Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for collective efforts to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047, emphasising the importance of youth empowerment, spiritual values, national unity and cultural heritage while addressing the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan at Bharat Mandapam.
Highlighting the role of spiritual and cultural organisations in nation-building, Modi said every individual must be connected with the goal of a developed India. He also underlined the importance of carrying forward the ideals of Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of Chinmaya Mission, whose teachings combined spiritual wisdom with national service.
During his address, the Prime Minister stressed that India’s development journey requires the active participation of citizens and institutions across the country. He said the objectives of national progress and national pride must unite organisations working in different fields.
Modi noted that India would complete 100 years of independence in 2047, around the same time Chinmaya Mission would mark its centenary. He described the two milestones as an opportunity to work collectively towards a stronger, more prosperous and developed nation.
“Our goals are one, our objectives are one, and we must take this journey forward together,” the Prime Minister said, expressing confidence that Chinmaya Mission would contribute significantly to India’s development.
He urged the organisation’s saints, Acharyas, volunteers and followers to build on their decades of experience and international presence to support the country’s long-term national objectives.
Youth Empowerment at the Centre of Nation-Building
Recalling his meeting with Swami Chinmayananda in Vadodara in 1993, Modi said the discussion had left a lasting impression on him, particularly the emphasis on developing India’s youth and building a capable nation.
The Prime Minister explained that young people have remained central to his approach to governance and national development. He also congratulated Chinmaya Mission for involving young volunteers in the activities associated with the Amrit Mahotsav.
According to Modi, a team of young participants undertook a journey covering approximately 40,000 kilometres over nearly 300 days, reaching more than one lakh young people during the initiative.
He praised the effort as an example of how youth participation can strengthen cultural awareness and inspire a sense of responsibility towards the country.
The Prime Minister said that empowering young people was essential to building an India capable of meeting future challenges and achieving its development goals.
Modi Pays Tribute to Swami Chinmayananda’s Legacy
Reflecting on his association with Swami Chinmayananda, Modi recalled the spiritual leader’s efforts to bring the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and Vedanta closer to ordinary people.
He said Swami Chinmayananda’s mission went beyond spiritual teaching, as he sought to strengthen national consciousness and encourage Indians to take pride in their cultural identity.
The Prime Minister also recalled meeting the spiritual leader before the centenary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.
Swami Chinmayananda had accepted the invitation to participate in the commemorative activities but passed away in San Diego on August 3, 1993, shortly before the Chicago event held on September 11 that year.
Modi said the memory of his final conversation with the spiritual leader remained significant, particularly the message of building youth power for a stronger India.
He described Swami Chinmayananda’s life as a combination of knowledge, action and devotion, noting that the spiritual leader’s teachings continued to influence generations.
Spiritual Wisdom and Indian Cultural Identity
The Prime Minister referred to the Upanishadic declaration, “Vayam Amritasya Putrah”, meaning “We are the children of immortality”, to explain India’s enduring spiritual and cultural consciousness.
He said the idea represented more than a spiritual philosophy, reflecting a civilisational outlook rooted in knowledge, awareness and enduring values.
Modi also invoked the Vedic expression “Vayam Rashtre Jagriyama Purohitah”, calling for those dedicated to the welfare of the nation to keep it awakened and progressing.
According to the Prime Minister, Swami Chinmayananda consistently connected spiritual development with individual growth and national advancement.
He said Chinmaya Mission’s educational and cultural activities had helped young people understand Indian traditions while preparing them to participate in contemporary society.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the contribution of more than 100 educational institutions associated with Chinmaya Mission, which provide modern education alongside Indian cultural values.
National Education Policy and India’s Knowledge Traditions
Modi said India’s education system must reflect the requirements of a changing society while preserving the country’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
He highlighted the National Education Policy as an important step towards integrating Indian knowledge traditions, mother-tongue education, modern science and emerging technologies.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the country’s ancient wisdom and contemporary capabilities should complement each other, helping students develop a deeper understanding of their heritage while preparing for future opportunities.
He said institutions inspired by the teachings of spiritual leaders could play an important role in nurturing responsible citizens and strengthening India’s educational foundations.
Preservation of Heritage and Spiritual Landmarks
The Prime Minister also discussed India’s efforts to restore and promote its cultural heritage. He recalled Swami Chinmayananda’s support for the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, an initiative associated with Eknath Ranade.
Modi said the memorial had become a source of inspiration for visitors from India and abroad. He further referred to the transformation of major religious and cultural destinations, including Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, and the pilgrimage centres of Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Also Read | RTI Reveals Cabinet Secretariat’s Move On Election Commissioners’ Letters To CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Highlighting the recovery of stolen antiquities, Modi said more than 650 ancient artefacts had been brought back to India over the preceding 12 years.
He also cited International Yoga Day as an example of how India’s traditional knowledge systems were reaching people across the world and strengthening international connections with Indian culture.
Chinmaya Mission Urged to Support National Unity
Towards the conclusion of his address, Modi called on institutions and citizens to address emerging social challenges, strengthen national unity and encourage self-reliance.
He said society must remain united against divisive forces and that every citizen should be encouraged to participate in the journey towards a developed India.
The Prime Minister noted that while the challenges facing the country had changed over the decades, the responsibility of finding solutions rested with society as a whole.
He expressed confidence that Chinmaya Mission, with its global network of Acharyas, seekers and dedicated volunteers, would continue to contribute to India’s spiritual, cultural and national development.
Concluding his speech, Modi paid tribute to Swami Chinmayananda and extended his congratulations to the saints, Acharyas, devotees and volunteers associated with the mission on the occasion of the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav.
The address underscored the government’s emphasis on connecting India’s cultural heritage, youth participation and collective responsibility with the long-term vision of a developed India by 2047.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
