Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Bihar Minister Defends Deepotsav for Narendra Modi’s Birthday
Santosh Kumar Suman supports a celebration called Deepotsav for Narendra Modi’s birthday.
Deepotsav means lighting many lamps.
He said lamps are important in Indian culture.
They can represent light, knowledge and good wishes.
Some people celebrate birthdays with cakes and candles.
Suman said people may use modern celebrations, but they should also remember Indian traditions.
He said lighting lamps for Modi’s health and success is not a political act.
He believes India can be modern while staying connected to its cultural roots.
Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular President Santosh Kumar Suman defended a proposed Deepotsav for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on Thursday.
Suman said lighting earthen lamps reflects Indian traditions and symbolizes light, auspiciousness, knowledge and well-being.
He compared the proposal with the longstanding observance of Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary as Children’s Day.
Suman said using lamps instead of cakes and candles was a cultural choice, not a political act.
He urged people to view lamp-lighting as a positive expression of cultural identity and a way to balance tradition with modernity.
- Who
- Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular President and Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman defended the proposal for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- A proposed Deepotsav, or lamp-lighting celebration, will mark Modi’s birthday.
- When
- The celebration is proposed for Thursday, the date identified in the article as Modi’s birthday.
- Where
- The article discusses lamp-lighting at homes, institutions and public places in India.
- Why
- Suman said the event would promote Indian cultural traditions and cultural consciousness while expressing good wishes for Modi.
- Proponent
- Santosh Kumar Suman, president of the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular and a Bihar minister
- Event
- A proposed Deepotsav marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday
- Symbolism
- Earthen lamps traditionally symbolize light, auspiciousness, knowledge and well-being
- Cultural argument
- Suman said lamp-lighting reflects Indian traditions and is not a political act
- Modern practices
- Suman acknowledged that cakes and candles are common birthday customs
- Broader message
- He called for balancing modernity with traditional values
- Other reference
- Suman cited the observance of Jawaharlal Nehru’s birth anniversary as Children’s Day