New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that saints and sages have, in every age, helped humanity realize its purpose which has been a tremendous contribution to society.
Addressing a programme via video conference to mark the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat, PM Modi said, "Every person's life has a purpose that defines it. When we discover our life's purpose, it changes everything. Saints and sages have, in every age, helped humanity realize its purpose. This has been a tremendous contribution of saints and sages to our society."
He mentioned that this occasion is proof of the eternal flow of Indian culture.
"We have kept alive the spiritual consciousness of the Vadtal Dham established by Lord Swami Narayan 200 years ago. We can still experience the teachings and energy of Lord Swaminarayan here...I am happy that the Government of India has also issued a silver coin of Rs 200 and a commemorative stamp on this occasion," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also asserted that this event is not just a praise of history. It is a great opportunity for every person like him, who has grown up with unflinching faith in Vadtal Dham.
"It has been a unique feature of India that whenever difficult times have come; a great sage or saint has appeared in that era. The advent of Lord Swaminarayan also took place at such a time when the country, weakened after centuries of foreign rule, had lost self-confidence. At that time, Lord Swaminarayan not only infused us with new spiritual energy but also awakened our self-respect," he said.
"We must carry forward his teachings. Inspired by this, Vadtal Dham has become a major centre for serving humanity and building a better world, the Prime Minister added.
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