PM Modi receives Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune

He received the award in the presence of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the award, the Prime Minister said that he was fortunate to receive the award in the name of Lokmanya Tilak, who sacrificed his whole life for the freedom of the country.

"I am very lucky to have the opportunity to come to this holy land of Pune to receive this prestigious award," PM Modi said.

He was honoured with a Puneri turban when he arrived on the stage at SP College in the heart of the city.

"This is an unforgettable experience in my life. When an award is received, the person's responsibility also increases. I dedicate this award to 140 crore countrymen," PM Modi said.

Sharad Pawar also shared the stage with the Prime Minister during the award ceremony, despite opposition from some MPs.

The Prime Minister said that he decided to donate the amount of this award to the Namami Ganga Project.

Congress workers and a few other organisations staged protests in the Mandai area against PM Modi on Manipur violence.

Around 20 workers of the Congress Party, including MLA Ravindra Dhangekar were detained by the police when they started shouting slogans against the PM at Mandai premises, which was near the Lord Ganpathi temple, where PM Modi performed puja and aarti.