Mysuru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said “enemies of humanity” who could not digest India’s progress carried out the attack in Pathankot.

Modi assured that the defence forces had the strength to defeat “the evil designs of our enemy.”

“…our security forces did not let them succeed: Proud of our jawans and security forces,” he said here, referring to Pakistani terrorists’pre-dawn strike at the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in Punjab.

The fierce gunbattle claimed the lives of three securitymen, while five infiltrators were killed, with the terror strike coming days after Modi’s surprise stopover in Lahore in signs of thawing of relations with Pakistan.

“Today, enemies of humanity who can’t see India progress tried to strike at our strategic area, a prominent airbase at Pathankot. I appreciate our armed forces and thank them for foiling our enemy’s attempt,” Modi said, adding “our security forces did not let them succeed.”

“I want to assure our countrymen that our armed forces have the strength to defeat the evil designs of our enemy,” he said.

Congratulating the armed forces “who are always ready to protect the country”, he said if the country speaks out with unity, the “illwill of our enemies will get destroyed.”

“I feel proud of our armed forces”, said the Prime Minister in his speech at the birth centenary celebrations of Dr.Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur Mutt which runs a string of educational institutions benefitting nearly a lakh students.

Modi said there is one section of people in our society who consider themselves as intellectuals and elite class and are not aware of the great service of our seers, saints and rishis for the welfare of the society.

“They don’t pay any attention to these noble services rendered by them and are very critical of our great tradition,” he said.

Modi said the “first flame” of the freedom struggle was lit by the seers in the 19th century and then Mahatma Gandhi came into the scene to carry the flame of freedom struggle further.

“He (Gandhiji) was seen in the light of the great traditions carried out by our seers. He represented the traditions of these seers, and later the country achieved Independence.”

So, whenever the society was afflicted with problems, the seers and rishis have solved them,” Modi said.

Modi also referred to 12th century saint and social reformer Basaveshwara from Karnataka, who brought in the ideas of social reformation and women’s empowerment in those days itself.

Recalling his visit to London, he said parliamentarians there were surprised to know that years ago, Basaveshwara had not only worked for but also practised the noble ideas including social reformation and strengthening of democracy.

The Prime Minister also recalled the recent meeting of the CoP-21 in Paris, and the initiatives of “Mission Innovation” and “International Solar Alliance” taken there, in which India had played a leading role.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Ministers Ananth Kumar and D V Sadananda Gowda and senior BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa were present on the occasion.

PTI