Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme at Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka today. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister remarked that the satisfaction of the divine darshan of Lord Shri Krishna, the spiritual experience of the mantras of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, and the presence of so many revered saints and gurus is for him a supreme fortune. He highlighted that it is akin to attaining countless blessings. 

Recalling that just three days ago he was on the land of Kurukshetra, the land of the Gita, Shri Modi said, today coming to this land blessed by Lord Shri Krishna and graced by the glory of Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya Ji is for him an occasion of supreme contentment. He noted that on this occasion, when one lakh people recited the shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita together, people across the world witnessed the living divinity of India’s millennia-old spiritual heritage.

Prime Minister remarked that coming to the land of Karnataka and being among the affectionate people here always gives him a unique experience. Highlighting that visiting the sacred land of Udupi is always extraordinary, he  noted that though he was born in Gujarat, there has always been a deep and special connection between Gujarat and Udupi. Shri Modi recalled the belief that the idol of Lord Shri Krishna established here was earlier worshipped in Dwarka by Mata Rukmini, and later Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya consecrated this idol in Udupi. He mentioned that just last year he had the divine experience of visiting Shri Dwarka Ji beneath the sea. He remarked that one can imagine the profound feeling he experienced upon having darshan of this idol, and stated that this darshan gave him immense spiritual joy.

Highlighting coming to Udupi is special for him for another reason, Shri Modi underlined that Udupi has been the karmabhoomi of the governance model of Jan Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party. He recalled that in 1968, the people of Udupi elected Jan Sangh’s V.S. Acharya to the municipal council, and with this Udupi laid the foundation of a new governance model. He noted that the cleanliness campaign which today is seen at the national level was adopted by Udupi five decades ago. He highlighted that whether it was providing a new model of water supply and drainage systems, Udupi had initiated such programmes in the 1970s. He remarked that today these campaigns have become part of national development and national priority, guiding the country forward.

Recalling the words from Ramcharitmanas, Shri Modi said, “In Kalyug, only through the chanting of the Lord’s name one attains liberation from the ocean of worldly existence”. He highlighted that in society, the recitation of mantras and the shlokas of the Gita has been happening for centuries, but when one lakh voices together recite these shlokas in unison, it creates a unique experience. The Prime Minister further noted that when so many people recite a sacred text like the Gita, when such divine words resonate together at one place, a special energy emerges that gives the mind and intellect a new vibration and a new strength. He remarked that this energy is the power of spirituality and also the power of social unity. He stated that today’s occasion of one lakh voices reciting the Gita has become an opportunity to experience a vast energy field and is also showing the world the strength of collective consciousness.

Remarking that on this day he especially bows to Param Pujya Shri Shri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji, who has divinely manifested the idea of Laksha Kantha Gita, the Prime Minister highlighted that by inspiring people across the world to write the Gita in their own hand, Swamiji has initiated the Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna, which has become a global mass movement of the Sanatan tradition. Shri Modi noted that the way India’s youth is connecting with the sentiments and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita is in itself a very significant development. He recalled that for centuries in India, the tradition has been to pass on the knowledge of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Shastras to the next generation, and remarked that this programme too has become a meaningful effort to connect the next generation with the Bhagavad Gita.

Informing that three days before coming here, he had also visited Ayodhya, Shri Modi highlighted that on 25th November, the auspicious day of Vivaha Panchami, the Dharma Dhwaja was established at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. He noted that from Ayodhya to Udupi, countless devotees of Lord Ram have witnessed this most divine and grand celebration. He stated that the entire nation knows the significant role Udupi has played in the Ram Mandir movement. He recalled that decades ago, Param Pujya late Vishwesh Tirtha Swamiji gave direction to the entire movement, and the Dhwajarohan ceremony has become a festival marking the fruition of that contribution. He highlighted that for Udupi, the construction of the Ram Mandir is special for another reason, as in the new temple a grand gate has been built in the name of Jagadguru Madhvacharya Ji. He noted that Jagadguru Madhvacharya Ji, an ardent devotee of Lord Ram, had written a verse meaning Lord Shri Ram is adorned with six divine qualities, is the Supreme Lord, and is an ocean of immense strength and courage. He remarked that therefore, having a gate in the Ram Mandir complex named after him is a matter of great pride for the people of Udupi, Karnataka, and the entire nation.

Underscoring that Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya is the pioneer of India’s Dvaita philosophy and a shining light of Vedanta, the Prime Minister highlighted that the system of Udupi’s Ashta Mathas created by him is a living example of institution building and the creation of new traditions. He noted that here there is devotion to Lord Shri Krishna, knowledge of Vedanta, and the resolve of serving food to thousands of people. He stated that in a way this place is a sacred confluence of knowledge, devotion, and service. 

Shri Modi recalled that during the period when Jagadguru Madhvacharya was born, India was facing many internal and external challenges, and at that time he showed a path of devotion that could connect every section of society and every belief. He remarked that due to this guidance, even after centuries the Mathas established by him continue to serve millions of people every day. He highlighted that inspired by him, many great figures emerged in the Dvaita tradition who always advanced the work of dharma, service, and nation building. He stated that this eternal tradition of public service is the greatest heritage of Udupi.

Noting that the tradition of Jagadguru Madhvacharya gave energy to the Haridasa tradition, the Prime Minister highlighted that great saints like Purandar Das and Kanak Das brought devotion in simple, melodious, and accessible Kannada language to the masses. He noted that their compositions reached every heart, even the poorest sections of society, and connected them with dharma and Sanatan values, and these compositions remain equally relevant for today’s generation. He observed that even now, when the youth listen to Purandar Das’s composition “Chandrachooda Shiva Shankara Parvati” on social media reels, they are transported to a different spiritual emotion. The Prime Minister remarked that even today, when a devotee like him in Udupi has darshan of Lord Shri Krishna through a small window, it becomes an opportunity to connect with the devotion of Kanak Das. He stated that he feels very fortunate to have had the privilege of bowing to Kanak Das both today and earlier. 

Highlighting that the teachings of Lord Shri Krishna are practical in every age, and the words of the Gita guide not only individuals but also the policies of the nation, Shri Modi recalled that in the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna spoke of how we should work for the welfare of all. He remarked that throughout his life, Jagadguru Madhvacharya carried these sentiments and strengthened the unity of India.

Underscoring that behind the policies of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya lies the inspiration of Lord Shri Krishna’s shlokas, Shri Modi highlighted that Lord Shri Krishna gives the mantra of helping the poor, and this very inspiration forms the basis of schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas. He stated that Lord Shri Krishna imparts the knowledge of women’s safety and empowerment, and it is this wisdom that inspired the nation to take the historic decision of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. He further remarked that Lord Shri Krishna teaches the principle of welfare for all, and this principle underpins India’s policies such as Vaccine Maitri, the Solar Alliance, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Prime Minister Shri Modi remarked that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the message of the Gita on the battlefield and highlighted that the Bhagavad Gita teaches us that to establish peace and truth, the end of oppressors is also necessary. He stated that this is the core sentiment of the nation’s security policy. He noted that India speaks of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and also reiterates the mantra ‘Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah’. He remarked that from the Red Fort, the message of Shri Krishna’s compassion is conveyed, and from the same ramparts the announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra is also made. Shri Modi explained that Mission Sudarshan Chakra means building a protective wall around the country’s key locations, its industrial and public sectors, which the enemy cannot breach, and if the enemy dares to show audacity, then India’s Sudarshan Chakra will destroy them.

Emphasising that in the action of Operation Sindoor, the nation has witnessed this resolve, the Prime Minister highlighted that in the terrorist attack at Pahalgam, many countrymen lost their lives, including people from Karnataka. He stated that earlier, when such terrorist attacks occurred, governments would sit idle, but this is a new India that neither bows before anyone nor wavers from its duty to protect its citizens. “India knows how to establish peace and also how to safeguard peace”, said the Prime Minister.

Shri Modi remarked that the Bhagavad Gita makes us aware of our duties and life commitments, and inspired by this, he urged everyone to adopt certain resolutions. He stated that these appeals are like nine resolutions which are very essential for our present and future. He added that once the community of saints blesses these appeals, nothing will stop them from reaching every citizen.

Prime Minister remarked that our first resolution should be to conserve water, save water, and protect rivers. He highlighted that our second resolution should be to plant trees, noting that the nationwide campaign of “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” is gaining momentum, and if the strength of all the Mathas joins this campaign, its impact will be even wider. He stated that the third resolution should be to make an effort to improve the life of at least one poor person in the country. Shri Modi emphasized that the fourth resolution should be the idea of Swadeshi, and as responsible citizens we must all adopt Swadeshi. He remarked that today India is moving forward with the mantra of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi, with our economy, our industries, and our technology standing firmly on their own feet. He underlined that therefore we must say with full force—’Vocal for Local’.

Speaking about the fifth resolution, Shri Modi urged that we must promote natural farming. He highlighted that the sixth resolution should be to adopt a healthy lifestyle, to include millets in our diet and reduce the intake of oil. He stated that the seventh resolution should be to embrace yoga and make it a part of life. The Prime Minister emphasized that the eighth resolution is to support the preservation of manuscripts, noting that much of India’s ancient knowledge is hidden in these manuscripts. He mentioned that the Government of India is working on the Gyan Bharatam Mission to preserve this knowledge, and people’s cooperation will help save this invaluable heritage. 

Urging that the ninth resolution should be to visit at least 25 places in the country connected with our heritage, Shri Modi suggested that just three to four days ago the Mahabharata Experience Centre was inaugurated in Kurukshetra, Haryana. He appealed to people to visit this centre to witness the life philosophy of Lord Shri Krishna. Shri Modi also highlighted that in Gujarat, every year the Madhavpur Mela dedicated to the marriage of Lord Shri Krishna and Mata Rukmini is organized, which attracts people from across the country, especially from the North East, and urged everyone to make an effort to attend it next year.

Prime Minister Modi remarked that the entire life of Lord Shri Krishna and every chapter of the Gita conveys the message of action, duty, and welfare. He highlighted that for Indians, the period of 2047 is not only Amrit Kaal but also a duty-bound era for building a developed India. Shri Modi stated that every citizen, every Indian, has a responsibility, and every individual and institution has its own duty. He emphasized that in the fulfillment of these duties, the hardworking people of Karnataka have a very significant role. He remarked that every effort must be dedicated to the nation, and by following this spirit of duty, the dream of a developed Karnataka and a developed India will be realized. Shri Modi concluded by expressing the wish that the energy emanating from the land of Udupi continues to guide the resolve of a developed India. He extended his heartfelt greetings to every participant associated with this sacred occasion.

Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister, Shri Pralhad Joshi were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister visited Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi and participate the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme—a devotional gathering of 100,000 participants, including students, monks, scholars, and citizens from various walks of life, who will recite the Srimad Bhagavad Gita in unison.

Prime Minister also inaugurated the Suvarna Teertha Mantapa, located in front of the Krishna sanctum, and dedicate the Kanaka Kavacha (golden cover) for the sacred Kanakana Kindi, a sacred window through which the saint Kanakadasa is believed to have had the divine darshan of Bhagwan Krishna. Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi, was established over 800 years ago by Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy of Vedanta.

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MJPS/SR