Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that while previous governments might have hesitated to respond after a terror attack, the "New India" neither bows down nor shrinks from protecting its people. The Prime Minister asserted that the essence of national security lies in believing in carrying everyone along, but also in standing up to protect Dharma (righteousness).
"Previous governments used to sit idly after a terror attack but New India neither bows nor hesitates from protecting its people," the Prime Minister said while addressing people in the temple town of Udupi.
He was there to take part in the "Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana," an event organised by the Sri Krishna Math in Udupi, where one lakh people recited the Srimad Bhagwad Gita.
"Gita teaches us to strive for peace and truth and also the need to crush perpetrators of atrocities. We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (Mother earth as one family) and also recite 'Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha' (Dharma protects those who protect Dharma)," Modi observed.
Recalling the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, in which 26 people, mostly tourists (including victims from Karnataka), were killed, PM Modi spoke of the government's firm resolve. He referenced the government’s military response, Operation Sindoor, stating that the nation witnessed precision attacks carried out on terror launchpads in Pakistan following the ghastly incident.
"We give Krishna's message of compassion from Red Fort and also announce Mission Sudarshan Chakra," he said. Explaining the initiative, he added that Mission Sudarshan Chakra provides a security wall around key locations, industrial, and public places.
Earlier, Modi visited the historic Kanaka Mantap, where he offered floral tributes to Kirthanakar Kanakadasa, the revered 14th-15th century saint-philosopher. Kanakadasa is credited with the legendary episode concerning Lord Krishna's idol turning westward at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.
The Prime Minister later participated in the "Laksha Gita Pathana," accompanied by the Paryaya Puthige Math seer, Sugunendra Thirtha, Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, and others, where he read out the hymns.
Modi also offered prayers at the Sri Krishna Temple, where he was received with traditional honours by Sugunendra Thirtha, along with the Diwan of the Math and senior temple officials. He spent time inside the sanctum precincts, acknowledging the significance of Kanakadasa's devotion and the enduring cultural legacy associated with the temple.
He was given a Poorna Kumbh swagatham (welcome with traditional honours) as he entered the Krishna Math precincts. He was presented with a silver-clad Tulasi Japa maala and Mudras containing Shankha, Chakra, Gada, and Padma, which the Madhwas and most Brahmin communities use for their daily Pooja rituals in South India. Modi had previously visited the Krishna temple in 2008 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Upon his arrival in the temple town, Modi held a grand roadshow. The Prime Minister landed at Mangaluru Airport and proceeded to Udupi by helicopter. Standing on the running board of his vehicle, he waved at the enthusiastic gathering, who showered his convoy with flower petals. Modi reciprocated by throwing flowers back at the people waiting on either side of the road.
Saffron festoons and flags of the Bharatiya Janata Party were used to give a celebratory atmosphere was further elevated by performances from various cultural troupes, which showcased the vibrant traditions of coastal Karnataka.
Also read: PM Modi holds roadshow in Karnataka's Udupi
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