Noting that the 200th year celebrations in Vadtal dham was not mere history, Shri Modi remarked that it was an event of a huge importance for many disciples including him who had grown up with utmost faith in Vadtal Dham. He added that this occasion was a testimony to the eternal flow of Indian culture. Shri Modi underlined that even after 200 years of establishing the Vadtal Dham by Shree Swaminarayan, the spiritual consciousness has been kept alive and the teachings and energy of Shree Swaminarayan can be experienced, even till date.
Shri Modi extended his warm greetings to all the saints and the disciples on the 200th year celebrations of the Mandir. The Prime Minister was pleased that the Government of India had released a silver coin of Rupees Two hundred (200) and a postal stamp of the memorial. He added that these symbols will keep the memories of this great occasion alive in the minds of generations to come.
The Prime Minister underlined that every individual related to the Swaminarayan is aware of his strong personal, spiritual and social relationship with this tradition. He added that he enjoyed the divine company of the saints in the past as well as now along with the opportunity for meaningful reflection for the development of the nation. The Prime Minister remarked that he could not attend the event in person due to other engagements, however, he was mentally present at Vadtal dham.
PM Modi remarked that revered saint tradition has been the specialty of India and a sage or saint or Mahatma had always appeared during difficult times. He added that Lord Swaminarayan had also come at a time when the country had become weak after hundreds of years of slavery and had lost faith in itself. Shri Modi highlighted that Lord Swaminarayan and all the saints of that period not only gave a new spiritual energy, but also awakened our self-respect and revived our identity. He emphasised the contribution of ShikshaPatri and Vachanamrit was huge in this direction and it was the duty of all of
us to imbibe their teachings and take them forward.
Shri Modi said he was pleased that Vadtal Dham had become a great inspiration with a huge contribution to the service of humanity and building of a new era. He added that the same Vadtal Dham had given great disciples like Sagaram ji from the deprived society. Shri Modi underlined that today many children were given food, shelter,education along with services and projects in the far-flung tribal areas were being undertaken by the Vadthal Dham.
He added that important campaigns like female education in the tribal areas were being undertaken. Shri Modi highlighted the other services of Vadtal Dham like serving the poor, building a new generation, preserving the Indian culture by combining modernity and spirituality.
Shri Modi lauded the saints and devotees of Vadtal Dham for never disappointing him and undertaking the campaigns ranging from cleanliness to environment for a better future.
He added that they had accepted it as their own responsibility and engaged in fulfilling it with all their heart and soul. Shri Modi also noted that the disciples of Swaminarayan tradition have planted more than one lakh trees under the Ek Ped Maa ke Naam campaign.
