Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gorakhpur on Friday to flag off the Vande Bharat trains and to participate in the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Gita Press. The event held great significance as Gita Press, the world’s largest publisher of Hindu religious textbooks, was recently honored with the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021.
Upon his arrival, Modi received a warm welcome from Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing the importance of the occasion.
Honoring Gita Press with the Gandhi Peace Prize
Gita Press, an institution that has played a pivotal role in promoting Hindu philosophy and spirituality, was bestowed with the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021. The prize, an esteemed award initiated by the central government in 1995, carries a prize money of Rs 1 crore, a citation, plaque, and a traditional handicraft or handloom item. However, Gita Press humbly declined to accept the prize money, stating their preference for accepting only the citations. This gesture further highlights the organization’s commitment to its spiritual mission and the pursuit of peace.
Release of the Chitramaya Shiva Purana Granth
During his visit to Gita Press, Prime Minister Modi will release the chitramaya Shiva Purana granth, a significant religious text.
This auspicious occasion serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of India. The release of this granth symbolizes the commitment to preserve and promote the ancient wisdom contained within Hindu scriptures. It also showcases the government’s support for the dissemination of religious knowledge and its recognition of Gita Press’s invaluable contributions in this regard.
Visit to the Leela Chitra Temple
As part of his visit to Gita Press, PM Modi will also have the opportunity to visit the Leela Chitra temple. This temple holds immense spiritual significance for devotees, as it beautifully depicts the divine play (leela) of Lord Krishna. The prime minister’s visit to this revered site reaffirms the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
It also underscores the importance of spirituality in the lives of the Indian populace and recognizes the role of institutions like Gita Press in fostering a deeper understanding of religious teachings.
Flag-off of Vande Bharat Trains
In addition to the Gita Press event, Prime Minister Modi will also flag off two significant train services – the Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat train by North Eastern Railway and the Jodhpur-Sabarmati Vande Bharat Express. The introduction of these trains, characterized by their semi high-speed capabilities, represents a major boost to the country’s railway infrastructure. It not only enhances connectivity between various cities but also provides a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation for passengers.
The Vande Bharat trains epitomize India’s progress in modernizing its rail network and offer a glimpse into the country’s vision for a technologically advanced transportation system.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gorakhpur for the Gita Press event and the flag-off of Vande Bharat trains marks a significant milestone in India’s cultural and infrastructural landscape. The recognition of Gita Press with the Gandhi Peace Prize further amplifies its invaluable contributions to the dissemination of Hindu religious literature. PM Modi’s participation in these events underscores the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting connectivity through the advancement of transportation infrastructure. The event will not only inspire reverence for ancient wisdom but also pave the way for a more prosperous and connected India. As the nation continues to embrace its religious and historical legacy while marching towards progress, such occasions serve as reminders of the collective efforts needed to build a prosperous and inclusive future for all.
