Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday marked the birth anniversary of Saint Meera Bai in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, by releasing a commemorative coin in her honour. Addressing the gathering at the 'Sant Mirabai Janmotsav' event, PM Modi highlighted the historical reverence for women in India, emphasising their roles in assuming responsibilities and guiding society.
PM Modi said: "Bharat has always been a country that worships women. They have not only assumed responsibilities but also guided society, and Sant Meera Bai is an example of this," as reported by PTI.
Sharing his sentiments about visiting Mathura, the Prime Minister remarked, "I am fortunate that I got the opportunity to have a 'darshan' of 'Braj' because only those come here who are called by 'Shri Krishna and Shriji'." This statement reflected the spiritual and cultural significance of the location.
"They kept Braj devoid of development. Today in 'Azadi ka Amritkaal', the country is coming out of that mentality. We are moving ahead with pride in our heritage. In Kashi, Vishvanath Dham is in front of us in full glory, Ujjain Mahakal temple is grand. Now, in Ayodhya, the date of the inauguration of Ram Mandir is decided. Mathura and Braj won't stay behind in this chain of development. Soon, the darshan would happen with even more divinity," he said further.
Mathura BJP MP Hema Malini welcomed Prime Minister Modi to the event, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited Shri Krishna Janambhoomi temple.
Modi arrived in the holy city of Mathura on Thursday to attend the 'Braj Raj Utsav' and take part in the 'Mirabai Janmotsav' event being celebrated to mark the 525th birth anniversary of the mystic poet and Lord Krishna devotee.
The Sant Mirabai Fest is scheduled to be celebrated for three days from November 23 to 25 during the Braj Raj Utsav.
A dance drama based on the life of Mirabai will be performed at the Railway Ground Fair, with Prime Minister Modi in attendance on Thursday.
Furthermore, a national seminar on Mirabai is slated to take place on Friday and Saturday at the Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium on the Veterinary University campus. The event will see eminent scholars from the country speaking there.
A screening of the 1979 film, 'Meera' starring Hema Malini is scheduled for Friday at Rupam Talkies to honour Mirabai's birth anniversary. Additionally, the 1947 film 'Meera' featuring Shubhalakshmi will also be showcased on Saturday.
During his Mathura visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Banke Bihari Temple to offer prayers.
Ahead of PM's visit, the security was tightened in the city with deployment of 5 India Police Services officers, 30 Additional Superintendent of Police, 60 Deputy Superintendent of Police, 125 inspectors, and 1,500 police personnel from across the state.