Bid to tarnish India's image: PM Modi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 20

Noting that attempts are being made to tarnish India’s global image, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said this could not be brushed under the carpet by saying this was just politics, as it was a question of the country’s reputation.

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Delivering the keynote address through video-conferencing at a function organised by Brahma Kumaris to launch “Azadi ke Amrit Mahotsav se Swarnim Bharat ke ore”, Modi noted that one’s progress was aligned with the nation’s progress and stressed the need to give importance to one’s duties for the country’s rise.

Malaise afflicted us all

We have to admit that in the 75 years after Independence, a malaise has afflicted our society, our nation and us all. The malaise is that we turned away from our duties and did not give them primacy. —Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

The PM also made a detailed account on the role Brahma Kumaris and other international bodies can play in countering anti-India propaganda. “You should ensure that correct information is being conveyed to people in different countries. Fighting rumours, which are being spread against India, is a responsibility that lies with all of us,” he said.

Though he did not specify or allude to any particular incident, PM Modi had sent a similar message on October 12 last year while addressing the 28th foundation day ceremony of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). He had urged people “not to be selective while raising issues pertaining to human rights”.

Asserting that an India was emerging whose thinking and approach were new and decisions progressive, PM Modi said a system was being created in which there was no place for any discrimination.

“We also have to admit that in the 75 years after Independence, a malaise has afflicted our society, our nation and us all. The malaise is that we turned away from our duties and did not give them primacy,” he said while launching year-long initiatives by the Brahma Kumaris, which include more than 30 campaigns and over 15,000 programmes and events.

“The coming 25 years are of hard work, sacrifice, austerity and penance,” he said, adding that, “This period is one to get back what our society has lost in hundreds of years of slavery.”

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