Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Srila Prabhupada was instrumental in taking Vaishnavism and love for Lord Krishna to the entire world. Addressing the programme marking the 150th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Thursday (08th February 2024) , Mr Modi said he has also experienced joy by following the teachings of Vaishnava saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He emphasised that in this new India, development and devotion can be seen side by side. He said in this new India, people have embraced both modernity and identity. Mr Modi said life is a beautiful balance of the paths of devotion and knowledge.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the contribution of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for creating the conditions of experiencing the joy of devotion. He said, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made spiritualism and meditation accessible for the masses. He added that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu showed the way of reaching God through joy.
Mr Modi stressed that Bhakti is a grand philosophy given by Indian Saints. He said, it is not despair but hope and self-confidence. The Prime Minister said, Bhakti is not fear, it is enthusiasm and Devotion is not despair, it is hope and confidence. He said Bhakti is not defeat but a resolution for impact. Mr Modi said, Bhakti involves getting a victory over oneself and working for humanity. He said due to this spirit India never attacked others for the expansion of its borders. The Prime Minister paid tributes to the saints for reintroducing the people to the glories of Bhakti. He said that today, in the Amrit Kaal of independence, the country is taking forward the resolve of the saints by taking the pledge of freedom from the mentality of slavery.
