Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for a departure from the mentality of subservience and encouraged the nation to take pride in its rich traditions.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of Gita Press’ centenary celebrations, Modi described his trip to Gorakhpur as a shining example of his Government’s commitment to combining development with heritage. The visit encompassed a tour of Gita Press and the inauguration of modern trains, emphasising the harmonious coexistence of progress and tradition.
During his address, Modi expressed his optimism that the centuries-old dream of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya would soon become a reality.
He highlighted the significance of the redesigned Navy insignia, inspired by the flag of Chhatrapati Shivaji, a revered Maratha ruler. Articulating the need to shed the symbols of slavery lingering even after 75 years of Independence, Modi emphasised the importance of reclaiming India’s heritage and traditions.
“It is time to overcome the mentality of slavery and be proud of our heritage”, he said.
Pointing out that his Government awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize to the Gita press, Modi said Gita Press has 1,600 publications in 15 languages and it propagates the concept of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” among people.
“The office of Gita Press is no less than a temple for crores of people. There is Gita in its name, as well as in its work. The spiritual light that was ignited here in the form of Gita Press in 1923 is guiding humanity today. It is our good fortune that we all are witnessing the golden century of this humanitarian mission,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said an institution like Gita Press is not only associated with religion and work but also has a “national character”.
“Gita Press connects India and strengthens India’s solidarity. It is such an institution which has always enriched social values and shown the path of duty to people,” the Prime Minister said adding Gita Press is the world’s only printing press that is not just an organisation but a living faith.
“Today, we are building world-class infrastructure and at the same time, we are witnessing the potential of pilgrimages like Kedarnath and Mahakal. After centuries, the dream of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is also going to be fulfilled,” he add
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commended the PM for elevating India’s global stature during his speech, acknowledging his exceptional leadership.
Modi further underscored the invaluable contributions of Gita Press, the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious textbooks. He shared that Mahatma Gandhi had been associated with the organization and had urged Gita Press not to accept advertisements for Kalyan magazine-an advice that continues to be followed today.
Turning his attention to the immensely popular Vande Bharat trains, the PM acknowledged the overwhelming demand for their services. He revealed, “Earlier, leaders used to write about getting trains to halt in their areas. Now, I receive letters from every corner of the country requesting the operation of Vande Bharat trains.”
Modi went on to highlight the convenience and facilities that these trains have brought to the middle-class citizens.
The PM also flagged off the Gorakhpur-Lucknow and Jodhpur-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati) Vande Bharat Express trains. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone of the Rs 498-crore Gorakhpur railway station redevelopment project, further emphasizing the Government’s commitment to modern infrastructure.
Modi also reflected on the broader vision of building world-class infrastructure while celebrating the spiritual potential of revered pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath and Mahakal. With the imminent realization of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, he emphasized that India is poised to fulfill its historical aspirations.
