Varanasi, 18 Dec: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that India will never allow material growth to be used as a means of territorial expansion or exploitation.
“We pursued material progress through spiritual and humane symbols,” he stated at the Swarved Mahamandir in Umaraha, Varanasi, during its inauguration.
The Prime Minister paid respect to the monument of Maharishi Sadafal Dev Ji Maharaj and toured the temple complex. He cited bustling Kashi, Konark Temple, Sarnath, Gaya stupas, and institutions like as Nalanda and Takshashila as examples.
“India’s architecture reached unimaginable heights around these spiritual constructs,” he said.
In a speech to a crowd, Modi praised the efforts of the government, society, and Sant Samaj in transforming Kashi. He described the Swarved Mahamandir as the embodiment of this collective energy.
The temple is a stunning example of holiness and magnificence. “Swarved Mahamandir is modern symbol of India’s social and spiritual strength,” he went on to say. Modi emphasized that foreign invaders attacked symbols of India’s faith and emphasized the importance of reviving them.
Lamenting the lack of pride in one’s past, he stated that the restoration of such symbols would have resulted in the strengthening of the country’s unity, using the example of Somnath temple, which lay neglected for decades after independence.
He claimed that as a result, the country developed a sense of inferiority.
“The wheels of time have turned again today and India is taking pride in its heritage and proclaiming freedom from the mentality of slavery,” he went on to say.
He stated that the effort that began at Somnath has now evolved into a full-fledged campaign, citing the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mahakal Mahalok, Kedarnath Dham, and Buddha Circuit as examples. PM Modi also noted the continuing construction of the Ram Circuit and the soon-to-be-opened Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
He emphasized the importance of a nation’s socioeconomic realities and cultural identities in achieving holistic development. “That is why, today, rejuvenation of our ‘teerths’ is taking place and India is creating new records of modern infrastructure creation,” he went on to say.
He used Kashi as an example to demonstrate this concept. The new Kashi Vishwanath Dham grounds, which celebrated their two-year anniversary last week, have given the city’s economy and jobs a boost.
“Now the meaning of Banaras is development, modern facilities, faith, cleanliness, and transformation,” remarked the Prime Minister, who detailed increased connectivity. He highlighted 4-6 lane highways, railway station upgrades, new trains, a dedicated freight corridor, Ganga Ghats rehabilitation, Ganga Cruise, modern hospitals, new and modern dairy, natural farming along the Ganga, training institutions for the young, and job opportunities via Saansad Rozgar Melas.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of contemporary development in making spiritual travels more accessible by mentioning outstanding connection to Swaraveda Temple, which is located outside Varanasi.
He believes it would become a significant destination for devotees visiting Banaras, creating prospects for commerce and employment in the nearby villages.
The Prime Minister asked every religious leader to create awareness about the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, in which he participated. “This should become our personal resolution,” he went on to say.
