Text of PM's statement in Lok Sabha

Param Pujya Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, former Prime Minister Honorable H. D. Deve Gowda Ji, Governor of this state Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot Ji, Param Pujya Jagadguru Swami Paramatmananda Saraswati Ji, my colleagues in the Centre H. D. Kumaraswamy Ji, Shobha Karandlaje Ji, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka R. Ashoka Ji, state minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy Ji, all revered saints, other distinguished dignitaries, and all the brothers and sisters who have gathered here in large numbers.

Friends,

Today my heart is filled with such emotions that are difficult to express in words. Having darshan and worship at Shri Kal Bhairav temple, witnessing the grand inauguration of Shri Guru Bhairavaikya temple, spending time at the historic Jwala Peeth, receiving the company of saints who have reached spiritual heights, and now seeing the gathering present here-these experiences will always remain with me. I consider it my good fortune that I got the opportunity to come among you. I extend many congratulations to all of you on this occasion.

Friends,

Coming to Karnataka always gives me great joy. Every time I come here, I receive new inspiration. But today’s visit to Sakkare Nagara in Mandya district is important for many reasons. This land is known for the sweetness of sugarcane, and the same sweetness is seen in the words of the people here. Their warmth, their welcoming spirit touches the heart. I often say that Karnataka is rich in both philosophy and technology. That is, the depth of philosophy and the power of technology are both present here. Spiritual centers like Shri Adi Chunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math are great gifts of this land. This institution guides society through philosophy, spirituality, and moral values.

Friends,

India is a living civilization continuing for thousands of years. In the world, there are very few examples where traditions continue for such a long period. When we see Shri Adi Chunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, we see the living form of this continuity. The history of this holy Math is almost two thousand years old. Its guru tradition, its spiritual philosophy, and its tradition of service have enriched this land for generations. In this tradition, great saints like Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji emerged, who took this heritage to new heights. Today Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji is carrying forward the same stream with new energy, speed, and dedication, taking everyone along.

Friends,

In our society, from time to time such great personalities have come who were not limited only to spiritual guidance. They lived among the people, understood their joys and sorrows, felt their struggles, and showed society the way out of pain and difficulty. Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji was such a divine personality. He is not with us physically now, but he is present here. He worked at many levels to improve people’s lives. He had deep spiritual power, but his life was not limited to meditation. Coming from a village background, he understood the aspirations of rural youth, understood the challenges of common people. Therefore, for him devotion did not mean going away from society, but taking responsibility forward for society.

Friends,

Mahaswamiji established hundreds of institutions in the field of education, where education is being provided from primary level to professional courses like medical and engineering. The greatest benefit has gone to children from poor and rural families. His vision in the field of health was equally transformative. He created healthcare institutions where even today work is done with a spirit of service. He believed that quality healthcare should not be the special right of a few people, but should reach every citizen.

Friends,

Today our government is also working with the same vision. Under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, crores of poor people have received free hospital treatment. We have extended this scheme to all senior citizens above 70 years of age, so that they can receive better health facilities with dignity.

Friends,

Today being present in this Shri Guru Bhairavaikya temple, and receiving the blessings of Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, is a matter of fortune for me. We all know Mahaswamiji was the embodiment of compassion. His compassion was not limited to humans, it extended to all living beings. The social movement he started for the protection of peacocks is an example of this. And today even in the memento Swamiji has given me a peacock. This is not only environmental protection, it is also connected to our cultural consciousness, because the peacock is our national bird and also the vehicle of Lord Subrahmanya. In Delhi, in the official residence given to me by the Government of India with the blessings of the people, there are also many peacocks. And with some I have even formed good friendships. I see directly how peaceful and beautiful the peacock is.

Friends,

Today Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji is carrying forward the tradition of his guru. Walking on the path shown by his guru, he is bringing positive change in people’s lives. Constructing Shri Guru Bhairavaikya temple in honor of his guru is not just building a structure, it is realizing a sentiment. In the coming time, this place will certainly become a center of service, meditation, and inspiration.

Friends,

Shri Adi Chunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math works on nine principles-anna, akshara, aarogya, adhyatma, aashraya, aranya, aakalu, anukampa, and anubandha. With the same spirit, I want to place before you nine areas where we can all take a collective resolve. I place my nine requests before you.

Friends,

This Mandya understands the importance of water. This entire region has grown with the blessings of Mother Kaveri. Therefore, my first request is that we all take a resolve to save water and manage water better. My second request is connected to trees and nature. Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, crores of people have planted trees in the name of their mothers. We too should plant trees in honor of our mothers and take a resolve to protect Mother Earth. My third request is about cleanliness. Whether it is a religious place, public place, village or city, maintaining cleanliness everywhere is our collective responsibility, it is our duty. My fourth request is connected to swadeshi and self-reliance. We should adopt Indian products, strengthen Indian manufacturers and industries. Live with the mantra of Vocal for Local. My fifth request is connected to seeing the beauty of the country. We should know our country, travel to different corners of the country, and promote domestic tourism.

Friends,

Mandya is the land of hardworking farmers. My sixth request to farmers is that they move towards chemical-free natural farming. My seventh request is connected to healthy food. Right now Honorable Shri Deve Gowda Ji is present among us. He is known for popularizing ‘Ragi Mudde’. This entire region understands the importance of ragi. The young generation should also include millets in their food. In our country obesity has become a big challenge. To deal with this, also try to reduce the amount of oil in food by 10 percent. My eighth request is connected to yoga, sports, and fitness. We should all make them part of our lives. My ninth request is connected to the spirit of service, which you are continuously proving through your actions.

Friends,

Service to the needy strengthens society, it connects a big purpose to your life. If we all move forward with honesty and resolve on these nine requests, then we can move rapidly towards a developed Karnataka and a developed India. Once again, I extend many congratulations to all of you on this occasion. I express my gratitude to Jagadguru Shri Shri Shri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji and Shri Adi Chunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, that on this sacred occasion, in this holy land, in this land of penance, you invited me, gave me the opportunity to spend some moments with you. I heartily thank all of you, I thank all of you. Many congratulations. Thank you.