"PM Modi has envisioned combining religious service with public service": Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], May 5 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated a grand movement to revive India's ancient cultural traditions.
He said that the PM has set forth a vision integrating public service with religious service and aligning development with heritage, bringing global recognition to the country's spiritual and religious legacy.
The CM noted that, due to the Prime Minister's initiative, the manuscripts of the 'Bhagavad Gita' and the 'Natya Shastra', composed by Maharshi Bharat Muni, were included in UNESCO's "Memory of the World Register" last month. "This recognition isn't just a tribute to these ancient texts but also a global acknowledgement of our nation's rich cultural heritage," CM said.
A felicitation ceremony was held at the Shri Ramdham premises in Thaltej, Ahmedabad, to honour Kaival Gyan Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Shri Avichaldevacharyaji Maharaj on his appointment for the fourth time as the National President of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti.
While addressing the gathering, the CM added that India's sacred land has long been a beacon of religious devotion. "This year, under the visionary leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Maha Kumbh held at the holy pilgrimage site of Prayagraj showcased India's unity and culture to the entire world. Millions of devotees from both India and abroad participated in this Maha Kumbh, taking a holy dip and seeking blessings from the saints and sages," CM Patel said.
"During the Maha Kumbh and the Central Convention of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, the CM congratulated Param Pujya Jagadguru Avichaldevacharyaji Maharaj on his appointment as the National President of the Bharatiya Sant Samiti for the fourth time," he further added.
The Chief Minister also extended his congratulations to Shri Nitin Patel, the President of Baba Ramdev Devasthan Trust, and all the organisers for their efforts in organising the felicitation ceremony of Shri Avichaldevacharyaji Maharaj.
Chief Minister, while lauding the religious and social service activities inspired by Kaival Gyan Sampradaya Guru Gadi-Sarasapuri's Saptam Kuweeracharya Shri Avichaldevacharyaji, stated that the Annakshetra in Saras is providing meals to the devotees. "In Sarasam, Balkuver, and Varanasi, dharamshalas are being managed for devotees and pilgrims. Furthermore, a Gaushala and a conservation centre for our ancient Kankrej cows are also operational."
While referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principle, CM said that When the efforts of the government align with those of society, the pace of development doubles.
"Under the leadership of Avichaldevacharyaji Maharaj, schools and colleges, ranging from primary education to higher education, are operational in remote tribal areas. Whether it is healthcare and welfare services, mass wedding ceremonies, water conservation, or responding to natural disasters, the Kaival Gyan Sampradaya remains at the forefront of service at all times," the Gujarat CM noted.
He further added that Avichaldevacharyaji Maharaj, known for his organisational acumen, also played a key role in uniting societal strength during the Vishva Hindu Parishad movement and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The Chief Minister stated that Indian culture has, for thousands of years, guided humanity on the path of righteousness, compassion, and peace, with Sanatan Dharma at its core, saying that this dharma is not merely a method of worship but a comprehensive approach to living life.
The Chief Minister added "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to transform India into Viksit Bharat @2047. Moreover, to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat, he has given us nine resolutions dedicated to the service of all."
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the spiritual wisdom and guidance of our saints will continue to illuminate the path toward realising these goals and that their blessings will always accompany us on this journey.
Bestowing his blessings, Jagadguru Shri Avichaldevacharyaji said that, Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gujarat is working tirelessly for the welfare and development of all.
He further added that the government is equally committed to the upliftment of religion, society, and culture. "Therefore, the entire community of saints in India is pleased with the work of such visionary leaders and their governments and prays for their continued and unwavering progress," he said.
On this occasion, former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel highlighted the vision of holistic development and national welfare through the harmonious integration of spiritual authority and state governance in India. "He said that it is the enduring strength of the saints that has safeguarded the eternal and indivisible soul of the nation. India has always remained grateful to the spiritual power of its saints for nurturing its cultural consciousness."
On this occasion, several dignitaries were present, including MLA Harshad Patel, Jitu Bhagat, Mahant Dilipdasji Maharaj of Jagannathji Temple, Dandi Swami Jitendra Saraswatiji, Mahant Mohandasji Rajendradasji, Satpanthi Jagadguru Gyaneshwarji, Mahant Rajendra Giri, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Geeta Shrihari Didiji, Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj, State President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Shri Ashok Rawal, and President of Umiya Dham Shri R.P. Patel. (ANI)