On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a subtle attack on opposition leaders, charging them with "ridiculing" and "mocking" Hindu religion, beliefs, and traditions, more often than not at the instigation of foreign powers.
Speaking to a mammoth crowd in Garha village, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, Modi charged that such leaders, who spurn Hinduism while residing in India, were "chained by a slave mentality." He also accused them of bashing Indian culture, festivals, and forward-looking values.
"Today, there are some such leaders who demean religion and do everything to divide the society. Foreign powers also provide strength to these people, trying to destroy the country's unity and religious heritage," Modi stated.
The Prime Minister further stated that hostility towards Hinduism has existed throughout the centuries in different forms and phases. "Those who have a subservient mindset constantly attack our religion, sacred sites, and fundamental values, belittling our traditions, festivals, and customs," he said.
He further accused such leaders of assaulting a progressive Hindu culture with an intention to spread discord and cause disunity of the country.
On his Garha visit, PM Modi attended the Bhoomi Poojan (groundbreaking ceremony) of the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute, which is being constructed at a cost of Rs 200 crore on a 10-acre land plot.
Modi expressed his admiration for Dhirendra Shastri, the chief priest of Bageshwar Dham, referring to him as his younger brother. He praised Shastri’s efforts to promote unity and his commitment to developing the new medical center, which will offer both medical and spiritual services at no extra cost.
The Prime Minister stressed that a service to all living things is a fundamental of Hindu tradition and praised the Bageshwar Dham Center of Spirituality for becoming a center of good health, care, and treatment for all.
PM Modi also explained further that the center would provide "Bhajan, Bhojan, and Nirogi Kaya" (spirituality, food, and good health), which would be a description of its very holistic approach towards well-being.
Speaking on the subject of the current Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, Modi referred to it as a symbol of unity, terming it a once-in-144-years event, hoping that its message would be heard across generations. He also praised the work of police, sanitation staff, and doctors who have been rendering outstanding services to the pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh, referring to it as 'Ekta Ka Maha Kumbh' (Maha Kumbh of Unity).
Reiterating his pledge to cut medical expenses, PM Modi emphasized how treatment expenses were not affordable prior to his government assuming power in 2014. He reaffirmed his commitment to reducing medical expenses and declared that the Union government would issue Ayushman cards to all deserving individuals, with the cost of treatment capped at Rs 5 lakh.
Besides, he mentioned that every Ayushman card holder who is 70 and older now becomes eligible for free treatment worth Rs 5 lakh. Modi also requested the public to obtain the Ayushman card and informed them that they could approach him directly if they ever experienced a demand for bribes during its distribution.
He urged the public to remain aware of the central government's welfare schemes and facilities, including the Ayushman card, and to create awareness in the public about these schemes.
PM Modi also pledged to visit Garha village again after the completion of the medical facility and reiterated his plan to participate in the 'Barat' procession of Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham.
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