Narendra Modi slams politicians for ignoring Indian 'culture'

AHMEDABAD: Emphasising the need to inculcate values in youth to control social evils, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said traditional Indian value-based systems have been painted in " secular" and "non-secular" garb.

Inaugurating a youth training centre of Brahma Kumaris here today, Modi spoke on recent crimes against women. "To save society from such evils, we should inculcate Indian values and culture in our youth," Modi said.

"If our culture is capable, energetic and progressive, social evils can be minimised. If values and culture are given prominence, then evils can be controlled," he said.

"However, in these times, value-based education systems like yoga are being weighed in terms of secularism and non-secularism," Modi said.

"Politicians involved in vote-bank politics have committed a sin by ignoring Indian culture. History will seek answers from them," he said.

He also took on those criticising Gujarat, saying, "The prime minister today presented an award for excellence in public administration in the organisation category, for Gujarat's skill development programme. This award has shut the mouths of those trying to defame Gujarat and spread lies about the state."