Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering at Shri Krishna Math in Udupi, Karnataka on Friday. He spoke about the eternal value of teachings from Lord Krishna and the message of the Bhagavad Gita. He said that the Gita was narrated on a battlefield and that it teaches responsibility, courage and righteousness. He reminded the audience that violence is not desired, but the end of oppression becomes necessary when injustice grows. Modi participated in Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana and read verses from the Purushottama chapter. He later said that the defence policy of the nation stands on the same spiritual foundation. He explained that India believes in compassion, but also believes in standing strong when the hour demands firmness.
He said that India repeats the mantra of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means the whole world is one family. In the same breath the country also repeats “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” which means duty protects those who fulfil their duty. He said that from Red Fort the message of kindness is delivered. From the same Red Fort the announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra also comes. Modi said that this mission reflects the spirit of strong national protection. He described Mission Sudarshan Chakra as a shield around public industries and national assets. He said that enemies should not break this shield, but if they dare, then India’s Sudarshan Chakra will destroy them.
The Prime Minister said that Operation Sindhur also displayed India’s determination. He recalled the Pahalgam terror attack where many citizens died. He mentioned that among the victims there were people from Karnataka too. He criticised past governments for remaining silent after terror incidents. He said that New India does not sit quietly. New India does not bow, nor does it turn away from its duty to protect citizens. Modi said that this country knows how to establish peace. It also knows how to protect that peace. He said that the nation wants harmony but does not hesitate when defence is required.
Modi on Gita and Governance Approach
During his speech the Prime Minister said that the teachings of Lord Krishna remain practical in every age. He said that the verses of Gita guide not only individuals but also guide national policy. He said that Krishna instructed society to work for the welfare of humanity. Modi praised Jagadguru Madhvacharya for strengthening unity in India through the same thought. He said that the idea of collective well being is behind government policies. He mentioned slogans like Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya. He said Krishna inspires us to help the poor. This thought forms the foundation of schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas. Modi said that upliftment of poor is service to God.
He said that Gita encourages strength and compassion together. He described how Krishna showed love for humanity yet destroyed injustice. Modi said that India is following the same path. Welfare schemes reach the last person standing in the queue. He said India is moving with confidence in development and equality. He repeatedly connected welfare ideas to the verses that appear in Bhagavad Gita. He said that government policies reflect ancient wisdom in modern action. He said that India draws power from spiritual heritage and combines it with technology.
Women Empowerment and National Vision
Prime Minister Modi mentioned the Women Reservation Bill which grants 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies. He said that Krishna teaches society to protect and empower women. With this inspiration the country passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. He said that Krishna’s message motivates the world friendship policy of India. He linked the idea to Solar Alliance and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He said global cooperation should become the path of peace and sustainable growth. Modi emphasised that India wants the world to unite on clean energy. He said the world must fight climate risk together.
The Prime Minister presented nine commitments before the public during the programme. He asked every citizen to accept them as a personal vow. He mentioned water conservation as a priority. He said that citizens should plant a tree in the name of their mother. He asked people to improve the life of at least one poor person. He asked citizens to support Swadeshi and reduce dependence on foreign goods. Later he added more points including natural farming and healthy lifestyle. He encouraged people to eat millets and reduce oil consumption. He said that Yoga should be part of lifestyle. He also asked for support in manuscript preservation. The last commitment was that every person should visit twenty five heritage locations in India. He said that connecting with heritage increases love for country.
Modi spoke about the historic contribution of Udupi in the Ram Temple movement. He said the whole nation remembers this contribution. He said that for Udupi the Ram Temple is even more special for another reason. A grand gateway there is named after Jagadguru Madhvacharya. He said that he belongs to Gujarat and there is a deep cultural connection between Udupi and Gujarat. He said that the idol of Shri Krishna installed in Udupi was first worshipped in Gujarat by Mata Rukmini. Madhvacharya later brought the idol here and established it. He said that this linkage symbolises unity of regions and faiths.
He described Udupi as a land of devotion and wisdom. He said that saints from here guided entire Bharat for centuries. Modi praised the spiritual legacy of Karnataka. He said that youth must study these ancient teachings and must blend them with future vision. He said that India is growing into a global force because culture and leadership move together. He said that the nation is ready for the coming century with faith and technology. The Prime Minister said that his visit to Udupi reminded him of timeless power of tradition. He said that India is walking on the path where devotion and development partner each other. He ended his address with a message of unity and progress.
