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‘India was never defined by who won and who lost’: PM Modi
The prime minister was addressing the centenary celebrations of Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangamwadi Math in Varanasi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India’s identity was made through its collective tradition and culture and not defined by its rulers.
“India as a nation was never defined by who won and who lost. The concept of the nation here is formed not by ruling power but by people’s culture and traditions, it (the concept of the nation) is made by the people’s enterprise,” he said.
The prime minister was addressing the centenary celebrations of Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangamwadi Math in Varanasi.
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He emphasised that the country was formed not just by the government but also by the values of every citizen.
“A citizen’s sense of duty makes his values supreme. Our conduct as a citizen will determine the direction of new India,” he said.
The prime minister released the translated version of the Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth in 19 languages and its mobile application on the occasion.
The prime minister said it was a coincidence that the centenary celebrations are taking place at the beginning of a new decade and that this decade will once again establish India’s role in the 21st century in the world.
He said the digitisation of Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth via mobile app will further strengthen the engagement with the younger generation and will also inspire their lives.
Modi suggested conducting an annual quiz competition on topics related to the Granth via this mobile app.
He said translation of Granth in 19 languages will help in making it accessible to a wider public.
“Tulsidas Ji used to say ‘Sant Samagam Hari Katha Tulsi Durlabh dou’. This is the specialty of this land. In such a situation, the centenary year of Jagadguru Vishwavardhya Gurukul, which is spreading the Veershaiv saint tradition among the younger generation, is a glorious moment,” he said.
“I get little opportunity to witness of discussions among saints in close proximity to Baba Vishwanath, and in the lap of the Ganga. This philosophy showing the path of liberation from devotion should reach the future generations. The digitization of this sacred book through an app will further strengthen the engagement of the younger generation. They will get inspiration for life,” he said.
It was also amazing that by making Sanskrit language and other Indian languages a medium of knowledge, “you are incorporating technology,” he said.
“It is also the endeavour of the government that all Indian languages, including Sanskrit, be expanded and the younger generation should benefit from it,” he said.
“Following the path shown by the monasteries and saints, we have to fulfil our life’s resolve and continue to cooperate fully in nation-building,” he suggested.
