Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on citizens to uphold their Constitutional duties, emphasising that these responsibilities form the base of a strong democracy. In a letter released on Constitution Day, he also encouraged schools and colleges to acknowledge and celebrate first-time voters turning 18.

PM Modi highlights importance of duties and democratic participation

In his message, the prime minister underlined Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that rights emerge from the fulfilment of duties. He stressed that performing one’s duties contributes to the nation’s social and economic advancement.

PM Modi further underscored that the decisions taken in the present will shape the lives of coming generations, reiterating the vision of building a Viksit Bharat. He urged citizens to prioritise their duties while exercising their right to vote as part of strengthening democracy.

He also paid tribute to the makers of the Constitution, noting that their foresight continues to inspire India’s developmental journey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation during the grand flag-hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, marking a significant milestone as the main construction of the temple reaches completion. Speaking at the historic event, he said that centuries-old wounds were healing with the fulfilment of a 500-year-old resolve.

PM Modi highlights symbolic significance of the Ram Mandir flag

During his address, the Prime Minister said the new saffron flag was not just a religious emblem but a symbol of India’s civilisational rejuvenation. He added that the presence of the Sun symbol, the word ‘Om’, and the Kovidara tree on the Dharm Dhwaja represented the ideals of Ram Rajya.

The Prime Minister said the flag embodied the long struggle, commitment, and resilience of generations, and would stand for the values of Lord Ram for “thousands of centuries”.

Call for unity, harmony and a developed India by 2047

PM Modi emphasised that Lord Ram does not discriminate, and India too must move forward with the same spirit. Outlining his vision, he said the nation must ensure a fully developed India by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of Independence.

He urged citizens visiting Ayodhya to explore the Sapt Mandapam at the temple premises, describing it as a space reinforcing values of faith, duty, friendship and social harmony.

The Prime Minister reiterated that India must free itself from the “mentality of slavery”, pointing out that although the country attained independence decades ago, a sense of inferiority imposed by colonial influence lingered. He stated that India is the “mother of democracy”, and democratic values are deeply rooted in its civilisational ethos.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday made a major statement in the state Assembly, asserting that singer Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore was “not an accident” but a “murder”. Garg had passed away on September 19 after drowning while swimming in the sea in Singapore.

During an adjournment motion moved by the opposition to discuss the circumstances of Garg’s death, the Chief Minister clarified that while the incident was not linked to culpable homicide or a criminal conspiracy, it should be viewed as a case of plain murder. Sarma’s remarks have added a significant twist to the controversy surrounding the sudden demise of the iconic Assamese singer.