Ministry of Culture organises ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme at Purana Qila on the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

Ministry of Culture Ministry of Culture organises ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme at Purana Qila on the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, public trust has been strengthened in the country and efforts have been made

to take development forward with public participation: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Posted On: 18 SEP 2026 10:29AM by PIB Delhi On the occasion of the birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Culture organised the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme at Purana Qila, New Delhi, on 17th September 2026. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the programme by lighting the Aashirwad Ka Diya, organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan with the chant of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.In his address, Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the Aashirwad Ka Diya is not just a lamp, but a symbol of the power of people's blessings, service, gratitude and the resolve for a Viksit Bharat. He said that in Indian culture, the diya gives the message of burning itself to spread light in others' lives, dispelling darkness and paving the way for public welfare. In this spirit, this lamp is also a symbol of collective resolve towards service to the nation.

Wishing the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on his birthday, the Union Minister said that his public life has been dedicated to national interest and public service. He said that from his childhood till today, in whatever role he has got an opportunity to work, he has worked with full dedication and a spirit of service, keeping the nation supreme. From taking charge as the Chief Minister of Gujarat to leading the country as the Prime Minister, his commitment to national service, public welfare and development has remained constant, he added.

Sharing his experience of working with the Prime Minister, Shri Shekhawat said that getting the opportunity to work with the Prime Minister has been an honourable experience of his public life. He said that he has seen Shri Narendra Modi not only as a Prime Minister, but as a dedicated worker, seeker, ascetic and organizer. He said that the Prime Minister inspires people at every level through his conduct, working style and guidance and considers public office not as prestige, but as a medium of responsibility and service.The Union Minister said that the Prime Minister's working style is based on outcome-oriented governance.

Schemes are reviewed not just on the basis of processes or data, but on the basis of their actual impact on society and the change reaching the last person, he said. Union Minister added that the Prime Minister's clear view is that merely moving a file forward is not the completion of work, but the public-welfare results arising from it is the real yardstick of good governance.

Shri Shekhawat said that after 2014, India has experienced a new journey of development and good governance. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, public trust has been strengthened in the country and efforts have been made to take development forward with public participation. He also said that the Prime Minister believes that “heritage and development” are not contradictory to each other, but complementary to each other and both have an equal role in building a Viksit Bharat.

In this context, the Union Minister said that the Ministry of Culture is working with the resolve of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” under the guidance of the Prime Minister. He said that India's classical, folk and traditional cultural traditions are invaluable heritage of our civilizational consciousness and their preservation, promotion and dissemination to the new generation is the priority of the Ministry. He also said that only a society inspired by its heritage can move forward with confidence and pride towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.

In his address, Shri Shekhawat mentioned the recently held BRICS Summit and said that India's role at the global level and the growing trust of the world in India reflects the country's decisive leadership and its commitment to national interest. He said that even in difficult situations and challenges, India has established its effective role before the world community by keeping national interest’s paramount.

Artists and students of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kathak Kendra, National School of Drama, Lalit Kala Akademi and Zonal Cultural Centres gave presentations based on Indian classical and cultural traditions at the event. After the programme, the Union Minister interacted with artists, students, representatives of the National Culture Fund, Adopt a Heritage initiative and other stakeholders and appreciated their contribution in the preservation and promotion of Indian cultural heritage.The programme concluded with the collective lighting of the Aashirwad Ka Diya. On this occasion, the resolve for service, culture, nation-building and Viksit Bharat 2047 in Amrit Kaal was reiterated.

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