflict, love in place of hatred, cooperation and tolerance. This is also the essence of Swami Vivekananda’s speeches in America.

The writer is national joint general secretary, Organisation, BJP