On May 31, 1893, Swami Vivekananda, originally named Narendra Dutta, left for Chicago to deliver his iconic address at the World Parliament of Religions, where he surprised many by greeting the delegates as “My fellow brothers and sisters.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, since his 2023 Independence Day speech, has often used the phrase “Mere parivarjan.”
In a symbolic gesture, Modi is meditating for two days at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, marking the end of a long election campaign. Here are three strong images and their embedded messages that have emerged from Kanyakumari:
1. Saffron Symbolism
PM Narendra Modi is known for openly displaying his religious beliefs. Whether participating in religious activities before the new Parliament House’s inauguration or the Ram Mandir consecration, he has consistently shown his faith. This time, in Kanyakumari, saffron was the dominant colour for two days. Modi’s kurta and dhoti are dark saffron, and he has draped himself in a saffron shawl to underline his comfort with the colour.
Although this is not a political event, the message is clear: the Prime Minister will work for “sab ka vikas” (development for all), but he remains a staunch Hindu, regardless of his opponents’ opinions.
PM Modi views saffron as the colour of sacrifice. In 2010, when he was Gujarat’s chief minister and the then UPA government at the Centre coined the term “saffron terrorism,” Modi responded strongly, highlighting the sacrifices of tapas is like Vivekananda.
2. Meditation, Om, and Venue
By meditating for two days in front of a large Om sign, the Prime Minister emphasizes his deep-rooted belief in the power of ancient Indic traditions. This belief led him to advocate for the United Nations to declare an International Day of Yoga.
Clad in a saffron dhoti-kurta, PM Modi is meditating amid Om chants at the Dhyan Mandapam from the evening of May 30 to the evening of June 1. The choice of venue, where the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal converge, symbolizes national unity.
3. Rudraksha Count
In several photos, PM Modi is seen holding a Rudraksha Mala, which he is counting while walking around. According to the Isha Foundation, “In the yogic tradition, Rudraksha is considered as the ‘Tears of Shiva’ and not just an accessory or a piece of jewellery. It is seen as an instrument for inner transformation.”
Rudraksha helps maintain physical and mental balance and enhances spiritual growth. When counting mantras or deities’ names on a mala, 108 repetitions are typically completed. While it is unclear which deity’s name, if any, PM Modi chanted, the message is clear: he remains a devout Hindu, unaffected by political pressure or criticism.
