PM’s video message at Aai Shri Sonal Mata’s Birth Centenary Program
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 13 Jan, 2024

The current spiritual leader (Gaadipati) Pujya Kanchan Maa, and Administrator Pujya Girish Apa! Today, in the auspicious month of Poush, we are all observing the birth centenary of Aai Shri Sonal Maa. It is indeed a privilege to be associated with this sacred event under the blessings of Mother Sonal. Congratulations to the entire Charan community, administrators, and devotees of Sonal Maa. Madhada Dham holds a special place as a centre of reverence, power, and traditions for the Charan community. I humbly present myself at the feet of Shri Aai and pay my respects to her. Family members, During this three-day birth centenary festival, memories of Shri Sonal Maa surround us. Sonal Maa, an incarnation of the Goddess, exemplified that the land of Bharat has never been devoid of incarnate souls. Saurashtra, Gujarat, in particular, has been the birthplace of great sages and personalities who have radiated their light for the entire humanity. Sacred Girnar has witnessed the presence of Lord Dattatreya and numerous other sages. In the ‘Sanatan sant’ tradition of Saurashtra, Shri Sonal Maa was a beacon of light for the modern era. Her spiritual energy, humanitarian teachings, and penance created a divine charm in her personality that continues to resonate in Sonal Dham of Junagadh and Mundra. Brothers and sisters, Sonal Maa dedicated her entire life to public welfare, service to the country, and religion. She worked with eminent personalities like Bhagat Bapu, Vinoba Bhave, Ravi Shankar Maharaj, Kanubhai Laheri, and Kalyan Sheth. She held a special place among the scholars of the Charan community. She changed the lives of many youngsters by showing them direction. Her contributions to education, the eradication of addiction, and societal well-being were remarkable. Sonal Maa continued to work to save the society from evil practices. She had started a massive pledge campaign from Vovar village of Kutch. She taught everyone to work hard and become self-reliant. She laid equal importance on livestock. She always advocated for the protection of livestock. Friends, In addition to her spiritual and social work, Sonal Maa was a stalwart guardian of the unity and integrity of the country. During the partition of Bharat, when conspiracies aimed to take away Junagadh, Sonal Maa stood resolute, akin to Goddess Chandi. Family members, Aai Shri Sonal Maa made significant contributions to the country, the Charan society, and all worshippers of Goddess Saraswati. The Charan community holds a special place and respect in our scriptures. According to texts of Bhagwat Purana, the Charan community is believed to be the direct descendants of Shri Hari. This community has the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. That is why, many scholars, including Pujya Tharan Bapu, Pujya Isar Das Ji, Pingalshi Bapu, Pujya Kag Bapu, Merubha Bapu, Shankardan Bapu, Shambhudan Ji, Bhajanik Narayan swamy, Hemubhai Gadhvi, Padmashree Kavi Dad, and Padmashree Bhikhudan Gadhvi, have enriched Charan literature. The vast Charan literature is still a proof of this great tradition. Be it patriotic songs or spiritual teachings, Charan literature has played an important role for centuries. The powerful speech of Shri Sonal Maa has been a great example of the same. She never received education through traditional methods. But Sonal Maa’s profound command over Sanskrit language and knowledge of scriptures, was extraordinary. Her powerful speeches and the saga of Ramayana, shared by her, remain exemplary. Whoever heard the saga of Ramayana from her could never forget it. We all can imagine how happy the soul of Shri Sonal Maa will be during the consecration ceremony of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 22nd January. Today, on this occasion, I would also urge all of you, every household, to light a lamp (Sri Ram Jyoti) on 22nd January. Since yesterday, we have also started a special cleanliness drive in our temples. We need to work together in this direction as well. I am sure, with such efforts, the happiness of Shri Sonal Maa will increase manifold. Together, with such efforts, we can amplify the joy of Shri Sonal Maa. Friends, In today’s era, as Bharat strives for development and self-reliance, the inspiration from Shri Sonal Maa rejuvenates us. The Charan society has a vital role in achieving these goals. The 51 orders given by Sonal Maa provide guidance to the Charan community. The Charan community should never forget these and continue the work of creating awareness in the society. I have been told that, to strengthen social harmony, a continuous Yagya of Sadavrat is also going on in Madhada Dham. I also appreciate this effort. I am confident that Madhada Dham will continue to give impetus to countless such rituals of nation building in the future as well. My best wishes to all on the birth centenary festival of Shri Sonal Maa. With this, thank you all very much!