Protecting cultural roots as vital as defending nation’s borders, says Singh – myuttarakhandnews.com | Uttarakhand News in English | Dehradun News Today| News Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand latest news

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Haridwar Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the defence of the nation is not limited to geographical boundaries as the protection of its cultural roots is also equally necessary. Stating that the nation becomes weak if the culture weakens, he said that in addition to being a pilgrimage centre, Haridwar is also the nation’s centre of cultural awareness. Singh was speaking at the conclusion of a three-day programme held at the Bharat Mata Mandir here to mark the Samadhi Mandir Murti Sthapna of Swami Satyamritanand Giri. Addressing the gathering, Singh said that modernity and culture are not contradictory but complementary. Stating that nobody can weaken the nation if technical knowledge is linked with cultural values, he exhorted the youths to play an active role in building the nation. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Giri had given a special philosophy by merging spiritual practice with social service. The establishment of Bharat Mata Mandir lent a concrete shape to love for the nation and cultural pride. Dhami further said that the Sanatan culture and heritage of the nation is being recognised across the globe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, adding that Uttarakhand is moving forward by balancing development and heritage. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that Giri was a strong flag bearer of Sanatan traditions with mercy, friendship and patriotism being the values of his life. Citing the Bharat Mata Mandir as a symbol of national unity, he said that this shrine binds the whole nation together rising beyond caste, region and language. Speaking on the occasion, Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat said that the Bharat Mata Mandir was established with a long-term vision of a national shrine. He also appreciated the services of the doctors on the Char Dham Yatra circuit, calling it the real service of the nation. Vidhan Sabha speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar and others also addressed the gathering. Juna Akhada Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avadheshanand Giri, other members of the religious fraternity and political leaders were also present at the event.