‘वसुधैव कुटुंबकम’ परंपरेचा विस्तार केल्याबद्दल आणि ‘एक भारत श्रेष्ठ भारत’ या मंत्राचा अध्यात्मिक प्रतिज्ञा म्हणून प्रसार केल्याबद्दल तेरापंथची केली प्रशंसा
"कोणत्याही प्रकारचे व्यसन नसतानाच स्वत्वाची खरी जाणीव शक्य आहे"
“सरकारच्या माध्यमातून सर्व काही करण्याची भारताची प्रवृत्ती कधीच नव्हती; इथे सरकार, समाज आणि अध्यात्मिक विद्वानांची नेहमीच समान भूमिका होती”
नमस्कार,
कार्यक्रमाला उपस्थित आचार्य श्री महाश्रमण जी,
मुनी गण, पूज्य साध्वी जी गण आणि सर्व भाविक.
आपला हा भारत हजारो वर्षांपासून संत, ऋषी, मुनी, आचार्य यांच्या महान परंपरेची भूमी आहे.काळाच्या ओघात आलेल्या संकटांनी कितीतरी आव्हाने उभी केली ,मात्र ही परंपरा तशीच सुरू राहिली.ज्यांनी आपल्याला चरैवेती-चरैवेतीचा मंत्र दिला तेच आपल्या येथे आचार्य झाले आहेत.श्वेतांबर तेरापंथ तर चरैवेती-चरैवेती या अखंड सुरु असलेल्या या महान परंपरेला नवी उंची देत आहे. आचार्य भिक्षू यांनी आळसाचा त्याग हा अध्यात्मिक संकल्प केला होता.
आधुनिक काळात आचार्य तुलसी आणि आचार्य महाप्रज्ञ जी यांच्यापासून सुरू झालेली ही महान परंपरा आचार्य महाश्रमणजींच्या रूपाने आपल्या सर्वांसमोर जिवंत आहे.आचार्य महाश्रमणजींनी 7 वर्षात 18 हजार किलोमीटरची ही पदयात्रा पूर्ण केली आहे.ही पदयात्रा जगातील तीन देशांची यात्रा होती. याद्वारे आचार्य श्रीं यांनी 'वसुधैव कुटुंबकम' या भारतीय संकल्पनेचा प्रसार केला आहे. या पदयात्रेने देशातील 20 राज्ये एका विचाराने, एका प्रेरणेने जोडली.जिथे अहिंसा आहे तिथे एकता आहे.जिथे एकता असते तिथे अखंडता असते.जिथे अखंडता असते तिथे उत्कृष्टता असते.मला वाटते की, तुम्ही 'एक भारत श्रेष्ठ भारत' या मंत्राचा अध्यात्मिक संकल्प म्हणून प्रसार करण्याचे काम केले आहे.ही पदयात्रा पूर्ण झाल्याबद्दल मी आचार्य महाश्रमण जी आणि सर्व अनुयायांचे भक्तीभावाने खुप - खूप अभिनंदन करतो.
मित्रांनो,
श्वेतांबर तेरा पंथच्या आचार्यांकडून मला नेहमीच विशेष स्नेह लाभला आहे.आचार्य तुलसीजी, त्यांचे पट्टधर आचार्य महाप्रज्ञ जी आणि आता आचार्य महाश्रमण जी, मी या सर्वांचा विशेष कृपाभिलाषी राहिलो आहे. या प्रेमापोटी मला तेरा पंथच्या कार्यक्रमांशी जोडले जाण्याचे भाग्यही लाभले आहे. याच प्रेमापोटी मी तुम्हा सर्व आचार्यांना म्हटले होते की -हा तुमचा पंथ आहे, हा माझा पंथ आहे.
बंधू आणि भगिनींनो,
आचार्य महाश्रमणजींच्या या पदयात्रेशी संबंधित माहिती पाहत असताना मला त्यातही एक सुखद योगायोग दिसला.2014 मध्ये दिल्लीतील लाल किल्ल्यावरून तुम्ही हा प्रवास सुरू केला होता.त्यावर्षी देशानेही एक नवा प्रवास सुरू केला आणि मी लाल किल्ल्यावरून सांगितले होते की, हा नव्या भारताचा नवा प्रवास आहे.या प्रवासात देशाचाही तोच संकल्प होता- लोकसेवा, लोककल्याण! कोट्यवधी देशवासियांना भेटून परिवर्तनाच्या या महायज्ञात सहभागी होण्याची शपथ देऊन तुम्ही आज दिल्लीत आला आहात. मला विश्वास आहे, देशाच्या कानाकोपऱ्यात तुम्हाला नव्या भारताच्या या नव्या प्रवासाची उर्जा नक्कीच जाणवली असेल, ती तुम्ही साक्षात पाहिली असेल. माझे आवाहन आहे की, बदलत्या भारताचे हे अनुभव जितके तुम्ही देशवासियांशी सामायिक कराल, तितकीच त्यांना प्रेरणा मिळेल.
मित्रांनो,
आचार्यश्री यांनी आपल्या पदयात्रतून’मध्ये ‘सद्भावना, नैतिकता’ आणि ‘व्यसनमुक्ती’ एका संकल्पाच्या स्वरुपात समाजासमोर मांडले आहेत.
मला सांगण्यात आले आहे, की यामुळे लाखो लोक व्यसनमुक्तीसारख्या संकल्पाशी जोडले गेले आहेत. ही स्वतःच्या बळावर उघडलेली एक विशाल मोहीम आहे.
अध्यात्मिक दृष्टिकोनातून पाहिल्यास, जेव्हा आपण व्यसनातून मुक्त होतो तेव्हाच आपल्याला स्वतःच्या स्वरुपाचा साक्षात्कार होतो. , हे व्यसन, लोभ-लालच आणि स्वार्थाचे सुध्दा असू शकते. जेव्हा स्वत:ची ओळख पटते, तेव्हा 'स्व'मधील 'सर्वम'चे दर्शन होते. तेव्हाच 'स्वार्था'पासून दूर होऊन 'परमात्म्या'साठी करण्याच्या आपल्या 'कर्तव्यांचे' भान येते.
मित्रांनो,
आज स्वातंत्र्याच्या अमृतमहोत्सवात देशही 'स्व' च्या भावनेच्या पलिकडे जाऊन समाज आणि राष्ट्रासाठी कर्तव्य बजावण्यासाठी आवाहन करत आहे.
आज देश 'सबका साथ, सबका विकास', 'सबका विश्वास' आणि 'सबका प्रयास' असा संकल्प करत आगेकूच करत आहे. सरकार सर्व काही करेल, सत्ताच सर्व काही चालवेल, ही भारताची धारणा कधीच नव्हती. हा भारताचा कधी स्वभावच नव्हता.आपल्या इथे 'राजकीय' सत्ता, 'सामाजिक-सत्ता', 'आध्यात्मिक सत्ता,' सर्वांची भूमिका (पातळी) समान आहे. आपल्याकडे कर्तव्य हाच धर्म आहे. मला आचार्य तुलसीजींची एक गोष्ट आठवते. ते म्हणायचे- ' सर्वात आधी मी माणूस आहे, मग मी एक धार्मिक व्यक्ती आहे. नंतर, ध्यान करणारा जैन मुनी आहे. त्यानंतर मी तेरा पंथाचा आचार्य आहे. कर्तव्याच्या मार्गावर वाटचाल करत आज देश देखील आपल्या संकल्पांमधून हीच भावना अधोरेखित करत आहे.
मित्रांनो,
आज एका नव्या भारताचे स्वप्न पाहत,आपला भारत आपल्या सामूहिक शक्तीच्या आधारे आगेकूच करत आहे,याचा मला आनंद होत आहे.आज आपल्या आध्यात्मिक शक्ती, आपले गुरू, आपले संत, आपण सगळे मिळून भारताच्या भवितव्याची दिशा ठरवत आहेत. देशाच्या या आकांक्षांना आणि देशाच्या या प्रयत्नांना सर्व लोकांपर्यंत पोहोचवण्यासाठी तुम्ही सक्रिय माध्यम व्हावे, अशी मी विनंती करतो. स्वातंत्र्याच्या अमृत महोत्सवाच्या या काळात देश ज्या संकल्पांसह मार्गक्रमण करत आहे, मग तो 'पर्यावरणाचा' प्रश्न असो, पोषणाचा प्रश्न असो, किंवा 'गरीबांसाठी' केलेले प्रयत्न असोत, या सर्वांत आपल्या सर्वांची भूमिका मोठी आहे. मला पूर्ण विश्वास आहे, की तुम्ही देशाच्या या प्रयत्नांना अधिक प्रभावी आणि अधिक यशस्वी कराल. याच भावनेने सर्व संतांना वंदन करतो. तुम्हा सर्वांना मनःपूर्वक धन्यवाद!
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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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.
