In a vibrant celebration yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi actively participated in the Sant Mirabai Janmotsav, a program dedicated to honoring the 525th birth anniversary of Sant Mirabai in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The event witnessed the Prime Minister releasing a commemorative stamp and coin as a mark of respect for Sant Mirabai’s enduring legacy.
Cultural Reverence and Commendation for Smt Hema Malini
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed his happiness and gratitude to be in Braj Bhoomi, emphasizing the divine importance of the land. He paid rich tributes to Lord Krishna, Radha Rani, Mira Bai, and all saints of Braj. In his commendation, he praised the efforts of Smt Hema Malini, the Member of Parliament from Mathura, for her complete immersion in the devotion of Lord Krishna.
Connections Between Lord Krishna, Mirabai, and Gujarat
Highlighting the cultural connections between Lord Krishna, Mirabai, and Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi made his visit to Mathura even more special. He emphasized the transformative journey of “Kanhiya of Mathura” to “Dwarkadhish after visiting Gujarat” and drew parallels between Mirabai, who hailed from Rajasthan, and her final days spent in Dwarka, Gujarat.
Celebrating Sant Mirabai’s 525th Birth Anniversary: A Cultural Extravaganza
Prime Minister Modi declared the 525th birth anniversary of Sant Mirabai as more than just a birth anniversary. He characterized it as “a celebration of the entire culture and tradition of love in India.” He underscored the celebration as a manifestation of the thought that considers unity between Nar and Narayan, Jeev and Shiv, and devotees and gods.
Mirabai’s Contribution to India’s Bhakti Tradition
Recalling Mirabai’s roots in the land of sacrifice and valor, Rajasthan, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the consciousness nurtured by her in India. He pointed out that the 84 ‘kos’ Braj Mandal spans both Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, symbolizing the valiant spirit of India’s Bhakti tradition and the steadfastness of the people of Rajasthan in protecting India’s culture and consciousness.
Role of Women in Nation-Building
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Bharat’s devotion to Nari Shakti for aeons, with the Brajwasis being the torchbearers of this acknowledgment. In the land of Kanhaiya, he noted, every welcome begins with ‘Radhe Radhe’, crediting women’s contributions to nation-building. Mirabai, exemplifying these ideals, showcased the inner force of a woman capable of guiding the entire world.
Braj’s Contribution to Bhakti Andolan
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Mathura as the confluence of different streams of ‘Bhakti Andolan.’ He acknowledged luminaries like Maluk Das, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, Swami Hari Das, and Swami Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu, who breathed new consciousness into the nation.
Development Initiatives in Braj and Changing National Consciousness
Expressing regret over Mathura’s historical neglect, Prime Minister Modi noted that the region is now emerging from the shadows of a slave mentality. He highlighted ongoing developmental initiatives, including the establishment of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad’ for Braj’s development.
A Symbol of Changing National Consciousness
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the changes and developments in Braj and the country signify a changing nature in the nation’s reawakening consciousness. He underlined that the country will accomplish its resolutions and build a developed Bharat.
The event saw the presence of prominent figures, including Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya and Shri Brajesh Pathak, and Member of Parliament from Mathura Smt Hema Malini, among others.
