PM’s address at Tulsi Peeth Programme in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 27 Oct, 2023

Namo Raghavay! Namo Raghavay! Revered Jagadguru Shri Rambhadracharya Ji is present here to bless us; all the senior sages present here, Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Bhai Shivraj Ji, all other dignitaries present here, ladies and gentlemen! I once again salute the sacred land of Chitrakoot. I am fortunate that today I got the opportunity to get a darshan of Lord Shri Ram in different temples throughout the day and also got the blessings of the sages. And the affection I get from Jagadguru Rambhadracharya ji leaves me overwhelmed. All revered sages, I am delighted that today I have got the opportunity to release the books of Jagadguru ji at this sacred place. Ashtadhyayi Bhashya, Ramanandacharya Charitam, and ‘Bhagwan Shri Krishna Ki Rashtraleela’ – all these texts will further enrich the great knowledge tradition of Bharat. I consider these books as another form of blessings from Jagadguru ji. I congratulate all of you on the release of these books. My family members, Ashtadhyayi is a thousands-year-old text of Bharat’s linguistics, Bharat’s intellect and our research culture. How different sutras can capture the vast subject of grammar, how language can be converted into ‘Sanskrit science’, this thousands of years old composition of Maharishi Panini is a proof of this. Many languages have become extinct in the world over these thousands of years. New languages replaced the old languages. But, even today our Sanskrit is equally intact and steadfast. Sanskrit got refined with time, but did not lose its originality. The reason for this is the mature grammar science of Sanskrit. This language, based on only 14 Maheshwar sutras, has been the mother of both the subjects of shastra (weaponries) and shaastra (scriptures) for thousands of years. The verses of Vedas have been presented by sages in Sanskrit language only. The science of Yoga has been presented by Patanjali in this language. In this language, sages like Dhanvantari and Charak have written the essence of Ayurveda. In this language, texts like Krishi Parashar connected agriculture with labour as well as research. In this language, we have received the gift of drama and music science from Bharatmuni. In this language, scholars like Kalidasa have surprised the world with the power of literature. And, texts on space science, archery and martial arts have also been written in this language. And I have given only a few examples. This list is so long that whatever aspect you are witnessing of Bharat’s development as a nation, you will see the contribution of Sanskrit in it. Even today, research on Sanskrit is being done in major universities of the world. Recently we have also seen how the Ambassador of Lithuania has also learned Sanskrit language to know Bharat. That means the popularity of Sanskrit is increasing all over the world. Friends, During the period of one thousand years of colonial rule, there were various attempts to uproot Bharat. One of these attempts was the complete destruction of the Sanskrit language. We became independent but those people who did not give up the mentality of slavery, continued to harbour hatred towards Sanskrit. Such people glorify inscriptions of an extinct language found somewhere else, but do not respect Sanskrit which has existed for thousands of years. These people will appreciate the people from other countries who know their mother tongue, but they consider knowing Sanskrit language as a sign of backwardness. People with this kind of mentality have been losing for the last one thousand years and will not succeed in the future too. Sanskrit is not only the language of traditions, it is also the language of our progress and identity. In the last 9 years, we have made extensive efforts to promote Sanskrit. In the modern context, texts like Ashtadhyayi Bhashya will play a major role in making these efforts successful. My family members Rambhadracharya ji is such a sage of our country, on whose knowledge-base alone many universities of the world can conduct their studies and research. Despite not having eyesight since childhood, your eyes of wisdom are so developed that you have memorized all the Vedas. You have written hundreds of books. ‘Prasthanatrayi’ on Indian knowledge and philosophy is considered difficult even for great scholars. Jagadguru ji has also written his commentary in modern language. This level of knowledge, this level of intelligence is not limited to personal level. This intelligence is the heritage of the entire nation. And that is why, our government honoured Swamiji with Padma Vibhushan in 2015. Friends, As much as Swami ji is active in the field of religion and spirituality, he is equally vocal for the society and nation. When I nominated you among the 9 gems of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, you took up that responsibility with equal devotion. I am happy that the resolutions that Swamiji had made for the pride of the country are now being fulfilled. Our Bharat is now becoming clean and healthy too. The stream of Mother Ganga is also becoming cleaner. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya ji has played a major role in fulfilling another dream of every countryman. The Ram temple for which you have contributed immensely, from court to the other aspects, is also going to be ready. And just two days ago, I have received an invitation from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. I consider this also my good fortune. Revered sages, the country is looking forward to the most important period from the 75th year of independence to 100th year of independence i.e. these 25 years as the ‘Amrit Kaal’ from now on. In this ‘Amrit kaal’, the country is moving forward with development and its heritage simultaneously. We are also giving priority to the development of our pilgrimage centres. Chitrakoot is a place where there is a spiritual environment as well as natural beauty. Be it Ken-Betwa Link Project worth Rs 45 thousand crore, Bundelkhand Expressway, or the Defence Corridor, such efforts will create new possibilities in this region. It is my desire and efforts to ensure that Chitrakoot reaches new heights of development. Once again, I respectfully pay my obeisance to the revered Jagadguru Shri Rambhadracharya ji. May his blessings inspire us all, give us strength and may his knowledge continue to guide us. Expressing this sentiment, I thank you all very much from the bottom of my heart. Jai Siya Ram.