While replying to the Motion of Thanks in the Rajya Sabha on the President's address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India's nationalism is inspired by the ideals of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, adding that the country is the "mother of democracy."
"India's nationalism is neither narrow nor selfish and not even aggressive. This is inspired by the values of the 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' quotation given by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," Modi said.
He added that people have forgotten the ideals of Netaji. "We have started cursing ourselves. I am sometimes surprised, the world gives us a term and we start following it—'largest democracy in the world'; it feels good to hear this, but we have not taught our youths that India is also the mother of democracy."
The PM said Indian democracy is not a western institution, rather a human institution, and India's history is filled with examples of democratic institutions. "We find mention of 81 democracies in ancient India. Today, it's essential to warn citizens about the attacks on India's nationalism," he added.
While speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, he made a fervent appeal to protesters to end their agitation against the new farm laws, and questioned the opposition parties for their sudden "U-turn" on the agriculture reforms.
Modi also hit out at those behind the protests, saying a new "breed" of agitators has emerged in the country who cannot live without agitation, and that the country should beware of them.
He said the new FDI (Foreign Destructive Ideology) has emerged in the country, and "we need to be more aware to save the country from such an ideology."
Modi also stressed that India is very proud of the contribution of Sikhs, and that the language used by some for them will not benefit the country. He alleged that some people are also trying to defame Sikhs.
