Beware of people exploiting caste divisions to weaken nation: Yogi

Lucknow: Invoking poet and writer Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on his death anniversary, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that if we wish to preserve our independence for a long time and realise the vision of a developed and self-reliant India, we must remain vigilant against anti-national elements who exploit caste divisions to weaken the nation.At an event to mark the death anniversary of Dinkar, titled ‘Rashmirathi Parv’, the CM hailed his critique of caste, saying that the writer warned against the impact of caste divisions years ago.Quoting from Dinkar’s ‘Rashmirathi’, Yogi said: “Unch-neech ka bhed na jaane, wahi shreshth gyani hai, daya-dharm jis me ho, sabse wahi pujya prani hai”.The CM said Dinkar wished to communicate that to preserve independence for long, people must remain vigilant against anti-national elements exploiting caste divisions.Appreciating Dinkar’s skill of weaving words into beautiful and inspiring poetry, Yogi said that Dinkar was blessed by Goddess Saraswati.He said when he was approached for permission to organise the event, he jumped at the opportunity and insisted that it be held while he was in Lucknow, especially because Yogi said that he often quoted Dinkar to attack opponents.Highlighting Dinkar’s role in addressing India’s concerns and problems, he said that the country, rich in resources and a major global power, had to endure centuries of subjugation.Despite its strength and intellect, he added, the country had some shortcomings, and Dinkar addressed these issues in his work.Dinkar’s work had a message for the youth and other sections of society, aimed at awakening social consciousness and uniting society in an unparalleled manner.“Through his works, he consistently inspired people at different levels and strengthened the nation’s consciousness. Even when attempts were made to suppress India’s democracy, Dinkar gave the call, ‘Singhasan khaali karo ki janta aati hai (vacate the throne as the masses are coming)’. This demonstrates how words can become mantras, inspiring every individual for sacrifice, awareness and dedication towards the nation,” the CM said.He gave the example of his work ‘Rashmirathi’, which is about a character who struggled for identity, adding that the way his story was presented and his virtues described, compelled everyone to reflect on how no one should be overlooked.Yogi said that he directed the culture department to promote such literary works as it could provide inspiration to today’s generation.On Saturday, a theatrical performance based on Swami Vivekanand will be organised. The CM said that Swami Vivekanand was an inspiration for every Indian as he brought global recognition for India’s Vedic and Sanatan traditions.“By linking knowledge with science, Swami Vivekanand prepared society for modern times and worked tirelessly to awaken India’s consciousness. On April 26, a programme based on Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak will also be held. Tilak proclaimed, ‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it’, which became a major force in India’s independence movement,” the CM said.The CM said he had respect for the memories of Swami Vivekanand and paid tribute to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who elevated cultural consciousness to national consciousness through the Ganpati festival in Maharashtra. “The same spirit echoed in Lucknow in 1916 when Tilak Ji gave the slogan on Swaraj”.