New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a momentous gathering at Vigyan Bhawan to commemorate the centenary of the historic meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru, emphasized India’s growing strength and self-reliance, with a special focus on the recent Operation Sindoor.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to reflect not only on the philosophical legacy of Sree Narayana Guru but also to showcase the nation’s assertive global stance in security and defense.
In a powerful segment of his speech, PM Modi referred to Operation Sindoor, a recent and successful counter-terror operation that he said underscored India’s uncompromising stand on terrorism. “The world has seen the strength of today’s India,” PM Modi said. “Operation Sindoor made it absolutely clear—those who shed the blood of Indians will find no safe haven.”
He further noted that the operation demonstrated India’s resolve, highlighting that the enemy was forced to surrender within 22 minutes of engagement—using entirely indigenous weaponry.
The Prime Minister underlined this as a turning point in India’s defense posture, stating, “India now makes decisions solely based on national interest. Our dependency on foreign countries for military equipment is declining. We are forging ahead with our goal of self-reliance in the defense sector.”
In this context, Modi proudly mentioned that ‘Made-in-India’ defense technologies had played a decisive role in Operation Sindoor. “In the coming years,” he predicted, “Indian-made weapons will not only defend our own borders but will also be recognized worldwide for their effectiveness.”
Linking the nation’s current defense success to its broader vision of growth, Modi stated, “To realize the vision of a strong and empowered India as envisioned by Sree Narayana Guru, we must lead not just in social and economic spheres but also in defense and security.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks came during an event marking 100 years since the iconic meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru—two towering figures in India’s spiritual and reformist history. Speaking to a gathering of saints, scholars, and dignitaries including Union Minister of State Shri George Kurien, Modi said the meeting gave a new direction to India’s freedom struggle and remains inspirational to this day.
While paying rich tributes to Sree Narayana Guru, Modi also stressed the enduring relevance of his teachings, especially his message of equality and unity encapsulated in the well-known phrase, “One caste, one religion, one God for mankind.” Modi asserted that this philosophy forms the civilizational foundation upon which modern India is built.
Connecting the values of Guru’s teachings with India’s progress today, the Prime Minister highlighted several ongoing welfare initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and PM Janman Yojana, all aimed at uplifting the marginalized. He said these initiatives are bringing development even to the remotest tribal areas, ensuring that “even those at the last mile are now playing a vital role in nation-building.”
Speaking on women’s empowerment, Modi noted that the government is working with a focus on Women-Led Development, a value also endorsed by Narayana Guru. He listed recent reforms that have allowed women greater access across sectors—ranging from sports to space.
Asserting that India is advancing rapidly toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, Modi credited this progress to a combination of social reforms, industrial growth, and enhanced national security. “Economic strength, social equality, and military preparedness—this is the new India,” he affirmed.
Toward the conclusion of his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving and spreading the spiritual legacy of Sree Narayana Guru. He revealed that a Sivagiri Circuit is under development to link the major pilgrimage sites associated with Guru’s life, aimed at deepening cultural awareness and boosting spiritual tourism.
Reiterating his belief in India’s bright future, Modi said, “With the blessings of saints like Sree Narayana Guru and the collective resolve of 140 crore Indians, we will fulfill the dream of a developed India.”
The ceremony witnessed the presence of saints from the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, Union Minister George Kurien, and several other dignitaries, marking a solemn yet visionary celebration of a key chapter in India’s socio-spiritual evolution.
