Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the country must dwell deep into its vast spiritual and traditional values for the development of the country.
Addressing a mammoth gathering at the 60th birthday celebrations of spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi here, he said the country’s spiritual strength could be of real use only if its population practised the principles highlighted in the ancient texts and scriptures of India.
“The current situation prevailing in the country is making many people unhappy. But I am not disappointed...I have full faith in India becoming a world leader in the near future, given our strong base in spiritual and traditional values,” he noted.
Drawing parallels between Amma and Swami Vivekananda on the great call that one should wake up to the realisation that ‘Manava seva is Madhava seva’, Modi said, “Amma was addressing what is relevant to the 20th century. What has the government to do is what Amma is doing today.”
He pointed out that Amma’s teaching through simple language reaches out to the common man.
“Amma’s life is totally dedicated to wiping the tears of the poor and downtrodden. This birthday is not just the celebration of a humanitarian leader; it symbolises laying the foundation of a New India,” Modi said.
Referring to recent terrorist attacks across the world, including Thursday’s assault in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said, “While on one side the river of blood is flowing, on the other we have a river of love -- Ganga -- originating from the abode of Amma. While on one side there are efforts to save the lives of the people through technological innovations, on the other there are brutal killings of innocent lives,” he said.
During the function, a Centre for Spiritual & Indic Studies, was opened, under the Amrita University of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), which is organising the three-day celebration.
Modi also unveiled prototypes and technological devices made by various education and research institutions under the Amrita university.
Philipose Mar Chrysostom, senior Metropolitan Bishop of Mar Thoma Church, Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram chief P Parameswaran, SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan, Swadeshi Jaggran Manch chairman and columnist S Gurumurthi also spoke.
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