On May 4th, the Rudraksh International Convention Centre hosted the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Dialogue, an event focused on the transformative potential of collective efforts to create a developed India by 2047. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the dialogue, which drew over 1,200 distinguished individuals from Varanasi's diverse spectrum, including Padma awardees, artists, industrialists, professionals, and influencers. The event called for national progress and aimed to unite people for a common cause.
In Pictures: A large number of people gather to attend the Viksit Bharat event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh pic.twitter.com/u0dDJilJQQ
— IANS (@ians_india) May 4, 2024
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar passionately rallied the audience to embrace the role of a Viksit Bharat Ambassador, proclaiming, "Every individual has started walking towards Viksit Bharat. Everyone should do it. Those who come out of a negative mindset and think of India's bright future - I consider all of them Viksit Bharat Ambassadors..."
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also commended Sanatan Dharma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kashi's transformative facelift. He praised Sanatan Dharma for its blend of ancient practices and modern values, emphasizing its tradition of respect and inclusivity towards all sections of society.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Kashi is India's heritage. The transformation in Kashi is being seen across India. The enthusiasm among the people here is praiseworthy. It felt great to be here. 10 years ago, people could not even… pic.twitter.com/ELoM44Jw6e
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2024
He highlighted India's rapid development and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a global leader, comparing him to the legendary sage Vishwamitra. He noted India's growing stature in the world and its achievements in space exploration, such as reaching the Moon and Mars, while retaining traditional values amidst modern progress. Kashi exemplifies this balance, having undergone significant economic development, road infrastructure improvements, and rejuvenation of the Ganga ghats.
Following the event, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar convened with 30 influential local figures, cementing partnerships for collective action and advocacy towards Viksit Bharat's objectives.
काशी विश्वनाथ में त्रिवेणी संगम
— Acharya Lokesh Muni (@Munilokesh) May 4, 2024
भोलेनाथ की नगरी में, भगवान पार्श्वनाथ की जन्मभूमि में, भगवान बुद्ध की उपदेश स्थली में त्रिवेणी संगम।@ArtofLiving @SriSri @Munilokesh @ANI #Sanatan #Hindu #Jain #Boudh #Jainism pic.twitter.com/yN5aCJLHAT
Reflecting on Varanasi's rejuvenation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar extolled the city's rich heritage and commendable transformation under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. He remarked, "Kashi is India's heritage... 10 years ago, people could not even fathom that Kashi could be so beautiful and accessible for people in such a short span of time."
Reflecting on the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar specifically lauded PM Modi's humility in acknowledging and honouring the labourers, recounting an incident where PM Modi washed the feet of workers and received a flower shower—an act that surprised and impressed everyone present.
"I was amazed by the gesture of PM Modi. Before addressing the devotees, he went to the shramiks, washed their feet, and got a flower shower done on them. The saints and sages present there were initially taken aback as it was they who were entitled to such treatment. But the Prime Minister re-wrote the rules and gave the workers their due. I was also awestruck over his conduct," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar remarked.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized PM Modi's efforts in strengthening India's civilizational values, spiritual beliefs, and cultural heritage, particularly recognizing his respect for traditional practices like honouring the Sengol.
"Nobody other than PM Modi cared to give respect to the Sengol. It was he who stood for the country's heritage and gave Sengol the respect it deserved," said Sri Sri.
He criticized attempts by the West to defame the Indian government due to India's rapid progress across various sectors.
The Vision of Viksit Bharat: 140 crore dreams, 1 purpose
The Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement aims to encourage citizens to take responsibility for contributing to India's development. VBA meet-ups and events are being organized in various parts of the country to achieve this goal. These events provide a platform for participants to engage in constructive discussions, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies for contributing to the movement.
Join the movement on the NaMo App
https://www.narendramodi.in/ViksitBharatAmbassador
The NaMo App: Bridging the Gap
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's app, the NaMo App, is a digital bridge that empowers citizens to participate in the Viksit Bharat Ambassador movement. The NaMo App serves as a one-stop platform for individuals to:
Join the cause: Sign up and become a Viksit Bharat Ambassador and make 10 other people
Amplify Development Stories: Access updates, news, and resources related to the movement.
Create/Join Events: Create and discover local events, meet-ups, and volunteer opportunities.
Connect/Network: Find and interact with like-minded individuals who share the vision of a developed India.
The 'VBA Event' section in the 'Onground Tasks' tab of the 'Volunteer Module' of the NaMo App allows users to stay updated with the ongoing VBA events.
