Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday joined the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal as he inaugurated a puja pandal in Kolkata via video conferencing.
He extended warm greetings to the people of Bengal on commencement of Durga Puja.
“The people of Bengal have always been intellectual and made the country proud and I have utmost faith that they will continue to lead India to a brighter future,” Modi said.
While addressing the people of Bengal, PM Modi said “It feels like I am in Bengal with you and blessed to be a part of Maa Durga’s Mahashashti celebrations.”
Modi said, “We are celebrating Durga Puja in times of Covid-19, all devotees have shown exemplary restrain.”
“The number of people might be less but the grandeur and devotion are the same. The happiness and joy are still boundless. This is the real Bengal,” he added.
PM Modi urged everyone to follow protocols-maintaining distance and wearing masks during celebrations.
Speaking about the development schemes of his government, Modi said under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana, houses were built for about 30 lakh poor families in Bengal.
“About 90 lakh poor women have been given free gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Bank accounts of about four crore poor of Bengal have been opened through Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.” he said.
“I pray that every year we celebrate Durga Puja in this manner with joy and happiness among people,” Modi added.
