NEW DELHI: PM Modi asserted that his government is committed to freeing the nation from the colonial mindset and advancing it with equal emphasis on development and heritage , while safeguarding the enduring vitality of Indian languages . He was addressing the centenary celebrations of Jain saint Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj at Vigyan Bhawan on Saturday. "We are promoting mother tongues in higher education. And that is why I said from the Red Fort that we must free the country from the mentality of colonialism. We must move forward with development and heritage together," he said countering opposition from some states to the Centre's three-language formula and accusation of Hindi imposition.
Modi highlighted the govt's recent recognition of Prakrit as a classical language in Oct 2024, alongside efforts to digitise ancient Jain scriptures and promote mother tongues in higher education.
On the occasion, the PM was conferred with the title of ' Dharma Chakravarti ', to which he said, "I do not consider myself worthy of it, but our tradition teaches us to accept what is given by saints as prasad. Therefore, I humbly accept this prasad of yours and dedicate it at the feet of Mother India." he also referred to the preceding speech of a Jain seer, noting that he was blessing " Operation Sindoor ".
PM's mere mention of "Jo humein chhedega (those who trouble us)" brought massive cheers from the audience, but he did not dwell any further on the issue. Before Modi's address, Acharya Pragya Sagar Maharaj endorsed "Operation Sindoor", saying the PM demonstrated unprecedented leadership, conveying the message that India doesn't believe in conflicts but is capable of giving a befitting reply in case someone throws a challenge.
Modi said Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj used to say, "life can become imbued with dharma only when life itself becomes service." "This thought is connected to the essence of Jain philosophy and India's consciousness. India prioritises service (and) humanity. When, for thousands of years, the world was trying to quell violence with violence, India taught the power of non-violence. We placed the spirit of serving humanity above all."
Modi highlighted the govt's recent recognition of Prakrit as a classical language in Oct 2024, alongside efforts to digitise ancient Jain scriptures and promote mother tongues in higher education.
On the occasion, the PM was conferred with the title of ' Dharma Chakravarti ', to which he said, "I do not consider myself worthy of it, but our tradition teaches us to accept what is given by saints as prasad. Therefore, I humbly accept this prasad of yours and dedicate it at the feet of Mother India." he also referred to the preceding speech of a Jain seer, noting that he was blessing " Operation Sindoor ".
PM's mere mention of "Jo humein chhedega (those who trouble us)" brought massive cheers from the audience, but he did not dwell any further on the issue. Before Modi's address, Acharya Pragya Sagar Maharaj endorsed "Operation Sindoor", saying the PM demonstrated unprecedented leadership, conveying the message that India doesn't believe in conflicts but is capable of giving a befitting reply in case someone throws a challenge.
Modi said Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj used to say, "life can become imbued with dharma only when life itself becomes service." "This thought is connected to the essence of Jain philosophy and India's consciousness. India prioritises service (and) humanity. When, for thousands of years, the world was trying to quell violence with violence, India taught the power of non-violence. We placed the spirit of serving humanity above all."
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