CM addresses BAPS International Youth Rally to commentate diamond jubilee celebrations on BAPS Youth Activities

Matter of immense pride that such an event is taking place in the land of Gujarat. Entire world is seeing this sight: Shri Modi

World says 21^st century is India’s century and the reason is that we are a youthful nation: Shri Modi

Our Saints, Rishis, Munis & scriptures have shown the way to rise above conflicts,obstacles and shown the path of Vishwa Kalyan: CM

World is facing menace of global warming but it is this land whose Saints view trees as manifestations of God. Water is not merely H2O but an incarnation of Mother. If the world knows this we can be saved from many challenges: Shri Modi

The entire world is battling terror. Which mindset produced this? (On the contrary) it was our ancestors who said Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is a family): Shri Modi

CM pays respects to most revered Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj and talks of how he inspired the movement and especially the youth to go out and do great deeds of service to society

On the evening of Sunday 6^th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed BAPS International Youth Rally in Ahmedabad to commemorate the diamond jubilee celebrations of the BAPS Youth Activities. Over 55,000 youngsters attended the rally. The Chief Minister talked at length about the inherent spiritual strength of India and pointed out that our Saints, Rishis, Munis and scriptures have shown the way to rise above conflicts and calamities and shown the path of Vishwa Kalyan.

Shri Modi said that it is a matter of immense pride that such an event is taking place in the land of Gujarat and added that the entire world is seeing this sight.

The Chief Minister affirmed that Saints couldnot only see the past and the present but also have the strength to determine the future. He stated that Yogi Ji Maharaj gave thought to the idea of youth activities 60 years ago and today it has become a big tree not due to its size but due to the values it gives to mankind, the new trust it gives for the future and the shelter it gives during times of conflict. Shri Modi pointed out that the world says 21^st century is India’s century and the reason is that we are a youthful nation. He affirmed that it was our youth who went to USA, other places and left the world startled with their IT skills.

Shri Modi spoke elaborately about the inherent spiritual strengths of India and affirmed that the world is yet to be fully acquainted with the true spiritual strength of this land. He said, “Our Saints, Rishis, Munis and scriptures have shown the way to rise above conflicts and obstacles and shown the path of Vishwa Kalyan.” Shri Modi pointed out that the world is facing the menace of global warming but it is this land whose Saints view trees as manifestations of God. “Water is not merely H2O but an incarnation of Mother. If the world knows this we can be saved from many challenges” he declared.

Similarly, the Chief Minister stated, “The entire world is battling terror. Which mindset produced this? (On the contrary) it was our ancestors who said Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is a family).” Likewise, Shri Modi said it is in this land that we talk of Adwait, a philosophy that integrates people.

In his speech Shri Modi expressed his respect for most revered Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj and talked about how he has inspired the entire movement, especially the youth to go out and go great deeds of service to society.

He said, “Swaminarayan (community) does Seva Dharm. It serves the poor and their needs. I remember and even today as CM I experience it that if there was a calamity be it a flood, drought the message came from Pramukh Swamiji to do things for people and in a matter of few hours the hungry got food, those in problems were helped, if one needed medicines they were given.” Congratulating the youth for their hard work he said, “If there is a flood and if Pramukh Swamiji takes note of it then Government does not need to worry. This is due to you youngsters. One word from Pramukh Swamiji and you devote yourself to the cause.” Shri Modi lauded the efforts of the Saints towards furthering de-addiction especially among the villages.

Further talking about the greatness of Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj Shri Modi recalled that he was on the Kanyakumari-Kashmir Yatra to fly the national flag in Kashmir and after he came out of flying the tricolor the first phone call he got was from Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj.

Similarly he said, “When the Ayodhya Movement was at its peak Pramukh Swamiji was abroad. I was not even CM then but I got a call from him asking- Sab Shanti Hai? (hope everything is peaceful). Every moment he is praying for peace. Such people are not common. We are lucky to have got his blessings and seen his life from such close quarters.

He affirmed that the people are blessed to have been associated with this movement of service and giving something to society. He expressed confidence that when the 75^th year celebrations will happen, he will yet again be with the people.

The programme was attended by Saints and people in large numbers. Shri Modi lit the customary lamp and there was welcomes by Saints.