Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the Shikshapatri Dwishatabdi Mahotsav through a video message, marking 200 years of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Shikshapatri and describing the occasion as a moment of spiritual and cultural significance for the nation.
Extending greetings to crores of followers of Bhagwan Swaminarayan on the bicentenary, the Prime Minister said the celebration was a rare and fortunate opportunity to be part of a sacred milestone. He said India has always been dedicated to the path of Jnanyoga, noting that the timeless wisdom of the Vedas continues to inspire humanity even today.
PM Modi said that India has always followed the path of knowledge, and the Vedas, written thousands of years ago, continue to guide and inspire people even today. He explained that saints and seers, keeping in mind the needs of their times, developed teachings based on the Vedas. From the Vedas came the Upanishads, and from the Upanishads emerged the Puranas. Through oral traditions, written texts, storytelling, and devotional singing, this rich heritage has remained strong and alive over the centuries.
Referring to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the Prime Minister said his life was deeply connected with public education and service. He noted that the Shikshapatri offered invaluable guidance for righteous living in simple and practical language, making spiritual wisdom accessible to society at large.
PM Modi said the bicentenary celebration was also an opportunity to reflect on how the teachings of the Shikshapatri are being understood and practiced in daily life. He described Bhagwan Swaminarayan as a symbol of both spiritual discipline and selfless service, adding that his followers continue to uphold this legacy through extensive work in education, healthcare, farmers’ welfare, water conservation and other areas of social service.
The Prime Minister said it was inspiring to see saints and spiritual organisations expanding their responsibilities towards society and nation-building. He added that when such efforts are aligned with national mass movements like Swadeshi, Swachhata and Vocal for Local, the significance of the Shikshapatri bicentenary becomes even more profound.
Calling for greater participation in preserving India’s ancient heritage, PM Modi urged all enlightened organisations to cooperate in the Gyan Bharatam Mission, launched to conserve ancient manuscripts. He said safeguarding India’s knowledge traditions and civilisational identity was essential, and collective efforts would help the mission achieve greater success.
The Prime Minister also referred to the ongoing Somnath Swabhiman Parv, which commemorates the thousand-year journey of the Somnath temple since its first destruction. He appealed to people to join the celebrations and spread its message widely.
Concluding his address, PM Modi expressed confidence that with the continued efforts of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s followers, India’s journey of development would keep receiving divine blessings and moral strength.
