“Vijayadashami celebrates the triumph of truth and the righteous use of power.” It is a beacon of India’s civilisational consciousness, reminding us that no matter how powerful injustice may be, the resolve to resist it is even stronger. The glory of falsehood is fleeting, while the strength of truth is eternal. The victory of Lord Shri Ram exemplifies this enduring truth. The festival teaches us that faith in truth must be accompanied by the courage to defend it. The pursuit of justice can bear fruit only when society resolves to stand up for it.
In the land of Lord Shri Ram, the worship of power has always been guided by the larger goal of public welfare. His bow symbolises hope and protection for the oppressed and serves as a warning to those who perpetrate injustice. His valour was guided by maryada (righteous conduct), and every resolve he made was directed towards the welfare of the people. During the arduous journey of his exile, he brought together people from diverse sections of society, demonstrating that faith, unity and collective endeavour can overcome even the greatest challenges. This is the foundation of our cultural consciousness and the path to nation-building.
The tradition of Shastra Poojan on Vijayadashami reflects this very ethos. Through this ritual, we reaffirm our commitment to the judicious use of power and recognise the responsibility that comes with it. We resolve to protect the vulnerable, stand firm against injustice and dedicate our strength to the welfare of humanity. Those who wield weapons must exercise restraint, just as those entrusted with decision-making must act with compassion. This is the enduring message of the tradition: strength guided by discipline and maryada (righteous conduct) earns the trust of society.
Today, this spirit is reflected in India’s growing national confidence. Led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the nation’s unwavering commitment to security and the indomitable valour of the Indian Armed Forces fill every citizen with pride. India believes in peace, cooperation and coexistence. At the same time, its resolve to take the necessary decisions to safeguard its sovereignty, national pride and the security of its citizens remains equally firm. Our commitment to peace is strengthened by our capabilities. A vigilant and strong India is better equipped to fulfil its responsibilities towards global peace.
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated courage, precision and military excellence through targeted action against terrorist infrastructure. Our brave soldiers translated the nation’s resolve to protect its security into action through their valour. Their heroism is a source of pride and confidence for every Indian. On Vijayadashami, as we salute our soldiers, we must draw inspiration from their unwavering sense of duty, which places the defence of the nation above all else. Our gratitude towards these guardians of the nation’s honour must also be reflected in our own conduct.
The life of a soldier deployed at the border is a living testament to sacrifice and dedication. While we celebrate festivals with our families, the soldier remains far from home, standing guard to protect us. Our celebrations at home are made possible by the vigilance of our soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. The patience, sacrifices and dedication of their families are equally deserving of our respect. Honouring our soldiers, veer naris (war widows) and military families must remain an integral part of our national consciousness. Remembering their sacrifices makes us more conscious of our own civic responsibilities.
In Madhya Pradesh, good governance is rooted in our commitment to the dignity, security and welfare of every citizen. We are committed to ensuring that women feel safe and secure, young people get opportunities to realise their potential, farmers see their hard work translate into prosperity, and government assistance reaches those in need. The true measure of governance lies in the positive change it brings to the lives of those at the last mile. When citizens receive timely justice, accessible public services and opportunities to progress, the ideal of Ram Rajya begins to take shape in everyday life.
Vijayadashami also offers an opportunity for introspection. Along with the burning of Ravana’s effigy, we must resolve to free ourselves from arrogance, greed, discrimination and indifference towards our duties. We must make honesty a part of our conduct, harmony a part of our relationships, and discipline a part of our daily lives. Social unity is our greatest strength. Respect for every citizen and a shared commitment to the national interest give India an indomitable inner strength.
Let us, this Vijayadashami, sharpen not only our weapons but also our resolve to uphold truth, defend justice and serve the nation.” May the righteousness of Lord Shri Ram, the power of Maa Durga and the courage of our brave soldiers illuminate our path.Let us stand for truth, uphold justice and strengthen the nation by fulfilling our duties. With security through strength, prosperity through capability and victory through truth as our guiding principles, let us build India’s glorious future.
I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the people of Madhya Pradesh on Vijayadashami.
