Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a veiled dig at the Nehru-Gandhi family , saying that previous Congress-led governments had concentrated recognition around one family while ignoring several national icons.
While addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, PM Modi said that leaders who made significant contributions to the nation were not given due respect when the Congress was in power.
“After independence, a tendency to connect all the good work that took place in India to the same family emerged. Whether it be books, government schemes, government institutions, streets, roads, or squares, it was all connected to the pride of one family,” he said.
PM Modi said the towering statues of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee are as magnificent as the inspiration they provide. The Rashtra Prerna Sthal was inaugarated on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was MP from Lucknow.
"A little while ago, I had the privilege of inaugurating the Rashtra Prerna Sthal. This centre of national inspiration represents the vision that has guided India on the path of self-respect, unity and service. Rashtra Prerna Sthal gives us the message that every step, every stride, every effort of ours should be dedicated to nation-building. The collective efforts of all will fulfil the resolve of Viksit Bharat. I congratulate Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and the entire country on this modern place of inspiration," he said.
PM Modi said that December 25 is also the birth anniversary of Maharaja Bijli Pasi.
"It is also a coincidence that Atal Ji himself issued a postage stamp in honour of Maharaja Bijli Pasi in the year 2000. On this auspicious day, I respectfully pay my tributes to Malaviya Ji, Atal Ji, and Maharaja Bijli Pasi," he said.
The Prime Minister also greeted people on Christmas. "Today, the land of Lucknow is witnessing a new inspiration. I extend Christmas greetings to the country and the world. Millions of Christian families in India are celebrating the festival today. We all wish that the spirit of Christmas brings happiness into everyone's life," he said.
He said "sabka prayas" (everyone's effort) will realise the resolve of a Viksit Bharat.
According to the PM, Rashtra Prerna Sthal will serve as a tribute to the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of one of India's most revered statesmen, whose leadership left a profound impact on the nation's democratic, political, and developmental journey.
(With PTI inputs)
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