On 1st July 2023, a prestigious ceremony in Pune witnessed the conferral of the esteemed 41st Lokmanya Tilak National Award upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister graciously accepted the award and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Pune and Maharashtra. In his speech, he drew a parallel between Pune and Kashi, underscoring their significance in India’s cultural and scholarly landscape.
“Kashi and Pune hold a special place in our country. These cities have been synonymous with scholarship and knowledge. In Pune and Kashi, the spirit of scholarship has attained immortality. Pune, particularly, is renowned for its urban scholarly pursuits. It is a matter of immense pride to be honored in such a manner,” stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Acknowledging the responsibility that accompanies receiving such an award, he further added, “When we receive an award, our responsibilities multiply. Being associated with the name of Lokmanya Tilak adds several folds to this responsibility. I dedicate the Lokmanya Tilak National Award to the 140 crore citizens of our country. I assure my fellow countrymen that I will tirelessly work to fulfill their hopes and expectations through my service.”
In a generous gesture, Prime Minister Modi declared, “In the spirit of this award and as a tribute to those who bear the name of Gangadhar, I dedicate the proceeds of this award to the Namami Gange project. The Ganga is our sacred river, and it symbolizes our cultural and spiritual heritage.”
Praising the extraordinary role of Lokmanya Tilak in India’s freedom struggle, Prime Minister Modi emphasized, “The contributions of Lokmanya Tilak to India’s independence cannot be adequately expressed in words. His impact on the freedom movement was felt by all, including the revolutionary leaders who emerged during and after his time. The British themselves referred to Tilak as the Father of Indian English. He revolutionized India’s path to independence by proclaiming that self-rule is our birthright. He shattered the notion that India’s faith, culture, and identity were signs of backwardness. The Indian people recognized his greatness and bestowed upon him the title of Lokmanya.”
The Lokmanya Tilak National Award, presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, honors not only his exceptional leadership but also his unwavering commitment to serving the nation and its people. It stands as a testament to his dedication, vision, and relentless efforts to propel India towards greater heights of progress and prosperity. The award symbolizes the acknowledgment of his service and the inspiration he continues to provide to the nation and its citizens.
