The historic consecration
ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was not merely an event confined to the
Indian subcontinent, but its reverberations reached far and wide, sparking
discussions and celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the
religious rituals without hesitation, showcasing Indian culture on the world
stage. Since coming to power in 2014 and implementing welfare schemes, he has
consistently showcased India’s rich cultural treasure, emerging as a leader who
fervently promotes his country’s vibrant culture.
For a long time, Indian
politicians had been under the influence of the West, distancing themselves
from the country’s glorious Hindu culture. Narendra Modi, however, spearheaded
initiatives to project India’s rich customs and diverse cultural heritage, symbolic
gestures that establish his deep connection with Indian culture and its
traditions.
He resonates profoundly with the
common man, whether walking up to Kashi Vishwanath for blessings, participating
in Ganga Aarti, wearing a Rudraksha ‘Mala,’ taking a dip in the Ganges,
meditating at Kedarnath, or bathing with water from Rameswaram and Guruvayur
Kund before visiting Lord Ram. Modi identifies deeply with Hindu faith,
resonating his convictions and deep-rooted spiritual beliefs through these
rituals, igniting a surge of emotions in the common people.
During the Pranpratishtha
ceremony, people witnessed Modi reverently bowing before Lord Ram and applying
holy soil on his forehead. Even the saints were unable to hide their emotions,
evident in their tears. Modi consistently prioritizes India’s culture, not only
domestically but also abroad, aiming to eradicate traces of post-independence
cultural inferiority.
Under the pretext of so-called
secularism, certain marks, statues, and symbols of the Mughal and British were
left undisturbed for a long time. The restoration of places invaded by
foreigners, reminiscent of the Somnath temple, required attention. The government,
under Modi’s leadership, undertook the crucial task of preserving India’s rich
cultural heritage in the last nine years. Kashi and its surroundings
experienced rapid development, thanks to the completion of the Kashi Vishwanath
Corridor in Varanasi. This corridor allowed devotees to seek blessings from the
Kashi Vishweshwara temple, impressing foreign tourists with the beauty of
Varanasi and the cleanliness of the Ganges.
The 2,400-year-old Sharadapith in
Kashmir, established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, was opened for tourists
after almost seven decades, marking a significant cultural revival. The Modi
government also initiated steps to restore the Advait Kendra at Omkareshwar in
Madhya Pradesh to its former glory. The Mahakal Corridor in Ujjain stands as
another example of Modi government’s efforts to preserve India’s rich heritage.
Whenever he travels abroad, Prime
Minister Modi makes it a point to visit different religious places associated
with Indian culture, showcasing India’s diverse heritage. His government’s
efforts to get back the Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan during a period of
tension displayed its devotion towards the Sikh community.
The Modi government started a
practice of giving a copy of the Bhagavad Gita as a memento to leaders and
diplomatic officials of different countries visiting India. Modi’s efforts led
to the recognition of June 21 as ‘International Yoga Day,’ and his intent to
spread Ayurveda is commendable, with the establishment of the ‘Ayush
Mantralaya’ and a budgetary allocation of Rs 3,050 crore.
Efforts to reclaim India’s
treasures looted and taken abroad have been successful, bringing back nearly
235 items representing our rich cultural heritage. This showcases Modi’s pride
in India’s culture and heritage, underlining India’s rising influence in the
world.
The Modi government established
the historical and sacred ‘Sengol’ in the Parliament House, symbolizing the
transfer of power, a gesture reminiscent of the Chola dynasty. Emphasizing
Indian culture that promotes equality and peace, the government has consistently
displayed India’s rich heritage on the world stage, reclaiming and celebrating
it proudly. Unfortunately, the Congress leaders, who ruled the country for
several years, subtly instilled a sense of cultural inferiority in the Indian
psyche, but the Modi government has successfully reclaimed and celebrated
India’s rich heritage globally.
(Article
Pre-Published in Times of India -29 January 2024)
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