Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised India's commitment to global well-being and stated that India is not only the oldest living civilization in the world but also a safe haven for humanity, adding that the country thinks not for itself alone but for the whole of humanity.
Addressing the 2550th Bhagwan Mahavir Nirvan Mahotsav at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on April 21, PM Modi said, "India is not only the oldest living civilization in the world but also a safe haven for humanity."
"Yeh Bharat he hain jo aham nahi vayam ki sochta hain," the Prime Minister said.
"It is India which thinks not for itself but for the whole...It thinks not of ego but of delusion. It does not believe in the limit, but in the infinite. India talks about policy and destiny. It talks about the God in the living being," PM Modi said.
Highlighting India's evolving role on the global stage, PM Modi credited this newfound responsibility to India's expanding capabilities and refined foreign policy strategies.
"Today, the world caught in conflict is expecting peace from India. The credit for this new role for India is being given to our growing capability and foreign policy. But I want to tell you, our cultural image has made a big contribution to this. Today, India has come into this role because we keep forth truth and non-violence on global platforms with full confidence. We tell the world that the solution to global crises and conflicts lies in India's ancient culture and tradition. Therefore, today India is making its place as a world friend in a world divided in opposition," he said.
"We never came to attack other countries to win them; we have overcome our shortcomings by improving ourselves. That is why difficult times have come and in every era, some sage or another has appeared to guide us. Many great civilizations ended, but India found its own way," the Prime Minister said.
He further emphasised the importance of strengthening the values of 'Astey' (non-stealing) and 'Ahinsa' (non-violence) in society.
"We must work to strengthen the spirits of 'Astey' and 'Ahimsa' in our society. I am sure that your support will make the resolve for Bharat's Vikas Yatra stronger than ever before. 'Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai'!" PM Modi said.
Extending his wishes on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the Prime Minister said, "To be part of such a programme during the hustle and bustle of elections is comforting."
He also released a commemorative stamp and coin at the inauguration of the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav, on the occasion of Mahaveer Jayanti at Bharat Mandapam.
(ANI)