Dinkar's call to end to caste-based divisions still relevant and inspiring: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday invoked the great poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar to call for an end to caste-based politics.

The Prime Minister said that for India to progress, it is essential for eastern India, including Bihar, to progress and catch up with the western part of the country.

He was speaking at a function in New Delhi, to mark the Golden Jubilee of two of Dinkar's great works titled "Sanskriti ke Chaar Adhyaay" and "Parshuram ki Pratiksha."

The Prime Minister recalled a letter written by Dinkar in 1961, in which the poet emphasized that his native state of Bihar must forget caste-based divisions, and work towards a merit-based society.

In the letter, Dinkar further said that if the people of Bihar do not rise above caste, public life in the state will decay.

The Prime Minister described "Rashtrakavi" Dinkar as a great visionary. He said Dinkar's poems, which were once memorized by thousands, assimilated India's heritage and culture, and were the best

way to understand the essence of India.

"In many ways, Dinkar ji's poems were the bridge between the youth and JP (Jayaprakash Narayan). His poetry energised the youth," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also added that there are very few creations, which stand the scrutiny of time, the way Dinkar's writing has. He said Dinkar wanted to light a path and show the way forward for

society through his writings.

"To celebrate 50 years of a work is not about only completion of 50 years; it is about the fact that the work has kept inspiring us," he said.

"We are committed to fulfilling Dinkar ji's dreams. His work inspires us to do so much," he added.

The Prime Minister said Dinkar's works have continued to provide the inspiration to achieve and progress to generations of Indians.