Dharma and Defence: Modi’s Vision for a “New India”
- MGMMTeam
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
In a historic gathering at Udupi on 28 November 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed over one lakh devotees during the “Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana,” a mass recitation of the Bhagavad Gita. Modiji invoked the Sanskrit maxim “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha” — “Dharma protects those who protect it” — linking spiritual duty to the country’s contemporary approach to national security. He framed India’s modern governance and strategic posture as rooted in civilisational principles, arguing that the teachings of the Gita are not merely spiritual but provide a moral compass for leadership, decision-making, and defence.
Spiritual Roots and National Resolve
Modiji emphasized that the “New India” will neither bow nor hesitate when faced with threats to its citizens. Drawing a sharp contrast with past administrations, he remarked that previous governments often hesitated after terror attacks, whereas the present government responds decisively and firmly. He cited the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, as a defining moment for India’s resolve. The government’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, targeting terror launchpads across borders, was highlighted as a demonstration of moral courage combined with strategic precision. According to government sources, this operation not only punished perpetrators but served as a clear deterrent, signaling India’s unwillingness to tolerate acts of terrorism.
Operation Sindoor and the Doctrine of Deterrence
Operation Sindoor, framed in public discourse as a decisive counter-terrorism measure, exemplifies India’s evolving security doctrine. Modiji argued that the operation embodies the Gita’s principles, combining righteous action with the protection of innocent lives. The Prime Minister also announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a national security initiative aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure, industrial hubs, and strategic locations across the country. He presented these steps as part of a broader vision where governance, civilizational ethos, and defence converge, projecting a country that blends spiritual wisdom with practical readiness against threats.
Udupi: A Symbolic Choice
The selection of Udupi as the venue carried historical and symbolic weight. Known for its centuries-old spiritual and cultural traditions, the city exemplifies devotion, community service, and ethical governance. Modiji highlighted Udupi’s legacy of sanitation, education, and temple management as early models of public welfare and civic responsibility. By addressing the crowd here, Modiji reinforced the idea that India’s ancient heritage can inspire modern governance and social policies, bridging the past with contemporary aspirations.
Integrating Dharma into Policy
Beyond security, Modiji connected the Gita’s teachings to broader policy initiatives. He suggested that welfare programs, women’s empowerment initiatives, and laws aimed at protecting citizens are guided by dharmic principles — the ethical and moral responsibilities outlined in Indian scriptures. According to him, India’s spiritual heritage serves as both inspiration and justification for decisive governance, demonstrating that moral imperatives can coexist with strategic pragmatism.
Implications for India’s Identity and Security
Modiji’s speech signals a vision of India where civilizational identity, national pride, and security policy are interwoven. By invoking spiritual texts in public discourse, the government positions moral duty as a guiding force in statecraft and military readiness. Operation Sindoor and Mission Sudarshan Chakra convey a message of deterrence, asserting that India will act firmly against threats, while also projecting a narrative of moral legitimacy rooted in the nation’s cultural heritage.
At the same time, blending religious symbolism with national security raises questions about secular governance in a pluralistic society. While supporters see this as a way to unify and strengthen national identity, critics caution that excessive politicization of faith could risk alienating minorities and complicate India’s diplomatic relationships.
The MGMM Outlook
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at Udupi during the “Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana” underscores a vision of India where spiritual wisdom and national security are intertwined. By invoking the Sanskrit maxim “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha,” Modiji positioned dharma not merely as a religious principle but as a guiding framework for governance and defence. Highlighting the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, he framed India’s modern security strategy as decisive and morally grounded. Through initiatives like Mission Sudarshan Chakra, the government emphasizes protection of critical infrastructure and citizen safety, demonstrating a blend of ethical responsibility with strategic readiness. The choice of Udupi, with its rich legacy of civic ethics, education, and community service, reinforced the message that India’s ancient heritage can inspire contemporary governance and societal progress.
Modiji’s integration of the Gita’s teachings into public policy and national security reflects an approach where moral duty, civilizational identity, and strategic action converge. Welfare programs, women’s empowerment, and legal safeguards are presented as extensions of dharmic principles, illustrating that ethical governance can coexist with pragmatic statecraft. At the same time, invoking religious and spiritual symbolism in matters of defence and national identity positions India firmly against threats while projecting moral legitimacy. While this approach resonates with supporters as a unifying vision for a “New India,” it also opens a dialogue about maintaining secularism in a diverse society, balancing cultural heritage with inclusive governance.
(Sources: Livemint, NDTV, Financial Express)
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