Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth set a unifying tone for Holi from Jharkhand on March 3, wishing the nation while emphasizing its role in mending ties. In an IANS interview, he portrayed Holi as an endearing festival that closes chapters on bitterness.
‘People grow closer on Holi, forgetting animosities, rifts, and quarrels,’ Seth stated. ‘No matter the disagreements over the year, a Holi embrace wipes them clean.’
Celebrating its centuries-old heritage, he encouraged full-throated participation in Holi, Diwali, Shivratri, and Sawan. Addressing critics head-on, ‘Water for Holi is wasteful? Compare to car washing or garden watering. They bash Diwali but explode crackers on Christmas and New Year’s.’
Touching spirituality, Seth affirmed offerings to ‘Bholenath, who deserves milk for his guileless nature.’ He spotlighted the ‘Namo Shri Anna Holi Milan’ gatherings booming since 2023, and Modi’s millet mission: ‘Easy access to bajra, jowar, ragi, maize, Malwa grains means healthier lives and self-reliant smallholders.’
Seth’s Holi greetings envisioned prosperity: ‘May it bring boundless happiness. The grandest Holi will dawn on August 15, 2047, as India revels in the colors of a developed nation under PM’s vision.’