Following a 45-hour meditation journey in Tamil Nadu’s Kanniyakumari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his reflections on his spiritual experience, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and India’s future.
The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, our nation’s grand democratic festival, concludes today. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded a plane to Delhi. Throughout the day, Kashi and other constituencies have been casting their votes.
My mind is brimming with experiences and emotions, and I feel a boundless flow of energy. These elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. My campaign began months ago in Meerut, the birthplace of the First War of Independence in 1857. I have traveled across our great nation, and the final rally brought me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, to the feet of Maa Bharti.
The fervour of the elections echoed in my heart and mind, and I recalled the multitude of faces from rallies and roadshows. The blessings from our Nari Shakti, the trust, and affection were deeply humbling. As I entered into ‘sadhana’ (meditation), the heated political debates and accusations typical of an election faded away. A sense of detachment grew within me, and my mind became completely detached from the external world.
Meditation amidst such responsibilities is challenging, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate, I left my campaign to the people of Kashi and came here.
I am grateful to God for instilling these values in me. I also pondered what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation in Kanniyakumari. A part of my meditation was spent in similar thoughts.
In this state of detachment and peace, I constantly thought about Bharat’s bright future. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari elevated my thoughts, the vast ocean expanded my ideas, and the horizon reminded me of the unity and oneness in the universe. It felt like revisiting my observations and experiences from the Himalayas decades ago.
Kanniyakumari has always been close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji, with whom I travelled extensively. During its construction, I spent some time in Kanniyakumari.
From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari, this identity is ingrained in every citizen’s heart. This is the ‘Shakti Peeth’ where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari, performing penance and waiting for Bhagwan Shiva. Kanniyakumari is a land of confluences, where sacred rivers flow into different seas and ideologies converge, giving rise to national inspirations for nation-building.
The statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari overlooks the expanse of Maa Bharati. His work, Thirukkural, is a crown jewel of the Tamil language, covering every aspect of life and inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and the nation.
Swami Vivekananda once said, “Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.”
Bharat has been moving forward with a sense of meaningful purpose for thousands of years, sharing its wealth of ideas and fostering the spirit of ‘Idam-na-mama’ (this is not mine). Bharat’s welfare benefits the global journey to progress. Our independence inspired many other nations, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat’s successful efforts provided courage and assistance worldwide.
Bharat’s governance model is now an example for many countries. Our efforts in Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and blocks are globally discussed. The Digital India campaign is a model for using technology to empower the poor and ensure transparency. Bharat’s progress is a historic opportunity for all our partner countries. The G-20’s success has increased Bharat’s role, and the inclusion of the African Union in the G-20, initiated by Bharat, is a crucial turning point for African countries.
Bharat’s development trajectory is a source of pride and responsibility for its 140 crore citizens. We must step forward toward greater duties and larger goals, dream new dreams, and make them a reality.
We need to see Bharat’s development in a global context and understand its internal capabilities. Bharat’s strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity. The world looks to Bharat with hope, and we need to move forward with reforms in every aspect of life. Our reforms should align with the aspirations of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047.
Reform must be multi-dimensional. The vision of reform, perform, and transform lies with leadership. Our bureaucracy performs, and with the people’s participation, we witness transformation.
We must make excellence the fundamental principle, working quickly in all directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. We need to focus on quality in manufacturing, adhering to the mantra of ‘zero defect-zero effect’.
We should take pride in being born in Bharat and serving its journey towards excellence. We must redefine our heritage in a modern context and reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. Freedom from negativity is the first step toward success.
My faith in Bharat’s infinite power grows daily. Over the past 10 years, I have seen and experienced Bharat’s growing capability.
Just as the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century propelled our freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle called for sacrifices; today, we must contribute sustained efforts.
Swami Vivekananda urged us in 1897 to dedicate 50 years to the nation. Bharat gained independence in 1947, exactly 50 years later.
Today, we have a similar opportunity. Let’s dedicate the next 25 years to the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for future generations, taking Bharat to new heights. With the country’s energy and enthusiasm, the goal is within reach. Let’s take swift steps and come together to create a Viksit Bharat.
