'Anti-nationals Trying to Divide Society for Vested Interests,' Says PM
Ahmedabad, November 11: In a strong warning against the forces trying to divide society through their vested interests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to citizens to unite and defeat them in order to secure India's development. Speaking via video conferencing from a virtual address at Shree Swaminarayan Temple's 200th anniversary celebration in Vadtal, Gujarat, PM said that a united nation is paramount to India becoming a developed country by 2047.
"Unity among citizens and integrity of the nation are crucial for making India a developed nation. Unfortunately, some people are dividing our society along caste, religious, linguistic, men-women, village-city lines due to their vested interests or narrow-mindedness," Modi said in his address.
Modi emphasized that overcoming this challenge requires an understanding of the intentions behind their actions and a collective effort to defeat these forces, which he termed 'anti-nationals'.
Also Read: India to Host Kumbh Mela Again after 12 Years; UNESCO Declares it as Intangible Cultural Heritage
The PM also talked about his association with Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and shared his experience. He expressed hope that an overwhelming number of skilled Indian youth will come forward in the future.
Modi further discussed the importance of preserving India's cultural heritage, stressing that his government is committed to the mantra of 'Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi' (development along with preservation).
The Prime Minister urged devotees at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple event to spread awareness about the upcoming Kumbh Mela and encourage foreigners to understand its significance. He encouraged each temple worldwide to bring 100 foreign visitors to the 2024 Kumbh Mela.
As the country moves forward, there is a pressing need for citizens to come together and support a strong nation-building process with unity and integrity at its core, the PM said while virtually addressing devotees on this significant occasion.