NEW DELHI: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the the idea of ‘Nation First’ goes beyond slogans and requires an honest understanding of our history, identification of systemic gaps, and building future capabilities.”Modernisation must be rooted in civilisational confidence, not blind imitation. My Idea of Nation First meaningfully enriches national discourse,” he said.The Union minister was speaking at the launch of the book ‘My Idea of Nation First: Redefining Unalloyed Nationalism’ in New Delhi.The event was also attended by BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi and retired lieutenant general VG Khandare.The author, Uday Mahurkar, said his book did not glorify or vilify personalities but evaluated ideas and decisions from the perspective of national interest.”A strong nation engages openly with its past. My Idea of Nation First offers an unalloyed definition of nationalism—rooted in truth, cultural continuity, and responsibility—helping readers understand India’s unity and civilisational strength beyond distortions,” he said.
