NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said blessings of Goddess Kali that India enjoys and which inspired sages to work for society will also ensure the success of initiatives for popular welfare.
The PM, who was taking part in the birth centenary celebrations of Swami Atmasthananda, the former head of Ramakrishna Mission, said the blessings of Goddess Kali and the spirit of renunciation inspired Swami Ramakrishna Parmahansa and Swami Vivekananda as well as their disciples like Swami Atmasthananda to devote their lives to the welfare of the society.
“Swami Ramkrishna Paramhansa was one such saint who had a clear vision of Maa Kali. This whole world, the variable as well as the constant, everything is pervaded by the consciousness of the Mother. This consciousness is seen in the Kali Puja of Bengal,” said the PM as he referred to the devotion of Swami Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Atmasthananada, the 15th head of R K Mission, to Kali and how it inspired them to take initiatives for the good of the community.
“Our sages have shown us that when our thoughts are broad, we are never alone in our endeavours. You will see life journey of many such saints on the soil of Bharatvarsha who could accomplish great endeavours with zero resources,” said the PM, adding “when individual sages can do so much, there is no goal that cannot be accomplished by the collective resolve of 130 crore countrymen.”
Modi made mentions of India’s emergence as the global leader in digital payments, and implementation of Swacch Bharat and anti-Covid vaccination drive during his speech. “These examples are a symbol of the fact that when the thoughts are pure, efforts do not take long to complete and obstacles become our guides,”.he said.
The remarks came against the backdrop of a raging controversy over TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s remarks amid a row over a Canadian filmmaker’s portrayal of Goddess Kali as a smoker with a LGBTQ flag. The TMC MP said that Kali is worshipped in different forms, and said that some of the devotees even offer her wine and meat. Her remarks, seen as supportive of the portrayal of Kali in the Canadian production drew flak from not just political opponents but also her own TMC.
