NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the just-concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, and said the gathering of millions, just like the consecration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, marked the awakening of India’s national consciousness as well as a rebuttal of doubts about the nation’s collective strength.
He said the auspicious, once-in-a-generation occasion turned into a symbol of India’s rising strength and a celebration of unity. “Shedding personal egos, people embraced the spirit of ‘wayam’ (the collective We), rather than ‘mai’ (the individual I). People from diverse states became a part of the sacred Triveni,” he said.
Immediately after the PM finished his speech, leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi got up to speak but was denied permission by Speaker Om Birla, triggering protest by the opposition, which also pointed out that Modi had “failed” to mention the stampede during the event.
Modi said if consecration of Ram Mandir last year underlined that the country was ready for the new millennium, Maha Kumbh reinforced the national self-assurance.
“Just a year later, the successful organisation of Maha Kumbh has deepened this conviction. Such moments have historically shaped generations – be it the spiritual surge of the Bhakti movement, Swami Vivekananda’s stirring Chicago address over a century ago, or the turning points of our freedom struggle: the Revolt of 1857, Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s ‘Delhi Chalo’ and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March,” the PM said.
“These events awakened the nation and charted its course. The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh stands as another such milestone, reflecting an awakened India,” he added.
The PM saluted the millions of citizens whose efforts made the event a resounding success. “I commend the govt, society, and all dedicated workers, while extending gratitude to devotees nationwide, the people of Uttar Pradesh, and especially the residents of Prayagraj,” he said.
Recalling the epic tale of how Ganga reached the earth, Modi said it demanded an extraordinary effort, and a similar resolve shone through in Maha Kumbh’s organisation. “From the Red Fort, I had stressed ‘Sabka Prayas’ – collective endeavour – and the world witnessed Bharat’s vastness through this event. Maha Kumbh was a people’s celebration, fuelled by the devotion of the masses,” he added.
Recalling his recent trip to Mauritius, he said, “This spirit transcended borders too. In Mauritius, I carried sacred water from Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam. The atmosphere of devotion and celebration was profound when offered at the Ganga pond there, underscoring how our traditions resonate globally.”