Patna, Sep 17 — Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) President and Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman has defended the proposed Deepotsav to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on Thursday, saying there was no reason to object to the lighting of lamps as part of the celebrations.
Addressing questions over the initiative, Suman asked why celebrating the birthday of the incumbent Prime Minister through a Deepotsav should be viewed as controversial when the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has long been observed as Children's Day on November 14.
He said a birthday is a significant occasion in a person's life and can be marked in different ways.
He said the deep (earthen lamp) holds an important place in Indian culture and traditionally symbolises light, auspiciousness, knowledge and well-being.
He added that lighting lamps on a birthday should therefore be seen as an expression of Indian cultural traditions and sentiments.
Suman noted that cutting cakes and blowing out candles had become a popular way of celebrating birthdays over the years.
While acknowledging that there was nothing wrong with embracing modern practices, the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular President said that doing so should not mean abandoning India's own cultural traditions.
According to Suman, lighting lamps instead of blowing out candles is not a political act but an effort to remain connected with India's cultural identity.
He said the idea of organising a Deepotsav on Prime Minister Modi's birthday was intended to promote this cultural consciousness.
He stressed that India could progress by maintaining a balance between modernity and traditional values.
Suman also added that if people wished Prime Minister Modi good health, longevity and a successful life by lighting lamps at their homes, institutions and public places, the gesture should be regarded as a positive expression of Indian culture rather than a matter of controversy.
"A birthday should be a celebration of light, not darkness. Lamps should be lit, good wishes expressed, and the new generation should move forward while remaining connected to its cultural roots," he said, describing this as the core spirit behind the proposed Deepotsav.