Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Dussehra celebrations in Delhi, saying Vijayadashami marks the victory of good over evil and reminds the nation of the enduring strength of truth and justice. He said serving the poor and people on the margins should remain a key priority.
Referring to Lord Rama, Modi said generations in India have revered him for the ideals he represents. He noted that Rama faced many hardships but never abandoned the path of truth and principles.
Modi said Rama’s life offers a lesson for the present: even in major crises and daunting challenges, people should not depend on others but recognise their own strength, rely on their resources, turn resolve into power and create solutions through hard work. He added that in the idea of “Ram Rajya”, there is no discrimination and everyone is entitled to equal justice and opportunity.
He reiterated the goals of a developed India and a self-reliant Bharat, and said those who tarnish the country’s honour are enemies of the nation and must be identified and defeated. Modi also said the purpose of power is not to rule, but to ensure public welfare—an ideal he linked to Rama’s vision.
