New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's largest meditation centre, Swarved Mahamandir, in Varanasi on Monday, while highlighting India's freedom from a slave mentality and its shift towards embracing pride in its rich heritage. The Prime Minister also put forth nine resolutions and urged people to work towards fulfilling them.
He made these "aagrahas" (requests) at the inauguration ceremony. These resolutions include saving water, promoting digital transactions, enhancing cleanliness efforts, supporting Made in India products, exploring domestic travel, promoting natural farming, incorporating millets or Shri Ann in daily life, making sports, fitness, or yoga integral, and supporting at least one poor family to alleviate poverty in India.
During his visit to Varanasi, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated development projects worth over Rs 19,150 crores in the region.
Speaking at the inauguration of Swarved Mahamandir, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of rebuilding cultural symbols after gaining independence, overcoming an inferiority complex that lingered for decades.
"In the era of slavery, the oppressors who made an effort to weaken India first targeted our symbols. After Independence, re-building these cultural symbols was essential," he said.
Modi reflected on the transformative journey that began with the reconstruction of the Somnath temple, evolving into a nationwide campaign. He noted the resurgence of India's glory with Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Mahakaal Mahalok exemplifying the country's indestructible heritage.
"After seven decades of Independence, the wheel of time has turned once again. The country has declared from the Red Fort freedom from a slave mentality and is taking pride in its heritage," he said.
Highlighting India's strides in developing pilgrimage sites and infrastructure, Modi highlighted the importance of assimilating social truths and cultural identity for holistic development. He commended the progress in Varanasi since the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Dhaam, citing increased employment, trade, and business.
He noted that by developing the Buddha circuit, India has invited the world to visit the sites of Lord Buddha's meditation. "The development of the Ram circuit is going at a fast pace. In the next few weeks, the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed,” he said.
During the event, the Prime Minister congratulated Varanasi for setting a Guinness World Record for lighting the most earthen lamps during Dev Deepavali. He also praised the city for its commitment to the resolution of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), with the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra reaching thousands of villages and cities. Referring to the VBSY vans as "Modi Ki Guarantee Ki Gadi," the Prime Minister affirmed the government's dedication to reaching all eligible citizens entitled to government schemes.
“Modi Ki Guarantee Ki Gadi is a super hit,” he said observing that thousands of beneficiaries who remained deprived earlier, have been connected with VBSY in Varanasi.
