 Early Times Report
LUCKNOW, Nov 11: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday asserted that no sect, religion, or caste can ever be greater than the nation. "Our foremost goal must be Nation First. When the nation stands united, we all stand united," he said. The Chief Minister emphasized that opposition to Vande Mataram is, in essence, the biggest barrier to national unity. The Chief Minister was speaking after launching the Rashtriya Ekta Yatra in the Kursi Assembly constituency as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Bharat Ratna and Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He urged people to identify those who eagerly seek benefits from government schemes but refuse to sing Vande Mataram. "Such elements weaken the fabric of unity and must be rejected. Casteism, nepotism, regionalism, religious divisions, and the mindset that pits brother against brother or caste against caste have no place in a united India," he added.
On this occasion, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 254 development projects worth Rs 1,734 crore in Barabanki. He also distributed cheques and certificates to beneficiaries of various schemes and felicitated winners of different competitions. Prior to the program, he inspected several stalls showcasing local initiatives.
Speaking in a firm tone, CM Yogi said, "Even today, there are people who live and prosper in India but refuse to sing Vande Mataram. Recognize their intentions; those opposing Vande Mataram are, in truth, opposing Bharat Mata. This hymn is a tribute to the Motherland, an expression of heartfelt devotion. By worshipping the three divine forms - Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati, and Maa Lakshmi, we have drawn the strength to advance India and Indianness. Every citizen must contribute to strengthening nationalism by embracing Vande Mataram."
The Chief Minister said the song, voiced by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and sung by revolutionaries on their way to the gallows, embodies India's unity and integrity. "It is unfortunate that some still oppose this sacred song; such opposition has no place in our society," he stated.
CM Yogi noted that the present year holds special significance in shaping the vision of a New India. It marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man and architect of India's unity; the 150th year of Vande Mataram's composition; and the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who gave a distinct identity to India's tribal community. This year also commemorates 75 years of the Indian Constitution, presented to the Constituent Assembly by Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar on November 26, 1949. The year began with the Prayagraj Mahakumbh and will culminate with the saffron flag flying on the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya on November 25, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reflecting on India's history, the Chief Minister said that both the Mughal and British periods sought to break India's unity. "For thousands of years, India remained one, but foreign powers tried to divide it. The most painful division came on August 14, 1947, when the British partitioned the nation. Their intention was to leave India fragmented," he said. |
