Modi stresses on equality

Hailing Indian festivals as occasions that give new inspiration to society, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke of the message of non-discrimination and equality.

At a “Diwali Milan” function with journalists at BJP headquarters, Mr Modi spoke about the mass connect of festivals in India. “The festival of lights (Deep Parva) is also a part of it. There is no discrimination in it. It also strengthens the value of equality,” said the PM in his brief address to the journalists before meeting them personally. The BJP had held a similar function last year where the PM had informally interacted with journalists.

“In our society, festivals in themselves are a big strength which give society a new momentum, energy and enthusiasm... A number of stories can be generated if its social and economic aspects are analysed. For instance, the gathering on the banks of the Ganges during the Kumbh Mela is so huge it is as if there was some small European country there,” Mr Modi said.

The PM said this year’s Diwali Milan got delayed due to his busy schedule and jokingly added, “Had it not been done now, one may have had to wait till Christmas.”

BJP president Amit Shah wished a great year for the country’s democratic traditions. Referring to the two-day debate in Parliament to commemorate Constitution Day and the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Mr Shah said Parliament has unanimously placed the supremacy of the Constitution above all. Reporters make a beeline for selfies

At the Diwali Milan lunch hosted for journalists at the BJP headquarters, people were seen jostling with each other for a selfie with PM Narendra Modi. As he came down from the podium after his brief address, his security staff faced a tough time in controlling the enthusiastic journalists wanting a selfie with him. The PM obliged most of the those wanting a selfie with him, even while he was meeting and shaking hands with them. He refrained from answering journalists’ questions.