VARANASI: Symbols of India's faith, culture and spirituality were targeted by foreign invaders and oppressors in the era of slavery,
PM Modi
said on Monday, stressing that rebuilding them was essential to strengthen the country's unity.
Inaugurating Swarved Mahamandir, the world's largest meditation centre, here, he said the country has now declared freedom from "slave mentality".
"The rejuvenation of symbols of India that began from Somnath has turned into a full-fledged campaign. The rejuvenation of Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal Mahalok, Kedarnath Dham and Buddha Circuit are opening the path of development... Ram Circuit would be completed soon," he said.
Pilgrimage sites now giving boost to economy: PM Modi
The "rejuvenation of our teerths (pilgrimage sites) is boosting development and economic activities," PM Narendra Modi said on Monday, claiming that in just two years of its rejuvenation, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham has imparted new momentum to the economy and jobs in the city.
Inaugurating the Swarved Mahamandir, the PM said holistice development becomes possible when a nation incorporates its social realities and cultural identities.
Referring to a time when no pride was being taken in India's heritage, he said such was the state that even the rebuilding of Somnath temple was opposed for decades after Independence. This led to the country slipping into an abyss of inferiority complex and forgetting to take pride in its heritage. "But now the wheels of time have turned," the PM said.
"Now Kashi has become a symbol of development, modern facilities along with faith and cleanliness and transformation," he said, highlighting its improved connectivity with the addition of 4- and 6-lane roads, ring road, upgrade of railway stations, new trains, dedicated freight corridor, renovation of Ganga Ghats, Ganga Cruise, modern hospitals, new and modern dairy, natural farming along Ganga, training institutes for the youth and jobs through Saansad Rozgar Melas.
He credited the collective efforts of government, society and "sant samaj" for the transformation of Kashi. "The world will witness the opening of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in just a few weeks," he added.
"Same excellent connectivity to Swarved temple will enable people from across the globe to access it comfortably, which will open new avenues for business and employment opportunities in surrounding villages," Modi said while paying tribute to Sadguru Sadafal Dev Maharaj, who founded Vihangam Yoga Sansthan (VYS), which is celebrating its centenary year.
Modi said the Swarved temple is a captivating example of divinity as well as grandeur. "It is a symbol of India's social and spiritual strength that has emerged as the place of Yoga and Gyan Teerth."
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