Ekta Yatra: Standing up for a united India!

Published By : Admin | June 15, 2012 | 16:01 IST

Shri Narendra Modi’s rise among the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through the 1980s and the early 1990s coincided with a very tough period in the history of Independent India. The country faced conflict across its length and breadth and the Centre was witness to this disintegration but stood helplessly. Conflict was rife across Punjab and in Assam as the integrity and sovereignty of our Motherland were being challenged. Internally too, divisive politics ruled the roost. In Gujarat ‘curfew’ became the most common word in the household dictionary. Brother was pitted against brother, communities against communities, as vote-bank politics became the norm.

One person who rose to the occasion, living up to the vision of Sardar Patel of a united and strong India committed to values of democracy and free speech was Shri Narendra Modi. The gloomy national scenario brought out the patriot in Shri Narendra Modi, who gave his best and worked very hard for the RSS and BJP in this battle of ideals. As it is, he had established himself as not only a dedicated worker but also an efficient organizer since a very young age. It was only befitting that he would rise to the occasion, challenging the unhealthy status quo.

Shri Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad during the Ekta Yatra 

By the end of the 1980s, the country’s northern most state of Jammu and Kashmir that was once known as ‘Paradise on Earth’ had become a full-fledged battlefield. The opportunistic politics of the Centre combined with blatant subversion of democracy during the 1987 State Elections made J&K a hotbed of anti-India activities. The valley that had once been called the most beautiful place on Earth was fast becoming a battlefield as blood spilled on the streets. Matters reached such a low that even the hoisting of the tri-colour had become taboo in Kashmir. Rather than taking remedial action, all the Centre did was to watch helplessly.

Rubaiya Sayeed, the daughter of the Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had been kidnapped by the same anti-national elements in 1989. But, instead of taking a tough stand, the Government in New Delhi took the easier way out to quickly release known extremists with anti-India sentiments, thus giving a long rope to such anti-national elements.

The BJP could not remain a mute spectator to this systematic denigration of India’s sovereignty. It was during a visit to Kashmir that Shri Shyama Prasad Mookerjee had given up his life and decades later, thus it fell on the BJP to speak up for the cause of national unity. As a response to the unprecedented situation, the then party President Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi decided to embark on an ‘Ekta Yatra’ advocating national unity. The Yatra would begin from Kanyakumari, the place where Swami Vivekananda found the purpose of life and end with the hoisting of the tricolor at Lal Chowk in Shrinagar.

The task of preparing for the Yatra lay on Shri Narendra Modi’s shoulders keeping in mind his well established organizational skills; Putting his mind, organizational strength and sweat into the responsibility, he made elaborate arrangements in a very short span of time braving the huge risks that came with it. Without any fear, he visited every place that the Yatra would cover, meeting party workers.

He galvanized and inspired party workers, created a patriotic fervor among them, thus laying the ground for the Yatra’s success. In this process he had not only shown that he was a master organizer but he had also exhibited the ability to deliver in any circumstances at a remarkable pace, a rare virtue in public life today. Shri Modi came across as a quick decision maker even in adverse circumstances and someone who had the ability to implement what he had decided.

Shri Narendra Modi during Ekta Yatra 

The Ekta Yatra commenced on 11th December 1991, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Subramania Bharti and the ‘Balidan Diwas’ of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The prominent issues raised across the country were opposition to divisive and violent politics and an end to the menace of terror in Kashmir.

Wherever he went, Shri Modi echoed the message of Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, saying that the unity of India came above everything else, and that he did not believe in different yardsticks for different sections of society. A fitting reply to anti-national elements was the need of the hour and when the time came, Shri Modi led from the front! The Ekta Yatra received rousing welcomes virtually wherever it went. Dr. Joshi stressed the need of national regeneration, which found an instant connect with the people of India.

There couldn’t have been a better eye-opener for a blind Congress Government in Delhi than the Ekta Yatra. Needless to say, the success of the Yatra was a milestone for Shri Narendra Modi, whose organization skills proved invaluable as the Yatra progressed. Shri Modi himself urged the people of India to strike the death-knell of pseudo-secularism and votebank politics. An emotional Narendra Modi watched with joy as the tricolor was finally unfurled in Srinagar on 26th January 1992! The successful completion of this rare national mission amidst the most challenging circumstances was a tribute to Shri Modi’s ability to give effective replies to the anti-national elements with unparalleled courage, vision, skill as the power of Bharat Mata yet again demolished the folly of anti-India elements.

 

Disclaimer:

It is part of an endeavour to collect stories which narrate or recount people’s anecdotes/opinion/analysis on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi & his impact on lives of people.

Explore More
140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day

Popular Speeches

140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day
India and France strengthen defence ties: MBDA and Naval group set to boost 'Make in India' initiative

Media Coverage

India and France strengthen defence ties: MBDA and Naval group set to boost 'Make in India' initiative
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
PM Modi Is A Modern-Day ‘Bhageerath’
September 17, 2024

In the 21st century, India has taken on a key role in shaping the new world order. With global politics now multipolar, no major international group feels complete without India's presence. From disaster relief to forging global policy consensus, the world turns to India.

The visionary behind India's rise as a global leader over the past decade is our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Whether it's mediating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or addressing crises in the West Asia, India, under PM Modi, is central to resolving international matters.

Today, both Indians and world powers alike place their trust in the belief that "If PM Modi is at helm, anything is possible", seeing his leadership as the ‘guarantee' of solutions.

In the context of India, PM Modi is seen as a modern-day ‘Bhageerath', guiding the nation toward achieving goals, solving challenges, and fulfilling aspirations.

Whether it's a woman farmer working in a remote field, a young entrepreneur in a tech company, a soldier guarding the nation's borders, or an Indian living abroad, all share unwavering trust in the PM's policies, vision, and decisions. This trust empowers the PM to make bold and decisive moves.

A prime example is the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, once considered impossible. Initially, there was resistance, but today Article 370 and 35A are history. Modi's determination has ended the era of "two flags, two constitutions" in Kashmir.


Now, instead of unrest, we see progress — new industries are springing up, and feats of engineering like the Chenab railway bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower, are being realized. J&K is now on the path of development, and the world is watching. The people of this new Kashmir are prepared for upcoming assembly elections, where the PM's vision of nationalism, good governance, and development is set to triumph.

The PM has ignited a cultural renaissance in India. After a 500-year wait, India's spiritual and cultural aspirations have been realized with the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla at the grand new temple in Ayodhya and the renovation of Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Since 2014, India has freed itself from the grip of political parties that thrived on casteism, corruption, and appeasement. Transparent and corruption-free execution of govt schemes has significantly improved the daily lives of common people.

Behind this transformation is a new work culture driven by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'. At the core of this philosophy, which aims for ‘Antyodaya se Sarvodaya' (uplift of the last person leading to the uplift of all), is the priority given to the marginalised. For the first time, agriculture and farmers have become central to political discussions, with benefits from schemes like crop insurance, MSP, subsidies, and mechanized farming reaching farmers without discrimination.

The PM has inspired people to aspire for more, allowing every Indian to actively participate in the nation's development during this ‘Amrit Kaal'. The PM made two significant decisions within the first three months of his third term – extending Ayushman health coverage to all senior citizens over 70 and introducing the ‘Unified Pension Scheme' to safeguard public interests. The decisions have ushered in a new era of economic security and hope.

Over the past decade, the implementation of JAM — Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile — has eradicated systemic corruption, ensuring that the common man receives the full benefits of govt schemes. PM Modi described JAM as delivering "maximum return on every rupee spent", with focus on empowering the poor and spreading technology widely across the population.

In UP alone, over Rs 10,000 crore has been saved across just 11 departments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The use of technology has not only improved ease of living but also enabled the govt to achieve maximum results in minimal time. Platforms like UPI, DigiLocker, and DigiYatra have become integral to the lives of ordinary citizens.

Amid growing environmental challenges, the global community is increasingly recognizing that unsustainable development is not true progress and can have lasting consequences for humanity. This understanding aligns with the ancient Indian philosophy, which has always placed a high value on nature and environment. Under the PM, India has become a global advocate for environmental protection.

The PM's ‘Panchamrit' and ‘Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) campaigns have positioned India as a role model in fight against climate change. Over the past decade, India's installed solar energy capacity has surged by 2300%, with solar energy costs dropping by 70-80% since 2014. Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, the nation is now benefiting from renewable energy sources, marking a significant step toward a sustainable future.

Many major nations, still recovering from events like COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, are grappling with economic difficulties. However, thanks to the PM's diplomatic prowess and financial expertise, India has not only navigated these tough times but has emerged as the world's fifth-largest economy. The moment is fast approaching when India will rise to become the third-largest economic superpower.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized India as the fastest-growing economy in its latest global growth projections. Today, the world views India as an attractive investment destination. UP has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this surge in economic interest.

‘Semicon India' conference held in UP last week marked the formal launch of India's journey to becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. From the Red Fort, the PM had declared, "My dream is for every device in the world to have a chip made in India". The country is committed to establishing itself as a semiconductor powerhouse.

With the PM "silicon diplomacy", India is poised to become a global leader in semiconductor production.

It is a divine coincidence that the birth anniversary of Devshilpi Bhagwan Vishwakarma coincides with the birthday of our PM. Today, India is crafting a glorious present on the foundation of future aspirations, taking on the role of a global leader, with PM Modi as the visionary architect of this ‘Amrit Nav Nirman'. We are confident that his resolve to build a ‘developed and self-reliant new India' will be realized through people's participation.

(The writer is Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Views expressed are personal)