The Ministry of Culture organized the 'Aashirwad Ka Diya' programme at Purana Qila, New Delhi on September 17, 2026, to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan initiative.
In his address, Minister Shekhawat described the Aashirwad Ka Diya as a symbol of people's blessings, service, gratitude, and the resolve for a Viksit Bharat. He praised Prime Minister Modi's dedication to national interest and public service, noting his consistent commitment to development and public welfare from his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister to Prime Minister. Shekhawat highlighted Modi's outcome-oriented governance approach, where schemes are evaluated based on their actual impact on society rather than just process completion.
The Minister emphasized that under Modi's leadership, public trust has been strengthened and development has advanced through public participation. He stated that heritage and development are complementary rather than contradictory, with the Ministry working on the 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (Development and Heritage Both) resolve. The event featured cultural performances by artists and students from Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kathak Kendra, National School of Drama, Lalit Kala Akademi, and Zonal Cultural Centres, showcasing Indian classical and cultural traditions.
The program concluded with collective lighting of the Aashirwad Ka Diya and a reaffirmation of resolve for service, culture, nation-building, and Viksit Bharat 2047 during Amrit Kaal. Minister Shekhawat also interacted with artists, students, representatives of the National Culture Fund, Adopt a Heritage initiative, and other stakeholders, appreciating their contribution to preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage.
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