The Hindu : Demons will be brought to their logical end: Vajpayee

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2002

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Demons will be brought to their logical end: Vajpayee

By Our Staff Reporter

The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, at the Vijayadasami day celebrations in New Delhi on Tuesday. — Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

NEW DELHI OCT. 15. On the auspicious day of Dussehra, which symbolises triumph of good over evil, the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today sought blessings of Lord Rama in his war against terrorism. Urging people to remain united, Mr. Vajpayee said with power, wisdom and courage all future challenges could be met.

Mr. Vajpayee was addressing thousands of people who had assembled here at Subhash Maidan in Chandni Chowk to witness burning of effigies of demon king, Ravana; his brother, Kumbhakarna; and his son, Meghanath; marking the end of Dussehra festivities which was celebrated with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm.

The Leader of Opposition and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi; Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit; the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Vijay Goel; and the BJP leader, Madan Lal Khurana; and many foreign diplomats were among the dignitaries present at the venue where massive security arrangements had been made to avert any untoward incident.

``Vijaya Dashami is our national festival which symbolises victory of good over evil. Reincarnation of Lord Rama is imminent whenever there is increase of evil and hatred in this world. Demons will be brought to their logical end,'' said the Prime Minister and extended his New Year greetings to the entire nation.

Earlier, Ms. Gandhi released two pigeons as a mark of peace. The function organisers, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, in a traditional style presented Mr. Vajpayee a bow and arrow and Ms. Gandhi a trident to fight all evils in society. "Tilak'' and ''puja'' ceremony was performed on Lord Rama and his brother, Lakshman, by Mr. Vajpayee, Ms. Gandhi and Ms. Dikshit.

Speaking at the function, Vijay Goel said this Ramlila was one of the oldest in the country which was being enacted since the Mughal period and the association of Prime Ministers goes back to early Independence period when Jawaharlal Nehru used to grace the annual Dussehra celebrations.

Terming terrorism as modern day Ravana, Mr. Goel on behalf of all citizens assured Mr. Vajpayee of all support and cooperation in his war against terrorism and his nation-building efforts. Recalling the association of Prime Ministers with his Parliamentary constituency, Chandni Chowk, he said every Prime Minister comes to Old Delhi at least twice a year -- to unfurl the Tricolour at Red Fort on Independence Day and other to participate in Dussehra festivities.

Later, amid chanting of slogans in praise of Lord Rama, all the effigies were consigned to flames with children enjoying brilliant display of fireworks at the Ramlila site. A giant TV screen showing scenes of various displays around the venue was one of the major attraction among visitors.

Unprecedented security arrangements had been made at the venue where armed personnel could be scene at every corner and atop nearby buildings ensuring foolproof security.

People were subjected to thorough frisking and no bags or electronic gadgets were allowed inside.

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