Gorakhpur: Remain vigilant against forces hindering India’s progress and attempting to weaken our cultural traditions, urged chief minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing devotees at the conclusion of the weeklong Shri Ram Katha and Guru Purnima celebrations at Gorakhnath Temple on Wednesday. Yogi said some groups were attempting to undermine India’s development journey and Sanatan culture. He cautioned that anti-national elements could operate from within society in different forms and stressed need for awareness and unity.The chief minister said India made rapid strides over the past 12 years and was on course to become one of the world’s top three economies in the coming years. He added that nations and groups uncomfortable with India’s rise were trying to create instability, unrest and disorder.Drawing a parallel with the mythological character Kalnemi, who attempted to obstruct Lord Hanuman, Yogi said people must identify and remain cautious of those who directly or indirectly participate in conspiracies against the country.Referring to the elimination of Maoism from districts once affected by insurgency, he said those who earlier encouraged such movements could re-emerge under different names and forms.Yogi also called for safeguarding Sanatan traditions, saying every section of society, including teachers and spiritual guides, had a responsibility to preserve cultural values. He criticised attempts to disrupt religious festivals and said those who insult “matrishakti” (women power) and the motherland deserve strict punishment.The Shri Ram Katha began on Jul 23 and concluded with an aarti of the Ramcharitmanas. The event was attended by state ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Dayashankar Singh, MP Ravi Kishan, senior seers and many devotees.
