my uttarakhand news Bureau
HARIDWAR, 24 Jan: Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) participated as the Chief Guest on Saturday at the concluding ceremony of the Akhand Jyoti Centenary Celebration organized by Shantikunj in Haridwar. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was present as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that this was not merely an event, but the beginning of an era of transformation. He remarked that although it is being termed a concluding ceremony, in reality it marks the dawn of a new age. This is a Kumbh of consciousness that has accelerated a new journey of individual building, social development, and nation building.
He stated that this historic moment is unique in itself and conveys a message of service, dedication, spiritual discipline, and wisdom that serves as an inspiration for all of humanity. The Governor said that this 51-day spiritual observance has delivered a message of spiritual practice, service, and harmony to the entire world. It is not merely a religious event, but a resolve for spiritual and moral reconstruction, which every citizen must adopt in their own life.
Lt Gen Singh further said that the extensive work carried out by the Gayatri Parivar in the fields of service and value-based living across the world has become a strong foundation for this era of transformation. Spread across more than 80 countries, this spiritual movement, through thousands of centers and crores of followers, is conveying the message of nation building.
Describing Shantikunj not merely as an ashram but as a Yugteerth (sacred center of an era) and a spiritual laboratory, the Governor said that through spiritual practice, training, and service, it nurtures ideal citizens and exemplary human beings. Appreciating the work being done under the present leadership, he said that the ideology of Gurudev is being carried forward by linking it with contemporary contexts.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Gayatri Parivar is not an ordinary organization, but a flowing river of culture, an ocean of values, and a divine spiritual radiance that is guiding the entire world toward Sanatan values. He said that the Akhand Jyoti is not an ordinary flame, but a light that illuminates the inner self more than the outer world. It connects intellect with wisdom, action with righteousness, and the individual soul with the Supreme Soul. He added that this flame continues to burn eternally.
Chouhan further stated that the entire world is currently passing through a phase of unrest, uncertainty, and conflict. Trade is being used as a weapon, and tendencies to establish dominance through force are increasing. In such times, he said, Indian culture, Sanatan values, and the Gayatri Parivar alone are capable of guiding the world toward peace and harmony.
On this occasion, Dr Chinmay Pandya, leader of the Birth Centenary Celebrations of the Gayatri World Family, welcomed all the attendees and devotees and provided information about the program.
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