Pune/New Delhi( thestates.news) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Jagadguru Shrisant Tukaram Maharaj Temple in Dehu, Pune on Tuesday. While addressing the program he said that in the last eight years, both development and heritage are growing together. He said that to strengthen the national unity of India, it is our responsibility to keep our ancient identity and traditions alive, that this temple is not only a centre of power of devotion but also paves way for the cultural future of India. Referring to the religious pilgrimages that take place in different parts of the country, Prime Minister said that these visits complement one India and one nation. He said that Pandharpur Yatra in Maharashtra starting in Ashadh, Lord Jagannath Yatra in Odisha, Braj Parikrama in Mathura, Panchkoshi Parikrama in Kashi, Chardham and Amarnath Yatra are like energy sources for country’s social and spiritual dynamic. He said our saints have kept alive the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through these yatras.
The Prime Minister said that today when modern technology and infrastructure are becoming synonymous with India’s development, “we are making sure that both development and heritage move forward together”. He said that with the modernisation of Pandharpur Palki Marg in Maharashtra, new highways are being built for Chardham Yatra, at the same time, a grand Ram Temple is also being built in Ayodhya. He said that the Kashi Vishwanath Dham complex is also present in its new form, major development works have been done in Somnath too. Modi said pilgrimage places and tourist places are being developed under the PRASAD scheme all over the country, Ramayana circuit is also being developed, the Panchtirthas of Babasaheb Ambedkar have also developed in the last eight years.
The Prime Minister said that a few months back he had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for the Palki Marg to convert 2 National Highways into 4-lanes. Shri Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palki Marg will be constructed in 5 phases and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palki Marg will be constructed in 3 phases. Over 350 km of highways will be built in all these phases at a cost of over Rs 11,000 crore, all these efforts will give impetus to the development of the region, Modi said. He added that it is a matter of pride that we are one of the oldest living civilisations in the world. The credit for this goes to the saint tradition and sages of India. He said that India is eternal, because India is the land of saints. Modi said, in every era, some great soul has been incarnating here to give direction to the country and society, today the country is celebrating the birth anniversary of Sant Kabirdas.
He said that we still have that understanding of Sant Tukaram ji’s kindness, compassion and service in the form of his ‘Abhang’. Modi said these Abhangas have inspired our generations, which does not dissolve, remains eternal and relevant with the passage of time, that is unbroken. The Prime Minister said that even in the life of a national hero like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, saints like Tukaram ji played a very important role. When Veer Savarkar was punished in the freedom struggle, he used to sing the abhang of Tukaram ji while playing handcuffs like Chipli (instrument) in jail. Different times and different personalities, but for all, speech and energy of Sant Tukaram have been equally inspiring.(HS)
