Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses representatives from 188 countries who visited Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj yesterday.

The event was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, joined the 188 delegates for a historic group photo.

Speaking at the Event, the Prime Minister said he is happy to meet the delegates who have just returned from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

He said that until one actually visits the Kumbh Mela, one cannot appreciate completely, what a great heritage it is. He said that this tradition has continued uninterrupted for thousands of years.

He said the Kumbh is as much about social reform as it is about spirituality. He said that the Kumbh has been a forum for discussion among spiritual leaders and social reformers, to chart a roadmap for the future, and monitor progress.

The Prime Minister said that the effort is now to blend modernity and technology, with faith, spirituality, and cultural consciousness, at the Kumbh Mela.

He said that the world will recognize India, both for its modernity, and for its rich heritage. He thanked the delegates from across the world, and said that their participation has also been an important part of the success of the Kumbh.

Prime Minister Modi described the Indian Parliamentary elections as a “Kumbh of Democracy.” He said that just like the Kumbh Mela, Indian Parliamentary elections, with their huge scale and complete impartiality, can be a source of inspiration for the world at large.

He said people from across the world must also come to see India conduct its Parliamentary election.

-Sai Kumar