PM Modi attended Dussehra celebrations at Delhi’s DDA Utsav Ground on Tuesday, performed Ravana Dahan and called for national unity against forces he accused of undermining the country’s honour.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, October 20, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Dussehra celebrations at the DDA Utsav Ground in IP Extension, East Delhi, on Tuesday, where he performed the traditional Ravana Dahan and called for national unity against forces that seek to undermine India’s honour, divide society and attack its cultural heritage.
Invoking the ideals of Lord Ram, Modi extended Vijayadashami greetings to the people and offered prayers to Lord Shri Ram, Mother Janaki and Bajrangbali. He said the spirit of Lord Ram could be felt across the country, from villages to cities, with Ramlilas continuing to keep his ideals alive.
Describing Vijayadashami as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, the Prime Minister said the festival symbolised the end of tyranny and terror and reaffirmed the enduring victory of truth over falsehood.
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Modi stressed that national progress required self-respect, adding that a strong connection with India’s heritage helped foster that confidence. He said the country had made significant progress in reclaiming its cultural treasures, with more than 650 ancient artefacts and idols brought back from abroad over the past 12 years.
He also cited recent international recognition of India’s cultural heritage, including UNESCO recognitions of Indian sites and Diwali’s inclusion on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, describing such achievements as a reflection of the collective will of the people.
VIDEO | Delhi: PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) attends Vijayadashami celebrations at Indraprastha Ramleela Ground.
He says, “Lord Ram taught us that the difficulties along the way cannot stop us from completing our journey. The ocean lay before him, and Lanka was far away, but his resolve remained unwavering. Therefore, Lord Ram awakened the collective strength of the people. He made public participation his source of strength, brought together the available resources, and turned what seemed like an impossible goal into a possible one. This is the fundamental mantra for success: believing in our own strength, having confidence in our capabilities, making proper use of our resources, and remaining firmly committed to our goal. Today, we too must move forward with this very mantra. We have the goal of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). We have the goal of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). We must harness the strength of our people for public welfare and fulfil the aspirations of every citizen. And to achieve this, we must once again draw inspiration from Lord Ram himself.”
(Source: PM Narendra Modi YT)
#PMModi #Vijayadashami
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 20, 2026
Referring to the concept of Ram Rajya, Modi said good governance must be free from discrimination, ensure justice and provide equal opportunities to all. The purpose of authority, he said, was not merely to rule but to serve the people.
He added that the welfare of the poor and marginalised must remain the highest priority, presenting Lord Ram’s ideals as a guide for inclusive governance and public service.
PM Modi urges people to work for building a Viksit Bharat
Drawing lessons from Lord Ram’s life, the Prime Minister urged people not to lose confidence in the face of daunting challenges. He called on them to recognise their own capabilities, trust their resources and turn determination into strength through hard work.
Modi linked this message to the national objectives of building a Viksit Bharat and an Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasising self-reliance and the need to develop solutions through indigenous effort.
In a political appeal, the Prime Minister urged all national institutions and political parties to stand together in the national interest. He called for unity against those who, he said, sought to damage the country’s honour, divide society or foster hostility towards its culture.
On Vijayadashami, he said, India must renew its resolve to confront such forces and protect the country’s unity and cultural identity.
