Prime Minister Narendra Modi Receives Lokmanya Tilak National Award for Leadership and Patriotism

Pune, August 1, 2023 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award at a ceremony held in Pune. The event, graced by NCP chief Sharad Pawar as the chief guest, witnessed the two political leaders sharing the dais for the first time in over eight years.

The award, which includes a memento and citation, was bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi "in recognition of his supreme leadership and for awakening the feeling of patriotism among citizens." The ceremony commenced with warm exchanges of pleasantries between Mr. Modi and Mr. Pawar, marking a notable reunion since the Prime Minister's visit to Mr. Pawar's political bastion in Baramati for an agricultural event in February 2015.

During the eventful day, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated key infrastructure projects, emphasizing the government's commitment to the development of Pune and its surrounding regions. He flagged off metro trains to mark the inauguration of completed sections of the Pune Metro phase I, bringing much-needed connectivity to the city.

Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated a waste-to-energy plant in the Pimri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), signaling the government's commitment to sustainable and environment-friendly solutions for waste management.

Furthering the government's commitment to providing affordable housing to citizens, Mr. Modi laid the foundation stone for houses to be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), aimed at uplifting the lives of the underprivileged and ensuring access to housing for all.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the visionary Lokmanya Tilak, acknowledging his role in emphasizing the significance of journalism and newspapers in India's struggle for independence. Tilak's establishment of the weekly 'Mahratta' in English and 'Kesari' in Marathi, along with Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and V.S. Chiplunkar, remains a testament to his enduring legacy, with the Kesari still being read in Maharashtra after 140 years.

PM Modi highlighted Tilak's belief in the youth's potential and his vision for a capable and educated Indian youth to shape the nation's future. He also spoke of Tilak's recognition of Veer Savarkar's capabilities and desire for Savarkar to contribute to India's growth and progress.

Moreover, the Prime Minister shared an anecdote about Lokmanya Tilak's impactful speech in Ahmedabad in 1916, which had left a lasting impression on Sardar Patel, who was present in the audience. This incident showcased Tilak's ability to inspire and influence great leaders of his time.

The Lokmanya Tilak National Award ceremony, along with the day's inaugurated projects, served as a tribute to the rich legacy of Lokmanya Tilak and celebrated Prime Minister Modi's commitment to the nation's progress, leadership, and patriotism.