PM Modi Celebrates Raksha Bandhan with School Children, Spreads Message of Love and Environmental Awareness
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th August 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan in a heartwarming ceremony with school children at his New Delhi residence on Monday. The occasion was filled with joy and warmth as young girls from various schools gathered around the Prime Minister to tie rakhis, the sacred threads symbolizing the bond of protection and love between siblings, on his wrist.
The special event showcased the deep cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that honors the bond of love between brothers and sisters. In a video shared by a state-run news channel, PM Modi is seen seated in a chair, surrounded by enthusiastic and smiling school children, each eager to tie a rakhi on his wrist. The Prime Minister’s interaction with the children was marked by affection and simplicity, reflecting the spirit of the festival.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a specially designed rakhi themed on “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name), which carried a message of environmental awareness. This thoughtful gesture emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to protect and nurture the earth, much like the bond of care and protection celebrated on Raksha Bandhan. The theme resonated with the Prime Minister’s own commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, as he often advocates for a harmonious relationship between nature and human progress.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi took to social media to extend his heartfelt wishes to the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed, “Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolizing the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in your relationships and happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in life.” His message encapsulated the essence of Raksha Bandhan, a festival deeply ingrained in Indian culture, celebrating the enduring bond between siblings.
Raksha Bandhan, which literally translates to “the bond of protection,” is a significant festival in Hindu tradition. It is observed with great fervor across India, as sisters tie rakhis on their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of their affection, love, and prayers for their brothers’ well-being. In return, brothers take a solemn vow to protect their sisters from harm and stand by them through life’s challenges. The festival is a beautiful expression of familial love, mutual respect, and the responsibilities that come with these bonds.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the Raksha Bandhan celebrations with school children not only highlighted the cultural richness of the festival but also reinforced the values of love, protection, and environmental responsibility. By involving children in this cherished tradition, the event underscored the importance of passing down these values to the younger generation, ensuring that the spirit of Raksha Bandhan continues to thrive.
As the nation celebrated this beloved festival, the Prime Minister’s involvement served as a reminder of the shared cultural heritage that binds the country together. His simple yet profound gesture of celebrating Raksha Bandhan with school children added a special touch to the festival, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
