Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday released “Khutbat-e-Modi: Lal Qila Ki Faseel Se”, an Urdu compilation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speeches delivered from the ramparts of the Red Fort between 2014 and 2025.
The book has been published by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education tasked with promoting and propagating Urdu across the country.
Speaking at the release event in New Delhi, Pradhan described the publication as a significant step towards linguistic inclusion. He highlighted that the Prime Minister’s addresses emphasise key initiatives such as Antyodaya, welfare of the poor, Swachh Bharat, national unity, and the aspirations of 140 crore Indians, reflecting the vision for a New India.
The minister said such publications help connect citizens directly with the Prime Minister’s ideas, developmental priorities, and vision for the nation, fostering wider public engagement and informed discourse. He expressed hope that the book would reach libraries nationwide, inspiring students, scholars, and readers to contribute to discussions on building a Viksit Bharat.
Pradhan also urged NCPUL to take proactive steps in publishing works related to India’s heritage, culture, lifestyle, and knowledge traditions in Urdu. He congratulated the council for the initiative and wished it success in future endeavours.
The book captures the transformational journey of New India and underscores the government’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity by making these national addresses accessible to Urdu-speaking readers.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Higher Education Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti Chairman Padma Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, NCPUL Director Dr Shams Iqbal, Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon, and National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Chairman Dr Shahid Akhtar, among others.
