Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of empowering the youth and preserving India’s cultural heritage during an event on Friday. He urged spiritual and cultural organisations to actively contribute to the nation’s goal of becoming a developed country by the year 2047. The remarks were made at the inauguration of the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Linking the centenary of the Chinmaya Mission with India’s aspirations for development, Modi highlighted that both milestones would coincide in 2047. The three-day gathering commemorates 75 years of the Chinmaya Mission, attracting over 9,000 participants from various regions, including international attendees.

In his address, Modi called for a collective effort from spiritual organisations to address emerging challenges and foster public awareness regarding the vision of a developed nation. He articulated that the centenary of the mission and the 100 years of India’s independence should progress in tandem.

Personal Reflections on Swami Chinmayananda

During the event, Modi shared personal memories of his association with Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of the Chinmaya Mission. He described an emotional moment where technology recreated his interactions with his spiritual mentor, stating, “It felt as if I had gone back 33 years in time.”

Modi recalled meeting Chinmayananda in Chicago in February-March 1993 to invite him to the centenary celebrations of the World Parliament of Religions. Although the spiritual leader accepted the invitation, he passed away in San Diego on August 3, shortly before the event scheduled for September 11.

Reflecting on their final meeting, Modi noted that youth empowerment and the vision of a robust India were central themes in Chinmayananda’s teachings. He also mentioned an initiative where young individuals travelled nearly 40,000 km over approximately 300 days, reaching out to over 100,000 people, commending their efforts.

Linking Spiritual Progress with National Development

Modi articulated that Chinmayananda aimed to connect spiritual progress with human welfare and national self-respect. Through initiatives like the Gita Gyan Yagna, he made the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads accessible to the public, thereby promoting Indian philosophical traditions.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the mission’s educational institutions and cultural initiatives for instilling Indian values in younger generations. He mentioned that over 100 institutions operated by the mission successfully integrate modern education with traditional Indian values.

Modi referenced the National Education Policy as a significant step towards merging India’s knowledge traditions with contemporary science and technology. He also recalled Chinmayananda’s early financial support for the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, underscoring the importance of cultural and religious centres in India.

Efforts to Restore Cultural Heritage

In his concluding remarks, Modi stated that India has successfully recovered more than 650 stolen ancient artefacts in the past 12 years, framing this recovery as part of broader efforts to restore the nation’s cultural heritage. He cited International Yoga Day as an example of how Indian spiritual traditions have gained global recognition.

Modi concluded by asserting that the global network of acharyas, spiritual practitioners, and volunteers associated with the Chinmaya Mission could play a pivotal role in India’s transformation. As the mission approaches its centenary in 2047, he reiterated that its journey aligns with India’s goal of achieving a developed nation.

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