Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav: PM Modi Recalls 1993 Meeting With Swami Ji

New Delhi, October 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Conference in New Delhi, where he held a symbolic dialogue with a holographic image of Swami Chinmayananda.

During the exchange, Modi reflected on his earlier association with the spiritual leader and sought his blessings for future national work. The Prime Minister said he had met the saint in 1993 to invite him to the World Parliament of Religions centenary in Chicago.

The holographic avatar replied that it was pleased to see Modi as Prime Minister and assured him of its support, stating, 'Bharat is with you, Narendra.'

Modi described the event as a distinctive spiritual experience and credited it to the blessings of saints. He said the Chinmaya Mission represented a broader philosophy, the 'Chinmaya Vichar', rather than just an institution.

He explained that the word 'Chinmaya' signifies immortality, which he said added depth to the conference at Bharat Mandapam.

The Prime Minister recounted that Swami Chinmayananda had accepted the invitation to travel to Chicago, but passed away on August 3, only weeks before the programme.

Modi also pointed out that the Chinmaya Mission operates over 100 educational institutions that are shaping the lives of millions of children and youth, offering modern education alongside Indian cultural values. He further referred to the National Education Policy, which emphasises the Indian knowledge tradition, mother-tongue instruction, modern science and new technology.