Identify those who promote caste discrimination for 'self-interest': PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi today invoked Sant Ravidas, a mystic poet of the Bhakti Movement, on his birth anniversary to urge people to end caste discrimination and identify those who promote it for "self-interest". Modi said caste discrimination is an impediment in achieving social harmony. "Guruji (Sant Ravidas) had said that there should be no discrimination on the basis of caste," he said. Here's more.
Till caste discrimination is there, equality cannot be ensured: Modi
"Till caste discrimination is there, people cannot connect with each other, social harmony is not possible and equality cannot be ensured," the prime minister said. "Identify those who for their self-interest, create caste discrimination and promote it," he asked people, without taking any names.
Ravidas belonged to Bhakti Movement of 15th and 16th century
The prime minister was addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of Ravidas Janmasthali area development project in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Sant Ravidas belonged to the Bhakti Movement of the 15th and 16th century. Born in Varanasi, his hymns and poems often revolved around his low social position. His devotional songs were also included in Sikh scriptures.
My government focused on panchdharma irrespective of caste, creed: Modi
Praising Ravidas, Modi said, "He dreamt of a society where all are taken care of. We have tried to follow this tenet during the past 4.5 years with 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' (together, development for all)." My government focused on panchdharma: education, income, medicine, irrigation and addressing public grievances irrespective of caste, creed and other factors, said the prime minister.
PM Modi also flagged off first electric locomotive in Varanasi
"Unfortunately, caste discrimination could not be removed till now. The New India will witness this change with help of youth," Modi said, referring to his vision of the country in the 21st Century. At the Diesel Locomotives Works in Varanasi, the prime minister also flagged off the first electric locomotive converted from a diesel engine in the country. He also inspected it from inside.
Government tried to change the 'chalta hai' mentality: PM Modi
Railway officials informed that the work on the project began on December 22, 2017. Modi said honesty leads to happiness. He said, "We tried to follow this (idea)" and acted against 'benami' properties and black money." "'Chalta hai' mentality had crept in the society, my government tried to change it," he asserted. It's his second visit to his Lok Sabha constituency within a month.
Modi also talked about schemes his government has implemented
The prime minister also detailed the development and welfare works his government had undertaken. He cited government schemes to provide free LPG gas cylinders and power connections, insurance of up to Rs. 5L/family annually under the ambitious Ayushman Bharat and guarantee-free loans under Mudra Yojana.
CM Yogi Adityanath praised PM Modi, called him 'kashi putra'
Modi mentioned the rebate being provided to individual taxpayers for income up to Rs. 5 lakh in the Interim Budget, saying, "Those who looted public money are being brought to book and honest people are being honored." UP CM Yogi Adityanath praised Modi by calling him "kashi putra" (son of Varanasi). He said the PM ensured development projects are undertaken across India without discrimination.
