New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the Dussehra celebrations at DDA Ground in Dwarka, New Delhi. He encouraged women empowerment and celebrating ‘Nari shakti’ on the occasion of Diwali.
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He also urged the people that as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's on his 150th birth anniversary they should take up the mission of not wasting food, conserving energy and water and avoiding single-use plastic.
He said in a country where goddesses are worshipped during Navratra, people should take the spirit forward by working towards furthering the empowerment of women as well as protecting their dignity.
Prime Minister Modi was speaking at a Dussehra event organised by Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society where giant effigies of demon king Ravana and those of Kumbhakarna and Meghanad were burnt, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
Greeting people on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi said India is a land of festivals. "Festivals are the life of our country. This Diwali we should felicitate our daughters who have achieved something or who have inspired others," he said.
Modi applied 'tilak' on the forehead of participants playing the role of Ram, Sita and Lakshman at the stage.
The 107-ft effigy of the demon king Ravana and those of Kumbhakarna and Meghanad were prepared with green crackers, said chairman of Dwarka Sri Ramleela Society Rajesh Gehlot.
The prime minister also hailed the valour of the Indian Air Force and asked people to especially remember it on its raising day like they pay respect to Lord Hanuman on Vijayadashami.
Modi said it was a coincidence that this year the two events are being celebrated on the same day.
"The way the 'prakram' (valour) of our air force has achieved new heights... Today is Vijayadashmi and when we remember Lord Hanuman, we should specially remember the air force and its brave personnel. We should extend our greetings to them for their bright future," Modi said.