Terming the Mahakumbh a symbol of cultural awakening in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged continuation of traditions across generations, highlighting how the youth of India have actively participated in the 45 days event. He said the event showcased the “profound awakening of the national consciousness.”
“Youth are embracing their traditions, faith, and beliefs with pride, reflecting a strong connection to India’s cultural heritage. When a society takes pride in its heritage, it creates grand and inspiring moments, as witnessed during the Mahakumbh,” Modi said in his statement before the Lok Sabha. Prime Minister’s statement marks a conscious effort by the government to hail civilisational aspect of the cultural events.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/n2vCSPXRSE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2025
Prime Minister highlighted the country’s “transformative” journey as he drew a parallel between the Ram Temple opening ceremony in Ayodhya, last year, and the Mahakumbh, this year.
“These events reinforce the nation's readiness for the next millennium. The collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense potential.” In his speech, Modi reflected on the historical milestones that awakened the country. He gave examples of spiritual resurgence during the Swadeshi movement, Swami Vivekananda's iconic speech in Chicago, the 1857 war of independence, Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Delhi Chalo call, and Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March. “Prayagraj Mahakumbh is a similarly significant milestone, symbolising the awakened spirit of the nation”, Prime Minister said.
Modi said that the successful conduct of the Mahakumbh addressed “doubts and apprehensions” held by some regarding the nation's capabilities. After Modi’s speech, the Opposition leaders also wanted to speak. As they were disallowed in the house, they staged a walkout.
The massive participation in the event had sparked off interest across the world about the cultural traditions of the country. The Modi government is now using the event to hardsell its soft power to the world. Prime Minister even used the Kumbh diplomacy to engage with the friendly countries. During his recent visit to Mauritius, Modi carried ‘sacred’ water from Triveni, Prayagraj, collected during the Mahakumbh. He also presented the Sangam water to visiting US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister highlighted the outcomes: the spirit of unity; strengthening the sense of nationalism as divisions of languages, caste and creed were dissolved when the devotees took a dip in the holy water.
Modi also stressed the need to expand the tradition of river festivals, inspired by the Mahakumbh, adding that such initiatives would help the current generation understand the importance of water, promote river cleanliness, and ensure the protection of rivers.
