Hail Vivekananda, sing Vande Mataram only if you respect India and its women: Narendra Modi

Asianet Newsable EnglishUpdated : Mar 31 2018, 06:43 PM IST

Addressing people who disrespect women, PM Modi said, "such people have no right to clap for Swami Vivekananda's speech addressing the "sisters and brothers of America"" He also added that those who do not care for the cleanliness of the nation should not sing Vande Mataram. This comment comes in the light of a controversy where a few people bragged about following him on social media and still having made objectionable comments about women. 

Speaking at a Youth Convention to mark the 125th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's speech in Chicago, Narendra Modi sent out a very strong message to those who disrespect women. He said that such people have no right to clap for Swami Vivekananda's speech addressing the "sisters and brothers of America". 

He also added that those who do not care for the cleanliness of the nation should not sing Vande Mataram. He said, "I want to ask young people. Do we respect women? Do we look at them with dignity? Those who do, I salute them 100 times." And also said, "However, if there are people who cannot see a human inside (a woman), then do we have the right to clap for the 'sisters and brothers of America' (speech)? We need to think about it 50 times."

The PM was welcomed by a roaring crowd at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi with chants of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai. This continued even during his 60-minute speech, which is considered to be one the finest of his speeches in recent times. 

This comment comes in the light of a controversy where a few people bragged about following him on social media and still having made objectionable comments about women. Further promoting the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, PM Modi said, "I know it will hurt many people but do we have the right to say Vande Mataram? We chew paan and then spit on Mother India and then can we say Vande Mataram?"

Eulogising women, he said that women are God's creation and said he is proud of those wo refuse to get married in a household that has no toilet. Further calling for toilets before temples, he said, "Toilets first, temples later."Not just that, PM Modi gave an ultimatum to fringe elements saying that he does not oppose celebration of events like the Rose Day. Criticising Bajrang Dal members who thrash couples celebrating Valentine's Day and Rose Day, he said he did not want the youth to turn into robots. 

Calling for One India, he said, "Can't we think of celebrating Tamil Nadu Day in Haryana colleges? In fact, colleges in Punjab should decide that today they will celebrate Kerala Day, wear their dress and sing their songs. Will this not lead to a united India? Can we not arouse a feeling of pride for every language or state in the country?"

He further said, "there is no better creativity and innovation than university campuses. There is no life without creativity. Let our creativity also strengthen our nation and fulfill the aspirations of our nation. India's standing in the world has risen due to janshakti (people's power)."

Latest Videos

Jagannath Rath Yatra Day 3: Emotional Moment for Devotees Worldwide in Puri
Jagannath Rath Yatra Day 3: Emotional Moment for Devotees Worldwide in Puri
Jeff Bezos & Lauren's Venice Gala Send-Off Fir Final Wedding Bash
Jeff Bezos & Lauren's Venice Gala Send-Off Fir Final Wedding Bash