Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai drew a link between India’s spiritual heritage and national identity and said that the Hindu religion and Indianness were one and the same.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Mysuru branch, in the city on Monday (November 24), Mr. Bommai said India was not attacked over centuries for its land or wealth but instead, there had been assaults on its culture. However, hundreds of saints and monks such as Swami Vivekananda have helped preserve it, he added.
Citing Swami Vivekananda, he said that Hinduism has stated clearly that the motherland should be held dear, as that is how a relationship between religion and nation begins. This is the reason why the Hindu religion and Indianness are one, he explained.
The former Chief Minister further said that Indian history is replete with wars and turmoil but unlike other countries, it did not change its culture because the roots of Hinduism are deep and widespread.
Mr. Bommai noted that Swami Vivekananda had profound ideas and expounded on philosophy at a very young age, and the fact that an ashram which had been built on his philosophy has completed 100 years in service in Mysuru is an extraordinary achievement.
‘’I salute those who conceived the idea of an ashram 100 years ago,’’ he added, saying that the Ramakrishna Mutt in Mysuru has shown what nation-building is and influenced thousands of students and lakhs of people in this task.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the centenary celebrations of the ashram actually mark 100 years of service, nation-building, and the promotion of spirituality. It is also the dawn of a new century for the ashram in the task of selfless service, he added.
He recalled Swami Vivekananda’s connections with Mysuru and said that when the world did not know anything about the monk, the city played host to him in 1892 and made it possible for the seer to travel to the West and expound on Indian philosophy.
Referring to the Viveka Smaraka, a memorial nearing completion at Niranjan Mutt — where Swami Vivekananda stayed during his visit to Mysuru — Mr. Shekhawat said it is not a mere building but a bridge connecting the youth of the country to their cultural roots and future.
He underscored that the world needs the message of Swami Vivekananda in the present times more than ever, given the conflicts that have broken out everywhere. His message of peace and oneness of humanity is more relevant now than ever, the Minister added.
Swami Gautamananda, president, Sri Ramakrishna Ashram and Mission, Belur Mutt, Howrah, Swami Muktidananda, president, Mysuru branch of the ashram, Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt, Sri Nirmalananda Swami of Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt, and others were present.