Demons will be brought to their logical end: Vajpayee

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Demons will be brought to their logical end: Vajpayee

http://www.hinduonnet.com/stories/2002101608380300.htm

 

By Our Staff Reporter

The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Congress president,

Sonia Gandhi, at the Vijayadasami day celebrations in New Delhi on

Tuesday. — Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

NEW DELHI OCT. 15. On the auspicious day of Dussehra, which

symbolises triumph of good over evil, the Prime Minister, Atal Behari

Vajpayee, today sought blessings of Lord Rama in his war against

terrorism. Urging people to remain united, Mr. Vajpayee said with

power, wisdom and courage all future challenges could be met.

 

Mr. Vajpayee was addressing thousands of people who had assembled

here at Subhash Maidan in Chandni Chowk to witness burning of

effigies of demon king, Ravana; his brother, Kumbhakarna; and his

son, Meghanath; marking the end of Dussehra festivities which was

celebrated with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm.

 

The Leader of Opposition and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi; Delhi

Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit; the Minister of State in the Prime

Minister's Office, Vijay Goel; and the BJP leader, Madan Lal Khurana;

and many foreign diplomats were among the dignitaries present at the

venue where massive security arrangements had been made to avert any

untoward incident.

 

``Vijaya Dashami is our national festival which symbolises victory of

good over evil. Reincarnation of Lord Rama is imminent whenever there

is increase of evil and hatred in this world. Demons will be brought

to their logical end,'' said the Prime Minister and extended his New

Year greetings to the entire nation.

 

Earlier, Ms. Gandhi released two pigeons as a mark of peace. The

function organisers, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, in a traditional

style presented Mr. Vajpayee a bow and arrow and Ms. Gandhi a trident

to fight all evils in society. "Tilak'' and ''puja'' ceremony was

performed on Lord Rama and his brother, Lakshman, by Mr. Vajpayee,

Ms. Gandhi and Ms. Dikshit.

 

Speaking at the function, Vijay Goel said this Ramlila was one of the

oldest in the country which was being enacted since the Mughal period

and the association of Prime Ministers goes back to early

Independence period when Jawaharlal Nehru used to grace the annual

Dussehra celebrations.

 

Terming terrorism as modern day Ravana, Mr. Goel on behalf of all

citizens assured Mr. Vajpayee of all support and cooperation in his

war against terrorism and his nation-building efforts. Recalling the

association of Prime Ministers with his Parliamentary constituency,

Chandni Chowk, he said every Prime Minister comes to Old Delhi at

least twice a year -- to unfurl the Tricolour at Red Fort on

Independence Day and other to participate in Dussehra festivities.

 

Later, amid chanting of slogans in praise of Lord Rama, all the

effigies were consigned to flames with children enjoying brilliant

display of fireworks at the Ramlila site. A giant TV screen showing

scenes of various displays around the venue was one of the major

attraction among visitors.

 

Unprecedented security arrangements had been made at the venue where

armed personnel could be scene at every corner and atop nearby

buildings ensuring foolproof security.

 

People were subjected to thorough frisking and no bags or electronic

gadgets were allowed inside.