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Govt Working For Underprivileged Like Lord Devnarayan: PM

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that many attempts were made to break India geographically, culturally, socially, and ideologically, but no force could destroy India.

India is not just a piece of land but an expression of our civilization and potential, the Prime Minister said in Malaseri Dungri in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan today while addressing a ceremony to commemorate the 1,111th ‘Avataran Mahotsav’ of Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan Ji in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara.
“We the people of India are proud of our thousands of years old civilization and culture,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi said that his government was following the mantra of “preference for the underprivileged” and of empowering every section of society just like Lord Devnarayan, who shunned a life of luxury and instead chose to serve people.

The PM said, “Bhagwan Devnarayan came from a well-off family but he shunned the luxurious life and chose to serve people and dedicated his life to public service.”

“Today the country is moving forward on this path. We are also working with the mantra of ‘preference for the underprivileged’. That is why today the poor are getting free rations and free treatment. The poor used to worry about the house, toilet, and gas cylinder. We are removing that too. Bank accounts of the poor are being opened,” Modi added.

PM Modi also stated that attempts to break India could not succeed.

He said, “We take pride in our thousands of years old history, civilization, and culture. Several civilizations of the world ended with time. Several attempts were made to break India geographically, culturally, socially and ideologically. But no power could finish India.”

“India is not just a tract of land but also an expression of our civilization, culture, harmony and possibilities. That is why India is laying the foundation for its glorious future. The biggest inspiration behind this is the power of our society which belongs to crores of people of the country,” the prime minister said.

PM Modi said that in every period in the country, such a power emerges from within the society which has shown the direction to everyone. Lord Devnayan was also such an incarnation who protected the country from the invaders.

PM Modi stated that Lord Devnarayan removed the evils spread in society and spread the spirit harmony, united the society, and worked towards establishing an ideal system.

“This is the reason that there is reverence and immense faith in him in every section of society,” he said.

He said that due to the efforts of the government, electricity, water, health, housing and banking facilities are reaching the common people.

The government’s efforts are also going on to provide water for agriculture and to protect livestock. For the first time, the facility of Kisan Credit Card has also been provided to the cattle rearers. More than 15000 cr has been deposited in the bank accounts of the farmers under PM Kisan Saman Nidhi, PM Modi said.

PM Modi also thanked the people of Rajasthan for inviting him on the auspicious occassion.

He said, “We will work hard. We all will work together and everyone’s efforts will lead to success. I am very grateful to society that it has invited me here as a devotee. The power and devotion of society inspired me and I am here today.”

The event was organised by the culture ministry.

Malaseri is the birthplace of Bhagwan Dev Narayan, greatly revered by the Gujjars in the area.

The Gujjars are about 9 per cent to 12 per cent of the population in the state and they are significant in 40 to 50 assembly seats in eastern Rajasthan.

Bhagwan Shri Devnarayan ji is worshipped by the people of Rajasthan, and his followers are spread across the length and breadth of the country. He is revered especially for his work towards public service.

Earlier this morning Prime Minister Modi prayers at the Malaseri Dungri temple in the district and also made offerings in the ongoing Yagya there.

Notably, this is Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to the poll-bound Rajasthan in the last four months. (ANI)

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the January 27 "security lapse" incident

Kharge Writes To Shah, Seeking Adequate Security For Bharat Jodo Yatra

By LokMarg 28th January 2023

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the January 27 “security lapse” incident of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and sought his personal intervention in ensuring adequate security to the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kharge’s letter comes after the Congress’ footmarch was suspended for the day with the party claiming that it was done on the advice of the officials in charge of the security of Rahul Gandhi.
“We are expecting a huge gathering to join the yatra over the next two days and also the function that will be held on January 30 at Srinagar. Many senior Congress leaders and leaders of other important political parties are attending the culmination functions to be held on January 30,” said Kharge in his letter.

“I shall be grateful if you could personally intervene in this matter and advise the concerned officials to provide adequate security till the culmination of the yatra and the function on the 30th January at Srinagar,” the Congress president said in his letter to Shah.

He also appreciated the statement of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, which said that they will continue to provide complete security till the culmination of the yatra.

Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a press conference on Friday said that the security arrangement had “completely collapsed” during the Yatra on Friday morning.

“This morning during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, unfortunately, the police arrangement completely collapsed and the police who were supposed to manage the crowd were nowhere to be seen. My security people were very uncomfortable with me walking further on the yatra so I had to cancel my walk. Other yatris did the walk,” said Rahul Gandhi while addressing a press conference.

Further speaking on security issues, Gandhi said, “I think it is important the police manages the crowd so that we can do the yatra. It’s very difficult for me to go against what my security people are recommending.” (ANI)

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Indo-Pak Dialogue A Matter Between Two Countries: US

By LokMarg 24th January 2023

The talks between India and Pakistan are a matter for those two nations, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price has said.

His remarks came at a press briefing on Monday in response to a question regarding Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for talks with India and New Delhi’s response to the offer.

Ned Price said, “We have long called for regional stability in South Asia. That’s certainly what we want to see. We want to see it advanced.”

“When it comes to our partnership, our partnerships with India and Pakistan, these are relationships that stand on their own. We do not see these relationships as zero-sum. They stand on their own,” he added.

“We have long called for regional stability in South Asia, but the pace, the scope, the character of any dialogue between India and Pakistan is a matter for those two countries, India and Pakistan,” he said.

Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for “serious and sincere talks” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve outstanding issues. In an interview with Dubai-based Al Arabiya TV, Sharif said that Pakistan has learned its lesson after three wars with India and stressed that now it wants peace with its neighbor.

“My message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Modi is that let’s sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning points like Kashmir. It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

“We have had three wars with India, and they have only brought more misery, poverty, and unemployment to the people. We have learned our lesson, and we want to live in peace with India, provided we are able to resolve our genuine problems,” he added.

Reacting to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s desire of holding talks with PM Modi, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We have already said that we have always wanted normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan. But there should be a conducive atmosphere that does not have terror, hostility or violence. That remains our position.” (ANI)

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Support Me In Repatriating Netaji’s Last Remains From Taiwan: Prof. Anita Bose

By LokMarg 23rd January 2023

As Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s 126th birth anniversary was celebrated on January 23, his daughter Dr Anita Bose Pfaff on Monday requested all Indians to help in repatriating Netaji’s last remains from Taiwan.

“I request all Indians to support me to repatriate Netaji’s remains,” Dr Anita Bose Pfaff said while speaking to ANI.
“It is very unfortunate that he could not live to see free India. At least it would be a great substitute if his remains eventually could return to his motherland,” she added.

“And in that way, I support all men and women in India and invite them to participate in it,” she added.

She requested and invited all Indians to come forward and participate in helping her in repatriating Netaji’s last remains to India, his motherland.

“He (Netaji) could not set foot in free India. I wish at least his remains return to his motherland and find a final resting place. Documentation is proof that he died on August 18, 1945, in a plane crash in present-day Taiwan. I hope his ashes are brought back to the country,” added Netaji’s daughter when she spoke to ANI back in September 2022.

Netaji’s daughter also said while speaking to ANI on Monday that it was his (Netaji Subhash Chandra’s) dream that men and women of all castes and social strata lived equally in the country.

She said he can be honoured by putting up impressive statues, and naming islands for freedom fighters. She added, “If we are able to do that(gain equality), then that would be the greatest honour to him”.

“His only aim was to see a free India, he sacrificed his personal life and ultimately his own life for this goal. Countrymen will pay him for his sacrifice,” Dr Anita Bose Pfaff said.

She said that he can be honoured by putting up impressive statues, and naming islands, she further added that all that would make her happy but each and every human being should help each other for the betterment of each other’s lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees in a ceremony on Monday on the occasion of Parakram Diwas.

PM Modi also unveiled the model of the National Memorial dedicated to Netaji to be built on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, earlier known as Ross Islands. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present at the ceremony in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

“This land of Andaman is the land where the tricolour was hoisted for the first time. Where the government of independent India was formed for the first time. Today is the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Bose. The country celebrates this day as Parakram Diwas, PM Narendra Modi said on Monday on the occasion of Parakram divas and Netaji’s 126th birth anniversary. (ANI)

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Amid Pathaan's Success, Modi Hails Theatres Running Houseful In Srinagar

‘India First’ Only Resolution For All 21 Param Vir Chakra Awardees: Modi

By LokMarg 23rd January 2023

Shortly after naming 21 unnamed islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that ‘India First’ was the only resolution for all 21 ‘Paramveers’.

Addressing a virtual program today, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the potential of Andamans and said that the country has made continuous efforts for the past eight years in this effort.
“‘India First’ was the only resolution for all 21 Paramveers; today in the naming of these islands, their resolution has become immortal forever. The potential of Andamans is huge. In the past eight years, the country has made continuous efforts in this direction,” PM Modi said.

He also underlined that for decades the potential of the Indian islands was not recognised and no action was taken by times have changed now.

“For decades, the potential of the country was underestimated. But now, India is seen as capable of touching the heights of modern development. The islands of India can offer a lot to the world. But earlier this potential was not recognised, and no action was taken,” said Modi.

PM Modi mentioned that many messages are contained in the naming of the 21 islands. “Many messages are contained in the naming of the 21 islands which have got new names today. The message is of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat; this message is of the bravery of our Armed Forces,” he said.

PM Modi said that these islands will be a site of everlasting inspiration for generations to come. “The generations to come will remember this day as an important chapter of the nectar of freedom. These islands will be a site of everlasting inspiration for generations to come. I congratulate everyone on this,” he said.

Addressing the virtual gathering, PM Modi also mentioned that for decades, there was a demand to make the files related to the life of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose public.

“For decades, there was a demand to make public the files related to the life of Netaji, this work was also taken forward with full devotion by the country. Today, the grand statue of Netaji on the ‘Kartavya Path’ in front of our democratic institutions reminds us of our duties,” Modi said.

He further added that Netaji’s memorial in the Andaman and Nicobar islands will now infuse yet more patriotism in the hearts of the people.

PM Modi further mentioned that these works should have been done long ago in the interest of the country.

“These works should have been done long ago in the interest of the country because the countries which connected their heroes with the public well in time…went far ahead in the race of development and nation building,” he said.

The largest unnamed island was named after the first Param Vir Chakra awardee, Major Somnath Sharma, who lost his life in action on November 3, 1947, while repulsing Pakistani infiltrators near Srinagar Airport.

“These islands have been named after the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, viz. Major Somnath Sharma; Subedar and Hony Captain (then Lance Naik) Karam Singh, MM; 2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane; Nayak Jadunath Singh; Company Havildar Major Piru Singh; Capt GS Salaria; Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) Dhan Singh Thapa; Subedar Joginder Singh; Major Shaitan Singh; CQMH. Abdul Hamid; Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore; Lance Naik Albert Ekka; Major Hoshiar Singh; 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal; Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon; Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran; Naib Subedar Bana Singh; Captain Vikram Batra; Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey; Subedar Major (then Rifleman) Sanjay Kumar; and Subedar Major Retd (Hony Captain) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav,” PMO further stated.

The Government had declared January 23 as Parakram Diwas in 2021 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Keeping in mind the historical significance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and to honour the memory of Netaji, Ross Islands was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep by the Prime Minister during his visit to the Island in 2018. Neil Island and Havelock Island were also renamed Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep.

The portrait of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was unveiled by the then President of India N Sanjiva Reddy, in the Central Hall of Parliament House on January 23, 1978.

According to Lok Sabha Secretariate, it was recognised that the floral tributes could serve as an effective medium in spreading greater knowledge and awareness about the lives and contributions of these towering national icons among the youth of the country.

Accordingly, Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Lok Sabha Secretariat has launched the program titled ‘Know Your Leaders’. Born on January 23, 1897, Netaji played a crucial role in India’s freedom movement.

Subhash Chandra Bose established the Azad Hind Fauj. While there is a controversy over Bose’s death in a plane crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945, the Central government had in an RTI (Right to Information) in 2017 confirmed that he had died in the incident. (ANI)

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Modi To Name 21 Islands After Param Vir Chakra Awardees

By LokMarg 22nd January 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be participating in an event via video conferencing to name the 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees on the occasion of Parakram Diwas on Monday.

January 23rd is marked as Parakram Diwas to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

“Tomorrow, on the day of bravery, there will be a special program in honor of the heroic children of Mother India. Will be a part of it through video conferencing at 11 am. During this, 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman-Nicobar will be named after 21 Param Vir Chakra winners,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

The PMO further informed that PM Modi will also unveil the model of the National Memorial dedicated to Netaji to be built on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.

“Giving due respect to the real-life heroes of the country has always been accorded the highest priority by the Prime Minister. Going ahead with this spirit, it has now been decided to name the 21 largest unnamed islands of the island group after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees,” PMO stated in the release.

The largest unnamed island will be named after the first Param Vir Chakra awardee, the second largest unnamed island will be named after the second Param Vir Chakra awardee, and so on.

This step will be an everlasting tribute to our heroes, several of whom had made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

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Hockey World Cup: NZ Beat India In Penalty Shootout

By LokMarg 22nd January 2023

New Zealand held their nerves to edge India in the penalty shootout at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday, as the hosts crashed out of the 2023 Hockey World Cup.

Despite being ahead in the game, India missed the opportunity to build on a 3-1 lead in the third quarter, when New Zealand scored twice in the final quarter to tie the game at the end of the regular time, forcing a penalty shootout.

In regular time, India’s goals came from Lalit Upadhyay (17 minutes), Sukhjeet Singh (24 minutes), and Varun Kumar (40 minutes), whereas the Black Sticks’ goals came from Sam Lane (28 minutes), Kane Russell (43 minutes), and Sean Findlay (49 minutes).

India battled back to tie the score at 3-3 in the shootout thanks to a few outstanding saves from seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and had two chances in the sudden death as Shamsher Singh missed the final shootout attempt to lose 4-5 in front of the home crowd.

India started the crucial match aggressively as they stormed into New Zealand’s circle in the first minute. The hosts lost possession but looked determined to take the lead as they made another penetration in the third minute through India number 11 Mandeep Singh, who made an excellent run into the Kiwi circle.

New Zealand made their first attack in the sixth minute through a long aerial pass but the hosts counterattacked quickly, coming perilously close to scoring the first goal, but the New Zealand defence stayed alert to avert any danger.

Nic Woods was issued a green card in the eighth minute, forcing the Kiwi side to play with a 10-man team for two minutes. Manpreet Singh too was issued a green card for carrying on to play even after the referee’s whistle to stop play.

The hosts face a goal threat in the 11th minute but India’s resolute defence made sure the ball did not go past them. India earned their first penalty corner PC) in the 13th minute with Harmanpreet sending the ball to the left of the goalkeeper but failing to find the back of the net.

New Zealand survived another scare in the dying minutes as the first quarter ended goalless.

Thrilling action ensued in the second quarter, with both teams creating chances in the initial minutes. India finally made the breakthrough in the 17th minute of the game with Shamsher sending the ball across to Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, who blasted the ball into the New Zealand goalpost to put the hosts ahead.

India secured two consecutive PCs in the 22nd minute but failed to convert them. However, India did score a goal on the rebound but New Zealand used their referral for it to be denied by the third umpire.

The 23rd minute saw India earn another PC but yet again the hosts failed to score as the chance went begging.

Sukhjeet Singh extended India’s lead to two goals in the 24th minute, sending the rebound of Nixon into the goalpost.

New Zealand sprung into action in the final minutes of the second quarter as Sam Lane found the back of the net in the 28th minute to reduce India’s lead to one goal.

No goal was scored in the second quarter as the first half ended with India in the lead at 2-1.

The 40th minute saw India score its third goal through Varun Kumar on a PC. However, Kane Russell scored in the 43rd minute through a PC just before the end of the third quarter to keep New Zealand’s hopes alive.

The third quarter ended with New Zealand trailing two goals to three.

New Zealand sprung into action in the final quarter as they hovered around the Indian circle. Sean Findlay found the back of the net in the 49th minute to level the score and keep their hope of reaching the final eight alive.

The hosts kept fighting and captain Harmanpreet Singh had the opportunity to convert a PC and put the hosts in the lead but missed the opportunity to score.

He attempted a drag-flick, but his effort was lacklustre and the defenders were able to stop the ball before it could find the back of the net.

The final quarter ended with both teams tied at 3-3, with the result pushed to be decided by a penalty shootout.

Harmanpreet scored on the first attempt to put India ahead. Kane Russell took the Black Sticks’ first attempt and levelled the score.

Raj Kumar Pal scored for India while Findlay also found the goal to keep the score at 2-2.

Abhishek failed to put the ball into the net while Hayden put New Zealand ahead with a super goal on the third attempt with the hosts trailing 2-3.

The fourth attempt saw players from both teams failing to convert their chances with India trailing at 2-3.

In a dramatic turn of events, Shamsher scored for India while Sam Hiha missed levelling the score at the end of five attempts.

The teams once again lined up for another round of penalty shootouts with New Zealand taking the first attempt.

Nic Woods missed to give India the opportunity to lead but Harmanpreet could not get past the New Zealand goalkeeper, with the score still level at 3-3.

Findlay finally put the Black Sticks ahead in their seventh attempt but Raj Kumar Pal scored to tie the score at 4-4.

Hayden Phillips and Sukhjeet Singh both missed on the eighth attempt to make things more dramatic.

Lane scored the crucial goal to put New Zealand ahead at 5-4. All hopes hung on Shamsher but he failed to rally past the goalkeeper as India crashed out of the Hockey World Cup on home soil.

New Zeland will lock horns with defending champions Belgium on January 24 for a berth in the semifinals while India will face Japan on January 26 for the 9th-16th position in the tournament. (ANI)

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Some People Consider BBC Above SC: Kiren Rijiju Over Documentary

By LokMarg 22nd January 2023

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday took on the “malicious campaigns” inside and outside India in connection to the UK’s British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)’s documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said that some people “consider the BBC above the Supreme Court of India”.

The Union Minister alleged that they “lower” the country’s dignity and image to any extent to “please their moral masters”.
Taking to Twitter, Rijiju said that minorities in the country are moving ahead positively.

“Minorities, or for that matter every community in India is moving ahead positively. India’s image cannot be disgraced by malicious campaigns launched inside or outside India. PM @narendramodi Ji’s voice is the voice of 1.4 billion Indians,” Rijiju tweeted.

“Some people in India still haven’t gotten over the colonial intoxication. They consider BBC above the Supreme Court of India and lower the country’s dignity and image to any extent to please their moral masters,” the Minister added (roughly translated from Hindi).

He said that there is no hope from these people whose “only aim is to weaken India”.

“Anyway, there is no better hope from these tukde tukde gang members whose only aim is to weaken the might of India,” Rijiju tweeted.

Earlier, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Sanjeev Tripathi slammed UK’s British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for its documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it “prejudiced, biased and full of factual errors”.

He added that the documentary needs to be condemned by everyone.

Speaking to ANI, Tripathi questioned the BBC’s intent behind the documentary on PM Modi, which he said seems ‘motivated’. He said the documentary features the 2002 Gujarat riots and the Godhra train burning incident, which preceded it, adding that the Supreme Court recently gave PM Modi a clean chit in the case.

“This documentary of BBC, which claims to examine the so-called tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India, and in that context, talks about again the so-called controversial policies of Prime Minister Modi, is not only prejudiced but is also biased and full of factual errors,” he said.

In a strong response to the BBC documentary, more than 300 eminent Indians, including retired judges, bureaucrats, and armed forces veterans signed a statement slamming the British national broadcaster for showing “unrelenting prejudice” towards India and its leader. (ANI)

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Previous Govts Discussed Poverty, But Now India Is Dreaming Big: Modi

By LokMarg 19th January 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that while poverty and aid from other countries used to be discussed during the rule of previous governments, now for the first time since independence, India is daring to dream big and has the potential to realize it.

Speaking at the launch of multiple development initiatives, the Prime Minister said, “For the first time after independence, India is daring to dream big and fulfill them. A long period in the last century was spent discussing poverty, seeking help from the world, and living somehow. For the first time in the history of independent India, the world trusts India’s resolutions.”
PM Modi said that in the last 8 years, the BJP government has worked with a futuristic vision and modern approach to develop physical and social infrastructure.

“We have seen those times when the money meant for the welfare of the poor was lost in scams. There was no sign of sensitivity regarding the tax received from the taxpayer,” said PM Modi.

“Today, India is investing in upgrading its physical and social infrastructure, with futuristic thinking and modern approach,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that the eagerness of Indians to build a developed India in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal is visible in the world as well.

“Today, everyone feels that India is doing something essential for rapid development and prosperity. Today, India is full of unprecedented confidence. With the inspiration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a sense of ‘swaraj’ and ‘suraaj’ reflects on the double-engine government of today’s India,” said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister said that the big economies of the world are in trouble today, but even in such difficult times, India is giving free rations to more than 80 crore countrymen.

He said that modern connectivity will take Mumbai to new heights.

“We are working towards making cities like Mumbai future-ready to fuel India’s growth. Infrastructure like Metro is being developed on a mission mode,” said the PM.

PM Modi said India is making huge investments in the construction of infrastructure adding that it shows the reflection of today’s India.

“Now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal, one of the oldest railway stations in the country, is also going to be rejuvenated,” he added. (ANI)

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India Raised Vandalization Of Hindu Temples With Australian Govt

By LokMarg 19th January 2023

India condemned the vandalization of Hindu temples in Australia and said that the matter has been raised with the Australian government in Canberra and asked for expeditious investigation against the perpetrators.

Responding to a media query regarding the vandalization and graffiti being written on Hindu temples, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We are actually aware of the couples of temples that have been vandalised in Australia. We condemn these incidents. If I remember correctly, both of them are actually near Melbourne in Victoria. We strongly condemn this action. These actions have been publicly condemned by Australian leaders, community leaders, and religious associations there.”
This statement came after the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Australia’s Carrum Downs was vandalised with anti-Hindu graffiti on Monday.

He also said, “Our Consulate General in Australia has taken the matter with the local police. We have requested expeditious investigation action against the perpetrators and of course measures to prevent such incidents in future. The matter has also been taken up with the Australian Government, both in Canberra and New Delhi. And we are looking forward to the action that we have requested.”

The act came to notice on Monday, January 16 after temple devotees came for ‘darshan’ amid the three-day long “Thai Pongal” festival which is being celebrated by Australia’s Tamil Hindu community, The Australia Today reported.

Usha Senthilnathan a devotee of Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple told The Australia Today, “We are a Tamil minority group in Australia, a lot of us came as refugees to escape the religious persecution.”

On the evening of January 15 2023, Khalistan supporters tried to draw support for their referendum through a car rally in Melbourne. However, they failed miserably as less than two hundred people gathered out of an almost 60,000-strong Melbourne community, according to The Australia Today.

This came a week after the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Australia’s Mill Park was smeared with anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti.

Patel, an onlooker who did not want to reveal his first name, shared how he witnessed the vandalized walls of the temple when he visited the site.

“When I reached the temple today morning all walls were colored with graffiti of Khalistani hatred towards Hindus,” The Australia Today quoted Patel as saying.

He added, “I am angry, scared, and dismayed by the blatant display of religious hatred towards the peaceful Hindu community by Khalistan supporters.” (ANI)

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