Rajnath Singh Compares Cultural Threats to National Border Security
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a significant public ceremony in Haridwar on Friday, delivered a powerful address where he declared that India's rich cultural heritage is currently facing "invisible onslaughts from different quarters" and requires safeguarding with the same level of seriousness and dedication as the nation's physical borders. The minister described culture as "our shield" and stated it is actively engaged in an "invisible battlefield" that demands vigilant protection.
Statue Dedication Ceremony for Swami Satyamitranand Giri
The event was organized by the Samanvaya Sewa Trust to publicly dedicate a statue of the late Swami Satyamitranand Giri, the esteemed founder of the Bharat Mata Mandir temple and one of Haridwar's most revered seers. The ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of political and spiritual leaders, underscoring its national importance.
Among the prominent attendees were Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The program also saw participation from numerous disciples and followers of Swami Satyamitranand Giri, who traveled from across India and abroad, alongside several other respected seers. This gathering marked the culmination of a three-day spiritual event.
Defence Minister's Call for Cultural Preservation
Addressing potential questions about a defence minister's presence at a cultural event, Rajnath Singh elaborated on his perspective. "One may wonder what a defence minister has to do with a cultural event like this? But it is not only a nation's borders or its forces that have to be protected. It is essential to safeguard a country's cultural foundations, its consciousness and values, too," he asserted.
He further emphasized that Indian culture is not a relic of the past. "Indian culture is not an ancient thing to be put in a museum. It is a developing and vibrant power, which has given to the world such precious knowledge as yoga, ayurveda and the concept of zero. In fact, it has taught humanity the art of living..."
The minister expressed concern over deliberate efforts to distance Indians from their cultural roots. "A systematic effort was being made to alienate us from our culture, values, traditions and heroes. In these circumstances, a cultural revival is essential. No one can do it better than our seers. They can also be propagators of social harmony and national integration. I feel proud to say that our saints are already playing a pivotal role," Rajnath Singh stated.
Yogi Adityanath Honors Swami Satyamitranand's Legacy
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid heartfelt tribute to Swami Satyamitranand Giri, describing him as "an acharya of sanyas tradition with few equals." He highlighted the seer's profound contributions to Sanatan Dharma and national unity.
"He was the flag-bearer of the Sanatan Dharma, who gave us the mantra of harmony (samanvaya). It discriminated neither on the basis of caste, nor creed, nor language, nor region. It brought the whole country under one roof. It is a living example of principles espoused by Indian culture in which Swami Satyamitranand had absolute faith," Yogi Adityanath remarked.
The Chief Minister also reflected on historical challenges, noting, "The aggressors of India gave it a system of loot, reducing peasants and traders to taxpayers." He concluded by affirming the current government's dual focus, "Today, we're trying to save our heritage while focusing on development."
Organizational Details and Broader Context
The ceremony was meticulously organized by Swami Awadeshanand Giri, the president of the Bharat Mata Mandir Trust and a disciple of Swami Satyamitranand Giri, who also serves as an Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara. This event underscores the ongoing dialogue at the highest levels of Indian leadership regarding the intersection of cultural preservation, national identity, and spiritual heritage in contemporary society.
