PM addresses program marking 150th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada Ji

Newdelhi:8/2/24:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the program marking the 150th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada ji at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan today. The Prime Minister paid floral tribute to the statue of Acharya Srila Prabhupada and released a commemorative stamp and a coin in his honour. Founder of the Gaudiya Mission, Acharya Srila Prabhupada played a pivotal role in preserving and spreading the fundamental tenets of the Vaishnava faith.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the magnificence of Bharat Mandapam has grown manifold with the presence of so many great saints, and informed that the concept of the building is based on the ‘Anubhav Mandap’ of Lord Basweshwara. He said that it was a center of spiritual discussions in ancient India. “‘Anubhav Mandap’ was the center of energy of the belief and resolution of social welfare”, he remarked. “On the 150th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada ji”, the Prime Minister said, “a similar energy can be witnessed inside Bharat Mandapam today.” Reiterating the government’s focus on making Bharat Mandapam the center of India’s modern capabilities and ancient roots, PM Modi recalled the recently concluded G20 Summit here which showed a glimpse of the possibilities of New India. “Today, this venue is hosting the World Vaishnav Convention”, Shri Modi said, noting that it presents a picture of the Naya Bharat, an amalgamation of development and heritage where modernity is welcomed and identity is a matter of pride. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for being a part of the grand occasion and bowed before Lord Krishna. He also paid tributes to Srila Prabhupada Ji and congratulated everyone for the postage stamp and commemorative coin released in his honour

The Prime Minister said that the 150th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada ji is being celebrated in the wake of the consecration of the Shri Ram Temple at the Ayodhya Dham. Noting the happiness on the faces of the people, the Prime Minister credited the completion of this massive Yagya to the blessings of the saints.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the contribution of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for creating the conditions of experiencing the joy of devotion. “Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the touchstone of love for Krishna. He made spiritualism and meditation accessible for the masses”, the Prime Minister said. PM Modi pointed out that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu showed the way of reaching God through joy.  The Prime Minister recalled his personal experience when at one stage of his life, he felt that despite fully living the Bhakti there was a void, a distance. He said that it was the joy of Bhajan Keertan that enabled full immersion in the moment. “I have personally felt the power of the Chaitaya Prabhu’s tradition”, said PM Modi. Today also, he said, ‘I was clapping as a devotee, not as a PM when the keertan was on’. “Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made the lyricism of Krishna Leela as well as their importance to understanding life”, the Prime Minister said.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said the harmony between development and heritage will continue for 25 years of Amrit Kaal. “With the blessings of the saints, we will build a Viksit Bharat, and our spirituality will pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity”, Shri Modi concluded.

Union Ministers, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Smt Meenakshi Lekhi were present on the occasion among others

Background

The founder of the Gaudiya Mission, Acharya Srila Prabhupada played a pivotal role in preserving and spreading the fundamental tenets of the Vaishnava faith. Gaudiya Mission has played a significant role in propagating the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the rich spiritual heritage of Vaishnavism across the world, making it the center of the Hare Krishna Movement.