Pralhad Joshi's Dussehra message: Ram's ideals for a strong Bharat
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On the occasion of Dussehra 2026, Union Consumer Affairs and New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi invoked the eternal lesson of Lord Shri Ram's victory — that righteousness, however tested, is never finally defeated — and called on Indians to draw from that spirit as the nation builds toward a stronger, self-reliant future.
In his message posted on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Joshi wrote: 'Dussehra reminds us that no matter how powerful evil may seem, the victory of truth and righteousness is inevitable.' He urged citizens to let Ram's ideals inspire courage, uphold India's civilisational values, and deepen the national resolve to build a 'strong, united and self-reliant Bharat.'
Dussehra's message woven into national aspiration
Dussehra, celebrated across India on the tenth day of Navratri, marks the moment Lord Ram vanquished the demon king Ravana — a story that has carried civilisational weight for millennia. For Joshi and many in the BJP, the festival's symbolism dovetails naturally with the party's long-standing public framing around cultural pride and national self-reliance, themes that have been consistent touchstones in government outreach since 2014.
The phrase 'self-reliant Bharat' echoes the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat [self-reliant India] vision — linking a religious occasion to a policy aspiration in the manner that has become characteristic of how senior BJP leaders address the public on major festivals.