New Delhi, Oct 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended Dussehra celebrations at DDA ground in Delhi’s Dwarka where he urged citizens to take 10 pledges including uplifting the socio-economic status of at least one poor family.

 

 

The Prime Minister was given a traditional welcome by organisers on the dais at the venue, as a sea of crowd waited eagerly to watch ‘Lanka Dahan’. He began his speech with chants of “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai’ and wished citizens a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami.

 

 

Speaking at the Dussehra event in Delhi's Dwarka on Tuesday, PM Modi said the under-construction Ram temple at Ayodhya would be completed in a few months, marking the victory of people's patience. "Bhagwan Shri Ram bas aane hi wale hain [Bhagwan Ram's arrival is imminent]," he said, "We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ram Navami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world."

 

 

In a swipe at the Opposition parties, the PM said that the day of Vijaya Dashami should also mark the burning of those forces that try to 'divide' the country in the name of casteism and regionalism. "We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those forces that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism."

 

His remarks came when, emboldened by the Bihar caste survey, the Congress-led Opposition is raising the pitch for a nationwide caste census for a rejig of caste-based reservation in government jobs and higher education. It has made it a major election issue in the upcoming assembly polls and plans to make it a major poll plank for the 2024 parliamentary election.

 

 

PM Modi also said, “We know the knowledge of Gita and also building INS Vikrant and Tejas. We know “maryada” of Shri Ram and also how to protect our borders.” Referring to the tradition of “shastra pooja” (worshipping weapons) tradition on this day, the Prime Minister said weapons in India are not used for annexation but for the defence of one’s territory.

 

 

PM Modi urged citizens to take 10 resolutions on Dussehra this year. These 10 pledges include water conservation, encouraging digital transactions, maintaining cleanliness in your surroundings, being Vocal For Local and buying Made in India products, doing quality work, visiting India first then only visit a foreign country, encouraging natural farming, including superfood millets in daily diet, prioritising fitness in life and include yoga and sports, and become a member of a poor family to uplift their social and economic status.

 

 

PM Modi said the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is happening amid many "auspicious developments" as he cited ISRO's successful lunar mission, the inauguration of the new Parliament building, and the enactment of women's reservation law.