Releasing 11 volumes of a manuscript with commentaries by 21 scholars on shlokas of Srimad Bhagavadgita, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, stated that “Gita is a book for the whole world and every creature.”
The event was held at PM’s residence on Tuesday. Others who were present on the occasion included Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and Dr Karan Singh, the Chairman Trustee of Dharmarth Trust, J and K.
Emphasizing on the universality of the scripture, the PM said “Gita has been translated into many Indian and International languages. Research also is being carried out in many countries by many international scholars.”
Highlighting the importance of this important religious text, the PM observed that many leading spiritual teachers had taken inspiration from Gita. “Adi Shankaracharya, who united India, saw the Gita as a spiritual consciousness. Saints like Ramanujacharya had put forth the Gita as an expression of spiritual knowledge. For Swami Vivekananda, Gita has been a source of unwavering diligence and indomitable confidence. For Sri Aurobindo, the Gita was a true embodiment of knowledge and humanity.”
PM also pointed out that Gita was a beacon in Mahatma Gandhi's most difficult times while being the inspiration for Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's patriotism and valor. “This is the Gita, which was explained by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and gave new strength to the freedom struggle,” he said.
Describing Gita as a symbol of India's ideological freedom and tolerance, the PM said it motivates every person to have his own viewpoint. He also said thousands of scholars have dedicated their whole lives for in depth study of the Gita, which can be clearly seen in the analysis of different interpretations on every verse of a single scripture and the expression of so many mystics.
Talking about the Indian tradition of sharing, the PM said, “it is in India’s culture to share its knowledge. Our knowledge in mathematics, textiles, metallurgy or ayurved are always treated as the humanities wealth.”
Moving from the past to the present age, he said, “Today, once again, India is building its potential to contribute to the progress of the whole world and serve humanity. This contribution will help the world at a much wider scale in the efforts of an AtmaNirbhar Bharat.”
The PM also lauded the work done by Dr. Singh on Indian philosophy. He added that his efforts have revived the identity of Jammu and Kashmir, which has led the thought tradition of the entire India for centuries.
