Reflecting on how modern technology heightened the emotional resonance of the event through a Holobot interaction with Revered Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, the Prime Minister shared that the experience transported him 33 years back to his 1993 meeting with the spiritual leader in Vadodara. Recalling Gurudev’s warmth, conversation, and blessings as if standing in his direct presence once more, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Mission’s members for creating such a moving tribute.”For me, this is a very emotional experience,” remarked PM Modi.
Recounting his February-March 1993 visit to invite Swami Chinmayananda to Chicago for the centenary of the Parliament of the World’s Religions,marking 100 years of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address, the Prime Minister noted how Gurudev tirelessly rallied people across America for the event before passing away in San Diego on August 3. Remembering how deeply Gurudev’s absence was felt at the Chicago gathering on September 11, he recalled their final conversation, which centered on cultivating youth power.” Its main essence was the building of youth power, and building a strong and capable India through youth power!” affirmed Shri Modi.
Tracing his 25-year journey of continuous service as a head of government since becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat a few years after that meeting, the Prime Minister stated that the nation’s youth have remained at the heart of his policies. He lauded the young volunteers of the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav for shouldering major responsibilities and covering 40,000 kilometers over 300 days to engage with over one lakh young citizens.”I congratulate the entire team for this wonderful effort as well,” lauded PM Modi.
Invoking the Upanishadic dictum “Vayam Amritasya Putrah” (We are the children of immortality), the Prime Minister explained that India has endured for millennia as a seeker of knowledge and light because its consciousness and wisdom are immortal, which inspired him on the 75th anniversary of Independence to call for an Amrit Mahotsav that serves both as a launchpad for a Viksit Bharat and a revival of India’s millennia-old concern for humanity. Noting how numerous spiritual, cultural, and social bodies have since taken sacred pledges at key milestones, he celebrated the Chinmaya Mission’s integration into the nation’s Amrit Kaal campaign. “This indeed is the real proof of our being Amritasya Putrah,” asserted Shri Modi.
Citing the Vedic call “Vayam Rashtre Jagriyama Purohitah” to awaken and elevate the nation, the Prime Minister highlighted how Swami Chinmayananda spoke as vocally on national priorities as he did on spirituality, teaching that because the nation is the cradle of our culture and existence, spiritual growth must fuel personal growth and national progress. To instill national self-respect, Swamiji launched the Gita Gyana Yagna to bring the Upanishads, Vedanta, and scriptures to the masses, resulting today in lakhs of Chinmaya Mission youth passing on Indian values as cultural brand ambassadors.”This contribution of Revered Gurudev is an important chapter in India’s cultural and spiritual renaissance,” affirmed PM Modi.
Recalling the release of a commemorative coin during Gurudev’s birth centenary in 2015, the Prime Minister described Swamiji’s life as a remarkable confluence of Gyana, Karma, and Bhakti that fulfilled his Guru Swami Sivananda’s blessing to “Go, roar like a lion.” He noted that Swamiji’s inner conviction left an indelible mark on listeners, while his ‘Art of Man Making’ radio program guided countless lives.” The self-confidence that was in his voice, the inner strength that was there, used to leave an imprint of his thoughts on everyone’s heart,” remarked Shri Modi.
Observing that the mission of great personalities endures well beyond their lifetime, the Prime Minister highlighted the expansive education network established by the Chinmaya Mission. He pointed out that over 100 Chinmaya educational institutions are currently shaping the future of lakhs of students across the country.”They are getting modern education in these institutions, and they are also imbibing Indian values,” noted PM Modi.
Aligning contemporary governance with the post-independence vision of thinkers like Swami Chinmayananda, the Prime Minister stated that the country is actively fulfilling its duty to modernize academics for a New India. He highlighted the introduction of the National Education Policy, which integrates the Indian knowledge tradition, education in the mother tongue, modern science, and technology. “In this new education policy, importance has been given to all of these,” asserted Shri Modi.
Spotlighting Swamiji’s lifelong dedication to preserving Indian heritage, the Prime Minister recalled how Gurudev stood firmly behind Eknath Ranade’s resolve to build the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the sea at Kanyakumari and donated the very first financial contribution toward the project. He noted that the monument now serves as a beacon of inspiration for millions globally.” Another mission of Swamiji’s life was pride in Indian heritage, and its preservation!” observed PM Modi.
Detailing the sweeping cultural renaissance spanning the nation from North to South and East to West, the Prime Minister pointed to the grand revitalization of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Ujjain’s Mahakal Mahalok, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, alongside the inclusion of cultural sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Contrasting previous eras when stolen Indian antiquities were sold abroad without resistance, he highlighted the repatriation of heritage artifacts over the last dozen years.”In the past 12 years, we have also brought back more than six hundred and fifty such ancient idols,” noted Shri Modi.
Drawing a parallel between Swamiji taking Indian philosophy to the world and International Yoga Day uniting the globe with India today, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation’s renewed pride in its heritage and liberation from a colonial mindset prove it is advancing on the path envisioned by ancient sages and patriots. He stressed that their intellectual legacy remains the country’s greatest strength on this journey.”This self-confidence of pride in our heritage and this assurance of freedom from the mentality of slavery is proof of the fact that the country is now moving forward on that path,” asserted PM Modi.
Emphasizing that while various organizations pursue distinct goals, all paths ultimately converge on the singular destination of national development and glory, the Prime Minister noted that just as Swami Chinmayananda tailored his resolutions to the challenges of his era, today’s generation must address modern societal distortions and challenges. He called for proactive efforts to unite society against divisive forces, promote self-reliance, and connect every citizen with the 2047 Viksit Bharat goal.”Today, we have to unite society against divisive forces,” asserted Shri Modi.
Pointing out the historic convergence in 2047 when India’s centenary of Independence will coincide with the centenary period of the Chinmaya Mission, the Prime Minister stated that both journeys share identical goals and must advance in tandem. Expressing full faith that the Mission’s global family of Acharyas, seekers, and volunteers will leverage Gurudev’s legacy and decades of experience to help build a Viksit Bharat, and offered his final festive greetings.” Meaning, the centenary journey of the Chinmaya Mission and the journey of a Viksit Bharat will move forward together,” affirmed PM Modi.
