‘The Constitution has withstood every challenge throughout history’
NEW DELHI, Dec 29:
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the upcoming ‘Maha Kumbh’ as the “Maha Kumbh of unity” and urged attendees to leave the significant religious gathering with a commitment to eradicate hatred and division from society.
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During his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, Modi emphasized, “Maha Kumbh Ka Sandesh Ek Ho Pura Desh (The message from the Maha Kumbh should be that the entire nation stands united).”
He continued, “Ganga Ki Aviral Dhara, Na Bante Samaj Hamara” (Just as the Ganga flows uninterrupted, let our society remain united).
Highlighting the diversity among the multitude of participants gathering in Prayagraj starting January 13, he noted that such a spectacle of unity within diversity is unmatched.
“The Maha Kumbh’s unique quality lies not only in its grand scale but also in its rich diversity,” he remarked.
This grand religious festival occurs every 12 years.
He mentioned that tens of millions join the event, including saints, numerous traditions, various sects, and many akharas.
“There is no discrimination; everyone is equal. Such a portrayal of unity in diversity cannot be witnessed anywhere else globally,” he stated.
“This also represents the Maha Kumbh of unity. This time’s Maha Kumbh will reinforce the message of unity. As we partake in the Kumbh, let’s carry forth a resolve for unity and commit to eradicating feelings of division and hatred within society,” he added.
The Prime Minister announced the launch of an AI chatbot at the event for the first time, which will assist attendees in navigating to various ghats, temples, and akharas. Information about the Maha Kumbh will be accessible in 11 Indian languages through this AI feature, he noted. Click here to watch the video
Shifting focus to India’s animated films, television series, and cinema, he highlighted their rising popularity, indicating the immense potential within the national creative industry.
With 2024 marking the centenary of several notable film figures, including Raj Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi, he stated that a significant opportunity lies ahead to display India’s creative prowess globally.
Next year, the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) will be held in India for the first time, he added.
This summit represents a pivotal move toward establishing India as a hub for content creation, as he mentioned the “creators’ economy” is vital for achieving the goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy.
Throughout the broadcast, Modi shed light on the growing admiration for Indian traditions and cultures, mentioning a Tamil education initiative in Fiji that is generating considerable interest.
He also discussed the launch of a unique Olympics in Bastar, an area historically associated with violent Maoist activities.
“A new revolution is unfolding in Bastar with the inaugural Bastar Olympics, occurring in a region that has experienced Maoist unrest. The mascots for the Bastar Olympics are the ‘Wild Water Buffalo’ and ‘Hill Myna’, symbolizing the rich culture of Bastar,” he expressed.
In the first edition, 1.65 lakh athletes from seven districts participated in various sports, including athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, kho-kho, and volleyball.
Modi encouraged individuals to support such sporting events in their communities, emphasizing how sports promote physical well-being and are a powerful means to inspire camaraderie and sportsmanship within society.
He also remarked on the “vegetable revolution” in Odisha’s Kalahandi, a region known for its struggles with poverty and migration, praising the farmers’ efforts.
Modi declared that the Constitution has weathered every trial and tribulation, calling it “our guiding light.”
He highlighted that the upcoming Republic Day will mark the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s enactment.
“This is a matter of great pride for all of us. The Constitution crafted by its framers has withstood the test of time. It is our guiding light and our roadmap,” he stated.
Modi shared his belief that he has reached his current position in life thanks to the principles outlined in the Constitution.
He encouraged citizens to explore the website constitution75.com, newly launched to connect people with the constitutional heritage and legacy.
Visitors can read the Constitution in multiple languages, pose questions, and upload their videos discussing its preamble, he added.
His Government, Modi noted, has initiated a yearlong series of activities since Constitution Day on November 26.(PTI)
