PM Modi: 'Anti-Nationals' Trying to Divide Society, We Must Unite to Defeat Them

Ahmedab: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that certain "anti-national" elements are trying to divide society for ir own selfish gains, stressing importance of recognizing ir motives and coming toger to thwart ir plans.

While virtually dressing a garing of devotees at 200th anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Vtal, Gujarat , Prime Minister Modi said that unity and integrity are crucial for making India a developed nation by 2047.

“Unity among citizens and integrity of 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, vill-city lines due to ir vested interests or due to ir narrow-mindedness,” PM Modi said.

"We have to understand seriousness of intentions of se anti-nationals and will have to unite to defeat m," PM Modi said in a video conferencing.

Modi said first key step to make India a developed nation is "atmanaribharta" (self-dependence).

He urged all saints of Swaminarayan sect to rally every citizen of country in taking a collective pledge to transform India into a developed nation.

On occasion, Modi informed devotees that his association with Vtal Swaminarayan Temple dates back to his days as chief minister of Gujarat.

Centre recently issued a coin to commemorate 200 years of Swaminarayan Temple in Vtal, he said.

"Lord Swaminarayan came before us at a time when our country was weakened due to slavery and people used to blame mselves for situation. At such a time, Lord Swaminarayan and or saints awakened our self-respect, gave us a new spiritual energy and rejuvenated our original identity," Modi said.

prime minister also said demand for skilled Indian youth will increase manifold in future.

"Today, majority of world leers whom I meet express a desire that Indian youth should come and work in ir countries. Our youth are capable of fulfilling needs of India as well as world," he said.

Stressing need to preserve cultural herit of India, Modi said his government believes in mantra of "Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi" (development along with preservation of herit).

Referring to Kumbh Mela declared as an Intangible Cultural Herit by UNESCO some years back, Modi urged Swaminarayan sect to make people of or countries understand importance of religious congregation and why it is celebrated.

He said upcoming Kumbh Mela, to be held between January and February next year in Prayagraj, Uttar Presh is "Purna Kumbh" as it will be celebrated after a gap of 12 years.

"Your temples are situated across world. I urge you to spre awareness about this Kumbh Mela through your temples. You should also make foreigners understand importance of Kumbh Mela and why it is being celebrated. Each temple in world should try to bring at least 100 foreigners to Kumbh Mela. I kw that you can do it," Modi said.

(with ncy inputs)