The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot today. He performed pooja and darshan at Kanch Mandir. He received the blessings of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya of the Tulsi Peeth and attended a public function, where he released three books - ‘Ashtadhyayi Bhashya’, ‘Ramanandacharya Charitam’ and ‘Bhagwan Shri Krishna ki Rashtraleela’.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for performing puja and darshan of Shri Ram in multiple shrines and being blessed by saints, especially Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. He also mentioned releasing the three books namely ‘Ashtadhyayi Bhashya’, ‘Ramanandacharya Charitam’ and ‘Bhagwan Shri Krishna ki Rashtraleela’ and said that it will further strengthen the knowledge traditions of India. “I consider these books as a form of Jagadguru’s blessings”, he emphasized.

The Prime Minister said “Ashtadhyayi is a thousands-year-old text of India's linguistics, India's intellectuality and our research culture.” He highlighted the genius of Ashtadhyayi as it encapsulates grammar and science of language in pithy capsules. He said that many languages came and went but Sanskrit remains eternal. “Time refined Sanskrit but could never pollute it”, he said. mature grammar of Sanskrit lies in the base of this permanence, he said. Based on just 14 Maheshwara Sutras, this language has been the mother of Shastr and Sahstra (implements and scholarship). “Whatever national dimension you look at in India, you will witness Sanskrit’s contribution”, he said.

Throwing light on the efforts to uproot the culture and heritage of India during the thousand year old era of slavery, Shri Modi mentioned the alienation of Sanskrit language. He pointed out the slavery mentality which was carried forward by certain individuals resulting in a feeling of enmity towards Sanskrit. Prime Minister Modi lamented the mentality where knowing the mother tongue was praiseworthy for foreign countries but the same did not apply to India. “Sanskrit is not only the language of traditions, it is also the language of our progress and identity”, Shri Modi interjected as he highlighted the efforts to strengthen the language in the country. “Scriptures like Ashtadhyayi Bhashya will play a crucial role towards successful efforts in modern times”, he added.

Prime Minister Modi paid rich tributes to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and mentioned his enormous wisdom and contributions. “This level of wisdom is never personal, this wisdom is national treasure”, the Prime Minister said. Swamiji received Padam Vibhushan in 2015. Referring to nationalistic and social aspects of Swami ji the Prime Minister remembered his active contribution in Swachh Bharat as one of the nine key ambassadors.

Shri Modi expressed happiness that national goals like cleanliness, health and clean Ganga are being realized now. He informed “Jagadguru Rambhadracharya ji has played a big role in fulfilling another dream of every countryman. The Ram temple for which you have contributed so much, in and outside the court, is also going to be ready”, the Prime Minister said as he mentioned the invitation received to participate in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.

In the Amrit Kaal, the Prime Minister underlined that the nation is taking development and heritage along. “Chitrakoot has spiritual enlightenment as well as natural beauty”, Shri Modi said as he mentioned the emphasis on the development of places of pilgrimage. He mentioned Ken-Betwa Link Project, Bundelkhand Expressway, and the Defence Corridor and said that it will create new opportunities in the region. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed the belief that Chitrakoot will scale new heights of development and also bowed before Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya of the Tulsi Peeth, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan were among those present on the occasion.

Background

Tulsi Peeth is an important religious and social service institution in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. It was established by Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in 1987. Tulsi Peeth is one of the leading publishers of Hindu religious literature.

*****

DS/TS