Chinmaya Vichar: PM Modi Opens Amrit Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally opened the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Conference at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday. He used the occasion to say that Chinmaya Mission represents a broader philosophy rather than just an institutional structure.

The Prime Minister stated that the mission is a Chinmaya Vichar, an idea originally established by a Chinmaya Rishi.

Speaking to attendees, Modi said, "With your kindness, I have been given the chance to be part of the Amrit Mahotsav of Chinmaya Mission today. It is a remarkable spiritual experience. It is the affection and blessings of our saints that brought me here. The journey of this mission over the decades has been full of Chinmaya resolutions. Whatever is Chinmaya is naturally immortal and filled with nectar, which is why the title of this event at Bharat Mandapam is so fitting."

He then referred to his 1993 meeting with Swami Chinmayananda in Baroda. "The discussions, love and blessings I received from Swami Chinmayananda have come rushing back to me. For a moment, I felt I was in the close presence of my Gurudev. This is a very moving experience, and I offer my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the people of Chinmaya Mission."

Modi explained that he had first met the Gurudev in February 1993, when he visited Chicago in America to invite him to the centenary of the World Parliament of Religions. That year also marked 100 years since Swami Vivekananda's landmark speech. The Gurudev accepted and travelled to America, where he encouraged people to take part in the centenary through different programmes.

However, the future held other events. Just a few weeks before the World Parliament of Religions, the Gurudev passed away in America on August 3.

When the World Parliament of Religions was held in Chicago on September 11, Modi was among those present. He said everyone there missed the Gurudev deeply.

Modi also recalled a serious discussion from his final meeting with the Gurudev. The key idea was building youth power and using it to develop a strong and capable India. A few years after that meeting, he was chosen as Chief Minister of Gujarat. He noted that for 25 years he has served the nation as the head of government, and the Gurudev's blessings have stayed with him.