On the ninth anniversary of the Mumbai terror strikes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today recalled the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the attacks, and said the world would have to together battle terrorism.
For over four decades, India had been raising the issue of terrorism, Modi said in his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.
"Initially the world did not take us seriously, but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism ... The world will have to join hands to eliminate terrorism," PM Narendra Modi said.
The Prime Minister said terrorism and extremism made an "unholy attempt" to damage the country's social fabric and it was essential that all humanitarian forces became aware of the problem.
"This country can never forget their sacrifice. Terrorism has threatened and challenged humanity across the globe. It is bent upon destroying the humanitarian forces. All humanitarian forces will have to keep fighting unitedly to defeat the menace of terrorism," he said.
"This is the land of lord Mahavir, Buddha, Guru Nanak and Mahatma Gandhi, which has given the message of peace and non-violence...Terrorism is hell-bent on destroying humanitarian forces. Therefore, humanitarian forces not only of India but of the entire world will have to unite to defeat terrorism," he said.
Over 160 people were killed and more than 300 injured when the terrorists of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba launched a series of attacks on India's commercial capital on November 26, 2008.
The Prime Minister also greeted the citizens on the occasion of "Constitution Day",
Recalling the contribution of BR Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in framing the Constitution, he said, "Our Constitution is a testimony to their vision. It protects the rights of every section of society."
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Noting that Ambedkar was the Chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution, he said, "The country must bow before him on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas on December 6."
Modi also recalled the contribution of Sardar Patel, country's first home minister, who is popularly called the country's Iron Man as he was instrumental in uniting and merging over 500 princely states after independence.
"December 15 is the death anniversary of Patel, who rose from being a farmer's son to be known as the Iron Man of the country, undertaking the extraordinary task of uniting India. The Constitution is the spirit of our democracy. This is the day to remember the members of the Constituent Assembly," Modi said.
To mark the upcoming Navy Day on December 4, Modi shared the history of naval warfare in India and applauded the Indian Navy for its international humanitarian efforts.
"India's glorious naval tradition dates back to times of the Chola Empire and the empire of Shivaji Maharaj," he said.
"Indian Navy has always rendered glorious service and has come forward in humanitarian ventures. This June, INS Sumitra saved a number of Bangladeshi fishermen during Cyclone Mora. In the same month, Indian Navy's fishing boats responded to SOS call from Papua New Guinea to rescue their fishing boat," he added.
Recalling the role of woman in naval warfare during the time Chola Empire, the PM said, "Most of the world's naval forces allow women on warships, but very few people know that 800-900 years ago in Chola Navy, women in large numbers played a significant role in war. They in fact used to participate in war."
He also asked the people associated with armed forces to share their stories of courage via pictures and videos and post it on Twitter under the hashtag #armedforcesflagday and make donations for the welfare of Army personnel on the website, ksb.gov.in.
"This money is given to the family members of martyred soldiers and injured soldiers through Kendriya Sainik Board," the PM said.
He also took the opportunity to urge farmers to reduce the urea usage by half by the year 2022.
"More than 10 crore Soil Health Cards have been made by the farmers for a better understanding of their soil and accordingly sow the crops. I am very glad to see that my farmer brothers have come forward to implement suggestions made in soil health card. Farmers realised that proper soil care is needed to increase production & that if we take care of our soil, it will also care for us," he said.
Further he extended greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Id-e-Milad-Un-Nabi, saying “this holy occasion gives us new inspiration, fresh energy & strength to foster peace & communal amity”.
Initiating a ‘positive India’ campaign, he urged the citizens to share five positive examples from 2017 on social media using the hashtag #PositiveIndia.
"Let us begin 2018 with a message of positivity. I urge you to compile about 5 positive things from this year and share with me. This will inspire others," he said.
