Narendra Modi speaks of equality

New Delhi: Hailing Indian festivals as occasions giving new inspiration to the society, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke of the message of non-discrimination and equality.

At a Diwali Milan function with journalists at the BJP headquarters, Mr Modi spoke about the mass connect of festivals in India.

“The festival of lights (Deep Parva) is also a part of it. There is no discrimination in it. It also strengthens the value of equality,” said the Prime Minister in his brief address to the journalists before meeting them personally.

The BJP had held a similar function last year also where the Prime Minister had informally interacted with the journalists.

While speaking about the mass connect of festivals, the Prime Minister said: “In our society, festivals in themselves are a big strength, which give the society a new momentum, energy and enthusiasm... A number of stories can be generated if its social and economic aspects are analysed. For instance, the gathering on the banks of the Ganges during the Kumbh Mela is so huge as if there is small European country there.”

The Prime Minister said that this year’s Diwali Milan got delayed due to his busy schedule and jokingly said: “Had it not been done now, one may have had to wait till Christmas.”

After his brief remarks from the podium, the Prime Minister stepped down to go around freely shaking hands with the assembled journalists, some of whom took selfies with him.

BJP president Amit Shah wished a great year for the country’s democratic traditions.

Referring to the two-day long debate in Parliament to commemorate Constitution Day and the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Mr Shah said that Parliament has unanimously placed the supremacy of the Constitution above all.