Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated South Asia's tallest statue of Lord Ram in Goa's Canacona district, using the occasion to celebrate the state's remarkable ability to preserve its cultural identity through centuries of challenges.
Goa's Cultural Resilience Praised
Addressing the 550th anniversary celebrations of the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Mutt, PM Modi emphasized that Goa's defining characteristic has been its capacity to protect its original identity and culture despite numerous historical threats. "Goa has faced moments when its temples were endangered, and its language and culture came under attack. But these circumstances failed to dampen the spirit of the people — rather, they strengthened it," the Prime Minister stated.
Modi highlighted that the state's true strength lies in how it preserved its identity and heritage through all challenges. He particularly noted Goa's long-standing bhakti tradition that has "given it the identity of Dakshin Kashi, which has now only deepened."
Historic Statue and Cultural Renaissance
The centerpiece of the event was the unveiling of the 77-foot tall statue of Lord Ram, which now stands as South Asia's tallest representation of the deity. The Prime Minister connected this development to India's broader "cultural renaissance," pointing to recent rejuvenation projects including the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain.
PM Modi praised the Partagal mutt's enduring legacy, noting that over the past 550 years, the institution survived countless cyclones without losing its sense of direction. "Eras changed, periods changed, many transformations occurred in the country and society, but amidst changing eras and challenges, the mutt did not lose its direction; rather, it emerged as a centre that provides direction to people," he remarked.
Path to Viksit Bharat 2047
The Prime Minister emphasized that unity remains crucial for national progress, stating that the road to Viksit Bharat runs through unity. He identified the Partagal mutt as playing a "prominent role in accomplishing the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047" by serving as a bridge uniting the nation and people's minds.
Modi outlined that the spirit of sacrifice marking the Partagal mutt tradition has enabled it to preserve dharma, humanity, and culture. "When spirituality and service go hand in hand, society derives stability and inspiration to overcome challenges," he observed, adding that the mutt plays a "key and central role" in India's development journey.
Nine Vows for National Development
The Prime Minister called upon citizens to undertake nine specific vows:
- Conserve water and rivers
- Plant trees
- Maintain cleanliness
- Adopt swadeshi (vocal for local)
- Practice desh darshan (understanding the country's diversity)
- Embrace natural farming
- Lead a healthy life
- Adopt yoga and sports
- Help the poor and needy
Modi stressed that Viksit Bharat's goal will be accomplished only when spirituality, rashtra seva, and development work together. "When society comes together, when every region and every section stands united, only then can a nation make great strides. Goa and its Partagal mutt are contributing immensely towards that," he affirmed.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a Ramayana-based theme park, describing the new additions as "permanent centres of meditation, inspiration and devotion for coming generations." He expressed that being in the company of sadhus and saints provided a spiritual experience, following his visit to the temple on the mutt premises.
The event was attended by Governor Pusapati Ashok Raghupathy Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and the muttathipati of the Partagal mutt, Shrimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Sreepad Wader Swami.
