Lord Rama inspires to create new India by 2022, says PM Modi on Dussehra

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Dussehra, said that Lord Rama’s victory should inspire every Indian to create a new India by 2022. He urged every countrymen to resolve to contribute to the country's prosperity.

"This day makes us recall the victory of good over evil. The burning of Ravana is a ritual which makes us recall the victory of ethics over unethics. Festivals like Dussehra should not be seen as mere source of entertainment but should also become an ambition and resolve to do something. Our festivals are the key to cultural ethos," said PM Modi in Dussehra celebrations at Delhi's Red Fort Ground.

"Our festivals are associated with farming, rivers, mountains, history and of course with our cultural traditions. They are a means of societal training as they enhance social bonding and sensitivity, keep the societal values alive and teach to continuously strive to do away with evils," Modi added.

Modi said that thousands of years have passed but the lore of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna keep inspiring humankind even today.

He said that in his conquest of Lanka -- whose kind Ravana had abducted his wife Sita, according to Ramayana -- Lord Rama mobilised every section of society, from human beings to animals.

"Burning of Ravana is a part of tradition, but as a citizen we will also have to strive to end the streak of evil (Ravana pravratti) in the society," he said.

"After defeating Ravana, Lord Rama continued to serve the society with humility. Today let us resolve as a citizen of India to give a positive contribution towards the nation by 2022, to make India of the dreams of our great freedom fighters. Let us make a resolve like Lord Rama," Modi said.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and former PM Manmohan Singh along with other dignitaries marked their presence in Vijaya Dashami celebrations.

PM Modi, Ram Nath Kovind and Venkaiah Naidu also performed aarti during the celebrations.

Appealing the nation to incorporate the moral teachings which Lord Rama has left behind for the people Ram Nath Kovind said one should always strive to beat the evil by our own good.

"All our actions should be weighed by the ethics and morality involved," said Kovind.

Ram Nath said that Lord Ram should be part of our life not just as a celebration, but as a guiding light.

"We need the principles of Lord Ram to defeat the evils of society, which includes poverty," said the President.

To symbolise the victory of good over evil, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarn and Meghnad were burnt at Delhi's Red Fort ground.