New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Vijay Dashami on Tuesday, called for an end to casteism and regionalism which are harming the society, while underlining that weapons in India are worshipped not to dominate others' land but to protect one's own land.

Addressing a Ram Lila function in Dwarka in the national capital, Modi also asserted on the importance of maintaining harmony through patience. "On Vijay Dashami, there is a tradition of 'Shastra Puja' as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect one's own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire world," he said. 

"Today, 'Ravan Dahan' shouldn't only be about burning of an effigy but also about forces which try to divide 'Maa Bharati' in the name of casteism and regionalism," he added. 

PM Modi further urged people to take 10 pledges, including uplifting the socio-economic conditions of at least one poor family. 

Referring to the upcoming temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, PM Modi said: "We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram temple and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala's temple will bring joy to the world. There are only a few months left for Lord Ram to reside in the Ram temple. Lord Ram is just about to arrive. It is a sign of victory of our patience." 

Nagpur, Oct 24 (IANS) The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday cautioned the electorate to remain alert from the divisive forces who might create trouble during the ensuing Assembly elections in five states to be followed by the Lok Sabha elections and urged them to opt for the "best available" among the candidates.

"Don't succumb to the people who try to provoke you to divide the society," said RSS chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat, who urged them to perform the national duty of exercising their franchise.

Addressing the annual Vijayadashami celebrations at the sprawling Reshimbagh ground in Maharashtra's Nagpur, Bhagwat was all praise for successfully hosting the prestigious G20 Summit in India and for extending the Indian hospitality to the participant countries. "The guests in India enjoyed the Indian traditions and culture and warm receptions to them," he said.

The RSS chief said it was indeed an achievement that during its Session in India, the G20 warm heartily welcomed the African Union in its fold. The all round progress of India be it on science, agriculture and defence sector was showcased.

On the Manipur crisis, he said some separatist forces were involved in the violence. Both the groups Kuki Meitei were living there peacefully for years but trouble cropped up in the border areas. 

Probably for the first time making a mention of sports, the RSS chief complimented the athletes who did the country proud in the recently held Asian Games in China. He did not forget to mention 18 Gold, 28 Silver and 47 Bronze medals making a total of 107.

Bhagwat also lauded the progress in the digital India, agriculture and defence sector. The Indian economy has reached top five from the 10th position in the recent, he said.

The RSS chief, however, skipped the mention of the inauguration of Ram temple in Ayodhya early next year.

On the occasion of Dussehra, the Health and Food Department of Surat Municipal Corporation raided Fafda-Jalebi traders of the city and took samples of oil and ghee used in preparing the snacks. The samples have been sent to the municipality's public health laboratory for testing. After receiving the sample report, the department has shown readiness to take action under the Food Educating Act against the erring traders.

The department has been raiding Farsan traders located in nine zones of the city since morning. The samples are likely to come in fourteen days or weeks. The department has shown readiness to take action against the guilty traders under the Food Education Act if it appears that they have adulterated the food items.

Along with this, Municipal Corporation teams have also tested the oil through test meters at Farsan Traders in the city. Samples of ghee used in Jalebi have been taken.