PM Modi unveils statue of late Mahant Avaidyanath

Published By : Admin | July 22, 2016 | 12:15 IST
PM Narendra Modi unveils statue of late Mahant Avaidyanath in Gorakhpur, UP
Our saints and seers are very noble and have always been compassionate towards society and the poor: PM
Today, saints and seers are also contributing towards cleanliness movement. They are even encouraging others to build toilets: PM

All the honourable spiritual masters and saints worth remembering in everyday morning and all the ardent devotees present here.

It’s my privilege that today I’ve got the opportunity to unveil the statue of inspirational personality most worshippable Mahant Avaidyanath ji Maharaj as well as to receive the blessings of all of you. This soil of Gorakhpur holds a uniqueness in the sense be it Lord Budhha, Mahavira or Kabir, all of them had an unbreakable bond with this in one or another way. The glorious tradition of Guru Gorakshanath ji (Gorakhnath ji) was started with the great vision of upliftment and advancement of not just the individuals, but also of the society as a whole.

Often, some ills or hurdles start gradually creeping into the traditions prevailing in the society over a long period of time. However, if the ideals and rules of the traditions are fully observed, then it becomes possible to keep the traditions free from the circumstantial pressures. Gujarat boasts plenty of places linked with the brilliant tradition initiated by Gorakhnath ji. While being in Gujarat, once I was sitting with Mahant Avaidyanath ji, as my association with him goes back to the time even when I was not active in the politics.

At that time, I came to know from him how in this time-honoured tradition, the entire system is conducted in an organised way, how its rules and policies are complied with, how the full information of the associated saints is retained, irrespective of the place of the world they stay at, how they are rendered financial support in time of rainy days. Since a long time, The Gorakhnath tradition has been successfully kept alive and the credit goes to the signal contribution of those great personas who have got the good fortune to serve on this seat of monastery.

Be it the freedom struggle of India or the significant task of social reconstruction post-independence, Mahant Avaidyanath ji played an active role in both time phases. He had added an another dimension to his life by his vision to ignite the social consciousness through pilgrimage centre remaining within the democratic purviews and then provide the common people benefits of transformed situation. This vision is being successfully kept up with and carried forward even today by his disciple Yogi Adityanath ji.

All the saint traditions, mathas (monastic establishments) and akharas (religious bodies) of India look sometimes fairly distinct and conflicting from the outside. Despite that, one thing is inherently common among all of them, that is never a poor or starving person returns hungry from their doors. No matter, a saint has something or not in the life, if he is sitting in a hut, his first question from the approaching devotee is “Would you like to take the Prasadam (food offered to the God)?” Such sorts of great traditions spring up out of the deep sensitivity towards the society and for that reason, such traditions inspire us devote our life and systems for the welfare and wellbeing of others. And, it is the success mantra of our age-old Indian traditions to last long proving their relevance in contemporary time periods.

All the traditions in our country have undergone timely changes. They have embraced the science with open arms, whenever they felt its need. Even, they have welcomed the shift in their social outlook. And, I’ve witnessed that how so many saints and seers, who were devoted to religious and spiritual works, have nowadays attached themselves towards furthering social missions like Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. I’ve even heard about the saints running campaign for building toilets and encouraging their devotees to do so. I’ve heard them making a heartfelt plea from the people to uphold the dignity of our mothers and sisters and take up the task to ensure that women live a respectful life.

I’ve even seen so many saints, who run eye surgery camps for rendering whatever support to the poorest of poor that they can. I’ve observed many saints who dedicate their lives for keeping animals healthy. Be it education, health or service, in each spheres of life, our saint tradition is getting involved today in one or other way.

And, it is the need of hour that lakhs of saints, thousands of traditions and hundreds of monasteries come forward to play a pivotal role in making India modern and prosperous, in cultivating good values among its citizens. Many are already doing it. And it is something, which augurs good signs for the future of India.

Each moment of Mahant Avaidyanath ji’s life was dedicated towards the pleasures and pains of the society. He was deeply concerned towards it and used to make all-out efforts for exploring the ways to tackle social problems. Encouraging and rewarding the people engaged in good deeds was his lifelong task. Today, I had the good fortune to unveil the statue and pay floral tribute to such a great persona. Let me end my speech by saluting you all and the land of this Gorakhnath temple, which is the land of severe penance, the land of ever-burning light (Akhand Jyoti), the land of continuous inspiration and the land, which rewards those accomplishing noble tasks.

Thank you very much.

Explore More
৭৮ তম স্বাধীনতা দিবস উপলক্ষ্যে নয়াদিল্লির লালকেল্লার প্রাকার থেকে প্রধানমন্ত্রীর ভাষণ ১৫ই আগস্ট , ২০২৪

জনপ্রিয় ভাষণ

৭৮ তম স্বাধীনতা দিবস উপলক্ষ্যে নয়াদিল্লির লালকেল্লার প্রাকার থেকে প্রধানমন্ত্রীর ভাষণ ১৫ই আগস্ট , ২০২৪
PLI, Make in India schemes attracting foreign investors to India: CII

Media Coverage

PLI, Make in India schemes attracting foreign investors to India: CII
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM

Your Excellency President Irfan Ali,
Prime Minister Mark Philips,
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Former President Donald Ramotar,
Members of the Guyanese Cabinet,
Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar!

Seetaram !

I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.

I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.

Friends,

I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.

Friends,

I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.

Friends,

Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.

I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.

President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.

Friends,

Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.

This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.

I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.

Friends,

Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.

Friends,

The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.

Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.

Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!

Friends,

This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.

We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.

Friends,

I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.

In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.

We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.

Friends,

India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.

We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.

Friends,

While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.

At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.

We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.

Friends,

Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.

As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.

Friends,

I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.

You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.

Friends,

Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.

Friends,

Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.

It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.