Barrackpore, April 27 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that "Vande Mataram" was a guiding force in India's freedom struggle and should now serve as a mantra for the reconstruction and development of Bengal in the 21st century.

He assured the people of West Bengal of progress, employment opportunities, and improved security, saying his government aims to transform the state into a land of prosperity and happiness.

Addressing the gathering in Barrackpore, PM Modi said, "Vande Mataram became the mantra for liberation from slavery. In the 21st century, we must make Vande Mataram the mantra for the reconstruction of Bengal."

"I assure the families of Bengal... We will make "sujalam sufalam" our policy, turn "shasyashyamala" in...