New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged citizens, institutions and political parties to stand united against forces that divide society and seek to harm the nation’s honour, describing Dussehra as a celebration of the victory of righteousness over evil.
Addressing Dussehra celebrations at IP Extension in the national capital, the Prime Minister said the festival of Vijaya Dashami marks the triumph of good over evil and reminds the country of the enduring strength of truth and righteousness. He emphasised that all institutions of the nation and all political parties must remain united in the national interest, and that people must stand together to confront those who act against the country.
Mr. Modi identified as enemies of the nation those who seek to harm India’s honour, divide society and harbour hatred for Indian culture. He said the country should reaffirm its resolve to identify such forces and defeat them. The remarks were made against the backdrop of Dussehra, which is observed across the country as the culmination of the nine-day festival of Navratri and is traditionally associated with the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana.
Referring to the epic narrative of Lord Ram, the Prime Minister noted that the deity faced many difficulties in his life yet always stood by truth and principles. He said Lord Ram’s life story conveys a message of compassion, love and brotherhood. Linking the festival’s theme to contemporary governance, Mr. Modi stated that his government also seeks to bring Ram Rajya through good governance as the nation moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.
Separately, President Droupadi Murmu graced Dussehra celebrations at Dwarka in Delhi in the evening and extended her greetings to the nation. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that through Ram Leelas organised across the world, many people remember the principles and values associated with Lord Ram. She added that people can learn the importance of conservation of the environment and nature through Lord Ram’s life. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was present at the Dwarka event.
The twin events in the national capital formed part of wider Dussehra observances held across the country on Wednesday. The festival is marked by the burning of effigies of Ravana and the staging of Ram Leelas in towns and cities, traditions that reaffirm the cultural narrative of the victory of dharma over adharma. Political leaders routinely participate in such public celebrations, using the occasion to address large gatherings on themes of national unity and cultural continuity.
Mr. Modi’s address at IP Extension focused on the need for cohesion among institutions and political parties at a time when the country is pursuing the long-term objective of becoming a developed nation. His reference to Ram Rajya framed good governance as an expression of the values of truth, righteousness and social harmony associated with the festival. The call to identify and confront forces that divide society and undermine national honour was presented as a necessary reaffirmation of collective resolve on the day that symbolises the defeat of evil.
President Murmu’s remarks at Dwarka complemented the Prime Minister’s message by highlighting the global reach of Ram Leela performances and the environmental lessons that can be drawn from the life of Lord Ram. Her presence, along with that of the Delhi Chief Minister, underscored the participation of the highest constitutional offices in the capital’s Dussehra celebrations.
Across the country, the day was observed with the traditional burning of Ravana effigies, processions and cultural programmes. The messages delivered in Delhi placed particular emphasis on unity, the rejection of divisive elements, and the aspiration of building a developed India through good governance, themes that the Prime Minister linked directly to the spirit of Vijaya Dashami.
