Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor on Monday, The mega project that is expected to boost tourism in Varanasi in a big way. “This is a confluence of ancient and new,” PM Modi said while addressing the inauguration ceremony.
After inaugurating the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, PM Modi hailed Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and also expressed gratitude towards every labourer who worked for the construction of this grand complex.
“Even during Covid-19, the work did not stop here,” PM Modi said while addressing the public on the occasion of the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
‘A new chapter is being written’
Addressing the event, PM Modi said, “..a new chapter is being written in the history of Kashi Vishwanath.”
“Kashi Vishwanath Dham premises is not just a grand ‘bhavan’ but a symbol of India’s ‘Sanatan’ culture and traditions. Here you’ll see how the inspirations of the ancients are giving direction to the future,” PM Modi said.
“This city has lived many eras, it has seen the rise and downfall of many empires. But Kashi stood the test of time; Just as Kashi is ‘anant’ [endless], its contribution to this country’s development is ‘anant’,” PM Modi said.
3 resolutions: Cleanliness, creation and innovation
At the event, PM Modi also reiterated his aim to make India clean, a hub of innovation and ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant).
“I want three resolutions from you, not for yourself, but for our country – cleanliness, creation and continuous efforts to create a self-reliant India,” PM Modi said.
“Cleanliness is a way of life and discipline. India’s progress will be difficult unless there is cleanliness in the country. We have taken many initiatives. We need to continue to work towards it,” PM Modi said.
“The second thing is creativity and innovation…If people can form more than 40 unicorns, then anything can be done… We have to reach new heights,” PM Modi said.
“The third is to increase the efforts to make ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. We need to work for India’s future and we need to be self-reliant. If we have faith in our locals and help to work towards the initiative, then we’ll be able to make India Atmanirbhar. We will pave new ways and fulfil the dream of making India ‘atmanirbhar’,” said PM Modi.
‘Kashi saw a defender for every attacker’
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi lauded the civilisational heritage of Varanasi, and said many sultanates rose and collapsed but Benaras remained.
“Invaders attacked this city, tried to destroy it. History is witness to Aurangzeb’s atrocities, his terror. He tried to change civilisation by the sword. He tried to crush culture with fanaticism. But the soil of this country is different from the rest of the world. Here if an [Mughal Emperor] Aurangzeb comes, a [Maratha warrior] Shivaji also rises,” PM Modi said.
“If a Salar Masud marches ahead, warriors like Raja Suhaldev make him realise the power of our unity,” he said.
‘Virasat bhi hai or Vikas bhi’
While mentioning the heritage of Kashi and its ancient temples, PM Modi said, “Today’s India is not just renovating temples, but also making pucca houses for the needy…The new India is proud of its culture and also has confidence in its ability…Virasat bhi hai, Vikas bhi hai (There’s inheritance and development) in new India,” PM Modi said.
In his speech, PM Modi also mentioned the newly launched Ramayana train and the Centre’s aim to provide optical fibre services to the masses.
PM Modi takes holy dip, honours sanitation workers
Before inaugurating Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor on Monday, PM Modi visited Kaal Bhairav temple and also took a holy dip in Ganga near Lalita Ghat. He also honoured sanitation workers at the Kashi temple by showering flowers on them.
People chanted hymns as the prime minister’s carcade rolled through the city. PM Modi also stopped at some places to accept felicitation.
The temple area at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which was only 3000 square feet, has now spread to about five lakh square feet. Now 50,000-75,000 devotees can come to the temple premises, PM Modi said.
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