The Ministry of Culture organised the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme at Purana Qila in New Delhi on September 17 to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the programme by lighting the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’. The event was organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and began with the chant of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
Addressing the gathering, Shekhawat described the lamp as a symbol of people’s blessings, service, gratitude and the collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat. He said that in Indian cultural tradition, the diya represents the act of dispelling darkness and spreading light, and therefore also symbolises collective commitment to public service and national welfare.
Shekhawat highlights PM Modi’s public service
Wishing PM Modi on his birthday, the Culture Minister said his public life has been dedicated to national interest and public service. He said that from his early years to his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as Prime Minister, PM Modi has worked with dedication and a spirit of service.
Sharing his experience of working with the Prime Minister, Shekhawat said it had been an honour to work alongside him. He described PM Modi as a dedicated worker, seeker, ascetic and organiser, and said his conduct, working style and guidance inspire people at different levels.
Shekhawat said PM Modi views public office not as a position of prestige but as a responsibility and a means of service.
Focus on outcome-oriented governance
Shekhawat said the Prime Minister’s approach to governance is focused on outcomes. Government schemes, he said, are assessed not merely on the basis of processes or data, but by their actual impact on society and the extent to which benefits reach the last person.
He said that merely moving a file forward does not constitute completion of work, and that the actual public-welfare outcomes should be the measure of good governance.
The Minister said India has experienced a new phase of development and good governance since 2014. He said public trust has been strengthened and efforts have been made to advance development through public participation.
He also highlighted the government’s emphasis on combining heritage and development, saying the two are complementary in the process of building a Viksit Bharat.
‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ focus of Culture Ministry
Shekhawat said the Ministry is working under the guiding principle of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”.
He described India’s classical, folk and traditional cultural traditions as an important part of the country’s civilisational heritage and said their preservation, promotion and transmission to younger generations remain among the Ministry’s priorities.
He added that a society rooted in its heritage can move forward with confidence and pride towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat.
Referring to the recently held BRICS Summit, the Minister said India’s growing role at the global level and the increasing international trust in the country reflected India’s leadership and commitment to national interests. He said India has sought to maintain an effective role in the international community even in the face of challenges.
Cultural performances by artists and students
Artists and students associated with the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kathak Kendra, National School of Drama, Lalit Kala Akademi and Zonal Cultural Centres presented programmes based on Indian classical and cultural traditions during the event.
Following the programme, Shekhawat interacted with artists, students, representatives of the National Culture Fund, participants of the Adopt a Heritage initiative and other stakeholders. He appreciated their contribution towards preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage.
The programme concluded with the collective lighting of the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’, reaffirming the resolve for service, cultural preservation, nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 during Amrit Kaal.
