Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his desire to visit the Krishna Guru Sevasram in Barpeta in the coming future to seek the blessings of the saint who is revered across the country.
He was addressing the Krishna Guru Eknaam Akhanda Kirtan for World Peace held at Krishnaguru Sevashram in Na Satra village in Barpeta via video conferencing last month.
Krishnaguru Eknaam Akhanda Kirtan for World Peace was a month-long kirtan which began on January 6.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the traditions of knowledge, service and humanity in ancient India which were propagated by Krishna Guru are in perpetual motion even today. He observed that the divinity of the contributions of the saint and the efforts of his disciples were clearly visible on the occasion.
Referring to the tradition of Akhand Eknaam Jap every twelve years by Krishnaguru, PM Modi noted the Indian tradition of organising spiritual events with duty as the key thought. “These events rekindle a sense of duty in the individual and society. People in the past used to gather to discuss and analyse the happenings of the last twelve years, evaluate the present and create a blueprint for the future,” he said.
“Eknaam Akhanda Kirtan is laying down a similarly powerful tradition and making the world familiar with the heritage and spiritual consciousness of the North East,” he commented.
PM Modi said that the nation has worked towards the betterment of its people with the same spirit of taking everyone along (Sabka Saath) for everyone’s development (Sabka Vikas) with absolute dedication.
Giving examples of Assam and the North East, the Prime Minister observed that this region had been neglected for decades when it came to development and connectivity, but it now being given top priority.
Referring to this year’s Budget, the Prime Minister underlined the same priority to the deprived as the key guiding sentiment. Noting the key role of tourism in the economy of North East, he mentioned this year’s Budget provision of developing and upgrading 50 tourist destinations which will benefit the region a great deal. The Prime Minister also talked about the Ganga Vilas Cruise (it reached Assam on Feb 18.) He highlighted that Indian heritage’s most valuable treasures are situated on the riverbanks.
The Prime Minister also mentioned Krishnaguru Sewashram’s work for artisans in traditional skills and commented that the country has done unprecedented work in developing the traditional skills and linking the artisans with the global markets in the last few years. He also spoke about changes in laws around bamboo, from tree to grass, which have opened avenues in bamboo business.
PM Modi said that ‘Unity Malls’, proposed in the Budget, will help farmers, artisans, and youth of Assam by showcasing their products. These products will be showcased in the Unity Malls in other States and tourist spots.
He talked about his fondness for Gamosa and said that it encapsulates the hard work and skills of the women of Assam. PM Modi said that the Budget has made special provisions for these self-help groups. “In order to make the income of women a means of their empowerment, ‘Mahila Samman Saving Certificate’ scheme has also been started. Women will especially get the benefit of higher interest on savings,” he said.
“There are many such provisions in this Budget, from which women of North Eastern States like Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya will be widely benefited and new opportunities will be created for them,” he added while mentioning specifically the increased allocation under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
He asked the Sevashram to work to spread awareness about Prime Minister Vishwakarma Kaushal Yojana meant to benefit traditional artisans, while also asking it to popularise coarse grains, recently branded as Shri Anna.
