Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the 2,550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam on Sunday, April 21, highlighted India’s significant role in projecting peace and non-violence on the global stage amidst escalating conflicts worldwide.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s growing confidence in projecting itself as a beacon of non-violence, emphasizing the country’s ancient cultural values as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. He stated, “Today, the world caught in conflict is expecting peace from India. The credit for this new role of new India is being given to our growing capability and foreign policy. But I want to tell you, our cultural image has a big contribution to this. Today India has come into this role because we keep forth truth and non-violence on global platforms with full confidence. We tell the world that the solution to global crises and conflicts lies in India’s ancient culture, India’s ancient tradition. Therefore, today India is making its place as a world friend for the world divided in opposition…”
PM Modi credited India’s cultural heritage, including its emphasis on truth and non-violence, for shaping its role as a peacemaker in global affairs. He stressed that India’s ancient traditions and values hold the key to resolving global crises and conflicts, positioning India as a “world friend” amidst a divided global landscape.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the relevance of teachings from revered spiritual figures like the tirthankars and Jain gurus, particularly in times of global turmoil. He pointed out that promoting India’s heritage, including practices like Yoga and Ayurveda, has been a priority for his government since coming to power in 2014.
PM Modi characterized India’s journey under his government as a “big festival of democracy happening,” where the country’s heritage and material development are being simultaneously promoted. He noted that the younger generation in India now takes pride in its cultural identity, which has contributed to the nation’s growing stature as a global advocate for peace and non-violence.
PM Modi’s remarks at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav underscored India’s commitment to leveraging its cultural heritage and values in shaping a peaceful and harmonious world, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation in resolving global conflicts.