PM Modi Inaugurates Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav, Calls for Youth-Led Nation-Building and Cultural Renaissance.
Prime Minister highlights Chinmaya Mission’s contribution to preserving Indian values, promoting spiritual wisdom and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday, highlighting the Chinmaya Mission’s contribution to spreading India’s spiritual wisdom, preserving cultural heritage and inspiring young people to participate in nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Modi described the occasion as a deeply emotional and spiritual experience, recalling his association with Swami Chinmayananda. He said the Chinmaya Mission was not merely an institution but an enduring philosophy established by a spiritual leader whose teachings continued to inspire generations.
Recalling his meeting with Swami Chinmayananda in Vadodara in 1993, the Prime Minister said a technology-enabled interaction with the revered spiritual leader during the event brought back memories of their conversation and the blessings he had received. He thanked the Mission for creating the experience.
Modi recalled visiting Swami Chinmayananda in February-March 1993 to invite him to Chicago for the centenary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. He said their final conversation focused on empowering young people and building a strong India through their participation.
The Prime Minister noted that youth empowerment had remained a priority throughout his 25-year journey as head of government, first as Gujarat Chief Minister and subsequently as Prime Minister. He congratulated young volunteers associated with the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav for travelling approximately 40,000 kilometres over 300 days and engaging with more than one lakh young people.
Invoking the Upanishadic expression “Vayam Amritasya Putrah”, meaning “We are the children of immortality”, Modi said India’s enduring civilisational strength came from its timeless knowledge, spiritual consciousness and commitment to humanity. He described the Amrit Mahotsav initiative as an opportunity to renew these values while working towards a developed India.
Emphasising the relationship between national identity and spiritual growth, Modi said the nation was the foundation of India’s cultural heritage and collective existence. He highlighted Swami Chinmayananda’s Gita Gyana Yagna initiative, which helped bring the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Vedanta to the masses.
He said millions of young people associated with the Mission were now acting as cultural ambassadors, transmitting Indian values to younger generations. The Mission’s network of more than 100 educational institutions, he added, was combining modern education with traditional Indian values.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the National Education Policy’s emphasis on Indian knowledge traditions, mother-tongue education, modern science and technology. He said these efforts were helping prepare students for the challenges of a changing world while strengthening their cultural roots.
Recalling Swami Chinmayananda’s support for the Vivekananda Rock Memorial at Kanyakumari, Modi stressed the importance of preserving India’s heritage. He referred to the development of major religious and cultural destinations, including Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, Kedarnath and Badrinath. He also highlighted the return of more than 650 ancient idols and artefacts to India over the past 12 years.
Modi called for society to unite against divisive forces, strengthen self-reliance and work collectively towards Viksit Bharat 2047. He noted that the centenary period of India’s Independence would coincide with the Chinmaya Mission’s centenary period, expressing confidence that both journeys would advance together towards national development and global well-being.