New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged political parties, public institutions and citizens to rise above differences and work together in the country’s interest, saying India must confront forces that damage its honour, fracture society and oppose its cultural traditions.
Addressing Vijayadashami celebrations in Delhi, Modi described these three tendencies as “enemies of the nation” and said the country needed to recognise and defeat them collectively. He framed the appeal around the principle of “Nation First”, arguing that India’s progress required a shared sense of purpose.
Three Challenges Flagged
The Prime Minister identified forces that undermine India’s dignity, people responsible for creating divisions within society, and those who nurture hostility towards Indian culture as the principal threats. He said citizens should remain alert to such challenges and respond through unity rather than division.
His remarks were made against the backdrop of continuing arguments over national identity, social cohesion and the place of heritage in public life. Modi presented cultural confidence and social harmony as prerequisites for long-term national advancement, as reported by The open Press.
Political Parties Urged To Cooperate
Modi also reached out to political parties and national institutions, asking them to stand together wherever the country’s larger interests were involved. While India’s democracy allows competing views and open debate, he suggested that matters affecting the nation as a whole should not become grounds for persistent confrontation.
He invoked a Sanskrit verse to underline the importance of shared thinking and coordinated action, positioning cooperation as essential to meeting national challenges.
Lessons From Lord Ram’s Journey
Drawing on the symbolism of Vijayadashami, the Prime Minister referred to Lord Ram’s campaign against Ravana as an example of resolve, planning and collective effort. He said obstacles should not deter the country from pursuing its objectives and that India must make better use of its own strengths.
Modi linked this message to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, emphasising self-reliance, technological capability, manufacturing strength and reduced dependence in strategically important areas.
Heritage Brought Home
Cultural preservation formed another major theme of the address. Modi said that over the past 12 years, more than 650 ancient idols and artefacts had been recovered from abroad and returned to India.
He described these recoveries as part of a wider effort to restore India’s cultural legacy and strengthen the country’s standing in global cultural discourse. According to him, protecting heritage was inseparable from national self-respect.
Festival’s Larger Message
Vijayadashami marks the triumph of good over evil and is observed through religious ceremonies and cultural events across India. Modi used the festival to connect its traditional symbolism with contemporary goals of unity, cultural pride and development.
He said India’s future depended on citizens and institutions accepting collective responsibility, preserving the country’s heritage and working towards shared national ambitions.