Gorakhpur (UP), Sep 15 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the Indian civilisation and culture has been full of democratic values from ancient times to modern times.
“When there was no insistence towards civilisation, culture and human values in the world, at that time civilisation, culture and human life values were at their peak in India. Indian civilisation and culture has been full of democratic values from ancient times to modern times.
“Its purpose was not to abduct anyone or to rule over anyone forcibly, but its sentiment has been ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ (May all be happy, all be free of illness),” Adityanath said.
“Its new form is seen today in the resolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. Our ‘rishi’ (sages) tradition has been to live and let live because this is true democracy and this value-based democracy has been given by none other than India,” he added.
Adityanath made these remarks while chairing the meet ‘Loktantra kee Janani hai Bharat’ (India is the mother of democracy) held in Gorakhpur on the occasion of the 55th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijaynath and the 10th death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath, the UP government said in a statement.
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh was also present on this occasion as the chief guest.
Adityanath said there are many quotes about democracy from the Vedic period to the Ramayana and Mahabharata period.
“In India’s democracy, from ancient times till today, the voice of the people and the interest of the people have been given paramount importance,” Adityanath said.
He added that Lord Krishna never considered himself a king.
“In his time, the Gana Parishad under the leadership of a senior person used to look after the work of governance. When an internal conflict started in Dwarka, the members of this council fought among themselves and died. At that time, Lord Krishna had said on the plight of the council members that the rules of the state apply equally to every citizen,” Adityanath said.
In a democracy, the interest of the people is supreme, he said.
“If we look at the ancient times, the Vaishali Republic is an example of this where the entire system was dedicated to the interests of the people,” Adityanath said.
The UP chief minister said that all Indians should feel proud of their democracy and the rapidly growing economy based on democratic values. PTI NAV MNK MNK
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