Help build new India by 2022: PM

New Delhi: Arrows were fired to set the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran ablaze at the Parade Ground here on Saturday, an event that was attended by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among a host of other dignitaries.

The burning of the giant effigies, signifying the triumph of good over evil, was organised by the Shri Dharmik Leela Committee, which has been organising the city's one of the most high-profile Ramlila events at the grounds opposite the historic Red Fort since 1924.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, union ministers Harsh Vardhan, Vijay Goel, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari were also among those present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wished the countrymen on the occasion of Dussehra and urged the people to undertake a pledge for contributing to the nation-building by 2022.

"I urge everyone to undertake 'sankalp' of positive contribution to the nation by 2022 when the nation celebrates its 75th year of Independence," Modi said while speaking at an event to mark Dussehra.

Stating that the festivals are not mere events of festivities but are also a medium to educate the society, Modi said these festivals keep us aware of the values in the society and teach us to live together as one community.

President Kovind said, "we all should work towards growth and overall development of the society."

Last year, Modi had participated in the Dussehra celebrations in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh which was then facing assembly elections.

Earlier, the President, the Vice President and former Prime Minister Singh applied 'tilak' on the foreheads of the Ramlila participants playing the roles of Rama, Laxmana and Hanuman, the chief protagonists of the epic Ramayana, parts of which are enacted during the Navratra celebrations that culminated on Dussehra with the slaying of Ravana.

BJP chief Amit Shah attended another such event nearby, organised by the Luv Kush Ram Lila committee near the Red Fort, while Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attended the one organised by the Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee.