PM addresses inaugural ceremony of World Culture Festival

Published By : Admin | March 11, 2016 | 20:01 IST
PM Modi addresses inaugural ceremony of the #WorldCultureFestival in New Delhi
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Determination to achieve one's goal in the face of adversity requires the 'art of living': PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the inaugural ceremony of the World Culture Festival in New Delhi. The festival has been organized by the Art of Living Foundation, to commemorate 35 years of the organization's service to mankind.

Welcoming people from across the world who have gathered in Delhi for the World Culture Festival, the Prime Minister complimented Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the great work being done by the Art of Living Foundation in over 150 countries.

Shri Narendra Modi recalled a reception organized by the Art of Living Foundation in Mongolia, and said that India had a lot to contribute to the world, but in order to be able to do so, it was first necessary to appreciate the uniqueness and the breadth of Indian culture. He said that through the Art of Living, the world has been able to appreciate India.

Speaking at length about "the art of living," the Prime Minister said that the determination to achieve one's goal, in the face of adversity, required, 'the art of living.'

The Prime Minister's address was preceded by addresses from a large number of dignitaries from around the world, and a cultural programme featuring a large number of participants.

Click here to read the full text speech

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Prime Minister urges MPs to vote in favour of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Amendment, Calls it Historic Opportunity
April 17, 2026

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has highlighted that a discussion is currently underway in Parliament on the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, noting that deliberations continued till 1 AM last night.

He stated that all misconceptions surrounding the amendment have been addressed with logical responses, and every concern raised by members has been resolved. The Prime Minister added that necessary information, wherever lacking, has also been provided to all members, ensuring that issues of opposition have been clarified.

Emphasising that the issue of women’s reservation has witnessed political debates for nearly four decades, the Prime Minister said that the time has now come to ensure that women, who constitute half of the country’s population, receive their rightful representation.

He observed that even after decades of independence, the low representation of women in the decision-making process is not appropriate and needs to be corrected.

The Prime Minister informed that voting in the Lok Sabha is expected shortly and urged all political parties to take a thoughtful and sensitive decision by voting in favour of the women’s reservation amendment.

Appealing on behalf of the women of the country, he urged all Members of Parliament to ensure that no action hurts the sentiments of Nari Shakti. He noted that crores of women are looking towards the Parliament, its intent, and its decisions.

The Prime Minister called upon MPs to reflect upon their families-mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives—and listen to their inner conscience while making the decision.

He described the amendment as a significant opportunity to serve and honour the women of the nation and urged members not to deprive them of new opportunities.

Expressing confidence, the Prime Minister said that if the amendment is passed unanimously, it will further strengthen Nari Shakti as well as the country’s democracy.

Calling it a historic moment, he urged all members to come together to create history by granting rightful representation to women, who form half of India’s population.

The Prime Minister wrote on X;

“संसद में इस समय नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन पर चर्चा चल रही है। कल रात भी एक बजे तक चर्चा चली है।

जो भ्रम फैलाए गए, उनको दूर करने के लिए तर्कबद्ध जवाब दिया गया है। हर आशंका का समाधान किया गया है। जिन जानकारियों का अभाव था, वो जानकारियां भी हर सदस्य को दी गई हैं। किसी के मन में विरोध का जो कोई भी विषय था, उसका भी समाधान हुआ है।

महिला आरक्षण के इस विषय पर देश में चार दशक तक बहुत राजनीति कर ली गई है। अब समय है कि देश की आधी आबादी को उसके अधिकार अवश्य मिलें।

आजादी के इतने दशकों बाद भी भारत की महिलाओं का निर्णय प्रक्रिया में इतना कम प्रतिनिधित्व रहे, ये ठीक नहीं।

अब कुछ ही देर लोकसभा में मतदान होने वाला है। मैं सभी राजनीतिक दलों से आग्रह करता हूं… अपील करता हूं...

कृपया करके सोच-विचार करके पूरी संवेदनशीलता से निर्णय लें, महिला आरक्षण के पक्ष में मतदान करें।

मैं देश की नारी शक्ति की तरफ से भी सभी सदस्यों से प्रार्थना करूंगा… कुछ भी ऐसा ना करें, जिनसे नारीशक्ति की भावनाएं आहत हों।

देश की करोड़ों महिलाओं की दृष्टि हम सभी पर है, हमारी नीयत पर है, हमारे निर्णय पर है। कृपया करके नारीशक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन का साथ दें।”

“मैं सभी सांसदों से कहूंगा...

आप अपने घर में मां-बहन-बेटी-पत्नी सबका स्मरण करते हुए अपनी अंतरात्मा को सुनिए ...

देश की नारीशक्ति की सेवा का, उनके वंदन का ये बहुत बड़ा अवसर है।

उन्हें नए अवसरों से वंचित नहीं करिए।

ये संशोधन सर्वसम्मति से पारित होगा, तो देश की नारीशक्ति और सशक्त होगी… देश का लोकतंत्र और सशक्त होगा।

आइए… हम मिलकर आज इतिहास रचें। भारत की नारी को… देश की आधी आबादी को उसका हक दें।”