Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India’s global influence has significantly strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the country’s voice now carries greater weight on international platforms.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Singh said the Prime Minister’s leadership over the past 11 years has enhanced India’s global image. He noted that PM Modi has received the highest civilian honours from 29 countries, reflecting international recognition of India’s growing stature.
“Today, when India speaks, the world listens attentively,” Singh said, adding that India’s economic indicators have also improved, with inflation easing and the growth rate touching around eight per cent.
Tribute to national icons and ideology
Singh said the Prerna Sthal has been built to honour leaders who dedicated their lives to India’s unity and development. Referring to Syama Prasad Mukherjee, he said Mukherjee sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of the nation and opposed special provisions like Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Carrying forward his struggle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled that objective by removing Article 370,” Singh said.
He also spoke about Deendayal Upadhyaya, highlighting his philosophy of Integral Humanism and the principle of Antyodaya, which focuses on the upliftment of the poorest sections of society. Singh said true development goes beyond material wealth and must include mental and spiritual well-being.
Vajpayee’s legacy and development initiatives
Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who represented Lucknow in Parliament, Singh said the city shared a deep connection with Vajpayee’s legacy of good governance.
He also mentioned the Centre’s decision to rename MNREGA as VB-GRAM G (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission), claiming that the revised framework now ensures up to 125 days of guaranteed employment and improved rural infrastructure.
Singh praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for overseeing the construction of the Prerna Sthal and said both the state and central governments are working together for public welfare while honouring national heroes. He also paid tributes to educationist Madan Mohan Malviya and renowned sculptor Ram Sutar.
CM Yogi calls inauguration a moment of pride
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the inauguration as a moment of pride for the nation. He said Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s vision of “One India, Great India” and Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Antyodaya philosophy are being realised under PM Modi’s leadership.
Calling the year Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary year, Yogi said Vajpayee’s vision of good governance is being carried forward by the current government, marking a continuation of his ideals.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
