India may wither a little, but can’t die: PM Modi amid LAC row

NEW DELHI: India may have wilted a bit in adverse situations, but it can never be crushed, said PM Narendra Modi as he invoked what he called nation’s invincible spirit while paying rich tributes on Tuesday to Sri Aurobindo, the freedom fighter and spiritual master, on his 150th birth anniversary.
“India is that immortal seed which may be suppressed a little under adverse circumstances, may wither a little, but it cannot die,” the PM said, recalling the rich cultural history of the country which is the “most refined idea of civilisation and the most natural voice of humanity”. Underlining the dire challenges facing the world today and the importance of India’s role in overcoming them, he said, “India was immortal in the time of Maharishi Aurobindo, and it is immortal even today in Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal.”
The PM’s remarks came against the backdrop of the latest Chinese provocation in Tawang where India pushed back about 300-strong troops of PLA on December 9, trying to forcefully occupy an Indian post at its eastern borders.
The PM placed his invocation of India’s indomitable inner strength in context of Sri Aurobindo’s ardent belief in the country’s destiny and potential to be a dominant power not just in Asia but globally. He emphasised on making India a developed nation carrying along all sections of the society, inspired by the ideals of Sri Aurobindo.
The PM added that it is the life of Sri Aurobindo that embodies another strength that India possesses which is also one of the five pledges: “Freedom from the mentality of slavery”.
“When motivation and action meet, even the seemingly impossible goal is inevitably accomplished. Nation’s successes in the Amrit Kaal today and resolution of ‘Sabka Prayas’ are proof of this ”, the PM said.
Modi said Aurobindo’s life is a reflection of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” concept and his ideals have inspired generations. “Sri Aurobindo was such a personality whose life had a modern scientific temper, political rebelliousness and a sense of the divine as well,” the PM said as he recalled his ‘no compromise’ slogan during the division of Bengal.
His ideological clarity, cultural strength and patriotism made him a role model for freedom fighters of that time, Modi said and pointed out that the country has embraced these values in its journey of developed India.