Lucknow: Amidst Jai Shri Ram Chants, Modi Talks Tough on Terror
This is the PM’s first public address after the surgical strikes.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about terrorism and gender bias in his speech at Aishbagh Ram Leela in Lucknow
This is the first time an Indian Prime Minister celebrated Dussehra outside Delhi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav skipped the celebrations
Modi Celebrates Dussehra in Lucknow
In what was the first for any Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi attended the Dussehra day celebrations in UP’s capital, Lucknow. He also addressed the gathered crowd at the historic Aishbagh Ramlila maidan.
While the BJP denied any political motive behind Modi’s move, the opposition questioned the special visit of the PM ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in 2017 in UP.
This event was also important as it was the first time after the surgical strikes that Modi addressed a crowd.
Ramayana is Witness to the First Fight Against Terrorism
Speaking on the importance of the festival, which signifies the victory of good over evil, Modi said:
He added that the world needs to unite against terrorism as it has no boundaries. “If a country of 1.25 crore keep an eye on every terrorist activity, they will never succeed,” he said.
Modi likened social issues like filth, poverty and illiteracy to the metaphor of Ravana, saying that with burning the effigy of Ravana each year, we should also burn and root out these evils.
He further urged all present to try and get rid of the evil wherever possible, and even if they can’t be Ram, they should work towards becoming Jataayu.
‘Need to Treat Every Girl Child Like Sita’
Observing that women have left a mark in every area, Modi speaking at the event said there is need for working collectively against gender bias and treat every girl child like Sita.
He also reminded the crowd that while the country celebrates Vijaydashami, the rest of the world was celebrating International Day of the Girl Child.
PM Modi Reaches Aishbagh Ramlila Maidan, Does Aarti
In visuals high on symbolism, Modi reaches the Ramlila Maidan and is seen holding Hanuman’s “Gada” and then firing the proverbial arrow at Ravana to kick off the proceedings.
The Prime Minister is flanked by Rajnath Singh and the state’s governor, Ram Naik at the stage.
Rajnath Addresses Crowds, Thanks Narendra Modi for Surgical Strikes
Rajnath Singh addresses the crowds gathered at the Ramlila Maidan in Lucknow, thanks Modi for his visit.
In an apparent reference to the surgical strikes across the LoC, the Home Minister thanked the Prime Minister for raising the nation’s head high with his strong actions.
PM Modi Reaches Lucknow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport in Lucknow to attend Dussehra Mahotsav at the iconic Aishbagh Ramleela Ground.
The Prime Minister as per official protocol was received by CM Akhilesh Yadav.
‘Avengers of Uri’
In the wake of the surgical strikes carried out by India inside Pakistani territory, Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, is being used by the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh wing to help their own case in a state where they are expected to be trumped — albeit narrowly — by regional parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party.
BJP cadres in UP are leaving no stone unturned to milk the heroics of the Army. At the Aishbagh Ramlila Maidan, grand posters of the Prime Minister, along with Rajnath Singh and local BJP leaders, have been erected “welcoming the avengers of Uri”.
Dussehra Celebrations at Aishbagh Maidan Dates Back to the 16th Century
Dussehra celebrations at Aishbagh Ramlila dates back to the 16th century. The organisers say Tulsidas started the Ramlila as he thought that translating the Ramcharitramanas into Hindi and Awadhi was not enough.
He decided tonarrate the tale to people through visuals and handed over the responsibility to the local saints and seers before leaving for his travels, Mr. Agarwal said.
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