Tourists welcome to see 'Kumbh of democracy' in India: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said people from across the world must also come to see Indias parliamentary elections which are the "kumbh of democracy".

Addressing delegates from 181 countries who visited the Kumbh mela in Prayagraj, Modi said just like the Kumbh, Indian parliamentary elections, with their huge scale and complete impartiality, can be a source of inspiration for the world.

He said people from across the world must also come to see how India conducts its parliamentary elections.

Modi said the effort was now on to blend modernity and technology with faith, spirituality, and cultural consciousness at the Kumbh mela.

He said the world will recognize India, both for its modernity and for its rich heritage.

He said until one actually visits the Kumbh Mela, one cannot appreciate completely what a great heritage it is. He said this tradition has continued uninterrupted for thousands of years.

He said the Kumbh is as much about social reform as it is about spirituality. He said the Kumbh has been a forum for discussion among spiritual leaders and social reformers to chart a road map for the future and monitor progress.

The event and the visit of delegates from across the world was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj hosted a lunch for the delegates and joined them for a group photo along with ICCR President Vinay Sahasrabuddhe.

--IANS

mak/prs