Mera Saansad
Search Search
English language

PM addresses 75th Amrut Mahotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan via video conferencing

Published By : Admin | December 24, 2022 | 11:00 IST
“Gurukul has developed the minds and hearts of the students with good thoughts and values for their holistic development”
“Spreading true knowledge is the most important task in the world. India has been devoted to this project”
“From dedicated students in the field of spirituality to scientists in ISRO and BARC, the tradition of Gurukul has nourished every field of the country”
“Discovery and research have been integral part of the Indian lifestyle”
“Our gurukuls guided the humanity regarding science, spirituality and gender equality”
“Unprecedented work is going on in expanding education infrastructure in the country”

The Prime Minister. Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 75th Amrut Mahotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan via video conferencing today.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister congratulated everyone associated with Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan on the completion of 75 years and praised the efforts of Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami for his tremendous efforts in this journey. The Prime Minister remarked that by just remembering the name of Bhagwan Shri Swami Narayan, one could experience new consciousness.

The Prime Minister noted the coincidence of the auspicious event taking place in the period of Amrit Kaal. The Prime Minister termed it a happy occasion as Indian tradition has been energised by such coincidences throughout history. The Prime Minister recounted these confluences in history i.e confluences of duty and hard work, culture and dedication, spirituality and modernity. The Prime Minister lamented the neglect of education and the duty to revive the glory of the ancient Indian education system in the immediate aftermath of independence. Where earlier governments faltered, the Prime Minister said, nationals saints and Acharyas took up the challenge. “Swaminarayan Gurukul is the live example of this ‘Suyog’” the Prime Minister said. This institution was developed on the foundation of the ideals of the freedom movement.

“Spreading true knowledge is the most important task, and this has been India’s devotion towards knowledge and education in the world which has established the roots of Indian civilisation ”, the Prime Minister remarked. The Prime Minister informed that even though the Gurukul Vidya Pratishthanam began with only seven students in Rajkot, it has forty branches worldwide today which attracts thousands of students from all over the world. He further added that in the last 75 years, Gurukul has developed the minds and hearts of the students with good thoughts and values, so that their overall development can be done. “From dedicated students in the field of spirituality to scientists in ISRO and BARC, the tradition of Gurukul has nourished every field of the country”, he said. The Prime Minister highlighted the practice of Gurukul where a fee of only one rupee is charged to poor students thereby making it easier for them to get an education.

Referring to the Indian tradition of treating knowledge as the highest pursuit of life, the Prime Minister said that when other parts of the world were identified with their ruling dynasties, Indian identity was linked with its gurukuls. “Our Gurukuls have been representing equity, equality, care and a sense of service for centuries”, he added. He remembered Nalanda and Takshshila as synonyms for India’s ancient glory. “Discovery and research were an integral part of the Indian lifestyle. From self-discovery to divinity, ayurveda to aadhyatm (spirituality), social science to solar science, from Math to metallurgy and from zero to infinity, research and new conclusions were drawn in every field. “India, in that dark age, gave humanity rays of light that paved the way for the world's journey of modern science”, he added. The Prime Minister also highlighted the gender equality and sensitivity of the Indian ancient gurukul system and lauded Swaminarayan Gurukul for starting ‘Kanya Gurukul’.

The Prime Minister emphasised the role of the education system and educational institutions in shaping the bright future of India and said that the country is moving at a fast pace to develop the education infrastructure and policies in the country at every level in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal. The Prime Minister informed that the country has seen an increase in the number of IITs, IIITs, IIMs and AIIMSs in the country and the number of medical colleges saw an increase of sixty-five per cent when compared to the time before 2014. He further added that with the New Educational Policy, the country is preparing an educational system that is futuristic. As a result, the new generations that will get their education in the newer system will make for ideal citizens of the country.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of the saints in the journey of the next 25 years. “Today India’s resolutions are new and also the efforts to realise them. Today the country is moving with a vision of Digital India, Aatmnirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, 75 Amrit Sarovars in every district and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. ‘Sabka Prayas (everyone’s effort) in these projects of social transformation and social reform will impact the lives of crores of people. The Prime Minister also urged the students of Gurukul to travel to Northeast India for a minimum of 15 days and connect with the people to further strengthen the nation. He also touched upon topics like Beti Bachao and environment protection and urged people to come together to strengthen Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. “I am sure institutions like Swaminarayan Gurukul Vidya Pratishthanam will continue to give strength to this journey of India’s resolutions”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Background

Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan was established at Rajkot in 1948 by Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami. The Sansthan has expanded and currently has more than 40 branches worldwide, providing facilities for school, undergraduate and postgraduate education to more than 25,000 students.

Click here to read full text speech

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day

Popular Speeches

140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day
View All
Mann Ki Baat: Who are Kari Kashyap and Punem Sanna? PM Modi was impressed by their story of struggle, narrated the story in Mann Ki Baat

Media Coverage

Mann Ki Baat: Who are Kari Kashyap and Punem Sanna? PM Modi was impressed by their story of struggle, narrated the story in Mann Ki Baat
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Bharat's Blueprint for Global Economic Leadership
December 30, 2024

India's journey as an economic powerhouse continues to capture the world's attention. Powered by a dynamic workforce, an entrepreneurial spirit, maturing capital markets, and a booming digital ecosystem, the nation has not only built a resilient economic model but has also emerged as a key player on the global stage. The year 2024 stands as a symbol to India’s remarkable achievements in economic resilience, strategic reforms, social development, and international partnerships.

A Rising Economic Superpower

India's economy has steadily gained recognition as a force to reckon with. According to Jefferies, India is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2027, a milestone driven by strengthening institutional frameworks and improved governance. Today, India is already the fifth-largest equity market, with projections suggesting that the nation will reach a market capitalization of $10 trillion by 2030. This upward growth underlines India’s transformation into an economic giant, fueled by strategic reforms and an unrelenting focus on innovation.

Governance Redefined: The PRAGATI Initiative

India’s governance model has also undergone a radical shift, setting benchmarks for proactive and accountable administration. The Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) initiative, backed by technology and the active involvement of PM Modi, has bridged long-standing gaps in federal and regional governance.

 PM Modi at the ‘PM Gati Shakti Anubhuti Kendra’

A collaborative study by Oxford University and the Gates Foundation highlights the success of PRAGATI in accelerating 340 stalled projects worth $205 billion. The initiative’s ability to fast-track critical projects after decades of delays exemplifies India’s commitment to efficient governance and accountability.

Thriving Amid Global Challenges

Despite an uncertain global economic environment, India continues to outpace other major economies in growth. The World Bank determines India’s resilience as it remains the fastest-growing major economy. Strategic free trade agreements (FTAs) have further bolstered this resilience, creating new opportunities in a changing global context.

In a historic move, India signed an FTA with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), securing a binding commitment of $100 billion in investments and the creation of 1 million direct jobs. This landmark agreement has positioned India as a pivotal point for global trade and investment, reflecting its rising prominence in international markets.

A Services Factory to the World

India’s ascent as a global services hub is another remarkable achievement. Over the past 18 years, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have propelled India’s rise in global services exports. Goldman Sachs reports that India’s share of global services exports climbed from under 2% in 2005 to 4.6% in 2023.

This transformation is complemented by India’s rise in innovation rankings. In 2022, the country jumped 14 spots on the Global Innovation Index (GII), reflecting its expanding influence in the global services and technology sectors.

 

PM Modi at the Robotics Gallery in the Science City, Gujarat

 A Data-Driven Future

India is also setting benchmarks in the data centre (DC) industry, a critical driver of the digital economy. According to a CBRE report, India leads the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China) with a DC capacity of 950 MW, projected to exceed 1,800 MW by 2026. The sector has attracted $40 billion in investments between 2018 and 2023, with Mumbai and Chennai accounting for 68% of India’s DC stock.

Additionally, Tier-2 cities like Kochi and Jaipur are emerging as new data center hubs, exemplifying India’s balanced approach to economic development across regions.

Human Development and Digital Transformation

Economic resilience is incomplete without social progress, and India has made remarkable strides in human development. The United Nations reports a surge in India’s gross national income (GNI) per capita by 6.3%, reaching $6,951 in 2022. Life expectancy has also risen significantly, standing at 67.7 years in 2022 compared to 62.7 years in 2021.

India’s digital revolution has played a pivotal role in uplifting millions out of poverty. As highlighted by the President of the UN General Assembly, approximately 800 million Indians were lifted out of poverty in the last six years through the expansion of digital infrastructure and access to smartphones. By prioritizing financial inclusion and digitalization, India has created a robust foundation for sustainable development.

PM with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

 Swachh Bharat Mission: A Public Health Revolution

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has been a cornerstone of India’s social development, transforming public health outcomes. Since 2014, over 117 million toilets have been built with a public investment of ₹1.4 lakh crore.

PM Modi taking part in the cleanliness activities under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

A study published in Nature reveals that a 10% increase in district-level toilet access under SBM corresponds to a 0.9-point drop in infant mortality rates (IMR). The large-scale construction of sanitation facilities has helped avert 60,000–70,000 infant deaths annually, showcasing how targeted social programs can deliver significant public health benefits.

India's Journey: Pioneering Growth and Shaping a Global Future

India’s rise as an economic powerhouse is a symbol to its transformative journey of innovation, resilience, and inclusive development. Through strategic reforms, technological advancements, and focus on social progress, the nation has redefined its identity on the global stage.

From being a hub for global services to leading the digital revolution, India has emerged as a symbol of determination and forward-thinking governance. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat and PRAGATI not only showcase India’s commitment to improving lives but also inspire other nations to emulate its success.

As India strides toward its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the foundation laid today promises a future marked by prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. The world is not just witnessing India's progress but is increasingly looking to it as a partner and pioneer for global challenges ahead.