Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and the reconstruction of cultural symbols in India’s journey towards independence. Speaking at the inauguration of the SwarVed Mahamandir in Varanasi, PM Modi called for Indians to take pride in their rich heritage.
The work which started from Somnath has now become a campaign, Prime Minister Modi stated, highlighting the significance of reconstructing India’s cultural symbols after gaining independence. He emphasized that these symbols were the target of tyrants during the period of slavery.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi remarked on the grandeur of Vishwanath Dham in Kashi, which represents India’s enduring glory. He also mentioned the development of Kedarnath Dham and the immortality showcased by Mahakaal Mahalok. PM Modi stressed that respecting cultural identity would have strengthened unity and self-respect within the country.
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency, holds immense importance in India’s art and cultural heritage. PM Modi credited the city as the birthplace of new knowledge, research, and enterprise, where values have flowed continuously to benefit the world.
Later in the day, PM Modi participated in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Sewapuri, interacting with beneficiaries of government schemes and witnessing live sports events by participants of Kashi Sansad Khel Pratiyogita 2023.
Over the past nine years, PM Modi has focused on transforming Varanasi’s landscape and improving the quality of life for its residents. During his visit, he dedicated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth approximately Rs. 19,150 crore.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Nagar-New Bhaupur Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, the Ballia-Ghazipur City rail line doubling project, and the Indara-Dohrighat rail line gauge conversion project, among others. He flagged off the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express train and witnessed the inauguration of the 10,000th locomotive made by Banaras Locomotive Works.
Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the Shivpur-Phulwaria-Lahartara road, two road overbridges, the Sangam Ghat road in Kaithi village, and the construction of residential buildings in Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hospital. He also inaugurated multi-storey barrack buildings in Police line and PAC Bhullanpur to cater for the housing needs of police personnel.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Varanasi demonstrates his commitment to the city’s development and the well-being of its people. The various projects he inaugurated and dedicated aim to enhance transportation, ease traffic congestion, and improve infrastructure, contributing to the overall growth of Varanasi.
PM Modi’s emphasis on preserving cultural symbols and heritage serves as a reminder of India’s rich past and its potential for a prosperous future. By celebrating and reconstructing these symbols, India can promote a sense of unity, self-respect, and national pride for its citizens.
