On Dussehra, Modi calls for slaying demon within

New Delhi, Oct 08: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended Dussehra celebrations in the National Capital and said festivals unite the country.

Prime Minister Modi took Delhi Metro's Airport Express line to reach Dwarka 21 where he attended the Dussehra celebrations. PM Modi attended the event organised by Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society at DDA Ground in Dwarka Sector 10.

"On this Vijaya Dashami, at a time when we mark 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, I have a request for my fellow citizens. Let us take up a mission this year and work to achieve it. This mission can be, not wasting food, conserving energy, saving water," Modi said.

He exhorted the people to kill the demon within "if we really want to feel Lord Ram", stressing that "defeating our weaknesses is our duty". 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.

"In our country, festivals form part of our values, education and social life. Festivals unite us and mould us. They generate energy, enthusiasm and new dreams," he said.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated his call to launch a campaign to honour daughters who have made a mark in various fields for public good. He earlier made a similar appeal in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address. The prime minister also noted that Air Force Day was being is being celebrated today and said the country is phenomenally proud of the IAF.

"The way the 'prakram' (valour) of our air force has reached 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. The prime minister began and concluded his speech with the slogan of 'Jai Shree Ram'.

Today is Vijaydashmi, tenth day of Dussehra, and the custom in some parts of the country is to burn effigies of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka who was slain be Lord Rama. Dussehra marks victory of good over evil.