PM addresses programme commemorating Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birth anniversary via video conferencing

Newdelhi:13/12/22:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed a programme celebrating Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birth anniversary via video conferencing today in Kamban Kalai Sangam, Puducherry under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honour of Sri Aurobindo.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of the occasion of Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birth anniversary which is being celebrated with great fervour throughout the year. The Prime Minister highlighted that the nation is paying tributes to Sri Aurobindo by releasing a commemorative coin and postal stamp. The Prime Minister expressed the belief that such efforts by the nation will give new energy and strength to India’s resolutions.

The Prime Minister said that when a number of great events take place simultaneously, often there is ‘Yoga-Shakti’ i.e. a collective and uniting power behind them. The Prime Minister recalled many great personalities who not only contributed to the freedom struggle but also gave fresh life to the soul of the nation. Among them, three personalities, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi had many great events in their lives at the same point in time.  These events not only changed the lives of these personalities but also brought far-reaching changes in national life. The Prime Minister explained that in 1893 Sri Aurobindo returned to India and in the same year Swami Vivekananda went to America to deliver his iconic speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions. Gandhi ji went to South Africa in the same year, which marked the beginning of his transformation into Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister added. He noted the similar confluence of events in the present time when the country is celebrating 75 years of Independence and starting its journey of Amrit Kaal as we are witnessing the 150th anniversary of Sri Aurobindo and the 125th Anniversary of Netaji Subhas. “When motivation and action meet, even the seemingly impossible goal is inevitably accomplished. Nation’s successes in the Amrit Kaal today and resolution of ‘Sabka Prayas’ are proof of this ”, he said.

“India is that immortal seed which may be suppressed a little under adverse circumstances, may wither a little, but it cannot die”, the Prime Minister continued remarking on the rich cultural history and said, “India is the most refined idea of human civilization, the most natural voice of humanity.” Talking about the cultural immortality of India, the Prime Minister said, “India was immortal even in the time of Maharishi Aurobindo, and it is immortal even today in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal.” The Prime Minister concluded his address by noting the dire challenges faced by the world of today and underlined the importance of India’s role in overcoming these challenges. “That’s why we have to prepare ourselves by taking inspiration from Maharishi Aurobindo and create a developed India by Sabka Prayas”, he concluded.

Background

Sri Aurobindo, born on 15th August 1872, was a visionary who made lasting contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav – an endeavour to celebrate the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements on the occasion of 75 years of independence – is commemorating Sri Aurobindo’s 150th birth anniversary by organising year-long activities and programmes across the country.