Jaipur, Dec. 13—(LatestNewsX)—Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, told reporters on Saturday that building “New India” takes more than proclamations; it demands firm political will and decisive leadership. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unwavering resolve for turning India into a self‑sufficient strategic power, a shift that has made hostile views toward the country untenable.
Speaking at the unveiling of a statue of Thakur Balwant Singh Bakhasar in Bakhasar, Shekhawat recalled that the past administrations saw frequent terrorist assaults on places of worship, including Akshardham, Raghunath Temple and the Hanuman Temple. He added that earlier governments had largely limited themselves to diplomatic protests, whereas since 2014, under Modi’s guidance, the threat of terrorism has been markedly curtailed as attackers now consider any attack twice.
The minister noted that even during major incidents such as Uri, Pulwama and Pahalgam, the Indian Armed Forces acted decisively. He cited the surgical strikes launched after the Uri incident, the aerial attacks that followed the Pulwama blast, and Operation Sindoor, the operation that followed the Pahalgam attack, as clear evidence that “New India” will not tolerate terror or submit to it.
Shekhawat highlighted that India is bolstering infrastructure in border regions while ramping up indigenous defence production with cutting‑edge technology. He pointed out that India once supplied almost 70 % of the world’s ammunition during World II—capabilities that had subsequently eroded. From 2014 onward, he said, Modi restored confidence in the country’s self‑reliance.
The country’s journey from being the world’s largest arms importer to becoming a top‑10 arms exporter is now marked by the development of modern missiles, ballistic systems, aircraft and indigenous fighter jets such as the Tejas, which attract worldwide attention.
The minister described the statue’s unveiling not just as a formal ceremony but as a powerful moment that bridges past and present. He said the statue embodies the courage, dedication and indomitable spirit of border communities that have long safeguarded national security. In his view, Thakur Balwant Singh’s life is a tribute to countless unsung heroes whose sacrifices form the nation’s soul and demonstrate the highest sense of duty toward India.
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