|
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated a new chapter of rejuvenation and cultural awakening for institutions of faith and reverence nationwide.
Under his leadership, a new era has begun for the development of "our religion, faith, and cultural awareness." He further added that today, as the auspicious festival is being celebrated at Vadtal, the heritage of preserving religion, rites, and culture has been presented with the modern dimensions of the present time. This reflects the Prime Minister's vision of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi.' Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the Lakshminarayan Dev Dwishatabdi Mahotsav held at the sacred Vadtal pilgrimage. On this occasion, the CM released a commemorative five-rupee postal stamp for the Vadtal Dwishatabdi Mahotsav. Wishing all devotees a Gujarati Happy New Year, the Chief Minister noted that 200 years ago, under the divine leadership of Lord Swaminarayan, the Lakshminarayan Temple was established on the sacred land of Charotar. This grand festival is a reminder of the divine moments of history when Lord Swaminarayan himself laid the foundation of the Lakshminarayan Temple. The festival inspires commitment to building Viksit Gujarat, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat. Referring to the New Year as an opportunity for new resolutions, the Chief Minister remarked that Vikram Samvat 2081 brings a festival of joy for all devotees of the Swaminarayan sect. He urged all devotees to make a new pledge from this sacred land to build Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat. Honoured to participate in the grand festival, the Chief Minister encouraged devotees to follow the principles of the Shikshapatri, written by Lord Swaminarayan. He highlighted the importance of dedicating ourselves to "our duties, with service to Dharma at the heart of every effort." Confident that devotees will contribute to the realization of Viksit Bharat with a focus on national welfare and societal good, the Chief Minister urged everyone to adopt cleanliness as an inherent value and contribute consistently to the journey of progress. On this occasion, Acharya Rakesh Prasadji Maharaj blessed the gathering, stating that the Lakshminarayan Dev Dwishatabdi Mahotsav represents the devotion and dedication of thousands of devotees. He praised the remarkable devotion expressed in even the smallest services to the community. He also lauded Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's government for its public service and welfare activities, extending his blessings for the continued success of his efforts. On this occasion, 1008 Vallabhkul Bhushan Dwarkeshlalji Maharaj blessed the gathering. Nautam Swami, President of the Satsang Mahasabha, spoke about the social service activities of the Vadtal Temple, mentioning that Vadtal Hospital has provided surgeries worth approximately Rs100 crores free of charge. He extended his blessings and wished for the progress of Gujarat under the dedicated leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The event was attended by MP Devusinh Chauhan, MLAs Pankaj Desai, Sanjaysinh Mahida, Kalpesh Parmar, Rajesh Zala, saints Nityasvaroop Swami and Gyanjivan Swami, along with other saints, devotees, and political and social leaders from across India and abroad. (ANI)
|
