Highlighting the government's efforts to preserve India's cultural heritage, Modi said the country had been working to recover historical artefacts taken abroad over the centuries
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the ideals of Lord Ram continue to guide India, describing Ram Rajya as a model of good governance rooted in justice, equality and public welfare.
Addressing the Vijayadashami celebrations at the DDA Utsav Ground in IP Extension, New Delhi, Modi extended his greetings to citizens and said the festival symbolises the eternal victory of truth over falsehood and the end of tyranny.
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“On this sacred occasion of Vijayadashami, I bow at the feet of Lord Shri Ram, Mother Janaki, and Bajrangbali. In this holy atmosphere, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all my fellow citizens on Vijayadashami,” the Prime Minister said.
He described the traditions associated with the festival, including the staging of Ramleelas and the burning of Ravana's effigy, as expressions of India's cultural values and its belief in the triumph of good over evil.
PM Modi highlights Ram Rajya as governance model
Emphasising the relevance of Lord Ram's ideals in public administration, Modi said Ram Rajya represented a system in which no one faced discrimination, everyone received justice and citizens had equal opportunities.
“Ram Rajya, that is, such a governance where there is no discrimination against anyone, where everyone gets justice, where equal opportunities are available, and where the purpose of power is not to rule, but to serve the welfare of the people; this is the ideal of Lord Shri Ram,” he said.
The Prime Minister called for prioritising the needs of the poor and disadvantaged, urging those in power to view public service as their primary responsibility.
Self-reliance, unity among key themes
Modi also stressed the importance of self-reliance, determination and collective effort, drawing parallels between India's challenges and Lord Ram's journey to Lanka.
He said the country should not depend on others to overcome difficulties but should rely on its own capabilities and resources to find solutions.
“Lord Shri Ram taught us that the difficulties of the path cannot stop our journey,” he said, adding that Ram had mobilised collective strength and public participation to achieve what initially appeared impossible.
The Prime Minister also called for unity among political parties and national institutions in addressing challenges facing the country. He urged people to stand together against forces that, according to him, harm the nation, divide society and undermine its cultural values.
India has brought back over 650 ancient idols, says PM
Highlighting the government's efforts to preserve India's cultural heritage, Modi said the country had been working to recover historical artefacts taken abroad over the centuries.
“Over the past 12 years, more than 650 ancient idols have been brought back to India,” he said, adding that the country was giving its cultural centres a renewed identity on the global stage.
Concluding his address, Modi said Vijayadashami reinforced the belief that truth and humanity would ultimately prevail, regardless of the challenges faced.
“This festival gives us the courage to believe that no matter how powerful the enemy, when we stand with truth and humanity, victory will ultimately be ours,” he said.
The Prime Minister also participated in the traditional Ravana effigy-burning ceremony at the event, marking the festival's central theme of the victory of good over evil.
Published: 20 Oct 2026, 08:42 pm IST
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