Not Just Centers Of Faith But Spirit Of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat': PM Modi On 90th Anniversary Of Sivagiri Pilgrimage

PM Modi launched the logo for the year-long joint celebrations on 90th anniversary of the Sivagiri pilgrimage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed inaugural event of the year-long celebrations on the 90th anniversary of Sivagiri pilgrimage.

New Delhi:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the 90th-anniversary celebrations of the Sivagiri pilgrimage and the golden jubilee of the Brahma Vidhyalaya.

He also launched the logo for the year-long joint celebrations and addressed the event organised at the Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi.

Here are some highlights of his speech:

•  PM Modi said, "The journey of 90 years of Teerthadanam and Golden Jubilee of Brahma Vidyalayam is not just a journey of an institution. This is also the immortal journey of that idea of India, which keeps on moving forward through different mediums in different periods".
• Appreciating the work done by the seers, he said that these places are not mere pilgrimages, they are not just centers of faith, but they are the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
• He added that when many countries, many civilizations of the world deviated from their religion materialism took the place of spirituality there. But, the sages, seers and gurus of India always promoted refined thoughts and practices.
• Speaking about Shri Narayan Guru, PM Modi said that he campaigned against stereotypes and evils and made India aware of its reality. Narayan Guruji fought against discrimination going on in the name of casteism.

Both Sivagiri pilgrimage and Brahma Vidhyalaya were started with the blessing and guidance of great social reformer Shri Narayana Guru, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said.

The Sivagiri pilgrimage is held every year for three days from December 30 to January 1 at Sivagiri in Thiruvananthapuram.

According to Shri Narayana Guru, the aim of pilgrimage should be the creation of comprehensive knowledge among the people and the pilgrimage should help in their overall development and prosperity.

The pilgrimage, therefore, focuses on eight subjects vis-a-vis education, cleanliness, piety, handicrafts, trade and commerce, agriculture, science and technology and organised endeavour.

The pilgrimage started with a handful of devotees in 1933 but now has become one of the major events in South India. Every year, lakhs of devotees from all over the world irrespective of caste, creed, religion and language visit Sivagiri to participate in the pilgrimage.

Shri Narayan Guru had also envisioned a place to teach the principles of all religions with equanimity and equal respect. The Brahma Vidhyalaya of Sivagiri was set up to realise this vision.

Brahma Vidhyalaya offers a course of seven years on Indian philosophy including the works of Shri Narayan Guru and scriptures of all important religions of the world.

In a tweet on Monday, Modi urged people, especially those connected with the Sivagiri Mutt, to share their insights for the programme.

"Will address a programme to mark the 90th anniversary of the Sivagiri pilgrimage and Golden Jubilee of Brahma Vidyalaya tomorrow at 10:30 AM. Requesting everyone, especially those connected with the Sivagiri Mutt to share their insights for the programme," he tweeted.

India is extremely proud of the monumental contribution of the Sivagiri Mutt in different fields, Modi said.

They have popularised the teachings of Shri Narayana Guru and done great work in healthcare, education and service, he said, adding that, "I fondly recall my visits to the Mutt in 2015 and 2013."