On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against attempts to divide society along caste, religion, and linguistic lines, attributing these efforts to individuals seeking personal gain. Speaking via video conference at the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat, PM Modi emphasized the importance of societal unity in the face of such divisive forces.
He highlighted that there is a deliberate effort to divide society along lines of caste, religion, language, and other differences, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the seriousness of this situation and uniting to counter these threats to national unity.
Further, PM Modi highlighted the role of youth empowerment, particularly in the IT sector, in India’s future progress, noting that “Skilled youth will become our greatest strength,” and emphasized the world’s admiration for India’s capable youth.
Modi praised the contribution of saints and sages in guiding humanity and emphasized that discovering one’s life purpose transforms everything. He celebrated the Swaminarayan Mandir’s legacy as a symbol of Indian spiritual values, with the Vadtal Dham representing the eternal flow of Indian culture.
To mark the occasion, the government issued a commemorative silver coin valued at approximately $2.40 and a stamp. Modi also lauded the Swaminarayan community for their commitment to environmental initiatives, such as the planting of over 100,000 trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign.
Additionally, Modi called on the Swaminarayan community to promote the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj globally, encouraging them to spread awareness about the cultural significance of the event, especially to foreigners unfamiliar with its importance.
The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, built on the command of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, continues to be a significant spiritual and social center, representing harmony among religions and cultural richness through its unique lotus-shaped architecture and intricate stone carvings.
