Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the government is working to get Chhath recognised by UNESCO as a ‘Festival of Humanity’, describing it as a celebration rooted in devotion, equality, motherhood, and social harmony.
Calling ‘Chhath Mahaparv’ the pride of Bihar and the country, the Prime Minister said its worship embodies devotion, equality, and social harmony.
Addressing a public rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, the PM announced a national campaign to promote Chhath songs, saying that the public would vote for their favourite tracks and the creators of the most popular ones would be felicitated. The initiative, he said, seeks to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions of Chhath.
Reiterating that Bihar’s progress is central to India’s development, the Prime Minister said that developing Bihar was a top priority for the NDA government.
“When India was prosperous and a global power in knowledge and science, Bihar played a vital role. To build a developed India, Bihar’s development is essential,” he said.
Urging voters to support the NDA for a prosperous and developed Bihar, PM Modi said, “Bihar has witnessed the good governance of the BJP-NDA. Today, railway engines are being manufactured in Bihar, large dairy plants are being set up, and makhana (fox nuts) are being exported across the world.”
Highlighting women’s empowerment under the NDA, the Prime Minister said that both his government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government have prioritised the welfare of women.
“Whether it’s Narendra Modi or Nitish Kumar, empowering women has always been our priority. We provided ‘pucca’ houses to the poor in women’s names, gave tap water, free gas connections, and free food grains to reduce their hardships,” PM Modi said.
The PM also praised Bihar’s women’s self-employment scheme, under which ₹10,000 each has been deposited in the accounts of 1.21 crore women.
“With this money, the women of Bihar are starting their own small ventures. I assure you that we will not stop here,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi’s remarks came as part of the BJP’s intensified campaign ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, as he urged voters to support the NDA for continued development and stability.
— IANS