Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday referred to the upcoming ‘Maha Kumbh’ as the “mahakumbh of unity,” urging attendees to leave the grand religious gathering with a commitment to eliminate hate and division within society.
During his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, PM Modi emphasised, “Maha Kumbh ka sandesh ek ho pura desh (The message from the Maha Kumbh should be that the entire country must be united).”
Highlighting the diverse attendees expected at the event, which will take place in Prayagraj from January 13, he noted the unparalleled demonstration of unity in diversity that the Maha Kumbh represents. “Maha Kumbh’s specialty lies not just in its vastness but also in its diversity,” he remarked. This significant religious occasion occurs every 12 years.
PM Modi also announced that the next Republic Day will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s implementation, stating, “It is a matter of pride for the countrymen,” and reaffirming that the Constitution has endured every challenge. “It is our guiding light,” he remarked, crediting it as instrumental in his own journey in public life.
He announced the launch of constitution75.com, a website aimed at connecting citizens with the Constitution’s provisions and spirit.
His administration has faced criticism from opposition parties for perceived weakening of the Constitution, a claim the ruling party strongly refutes. PM Modi has consistently pointed to his government’s efforts to reinforce constitutional values, while accusing the main opposition party, Congress, of undermining the Constitution during their tenure.
The Prime Minister revealed that, for the first time, an AI chatbot will be utilized at the Maha Kumbh, providing digital navigation assistance to help attendees find various ghats, temples, and akharas. Information about the event will be accessible in 11 Indian languages via the chatbot.
Furthermore, PM Modi shared advancements in public health, citing a WHO report indicating an 80 percent reduction in malaria cases and deaths in India between 2015 and 2023, a significant achievement. He noted that malaria was once a critical issue in the tea gardens of Jorhat, Assam, but community engagement in combating the disease has led to substantial progress.
Additionally, he referenced a study from the medical journal Lancet that reported increased timely cancer treatment in India, attributing much of this to the ‘Ayushman Bharat Yojana.’ According to PM Modi, this initiative has enabled 90 percent of cancer patients to initiate treatment on time, alleviating financial barriers that previously discouraged poor patients from seeking diagnosis and care. He stressed the importance of awareness, action, and assurance in the fight against cancer.
On the subject of India’s creative industries, PM Modi pointed out the rising popularity of animation films, television series, and movies, highlighting their potential for global influence. With 2024 marking the centenary of several cinematic legends, including Raj Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi, he spoke of an impending opportunity to showcase India’s artistic talent.
He announced that the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES summit) will be held in India for the first time next year, positioning the country as a hub for global content creation and energizing efforts to achieve a USD 5 trillion economy.