Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is witnessing a cultural and civilisational renaissance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He made the remarks in Kochi on Friday while addressing a national conclave on the Ramayana.
The three-day event, titled “One Epic, Many Stories: Ram Katha Across Bharat and Beyond,” was organised by Malayalam daily Janmabhumi. Singh inaugurated the conclave at the Bhaskareeyam Convention Centre in Kochi.
Singh linked India’s cultural heritage with its development journey. He said the country was drawing inspiration from centuries-old values while moving towards greater economic and social progress.
Rajnath Singh Speaks on Cultural Renaissance
Singh said India’s cultural and civilisational renaissance remained incomplete after Independence. He attributed this, in his speech, to what he described as appeasement politics and a distorted understanding of secularism.
He said India was now moving away from what he called a colonial mindset. Singh argued that greater awareness of India’s heritage could strengthen national consciousness.
His comments formed a major part of his address at the Kochi conclave. The minister also connected cultural awareness with India’s wider development goals.
Focus on India’s Centuries-Old Values
The Defence Minister highlighted several values that he associated with India’s civilisational traditions.
These included courage, perseverance, public service, compassion and determination. He also spoke about national security, strengthening national capabilities and ensuring inclusive prosperity.
Singh said these values could inspire citizens as India works towards becoming a developed nation. He also called on younger generations to understand the country’s cultural and civilisational heritage.
According to Singh, such awareness can contribute to India’s social, economic and political progress.
Youth Described as India’s Greatest Strength
Singh placed particular emphasis on the role of young people.
He described the youth as the country’s greatest strength. He called on young Indians to contribute to the country’s transformation.
The minister said a confident, capable and socially inclusive India could emerge as a developed nation. He also said India could play a greater role in shaping the future of the world.
His remarks came as the conclave focused on the continued relevance of the Ramayana and Indian cultural traditions.
Singh Discusses Secularism and Indian Traditions
Singh also spoke about the Indian understanding of secularism.
He referred to the principle of “Sarva Dharma Samabhava,” which means equal respect for all faiths. He contrasted this with what he described as a Western approach that separated religion from public life.
Singh argued that India’s civilisational traditions did not view religion as an opponent of the state. He said India’s approach had historically recognised respect for different faiths.
These comments formed part of his broader argument about India’s cultural identity.
Ramayana’s Connection With Kerala
The Defence Minister also highlighted Kerala’s connection with Lord Ram and the Ramayana.
He referred to Kerala as Parashurama Kshetra in the Puranic tradition. He also noted that Parashurama and Lord Ram are regarded as avatars of Lord Vishnu in Hindu tradition.
Singh said Kerala therefore has a deep cultural connection with the Ramayana. He also referred to traditional practices in which families gather in the evening, light a lamp and chant the name of Lord Ram.
The remarks connected the national theme of the conclave with Kerala’s own cultural traditions.
Development and Cultural Heritage
Singh also linked cultural heritage with India’s development.
He said India was advancing by drawing inspiration from its historical values. He referred to national capabilities, economic growth and public welfare while discussing the country’s development journey.
Singh has previously made similar arguments about the relationship between cultural heritage and national development. In 2023, he described cultural security as an important part of national security during an event in Somnath.
At the Kochi event, he again presented cultural awareness as an important element of India’s broader national journey.
India’s Growing Capabilities Highlighted
Singh also pointed to developments in technology, defence and public welfare during his speech.
According to reports on his address, he cited India’s digital payments system as an example of the country’s technological capabilities. He also referred to growth in defence production and exports.
He mentioned welfare programmes including Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. These references formed part of his wider argument about India’s development under the present government.
Media’s Role in Democracy
The Defence Minister also spoke about the role of the media.
He said an independent and impartial press remains important for accountability. According to Singh, journalism should not only report events but also question those in power and bring information before the public.
He also referred to the Emergency of 1975 and the role of journalists and publications during that period.
His comments added a broader democratic dimension to an event primarily focused on culture and the Ramayana.
Janmabhumi Conclave Brings Cultural Discussions to Kochi
The national conclave brought discussions about the Ramayana and Indian cultural traditions to Kochi.
The event explored the story of Ram across different parts of India and beyond. It also examined the continuing cultural presence of the Ramayana.
Singh’s address focused on the relationship between India’s civilisational heritage and its present development journey.
BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and party leader P K Krishnadas were among those present at the event.
Cultural Heritage Remains Part of National Debate
Rajnath Singh’s Kochi address placed cultural heritage at the centre of a wider discussion about India’s development.
His comments reflected the government’s broader emphasis on cultural heritage and civilisational identity. At the same time, several of his statements about past governments, secularism and the present political leadership represent his political assessment and should be understood in that context.
The Kochi conclave provided a platform for discussing the Ramayana’s cultural reach. Singh used the occasion to connect those traditions with national development, youth participation and India’s future.
The event also highlighted the continuing public discussion around culture, heritage and India’s changing national identity.