DHARAMSHALA: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday called for strengthening the moral, spiritual and cultural foundations of society, asserting that the ideals of knowledge, devotion and service are essential for building a strong and responsible nation.
Addressing the ‘Chinmaya Amrit Yatra’ organised at Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram, Sandeepany Himalayas, Sidhbari, Dharamshala, to commemorate 75 years of the Chinmaya Movement, the Governor said the journey of Chinmaya Mission represented not merely the growth of an institution but an important chapter in the revival and dissemination of India’s timeless knowledge tradition, spiritual consciousness and culture of selfless service.
Recalling the contribution of Pujya Swami Chinmayananda Ji Maharaj, Gupta said the spiritual leader had taken the teachings of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta to the masses in a simple and accessible manner. Spirituality, he said, should not be viewed as withdrawal from life but as a means of making life more purposeful, disciplined and meaningful.
Referring to the Bhagavad Gita’s message, “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana”, the Governor said it inspires individuals to perform their duties with dedication, commitment and a spirit of public welfare. He said Chinmaya Mission had translated these principles into action through initiatives in education, healthcare, rural development, disaster relief and value-based education for children and youth.
Highlighting the role of young people, Gupta said the youth constitute the country’s greatest force and potential. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on youth as nation-builders, he stressed the need to channelise their energy, talent, creativity and aspirations towards constructive nation-building.
The Governor said India’s journey towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation required responsible participation from every section of society. He urged people to contribute in whatever manner possible towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Gupta also stressed that technological and material progress must be accompanied by moral and spiritual advancement. Values including compassion, truth, discipline, duty, humility and service, he said, must remain an integral part of individual lives, particularly among the younger generation.
Highlighting India’s civilisational ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah”, the Governor said they reflected the country’s enduring commitment to the welfare of humanity. He called upon those present to pledge their contribution to nation-building through knowledge, service, social responsibility and the promotion of Indian values.
Gupta expressed hope that the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra would continue to inspire future generations, strengthen the spirit of service and social harmony and take India’s spiritual wisdom to the world. He congratulated the saints, acharyas, volunteers, workers and devotees associated with Chinmaya Mission on completing 75 years and wished the organisation continued success in its endeavour to enlighten society through the ideals of knowledge, devotion and service.
Kangra Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj was also present. A message from Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama was read out during the programme, while Swami Mitrananda highlighted the 75-year journey of Chinmaya Mission and the life and contributions of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.
Senior Acharyas Paramasheshwar Swami Madhavananda and Swami Anukulananda, Padma Shri Kshama Maitrey, Trustee Dr. Rajan Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, Superintendent of Police Kulbhushan Verma, office-bearers of Chinmaya Mission, sadhaks and devotees were also present.
