The prime minister said some "anti-nationals" were trying to divide the society for their vested interests and stressed the need for people to understand the seriousness of their intentions and unite to defeat them.
The unity and integrity were important to make India a developed nation by 2047, Modi said while virtually addressing a gathering of devotees at Vadtal in Gujarat's Kheda district on the 200th anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Temple in the town.
"Unity among citizens and integrity of the nation is important to make India a developed nation by 2047. But, unfortunately, some people are trying to divide our society on caste, religious, linguistic, men-women, village-city lines due to their vested interests or due to their narrow-mindedness, the PM said.".
"We have to understand the seriousness of the intentions of these anti-nationals and will have to unite to defeat them," he said in his address via video conferencing.
Modi said the first key step to make India a developed nation is "atmanaribharta" (self-dependence).
He requested all saints of the Swaminarayan sect to join each and every citizen of the country in the pledge to make India a developed nation.
On the occasion, Modi said it was as if he was announcing the appointment of his chief minister to start his political journey as his association with the Vadtal Swaminarayan Temple dates back to his days as the chief minister of Gujarat.
The Centre recently issued a coin to commemorate 200 years of the Swaminarayan Temple in Vadtal, he said.
"Lord Swaminarayan came before us at a time when our country was weakened due to slavery and people used to blame themselves for the situation. At such a time, Lord Swaminarayan and other saints awakened our self-respect, gave us a new spiritual energy and rejuvenated our original identity," Modi said.
The prime minister also said the demand for skilled Indian youth will increase manifold in the future.
Indian youth, he said, "today, most of the world leaders whom I meet express a desire that Indian youth should come and work in their countries. Our youth are capable of fulfilling the needs of India as well as the world," he said.
Citing the need to preserve India's cultural heritage, the Prime Minister said his government is guided by the mantra of "Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi" - development along with preservation of heritage.
Referring to the Kumbh Mela declared as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO some years back, Modi urged the Swaminarayan sect to let people from other countries know the importance of the religious congregation and why they celebrate it.
The upcoming Kumbh Mela, between January and February next year at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh is "Purna Kumbh" as it will be after a gap of 12 years, he added.
"Your temples are located across the world. I request you to spread awareness about this Kumbh Mela through your temples. You should also make foreigners realize what importance Kumbh Mela holds and why this is being celebrated. Every temple around the world needs to make efforts and bring at least 100 foreigners to the Kumbh Mela. I know you can do it," Modi said.
Read also| SC Rejects Prajwal Revanna's Bail Plea in Sex Scandal Case
Read also| Ajit Pawar Confident of Winning Baramati with Over One Lakh Vote Margin
