‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One World, One Family’ message resonates amid thousands of illuminated lamps

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the birth centenary celebrations of Param Vandaneya Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma, organised by the All World Gayatri Pariwar at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Sunday. Amid the glow of thousands of lamps, spiritual fervour and collective pledges, the event echoed the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One World, One Family’. Dedicated to the ideals of Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and Vandaneya Mataji, the celebrations highlighted the spirit of national awakening, social harmony and global welfare.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said the occasion symbolised faith, service and commitment. Just as the number 100 represents completeness, this year marks a milestone in India’s spiritual journey. He emphasised that the event was not merely a religious or spiritual ritual but a powerful pathway to imbibe the positive energy embedded in mantras and bring out the inherent goodness and highest potential within every individual.

He said the spiritual practice awakens the inner consciousness of human beings and guides their personality, thoughts and actions in a positive direction. Describing Param Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya as a great healer of Indian spirituality, Shah said Gurudev took the power and significance of the Gayatri Mantra to the masses and inspired particularly the youth towards spiritual consciousness.

He further said that the massive campaign to connect nearly 15 crore families with the Gayatri Mantra and make it a medium for the welfare of humanity marked a significant milestone in India’s spiritual tradition. Gurudev’s efforts, he added, represented a historic initiative to connect spirituality with everyday life and expand positive consciousness in society.

Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya and leader of the birth centenary celebrations, said the present time called for national awakening. He urged people to rise above narrow considerations, adopt a broader outlook and work for the welfare of society. “When India awakens, the world will awaken,” he said, calling upon everyone to embrace the ideals of individual development, family building and nation-building.

Earlier, several distinguished personalities participated in different sessions of the celebrations. They included Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu; Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar; Union Minister Durga Das Uikey; Union Minister Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani; Anglican Bishop of the Church of England, the Right Reverend Lusa; members of the UK House of Lords Lord Russell Rook and Lord Krish Raval; Swami Madhu Pandit Dasa, head of ISKCON Bengaluru; spiritual leader Swami Gyananand; Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman of Medanta Hospital; Vishwa Hindu Parishad President Alok Kumar; BAPS Sadhu Bhadresh Swami; and Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayan Unwal, among others.

Dr. Chinmay Pandya felicitated the guests by presenting them with shawls bearing the Gayatri Mantra, rudraksha malas, Gangajal containers and Yug Sahitya literature. Several administrative officials and Gayatri devotees from India and abroad also attended the event.

The collective pledge taken amid thousands of glowing lamps gave the birth centenary celebrations an inspiring dimension of spiritual awakening, national consciousness and global brotherhood.