Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], November 18 : Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday and said whenever "our unity has weakened, the invaders have tried their best to destroy our civilization and our culture" and that unity is the strength of society.
Rajnath Singh, who took part in 'Koti Deepotsavam' in Hyderabad, said a society which lacks unity becomes weak and emphasised "na batna hai, na bantna hai" (neither should we get divided, nor should there be attempts at causing disunity).
"Such events teach us the value of unity, give us several messages. They give us three important messages. The first important message is of unity. When a person alone tries to do a task all by himself, the impact of efforts is less when compared to the impact that can be achieved by combined efforts of people. The earthen lamps are giving us this message that the maintaining unity is the most important requirement of our society today. We have to stay united. If we stay united, like these lamps, our impact will also spread all over the world. If we are united, then we will not be able to face the challenges ahead," he said.
Rajnath Singh said India is not only a political entity but has cultural identity stretching thousands of years due to which it has worldwide respect. He said a country is not made only by its land or people but through its culture.
"If you look at history, whenever we have been divided, we have had to lose, to retreat. Whenever our unity has weakened, the invaders have tried their best to destroy our civilization and our culture. We have to learn from history and from this deepotsav, we have to take resolve that we will stay united, those who want to create disunity, they will try different ways, someone will try to divide into different religions, different castes, communities but you do not have to get divide. 'aapko na batna hai, na aapko bantna hai, pure desh ko ekjut rehna ha...' (you do not have to get divided, nor cause divisions, the country has to stay together and stay united, there is need to take this resolve". If we stay away from divisions, we will move towards progress and create a developed and united India," he added.
"It is also written in our scriptures- 'Aikyam Balam Samajasya Tadbhave Sa Durbal', that is, unity is the strength of society, and the society which lacks unity becomes weak," he added.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's slogan of 'batenge to katenge' has been slammed by opposition leaders and BJP leaders have defended it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised 'ek hain to safe hain' slogan in his speeches for Jharkhand and Maharashtra assembly polls.
Campaigning ended today for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra assembly polls.
Polling in Maharashtra and second phase of polling in Jharkhand will be held on November 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.