The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the International Convention on the Universal Message of the Simhastha, at Ninaura near Ujjain.
The Prime Minister received President Maithripala Sirisena of Sri Lanka, at Indore airport. President Sirisena accompanied the Prime Minister from Indore, and both leaders arrived at the Convention together.
Addressing the gathering, which has also been described as a “Vichar Kumbh” on the sidelines of the Kumbh Mela, the Prime Minister described this convention as the birth of a new effort. He said this was a modern edition of what might have happened in ancient times, when thought-leaders of society would gather at the sites of Kumbh melas, to reflect and provide new vision to society.
Speaking at length on Indian tradition and culture, he said that the mantra of a ‘Bhikshuk’ is “may good happen to the person who gives me alms, and even to the person who does not.” The Prime Minister gave several other illustrations of the values and humanism which define Indian culture.
Referring to the launch of the Simhasth Declaration, which was dedicated to the world by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Prime Minister said this will mark the start of a new discourse not only in India but around the world.
The Prime Minister suggested that a ‘Vichar Kumbh’ should be held every year, to discuss issues such as afforestation and education of the girl child.
Our rivers have to be clean & we are starting with the Narmada & the Kshipra: MP CM @ChouhanShivraj @SimhasthConf @Simhasth @CMMadhyaPradesh
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
We are focussing on planting of more trees, including along the rivers: MP CM @ChouhanShivraj at @SimhasthConf @CMMadhyaPradesh @Simhasth
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
Indian culture of working selflessly is the ultimate way of finding peace in the world.: CM @ChouhanShivraj #VaicharikMahakumbh
— CMO Madhya Pradesh (@CMMadhyaPradesh) May 14, 2016
We want to make MP a Shakti Pradesh where dignity of women is given highest priority: MP CM @ChouhanShivraj @SimhasthConf @CMMadhyaPradesh
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
You may recall my 1st overseas visit after being elected President was to India. And in weeks you came to SL: President @MaithripalaS to PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
President @MaithripalaS speaks about the long standing ties between India and Sri Lanka.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
First of all, I want to bow to all saints and seers who are here today: PM begins his speech https://t.co/vbG9VFN31Q @SimhasthConf @Simhasth
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
What is happening here is the birth of a new effort, a modern edition of what would happen in the yesteryears: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
We belong to a tradition where even a Bhikshuk says, may good happen to the person who gives me & even the person who does not: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
There was a PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri ji, who urged the nation to skip an evening meal & so many people did exactly that: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
51 elixir points of this @Simhasth declaration will start new discourse not only in India but around the world.: PM @narendramodi
— CMO Madhya Pradesh (@CMMadhyaPradesh) May 14, 2016
Knowledge is immortal and is relevant in every era: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
There was a time when crossing the seas was considered unholy but that has changed. Likewise, some traditions can also change with time: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
A 'holier than thou' attitude is taking us towards conflicts. Lets look within and see how we can grow ourselves: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
Can we not tell the world about the organising capacity of an event like the Kumbh: PM #VaicharikMahakumbh @SimhasthConf @Simhasth
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
Look at our polls, its a wonder for the world...a nation so big & many voters. And see how EC organises elections: PM #VaicharikMahakumbh
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
Kumbh is the biggest example of excellent management, I advise many institute to adopt Kumbh as case study.: PM @narendramodi @SimhasthConf
— CMO Madhya Pradesh (@CMMadhyaPradesh) May 14, 2016
Lets hold Vichar Kumbh every year with devotees...discuss why we need to plant trees, educate girl child: PM to saints #VaicharikMahakumbh
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016
We see divinity in trees and Jeevan in Jal: PM @narendramodi #VaicharikMahakumbh
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 14, 2016