STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Constitution has stood every test of time, lauding it as “our guiding light”.
Speaking in his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi noted that the next Republic Day will mark the 75th anniversary of the implementation of the Constitution.
“It is a matter of immense pride for all of us. The Constitution which its makers gave to us has stood every test of time. It is our guiding light, our guide,” he said.
Modi said he reached this position in life because of the country’s guiding document.
He asked people to visit the website constitution75.com which, he said, has been launched to link citizens with the constitutional heritage and legacy.
They can read the Constitution in different languages, ask questions and upload their videos leading to its preamble, he said.
His government, Modi said, has launched yearlong activities since the Constitution Day on November 26.
Opposition parties, especially the Congress, have accused his government of weakening the Constitution, a charge vehemently denied by the ruling BJP.
Modi has constantly highlighted his government’s efforts to strengthen constitutional values and spirit and has, in turn, accused the main opposition Congress of subverting the country’s guiding document whenever it was in power.
The Prime Minister said India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time in February next year which will be a global platform for its creative talents, fostering collaborations and showcasing the country’s potential as a hub for world-class content creation.
Comparing the WAVES to global events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Modi said the leaders from the media and entertainment industry as well as creative minds from across the globe will gather in Delhi for the Summit being held from February 5-9.
“This Summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation,” he said.
The prime minister emphasized the pivotal role of young creators in the preparations for WAVES, reflecting the dynamic spirit of India’s creative community.
He expressed pride in the enthusiasm of the country’s youth and their contribution to the burgeoning creator economy, a key driver as India advances toward becoming a five trillion dollar economy.
“Whether you are a young creator or an established artist, associated with Bollywood or regional cinema, a professional from the TV industry, an expert in animation, gaming, or an innovator in entertainment technology, I encourage you to be a part of the WAVES Summit,” Modi said.
He urged all stakeholders in the entertainment and creative industries to actively participate in the WAVES.
“The WAVES Summit is poised to serve as a global platform for India’s creative talents, fostering collaborations and showcasing the country’s potential as a hub for world-class content creation,” Modi said.
The Summit will also highlight India’s advancements in animation, gaming, entertainment technology, and regional and mainstream cinema, he added.
Modi also paid heartfelt tributes to ace director Raj Kapoor and singer Mohammed Rafi on their 100th birth anniversaries.
Raj Kapoor’s role in showcasing India’s soft power through his timeless films and Mohammed Rafi’s mesmerizing voice that continues to resonate with all generations, he said.
Modi also recalled Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s contributions in elevating Telugu cinema while reflecting the Indian traditions.
He also honored Tapan Sinha’s socially conscious films that inspired unity and awareness.
Modi said these legends not only shaped the golden era of Indian cinema but also strengthened India’s cultural heritage, leaving behind an everlasting legacy for generations to admire and draw inspiration from.