Identify, defeat forces against India: Modi calls for unity, self-reliance

NEW DELHI: Calling for a united fight against forces seeking to divide society, undermine India's dignity and attack its culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged all political parties and national institutions to put the country first. Stressing that national self-respect and faith in one's own strength were essential for progress, he said India must protect its cultural identity while building the capabilities to overcome challenges without depending on others.“We must identify the enemies of Mother India. We must defeat them,” Modi said at the Vijayadashami celebrations in east Delhi. “The forces that hurt the honour and dignity of the country, the people who divide society, the mentality of those who hate our culture — these are the enemies of the country.”Quoting a Vedic verse, Modi said all institutions and political parties must stand together in the national interest. “We must fight the enemies of the country together,” he said, calling for a collective commitment to “Nation First”.His remarks came hours after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking in Nagpur, cited political upheavals in France, Albania, Nepal and Bangladesh while warning against attempts to bring about regime change in India. Bhagwat also cautioned against protests becoming political tools and urged both authorities and protesters to remain within constitutional limits.Linking national progress to cultural identity, Modi said, “A nation progresses only when it has a sense of self-respect,” adding that heritage played an important role in building that confidence.He said India's cultural treasures had been looted and taken abroad for centuries, but efforts were now underway to restore them. Over 650 ancient idols had been brought back in the past 12 years, he said, also highlighting UNESCO recognition for Indian heritage sites and Diwali.Drawing lessons from Lord Ram's life, Modi stressed self-reliance. Despite the ocean separating him from Lanka, Ram mobilised collective strength, brought together available resources and achieved what appeared impossible.“We must not sit relying on others. We must recognise our own strength. We must have faith in our own resources,” he said, linking the message to the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.Describing Vijayadashami as the victory of truth over falsehood, Modi also recalled Ram embracing Nishad Raj and honouring Shabari as examples of compassion and inclusion.He said Ram Rajya represented governance without discrimination, where everyone received justice and equal opportunities. “The objective of power is not to rule, but public welfare,” he said, urging service to the poor and deprived.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.