“We are mourning… but we won’t delay pace, nor stop ‘Pragati’, says PM

Not long ago, Gen Bipin Rawat, now deceased, had alerted the country of a 2.5 front war against Pakistan, against China and, of course, against enemies within the country. Hence, the choice of words by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a special significance in more ways than one.

New Delhi: It was vintage Modi back with his powerful words, trying to give effective leadership to a mourning and tragedy-hit nation.

"… Bharat dukh mein haen, lekin na hum apni Gati rokten haen, aur na hi hamari pragati," PM Modi asserted while speaking at the launch of Rs 9800 crore worth Saryu Nahar National project in Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh.

"Wherever General Bipin Rawat maybe, in the days to come, he will see India moving ahead with new resolutions," the Prime Minister said.

He said while it's a moment of tragedy and mourning, the country will not stop or delay its 'Gati (pace)' nor its Pragati (development)."

Of course, the guiding theme of his speech in less than 24 hours after the country's first CDS and his trusted aide in military and security matters, Gen Bipin Rawat, was laid to rest was-"India will not stop, a determined India won't be at a standstill." 

Together, the Prime Minister asserted, all Indians will work hard and face every challenge "inside and outside the country". 

"We will strive harder and give a befitting response to all the challenges both within the country and outside." The choice of words by the Prime Minister has special significance in more ways than one.

Gen Bipin Rawat had himself given a unique definition and road map for identifying 'challenges' before the country. Not long ago, Gen Rawat, now deceased, had famously alerted the country of a 2.5 front war against Pakistan, against China and, of course, against enemies within the country. He was known for his skills in undertaking military operations and his assertive words left India's enemies inside and overseas unnerved.

"We will make India more 'shakti-shali' and samridha (strong, confidence and progressive," the Prime Minister said in the presence of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among others.