PM unveils Swami Vivekananda statue at JNU campus, says ideology should never be put before national interest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda in JNU Campus today through video conferencing on Thursday and expressed his views on the harms of prioritizing ideology over national interest.
He said this is one thing that has done great harm to the democratic system of our country.
“Because my ideology says this, so in matters of national interest, I will think in the same framework, I will work on the same parameter, this is wrong,” Modi said.
“It is natural to be proud of one’s ideology. Still, on the subjects of national interest, our ideology should be seen standing with the nation, not against it,” he stressed.
The prime minister made it clear that idea-sharing and flow of new ideas need to be kept uninterrupted. “Our country is the land where seeds of different intellectual ideas have sprouted and thrived. It is necessary for the youth to strengthen this tradition. Due to this tradition, India is the most vibrant democracy in the world.”
He added that the idea of Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become the collective consciousness of more than 130 crore Indians.
The prime minister urged JNU students to ponder on how the notion of ‘good reforms’ as bad politics changed to ‘good reforms as good politics’.
He said today, behind the reforms, there is a resolve to make India better in every way. The intention and determination underlying the reforms happening today are sincere, Modi said, adding before the ongoing reforms, a safety net is being created and trust is the basis of this safety.
The prime minister wished that Swami Vivekananda’a statue in JNU would inspire everyone, give courage and teach compassion, which is the mainstay of Swamiji’s philosophy.