Bhagavad Gita Will Help India in Development Journey: PM Narendra Modi

Kolkata: Lauding the Lokkho Kanthe Gita Path event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the mass recitation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita will help India in its development journey.

“Our cultural heritage is an amalgamation of lofty traditions, profound knowledge and philosophical-spiritual wisdom. Inclusivity, cultural diversity and harmony are our inherent strengths. From the times of Mahabharat to our freedom movement, down to the present day, Srimad Bhagavad Gita continues to inspire one and all,” the Prime Minister said.

Nearly 1 lakh people attended the Lokkho Kanthe Gita Path event in Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, organised by the West Bengal BJP.

Modi said, “I am positive that the recitation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita by such a huge gathering of people who have come together from different walks of life will not only boost social harmony, but also infuse energy in our nation's development journey.”

The PM, who was supposed to attend the grand Hindu religious congregation in person but later cancelled his tour, said, “The period till 2047 is an opportunity to fulfil the vision of building a strong, developed and inclusive Bharat through collective efforts. May the Lokkho Kanthe Gita Path bring peace and well-being for all. Best wishes to all the organisers for the success of this endeavour.”

Modi noted, “Srimad Bhagavad Gita is a practical guide that imparts immense wisdom and gives a path to lead a meaningful life. It also serves as a handbook to navigate through the challenges of life. The pluralism of paths that the Gita offers is quintessential to Indian thought and culture.”

Meanwhile, in a perceived counter to the BJP’s Gita recitation, the West Bengal Congress organised a 'Read Constitution' event at a venue near the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata.

A Congress leader said, “Instead of working towards creating a divisive society, all of us should work towards a secular society as inscribed in our Constitution.”