Varanasi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while virtually addressing a spiritual seminar held at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) under the banner of Somnath Swabhiman Parva, stated on Tuesday that at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises, India's spiritual philosophy and cultural values can provide meaningful direction to humanity.
Event Details
The seminar was jointly organized by the Sanskriti Vibhag (Cultural Department) of Uttar Pradesh and the Ministry of Culture. Saints, Acharyas, Vice-Chancellors, scholars, and educationists from universities and institutions across the country participated in the event, which centered on Bhakti (devotion), Shraddha (faith), and Indian cultural consciousness.
CM's Address
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that Somnath Swabhiman Parva symbolizes Indian cultural consciousness, spiritual heritage, and national self-respect. Referring to the Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, he emphasized that the temple represents the indestructible spirit of Indian civilization and faith. He urged the audience to draw inspiration from India's spiritual legacy to address contemporary global challenges.
BHU Vice-Chancellor's Remarks
BHU Vice-Chancellor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi highlighted that self-confidence and self-respect are essential for the development of society and the nation. He referred to India's rich knowledge traditions, noting that the country has contributed immensely to fields such as trigonometry, astronomy, mathematics, music, and theology. He stressed the need to connect traditional knowledge with modern scientific understanding to foster holistic growth.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri's Perspective
Presiding over the program, Swami Avdheshanand Giri observed that the growing global interest in Ayurveda, yoga, and Indian values reflects the universal relevance of Indian culture. He remarked that Indian civilization is not merely focused on material prosperity but also guides humanity toward spiritual consciousness. He called for a renewed emphasis on these values in education and daily life.
Baba Ramdev's Address
Speaking on the occasion, Baba Ramdev asserted that India's Dharma Shakti (spiritual power) and life values are rooted in spirituality and human welfare rather than materialism alone. He described the saint tradition and penance of Indian sages as the core of Indian civilization, urging the youth to embrace these ideals for personal and national development.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati's Tribute
Swami Chidanand Saraswati termed the event a celebration of "Sanatan Swabhiman" (eternal self-respect). He remembered prominent personalities including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and Madan Mohan Malaviya for their contributions to preserving Indian cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of honoring such figures who upheld India's civilizational values.
Jagadguru Vasudevacharya Vidyabhaskar on Youth Power
Jagadguru Vasudevacharya Vidyabhaskar highlighted the importance of youth power in nation-building. He said that Indian scriptures have always regarded young people as the driving force of transformation and service. He called for channeling the energy of the youth toward constructive and culturally rooted activities.
Other Notable Speakers
Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith Vice-Chancellor A.K. Tyagi said that Indian temples historically functioned not only as centers of worship but also as institutions of education, economy, and social organization. He stressed the need to revive this multifaceted role of temples in contemporary society.
Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya Vice-Chancellor Biharilal Sharma stated that awareness toward Indian cultural values and Sanatan traditions is witnessing renewed growth in society. He expressed optimism about the resurgence of interest in traditional knowledge systems.
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Murali Manohar Pathak recited Sanskrit shlokas while describing the Somnath temple as a symbol of India's cultural renaissance, civilizational resilience, and spiritual strength. He called for preserving and promoting such heritage sites as sources of national pride.
The seminar concluded with a collective resolve to propagate Indian spiritual and cultural values globally, reinforcing the message that India's ancient wisdom holds solutions for modern-day challenges.
