The auspicious festival of Vijayadashami is being celebrated with immense enthusiasm across the country as effigies of Ravana go up in flames at various locations. Joining the celebrations in Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu took part in an event at Dwarka Sector-10, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Dussehra festivities in IP Extension, East Delhi. During these gatherings, top leaders invoked the ideals of Lord Rama, stressing the importance of equality, inclusivity, and public welfare in society. While President Murmu expressed delight at the nation progressing along the path of equality, Prime Minister Modi underlined the core principles of good governance.
President Murmu performs symbolic effigy burning in Dwarka
President Droupadi Murmu visited the Shri Ram Lila Committee grounds in Dwarka Sector-10 to participate in the Dussehra celebrations. During the event, she performed a symbolic burning of the effigy of Ravana by releasing an arrow. Addressing the gathering, she noted that through Ramlilas organised at numerous places across the country and abroad, millions of people remember the great ideals of the Ram Katha. She highlighted that India's grand tradition of respecting nature is also reflected in the Constitution, which includes the fundamental duty of citizens to protect and conserve forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. She expressed immense happiness in seeing that modern India is advancing in alignment with the ideals of equality and inclusivity depicted in the epic. Further details of the event can be seen in a post shared on X.
Prime Minister Modi addresses gathering in East Delhi
Participating in the Dussehra celebrations at IP Extension, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended festive greetings to citizens and bowed before Lord Rama, Maa Janaki, and Bajrangbali. He stated that every corner of the country is immersed in devotion today as Ramlilas are staged everywhere. He remarked that these traditions keep the ideals of Lord Rama alive while proclaiming the end of terror and tyranny alongside an unshakable belief in the ultimate victory of truth, noting that these are not merely festivals but the vital life force of India. Visuals and updates from the event were shared via a post on X.
Prioritising public service and good governance
The Prime Minister further elaborated that for thousands of years, the country's culture and ancestors have revered Lord Rama not simply because he vanquished the demon king Ravana, but because his ideals remain unparalleled in human history. Defining Rama Rajya, he explained it as a form of governance free from discrimination, where everyone receives justice and equal opportunities, and where the purpose of power is public welfare rather than mere ruling. He urged everyone to treat citizens as manifestations of the divine and keep the service of the poor and underprivileged at the very top.
Overcoming impossible challenges through collective strength
Stressing self-reliance during crises, the Prime Minister stated that no matter how severe the challenge or how big the obstacle, people should never depend entirely on others. He urged citizens to recognise their own capabilities, trust available resources, and turn their resolve into strength to find solutions through hard work. He recalled how Lord Rama demonstrated that difficulties along the way cannot halt a journey, noting that with an unyielding resolve despite a vast ocean and a distant Lanka, the collective strength of the people was harnessed to make the seemingly impossible achievable.
Restoring stolen cultural heritage
Highlighting the recovery of national treasures, the Prime Minister stated that for centuries, the nation's heritage was looted and taken abroad, but today those priceless artifacts are being brought back. He noted that over the last 12 years, more than 650 ancient idols have been successfully returned to India, helping the country earn a renewed global identity for its cultural centers. He added that the festival imparts the courage that no matter how formidable an adversary may be, standing on the side of truth and humanity ultimately brings victory.
A call to stand united against national threats
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister called for national unity, stating that all institutions of the nation and political parties must stand together for the supreme interest of the country. He warned that forces seeking to divide society, elements harming the nation, and mentalities that harbour hatred towards the culture are the real enemies of the country, and they must be combated collectively. Further remarks on this were highlighted in a post on X.
