PM Modi's special message on first day of Navratri: Be part of self-reliant India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his greetings to the nation as India begins the sacred nine-day festival of Navratri, describing it as a time of devotion, courage, patience, and determination. 

Taking to X, the PM wrote, "Heartfelt wishes to all for Navratri. This sacred festival, filled with devotion, courage, patience, and determination, brings new strength and renewed faith into everyone's lives. Jai Mata Di." 

आप सभी को नवरात्रि की अनंत शुभकामनाएं। साहस, संयम और संकल्प के भक्ति-भाव से भरा यह पावन पर्व हर किसी के जीवन में नई शक्ति और नया विश्वास लेकर आए। जय माता दी!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025

The PM underlined the spiritual significance of the first day of Navratri, which is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, wishing "with the love and blessings of the Goddess, everyone's life may be filled with good fortune and health." 

नवरात्रि में आज मां शैलपुत्री की विशेष पूजा-अर्चना का दिन है। मेरी कामना है कि माता के स्नेह और आशीर्वाद से हर किसी का जीवन सौभाग्य और आरोग्य से परिपूर्ण रहे।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025

PM Modi's call for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India)

On the special occasion of Navratri, PM Modi reiterated his call for "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India), as he pushed for the "GST Bachat Mahostav". He said that this Navratri is "special" as the "GST Savings Festival" aligns with India's "Swadeshi Mantra", a push for self-reliance. 

The PM added, "Along with the GST Savings Festival, the mantra of self-reliance will gain new energy during this period. Let us come together in collective efforts to achieve the resolve of a developed and self-reliant India." 

इस बार नवरात्रि का यह शुभ अवसर बहुत विशेष है। GST बचत उत्सव के साथ-साथ स्वदेशी के मंत्र को इस दौरान एक नई ऊर्जा मिलने वाली है। आइए, विकसित और आत्मनिर्भर भारत के संकल्प की सिद्धि के लिए सामूहिक प्रयासों में जुट जाएं।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025

Before this, the PM had addressed the nation on Sunday as the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms were implemented. He said that it will be a "double bonanza" for citizens, as the reduction in GST rates would complement the income tax benefits provided earlier this year. 

Mentioning the socio-economic progress of the neo-middle class, he said, "In the last 11 years, 25 crore people in the country have defeated poverty. Having emerged from poverty, a large group of 25 crore people, known as the neo-middle class, is playing a significant role in the development of the country. This neo-middle class has its own aspirations and dreams." 

PM Modi added, "This year, the government presented a gift by making income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free, and naturally, when income tax relief up to Rs 12 lakh is granted, the lives of the middle class undergo a profound transformation, bringing about so much simplicity and convenience. Now, the poor, the neo-middle class, and the middle class are receiving a double bonanza. With the reduction in GST, it will be easier for the citizens of the country to fulfill their dreams." 

Talking about the newly implemented GST rate cuts, PM Modi called the reforms "a continuous process", with the changes being crafted to meet the country's "current needs and future dreams." 

Explaining the new GST structure, he said, "In the new form, there will be only 5% and 18% GST tax slabs. This means that most everyday items will become cheaper. Food items, medicines, soap, brush, paste, health and life insurance, many such goods and services will either be tax-free or only a 5% tax will have to be paid. Out of the goods which were earlier taxed at 12%, 99% of the items have now come under the slab of 5% tax."