PM Modi visits Varanasi, nominates New ‘Navratnas’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Assi Ghat during his day-long visit to Varanasi and expressed happiness over the progress of his ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’. He appealed all citizens of the country to take his call seriously and join hands to make India clean. Modi nominated 9 new ‘Navratnas’ – both individuals and groups.

Narendra Modi nominated Arun Purie & India Today Group, Ramoji Rao & Eenadu Group, Cricketer Sourav Ganguly, Comedian Kapil Sharma, Mumbai’s Dabbawalas, Danseuse Sonal Mansingh, Former IPS Officer Dr. Kiran Bedi, Nagaland Governor Padmanabha Acharya and Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

He said that since these individuals and groups are highly connected to the common people of India, he is hopeful of fulfilling the dreams of ‘Swachh Bharat’ through their active participation.

Earlieer, Modi’s Varanasi visit was delayed due to dense fog in New Delhi. He first met former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence on his birthday and sought his blessings. “There is no bigger tribute to Atal ji than celebrating his birthday as ‘Good Governance Day’ & pledging to devote ourselves to this cause,” the PM tweeted.

He later proceeded to Varanasi. The PM’s aircraft landed at the Babatpur airport where he was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and state minister Ahmed Hasan. The PM stunned everyone when he picked up the broom and cleaned the area near Jagannath Temple in Varanasi for over 100m. It was not a symbolic gesture. He did so with complete devotion.

Modi visited Banaras Hindu University, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, who was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ yesterday. Modi addressed the students and others at BHU to mark the 153rd birth anniversary of the renowned educationist and freedom fighter (Malaviya). The PM laid the foundation stone for an Inter-University Centre for Teachers’ Education at the BHU. “Education System Shouldn’t Produce Robots, Create environment that inspires children to become good teachers”, he said.

The PM will visit the Diesel Locomotive Works where he will dedicate a modern, air-conditioned passenger train engine to the nation and inaugurate a project for expansion of the DLW.