PM Narendra Modi UNVEILS life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda in JNU campus - 'Ideology over national interest harms democracy'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled the life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) via video conferencing. After unveiling the the life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at JNU campus, PM Narendra Modi said, "One thing that has harmed our democratic system a lot is giving priority to ideology over national interest." "Our ideology should be seen supporting not opposing nation in matters of national interest," PM Narendra Modi said.

"I hope his statue teaches everyone devotion and intense love towards the nation, which is supreme message of Swamiji's life. May it inspire the country for vision of oneness," PM Modi said after unveiling a statue of Swami Vivekananda at JNU campus, via video conferencing.

"Swami Vivekananda wanted that education in the country should be such that it provides self-confidence to individuals and makes them Aatmanirbhar in every way. New National Education Policy is on the same line and has inclusion at its core," PM Narendra Modi added.

"When we were oppressed during colonialism, Swami Vivekananda went to Michigan University in earlier part of the last century & had said that even though this century is yours, next century will belong to India. It is our responsibility to realise this statement and vision," Modi added.

Earlier, informing about the big development, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement had said, "The philosophy and the mission of Swami Vivekananda beckon the youth of the country even today, and India feels proud to have had such a great personality who continues to inspire millions across the world. The Prime Minister has always said that the ideals of Swami Vivekananda are as relevant today as they were during the life of Swami ji. The Prime Minister himself has often emphasized that serving the masses and empowering the youth of the nation strengthens the country physically, mentally, and spiritually as well as enhances the global image of the Nation. Prosperity and power of India reside in its people and, therefore, empowering all alone will take the nation towards achieving the solemn goal of a self-reliant India."

Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) at Jamnagar and National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) at Jaipur on 5th Ayurveda Day (i.e) 13th November, 2020 via video conferencing. These institutions are expected to play global leadership roles in the growth and development of Ayurveda in the 21st Century.

The Ayurveda Day is being observed every year from 2016, on the day of Dhanwantri Jayanti. This year it falls on 13th November 2020. Ayurveda day is more an occasion of re-dedication to the profession and the society, than one of festivities or celebrations. Potential role of Ayurveda in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic will be the focus of this year’s ‘Ayurveda Day’ observation.