Ekta Ka Mahakumbh – Dawn of a new era for Viksit Bharat

 ‘Gods and Goddesses, saints, women, children, youth, elderly – people from all walks of life came together. We witnessed the nation’s awakened consciousness’

The Mahakumbh has successfully concluded in Prayagraj. A grand Mahayajna of Unity has been completed. When the consciousness of a nation awakens, when it breaks free from the shackles of a centuries-old mindset of subjugation, it breathes freely in the fresh air of renewed energy. This result has been witnessed at the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh (Mahakumbh of Unity) since January 13.

On January 22, 2024, during the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I spoke about Devbhakti and Deshbhakti–devotion to the divine and the nation. During the Mahakumbh, Gods and Goddesses, saints, women, children, youth, senior citizens and people from all walks of life came together. We witnessed the nation’s awakened consciousness. This was Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, where the sentiments of 140 crore Indians converged at the same place and time for this sacred occasion.

In this holy region of Prayagraj is Shringverpur, a sacred land of unity, harmony and love, where Prabhu Shri Ram and Nishadraj met. Their meeting symbolised the confluence of devotion and goodwill. Even today, Prayagraj inspires us with the same spirit.

For 45 days, I witnessed crores of Indians going to the Sangam. The wave of emotions at the confluence kept rising. The holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati filled every pilgrim with enthusiasm, energy, and confidence.

This Mahakumbh is a subject of study for modern management professionals, planning, and policy experts. Nowhere in the world is there any parallel or example of this scale.

The world wondered how crores gathered at Prayagraj without formal invitations or prior communication. They came of their own accord and felt the bliss of the holy dip.

I cannot forget those faces radiating immense joy and satisfaction after the dip. Women, elders, our Divyang brothers and sisters, everyone found a way to reach the Sangam.

The overwhelming participation of India’s youth was particularly heartening. Their presence sends a profound message that they will be the torchbearers of our glorious culture and heritage.

The number of people who arrived in Prayagraj for this Mahakumbh has undoubtedly created new records. But crores who could not reach Prayagraj were also profoundly and emotionally connected to the occasion. The sacred water brought back by pilgrims became a source of spiritual bliss for millions. What has happened in the last few weeks is unprecedented and has laid a foundation for centuries.

More devotees arrived in Prayagraj than anyone had imagined. The administration had estimated attendance based on past Kumbh experiences. Nearly twice the population of the United States participated in this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh.

If scholars of spirituality analyse the enthusiastic participation of crores of Indians, they will find that India, proud of its heritage, is now surging ahead with a new-found energy. I believe this is the dawn of a new era, which will script the future of a new India.

For aeons, the Mahakumbh has strengthened India’s national consciousness. Every Purnakumbh witnessed a gathering of saints, scholars, and thinkers deliberating upon the state of society in their times. Their reflections used to provide a new direction to the nation and society. Every six years, during the Ardhkumbh, these ideas were reviewed. After 12 Purnakumbhs spanning 144 years, obsolete traditions were given up, newer ideas were embraced, and new traditions were created to move ahead with the times.

After 144 years, in this Mahakumbh, our saints again gave us a new message for India’s development journey: Developed India – Viksit Bharat.

At this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, all types of people came together. This was an embodiment of the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. We must come together in the same spirit to build a developed India.

I am reminded of the incident where, as a little boy, Sri Krishna revealed a snapshot of the universe within His mouth to His mother, Yashoda. Similarly, in this Mahakumbh, the people of India and the world have witnessed the massive potential of India’s collective strength. We must move forward with this self-confidence and dedicate ourselves to building a developed India.

Earlier, saints of the Bhakti movement identified and encouraged the strength of our collective resolve. From Swami Vivekananda to Sri Aurobindo, every great thinker reminded us of the power of our collective resolve. Even Mahatma Gandhi experienced it during the freedom movement. Post-independence, if this collective strength had been correctly recognised and harnessed towards boosting the welfare of all, it would have become a great force for a newly independent nation. Unfortunately, it was not done earlier. But now, I am gladdened to witness how this collective strength of the people is coming together for a developed India.

From the Vedas to Vivekananda, from the ancient scriptures to modern satellites, India’s great traditions have shaped this nation. As a citizen, I pray that we draw new inspiration from the memories of our ancestors and saints. May this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh help us move ahead with new resolve. Let us make unity our guiding principle and service to the nation, the service to the divine.

During my election campaign in Kashi, I had said, “Maa Ganga has called me.” This was not just an emotion but also a call for responsibility towards the cleanliness of our sacred rivers. Standing at the Triveni Sangam, my resolve became even stronger. The cleanliness of our rivers is deeply linked to our own lives. Our responsibility is to celebrate our rivers as life-giving mothers. This Mahakumbh inspires us to clean our rivers.

I know that organising such a massive event was no easy task. I pray to Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati to forgive us in case of any shortcomings in our devotion. I see Janata Janardan, the people, as an embodiment of divinity. I seek the people’s forgiveness if there have been any shortcomings in serving them.

Multitudes came to the Mahakumbh with a feeling of devotion. Serving them was a responsibility carried out with the same devotion. As a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, I can proudly say that under Yogi JI’s leadership, the administration and the people worked to make this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh a success.

Be it the state or Centre, there were no rulers or administrators; everyone was a devoted sevak. Sanitation workers, police, boatmen, drivers, and people serving food all worked tirelessly. How the people of Prayagraj welcomed the pilgrims with open hearts despite facing inconveniences was particularly inspirational. I express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them and the people of Uttar Pradesh.

I have always had unwavering confidence in our nation’s bright future. Witnessing this Mahakumbh has strengthened my conviction manifold.

How 140 crore Indians turned the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh into a global occasion is remarkable. I will soon visit Shri Somnath, the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, to offer the fruits of these collective national efforts to Him and to pray for every Indian.

The physical form of the Mahakumbh may have culminated successfully on Mahashivratri, but like the eternal flow of the Ganga, the spiritual strength, national consciousness and unity that Mahakumbh has awakened will continue to inspire us for generations.

EU pushes back against Trump tariff threats

 The European Union’s executive branch said Thursday that the 27-nation bloc wasn’t out to undermine the United States, as US President Donald Trump put it, but instead was the world’s largest free market that has created an economic windfall for American companies working on and with the continent.

The bloc also added it would vigorously fight a wholesale tariff of 25 per cent on all EU products headed for the US, as Trump has threatened in the latest round of vitriolic comments aimed at an age-old ally and economic partner.

Thursday’s EU push back came after Trump told reporters that “the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States. That’s the purpose of it, and they’ve done a good job of it,” adding it would stop immediately under his presidency. He said that the tariffs would be on “cars and all other things.”

The moment the tariffs would be announced, the EU has said it would trigger tough countermeasures, on iconic US industries like bourbon, jeans and motorcycles.

“The EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade,” European Commission trade spokesman Olof Gill said in a statement. “We will also protect our consumers and businesses at every turn. They expect no less from us.”

Trump said in comments late Wednesday that the United States stood ready.
“We are the pot of gold. We’re the one that everybody wants. And they can retaliate. But it cannot be a successful retaliation, because we just go cold turkey. We don’t buy any more. And if that happens, we win.”

Gill also countered Trump’s caustic comments on the inception of the EU and its development as an economic powerhouse.

“The European Union is the world’s largest free market. And it has been a boon for the United States,” he said, adding that the EU has “facilitated trade, reduced costs for US exporters, and harmonised standards and regulations,” which makes it easier for US exporters.

The EU estimates that the trade volume between both sides stands at about USD 1.5 trillion, representing around 30 per cent of global trade. Trump has complained about a trade deficit, but while the bloc has a substantial export surplus in goods, the EU says that is partly offset by the US surplus in the trade of services.

The EU says that trade in goods reached 851 billion Euros (USD 878 billion) in 2023, with a trade surplus of 156 billion Euros (USD 161 billion) for the EU. Trade in services was worth 688 billion Euros (USD 710 billion) with a trade deficit of 104 billion Euros (USD 107 billion) for the EU.

The figures are so big that it remained essential to avoid a trade war, the EU has said.
“We should work together to preserve these opportunities for our people and businesses. Not against each other,” Gill said. “Europe stands for dialogue, openness and reciprocity. We’re ready to partner if you play by the rules.”

Trump vows March 4 tariffs for Mexico, Canada, extra 10% for China over fentanyl

 

• Summary

• Trump says fentanyl inflows still too high, no deadline changes
• Trump vows to impose another 10% tariff on Chinese goods March 4
• White House sees insufficient progress curbing fentanyl deaths
• US foreign aid freeze sets back Mexico's drug interdiction efforts

WASHINGTON, Feb 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said his proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect on March 4 along with an extra 10% duty on Chinese imports because deadly drugs are still pouring into the U.S. from those countries.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the fresh tariffs on Chinese imports would stack on top of the 10% tariff that he levied on Feb. 4 over the fentanyl opioid crisis, resulting in a cumulative 20% tariff.

Trump first announced the new duties on Chinese imports in a post, opens new tab on his Truth Social site that he would impose the additional 10% tariff, effective March 4.

In the post, Trump said drugs, namely fentanyl, were still coming into the U.S. at "very high and unacceptable levels," with a large percentage of them the deadly opioid fentanyl.

Trump told reporters he decided to add the extra tariffs on China and stick to the Tuesday deadline for Canada and Mexico given what his administration sees as insufficient progress on curbing fentanyl flows into the country.

Asked if Mexico and Canada had made enough progress on curbing fentanyl shipments into the U.S., Trump said: "I don't see that at all. No, not on drugs."

"There are ongoing discussions with the Chinese, Mexico and Canada," a White House official told Reuters. "We've gotten a good handle on the migration issue, but there are still concerns on the other issue of fentanyl deaths.

Sources told Reuters that Mexico will extradite to the United States drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who was convicted in 1985 of murdering a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent but released in 2013 and returned to trafficking.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 72,776 people died from synthetic opioids in 2023 in the U.S., chiefly from fentanyl.

FOREIGN AID FREEZE

Customs and Border Patrol agents seized 991 pounds of fentanyl at the southwest border in January 2025, down 50.5% from a year earlier, but still enough to kill many millions of Americans, the White House official said.

Trump’s move to blame Mexico and Canada for the continuing flow of fentanyl into the U.S. comes as his freeze on American foreign aid is disrupting efforts to fight the illicit trade.

Reuters reported on Monday that his aid freeze has stalled the planned expansion of a United Nations program to help the Mexican Navy better screen cargo and interdict fentanyl ingredients and other contraband, and other activities.

Also hampering U.S. drug interdiction efforts is a decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to delay implementation of a ban on duty-free low-value package shipments from Canada, China and Mexico until better screening can be implemented.

TARIFF TACTICS

Trump's decision to ratchet up tariffs on Chinese goods mirrors his moves to escalate tariffs during his first-term trade wars with Beijing until serious trade negotiations took place between the world's two largest economies.

Dean Cheng, senior adviser at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said the rising tariffs were part of a broad push by Trump to respond to Chinese challenges that also included the State Department's removal of wording about not supporting Taiwan independence to tougher scrutiny of U.S.-listed Chinese companies.