Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today has appealed for unity in India as he urged the community to come together against forces posing threat to the honour, dignity, social harmony and cultural heritage of the country in the context of the Vijayadashami celebration on Tuesday.
Modi got dressed up in a yellow kurta and a traditional handloom stole and addressed the gathering at the DDA Utsav Ground in IP Extension, New Delhi. He was a part of the usual burning of Ravana’s effigy, which is the most significant aspect of Vijayadashami celebrations and is symbolic of the victory of good over evil.
The Prime Minister in his speech referred to elements that tarnish the honour of the nation, split the society and show hostility to the Indian culture as enemies of the nation. He warned against threats to the nation’s unity and heritage that should be recognised and treated as “threats” to be opposed.
In a reference to ancient Indian yogis and seers, Modi said political parties and institutions be united in the face of challenges to the country.
The Prime Minister started his speech acknowledging Lord Ram, Mother Janaki, and Bajrangbali, and wishing Vijayadashami good luck to the people of the country.
He said that India was in the mood of Lord Ram and Ramleela had been undergoing in different parts of the state to maintain the ideals of Hindu epic, Ramayana alive in the culture. He also pointed out the close links of the festival with the defeat of tyranny, and the fact that that victory of truth over falsehood was sustained over time.
Those were just customs and part of what makes India “India,” Modi said, more than just an annual event.
At the end of Navratri is observed Vijayadashami (Dussehra) and is related to Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana. The practice of firing effigy of Ravana started a long time ago in India as a part of all public functions.
Modi’s statement put ‘national integration’, ‘cultural heritage’ and ‘the symbol of the festival’ in the spotlight at this year’s Vijayadashami celebrations.