NEW DELHI: Addressing an event held to commemorate the 647th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that India is swiftly progressing on the development trajectory through the adoption of Sant Ravidas‘ teachings.
PM Modi said, “On the auspicious occasion of Sant Ravidas’ birth anniversary, I extend a warm welcome to all of you at his birthplace.
It is heartening to see attendees, especially my brothers and sisters from Punjab, who have traveled great distances to be part of this event. Varanasi appears to have transformed into a miniature Punjab,”
During his address, the prime minister also criticized the opposition ‘INDIA’ bloc, accusing its members of exploiting the populace under the guise of casteism.
Modi emphasized their purported neglect of the welfare of Dalits and tribals, asserting that their concerns primarily revolved around the well-being of their own families.
Prior to his address, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a newly erected statue of Sant Ravidas in Varanasi, marking a significant moment in the commemoration of the revered figure.
Addressing a gathering at Banaras Hindu University earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Lord Mahadev’s blessings and asserted that Kashi had experienced a ‘damru’ of development over the past 10 years.
“Kashi is the capital of all knowledge, today that power and form of Kashi is emerging again. This is a matter of pride for the whole of India. We all are just instruments, the one who does it in Kashi is Mahadev. Wherever there are blessings of Mahadev, that earth becomes prosperous,” said PM Modi during his speech.
Asserting that the country would experience accelerated development in the next five years PM Modi said, “In the next five years, the country will give a new pace to development with this confidence, the country will create new patterns of success and this is Modi’s guarantee,”
He also highlighted the forthcoming beautification of Kashi, encompassing the construction of roads, bridges, and buildings.
However, he stressed that the focus extended beyond physical structures to include the beautification of the people’s hearts and minds.
Reflecting on India’s prosperity, the Prime Minister underscored the multifaceted nature of success, encompassing not only economic strength but also cultural, spiritual and social prosperity. He acknowledged the pivotal role of pilgrimage places like Kashi and temples like Vishwanath Dham in the nation’s progress.
“Kashi is also the city of Shiva, it is also the land of Buddha’s teachings. Kashi is also the birthplace of Jain Tirthankaras and Adi Shankaracharya also attained enlightenment from here. New Kashi has emerged as the inspiration for new India”, he further said.
PM Modi also interacted with students, presenting prizes for the Sansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita competition at BHU. He expressed hope that they would become ambassadors of Indian knowledge, tradition, and culture worldwide.
The event, attended by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, featured the launch of two books providing comprehensive information about Kashi’s development over the last decade.
Later in the day, PM Modi will visit Banas Kashi Sankul, inaugurate multiple development projects, and unveil tourism-related initiatives in Varanasi.
(With inputs from agencies)
