Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Bavaliyali Dham program of the Bharwad Samaj of Gujarat today through a video message, extending his heartfelt greetings to Mahant Shri Ram Bapu ji, the community leaders, and thousands of devotees. With deep respect for the Bharwad community’s traditions and spiritual heritage, he acknowledged the dedication of saints and mahants who have preserved and nurtured these values. He also celebrated the historic moment of Mahant Shri Ram Bapu ji being conferred the title of Mahamandaleshwar, calling it a moment of immense pride and joy for the community.
Reflecting on the past week’s celebrations, Shri Modi spoke about Bhavnagar transforming into a land of devotion with the Bhagwat Katha filling the air with spirituality. He described Bavaliyali as more than just a religious site—it is a symbol of faith, culture, and unity. He highlighted the significance of the re-consecration of the Shri Naga Lakha Thakur temple, calling it a sacred and historic occasion. The Ras performance by thousands of women, he noted, was a mesmerizing sight, embodying the essence of Vrindavan and reflecting the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual traditions of the community.
Expressing his long-standing bond with the Bharwad community, the Prime Minister lauded their love for nature, their service-oriented spirit, and their commitment to cow protection. He shared his admiration for the selfless contributions of Pujya Isu Bapu, whose service during Gujarat’s severe droughts and dedication to displaced families, education, and environmental conservation left a lasting impact. Shri Modi recognized the Bharwad community’s resilience and progress, recalling how he once encouraged them to trade their traditional sticks for pens, symbolizing the transformative power of education. He expressed pride in the younger generation for embracing learning and urged further progress, especially in ensuring girls receive equal educational opportunities.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the community’s role extends beyond preserving traditions—it also involves embracing modern opportunities. He encouraged Bharwad girls to excel in sports and highlighted their potential, which he had personally witnessed during Gujarat’s Khel Mahakumbh. He also praised their dedication to cattle rearing and the preservation of the Gir cow breed, which has earned global recognition. He urged them to continue caring for their children with the same devotion they show to their livestock, ensuring a bright future for the next generation.
Addressing the broader vision for India’s development, Shri Modi spoke about the importance of rural progress as a fundamental step toward building a Viksit Bharat. He reiterated his belief in “Sabka Prayas”—collective efforts being the nation’s greatest strength. He highlighted initiatives like the government’s free vaccination program for livestock and Kisan Credit Cards for cattle rearers, emphasizing their role in economic empowerment. Stressing the need for sustainable practices, he urged the community to embrace natural farming and tree plantation, linking these efforts to both environmental well-being and spiritual fulfillment.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister expressed his deep admiration for the Bharwad community, calling them his family and partners in India’s growth story. He prayed for the continued blessings of Naga Lakha Thakur on all and reaffirmed his commitment to their development. While he regretted being unable to attend the event in person, he assured that he would visit in the future to pay his respects. Shri Modi closed his address with an earnest appeal for education and empowerment, particularly for young girls, emphasizing that progress through knowledge and modernity is the path forward. His message carried a sense of warmth, respect, and encouragement, reinforcing his vision of a strong and self-reliant India rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in its aspirations.
