Contributing in making of 'New India' is every citizen's duty: Modi

Mr Modi made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangamwadi 'Math' here.

"After decades-long legal dispute, now decks have been cleared for a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya and even the government has set up a Trust for its construction under the supervision of the saints. We will also hand over the 67 acres of land acquired in the past for the temple," he said.

He also claimed that along with Ayodhya, Varanasi is also going to get a Kashi Vishwanath corridor, which will add grandeur to the religious faith and the traditions.

"We have achieved several goals due to the participation of the people which includes cleaning of the holy Ganga and the success of the Namami Gange. We have completed projects worth over Rs 7,000 crores under Namame Gange and Rs 21,000 crore projects were underway," the Prime Minister said.

Mr Modi also asked the people to promote local goods and shed their thought about imported items.

"Products produced in our country are now are internationally recognised and there is no such need of imports," he said.

He said it was a big opportunity for him to attend such religious programmes where people from Karnataka, Maharashtra and other places have come to hear discourses of the saints.

The Prime Minister released the translated version of the Siddhant Shikhamani Granth in 19 languages and its mobile application.

"Such programmes show us the path from Bhakti (Spirituality) to Mukti (Salvation) where the saints preach about the philosophy of love, kindness and generosity " he said.

He also appreciated and highlighted the works done by the Jangamwadi Math and how they connected technology with religion to make such an useful mobile app.

The Prime Minister made several statements in Kannad language as the 'math' represent the Lingayat community of Karanataka.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath too addressed the gathering and said that the 'math' has worked intensively for the community.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who was present along with several of his ministers and legislators also addressed the function and spoke about the religion and the achievements of the 'math'.

The saints of the 'math' welcomed the Prime Minister and other dignitaries. The Prime Minister also joined the 'aarti' at the 'math' before attending the programmes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached his parliamentary constituency Varanasi early today, where he will inaugurate projects worth Rs 1,200 crore.

UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with couple of Union and UP ministers welcomed the Prime Minister at the airport.

Amid tight security arrangements, Mr Modi will  inaugurate and lay foundation for  around 48 projects, including a 430-bed super specialty government hospital at the Banaras Hindu University(BHU) and dedicate to the nation the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre and unveil a 63-feet tall statue of the BJP ideologue in the adjoining Chandauli district.

It would be the tallest statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in the country. Over 200 artisans, including 30 craftsmen and artists from Odisha, worked day and night for the last one year to complete the structure. The memorial centre will have the engravings of the life and times of Upadhyaya.

The Prime Minister flagged off the third private train of India ''Maha KaalExpress'', operated by IRCTC, through video conferencing. The first overnight private train in the country will connect three jyotirlinga pilgrim centres of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh,and Ujjain and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh.

The  other projects to be unveiled by him include a 74-bed psychiatry hospital at BHU. He will also inaugurate a two-day 'Kashi Ek Roop Anek' event at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Hastakala Sankul, showcasing products from all over Uttar Pradesh.

He would also interact with buyers and artisans coming from countries, including the United States, England and Australia.

The Prime Minister would address a public rally and inaugurate Chowkaghat-Lehartara overbridge. He will also inaugurate the Vedic Science Centre at BHU.