Sadbhavana scene was created at Gujarat’s capital Gadhinagar as Chief Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan festival with over 5,000 females belonging to various communities and different parts of country. Even a few expatriate women also tied rakhi on his hand.
Right from the early morning on Tuesday at Modi’s official residence, there was a long queue of women including BJP women workers. However, presence of Muslim women dressed in traditional Islamic attire drew attention of the visitors. Females in his Cabinet including Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel, Minister of State Vasuben Trivedi also tied rakhi. Besides, Ahmedabad Mayor Minakshi Patel, female MlAs and councilors also celebrated festival with him.
“I have experienced that while serving the society and the nation I am protected by the kavach (cover) of strength given by the women of India. Due to this I can overcome various challenges. Also I am inspired to serve the poorest of the poor, the marginalised. I extend my gratitude to the women of India,” said Modi.
Speaking about the significance of the festival, the Chief Minister said that the role of women in it has been crucial since ages in safeguarding India’s culture. “Empowering the women, which makes about 50 per cent of our population, is must if we want to make India a prosperous country”, he said.
Expressing concern over attacks by Pakistan on Indian jawans, Chief Minister Modi appealed the women to show motherly and sisterly affection towards India’s jawans and to protect them with such kavach. “This festival celebrates the everlasting bond between a sister and brother and epitomises social harmony as well as Rashtra shakti”, he said.