New Delhi [India], March 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday commended the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh in Prayagraj, attributing its success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighted the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh and Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the event, calling the Maha Kumbh a symbol of India's growing national consciousness.

'I am here to make a statement on the MahaKumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the MahaKumbh. The success of the MahaKumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country's devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been taken to hold the grand Mahakumbh,' said PM Modi.

'The whole world has witnessed the great glory of Bharat through the Mahakumbh. This is because of the contribution of the country's people. This Mahakumbh was inspired by the faith of the people, for the determination of the people. In this Mahakumbh, we saw the greatness of the awakening of our national consciousness,' he said.

In a pointed remark aimed at the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the success of the MahaKumbh in Prayagraj had silenced the doubts and fears raised by certain critics regarding India's capabilities.

He emphasized that the event was not just a spiritual gathering but a powerful demonstration of the nation's potential and resolve.

The Prime Minister recalled the historic Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Samaroh held just a year prior, reflecting on how it had symbolised India's readiness to step into the future with confidence.

'We felt the nation's preparations for the next 1,000 years during the Ram Mandir ceremony, and today, just one year later, the organisation of the Maha Kumbh reinforces that same vision,' he said.

PM Modi elaborated that the Maha Kumbh was an example of India's collective consciousness, one that reflected the country's strength and capabilities.

He drew a parallel to moments in history that had shaped India's identity and laid the foundation for future generations.

'In the life of any nation, there are events that become part of its history, transcending time and becoming an example for the generations to come. The Maha Kumbh is one such event for India,' he stated, underscoring the significance of such national milestones in strengthening the collective spirit of the country. 'The grandeur of the Maha Kumbh is a reflection of the awakening of our national consciousness, and it stands as a powerful reply to those who doubt our capabilities,' said PM Modi.

He also connected the event to the larger trajectory of India's spiritual and cultural awakening, citing historical moments such as Swami Vivekananda's speech in Chicago and significant stages of the freedom movement that had previously awakened the national spirit.

'There have been many moments in the history of our country which gave a new direction to the country and awakened it, like in the epicentre of the Bhakti movement, we saw that spiritual consciousness emerged in every corner of the country. The speech given by Swami Vivekananda in Chicago a century ago was the awakening of India's spiritual consciousness. It awakened the self-respect of Indians,' he said.

'The Maha Kumbh has become an example for the coming generations, similar to those defining moments in our history,' PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, drew a powerful parallel between the MahaKumbh and several pivotal moments in India's freedom struggle.

He reminded the Lok Sabha that India's journey to independence was marked by significant stages, each of which left an indelible mark on the nation's consciousness.

'Be it the freedom struggle of 1875, the martyrdom of Veer Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's call for 'Delhi Chalo', or Gandhiji's historic Dandi March--these stages were instrumental in shaping India's independence,' he stated.

In this context, PM Modi positioned the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh as another such defining moment.

He described it as an event where the essence of India's spiritual and cultural identity was visible, much like how the freedom movement reflected the nation's awakening.

'I consider the Prayagraj Mahakumbh as one such stage, where the reflection of the country's spirit and national consciousness has become vivid and awakened,' PM Modi emphasised.

He noted that the Maha Kumbh was not merely a religious gathering, but a powerful symbol of India's ongoing journey towards unity, progress, and spiritual awakening.

PM Modi went on to highlight that this enthusiasm was not confined to India alone. 'Last week, I was in Mauritius, and I brought holy water from the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj,' he shared. 'When that water was offered in the Ganges lake of Mauritius, I witnessed an atmosphere of immense joy and celebration there.'

Emphasising the importance of unity, PM Modi noted, 'Maha Kumbh was not just an event, it was a display of unity in diversity, as people from all regions and backgrounds came together with a shared sense of purpose.'

The Prime Minister took pride in observing how the youth of India today are embracing their faith, beliefs, and cultural strength, as he highlighted the growing sense of spiritual and national pride across the nation.

'Today, the youth of India is adopting its faith, belief, and supreme power,' he stated, emphasizing the importance of cultural awakening among the younger generation.

He then reflected on the collective spirit seen at the MahaKumbh, describing it as a profound illustration of unity. 'When the sentiments of a society and its heritage grow, we witness moments like those at the Maha Kumbh,' Modi said, underscoring the deep connection people feel with their culture and traditions.

The Prime Minister went on to describe the spiritual and symbolic significance of the Maha Kumbh, where, according to him, many 'nectars' emerged, with the 'nectar of unity' being the most sacred of them all.

'The MahaKumbh was not just an event; it was a grand display of unity. People from every region and corner of the country came together. They left behind their ego and gathered in Prayagraj with the spirit of 'we', not 'I',' he said.

In a world increasingly marked by division, PM Modi highlighted that the unity displayed at the Maha Kumbh stands as India's strength.

'At a time when the world is witnessing disintegration, this massive display of unity is our greatest strength,' he asserted. Unity in diversity has always been India's specialty, and we have seen its grand manifestation in the MahaKumbh.'

The Prime Minister concluded his address by reminding the nation of its responsibility to nurture and uphold this fundamental principle of unity in diversity, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness continues to define India's future. (ANI)