Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi with Baba Ramdev and other sadhus in Haridwar. (PTI Photo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=63K5aaa_07k Streamed live on Apr 26, 2013
Shri Narendra Modi addresses function at Patanjali Yogpeeth-II, Haridwar
Sadhus want Narendra Modi declared NDA’s PM candidate
D S Kunwar, TNN | Apr 27, 2013, 12.11 AM IST
HARIDWAR: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi chose an important Hindu gathering to assert that his description as a Hindu leader is misleading.
"If someone says I represent Hindus alone, it would be unfair. I am a leader of the masses and strongly believe in serving all communities equally and fairly," Modi said at the inauguration of Ramdev's new school, Acharya Kulam on Friday.
This display of secular intent comes at a time when his name for NDA's prime ministerial candidature has run into trouble with allies like JD(U) that say Modi lacks secular credentials.
That Modi chose a gathering of sadhus, many of whom are close to the Hindutva ideology, may have looked a bit ironical. But many sadhus stuck to their description of Modi as the custodian of Hindu faith.
For the Gujarat CM, who is expected to campaign in Karnataka by addressing a public meeting in Bangalore on Sunday, the endorsement will help him against the resistance he faces from some members of the BJP parliamentary board, as also a section of VHP owing allegiance to Modi's known opponent, Praveen Togadia. His approval by prominent sadhus and gurus will help strengthen the momentum for Modi, strengthening other VHP stalwarts like Ashok Singhal who are seen as favourably disposed towards him.
Ram Dev and other prominent spiritual leaders like Swami Chidanand Muni, Murari Bapu, Ramesh Ojha Hari Ketananand, Swami Krishan Muni Maharaj, Swami Parmatanand ji Maharaj, held a half-an-hour closed door meeting. Ramdev and his aide Balkrishan presented a letter of appreciation, a Prashansa Patra to Modi for his role as most capable CM of Gujarat.
Several preachers including two from Gujarat, Murari Bapu and Parmatmanandji Maharaj, said Modi should be declared NDA's candidate for prime ministership. Ramdev, who in the past has often spoken in favour of Modi, too, gave the campaign a fillip, praising him as an able administrator. Only a few weeks ago in Indore, Ramdev had said crores of Indians are pinning their hopes on Modi, and described the Gujarat CM as a symbol of development and good governance, asking people to support him.
"Modi is a symbol of development and good governance and people have a lot of expectations from him. He is a good leader and the people should support such a leader," Ramdev had said.
Modi returned the compliment saying the country was built by its spiritual tradition and its saints and religious leaders, and not by any politician. "I want to announce from this stage that not a single religious leader has ever asked for anything from me. Today I am happy that in Haridwar I have received the honour to meet saints," Modi said.
Earlier, Congress workers greeted Modi with black flags, but an undeterred Modi, addressing a gathering of at least 10,000 people, said the objective of his visit to Patanjali Yogpeeth was not to seek spiritual gurus' blessings or acquire any seat of power, but ensure that he does not do anything wrong and continues to serve all sections of societies irrespective of their creed, caste and community. "I am sure, these seers' blessings will help me correct myself as like others I may also have certain shortcomings," Modi said.
Defending yoga guru Ramdev in his campaign against black money and rampant corruption, Modi said whatever actions Ramdev initiates would help. He then attacked the UPA government for harassing Ramdev by ordering raids on his herbal medicine plants with the aim of hurting his image. "Is this the job of the Central government?" Modi asked. "What will you get out of torturing a spiritual figure like Ramdev, whose motto is to serve society selflessly," Modi said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sadhus-want-Narendra-Modi-declared-NDAs-PM-candidate/articleshow/19746944.cms
From Shivagiri to Haridwar: NaMo’s message
By Shashi Shekhar on April 26, 2013
Back in 2009, during the run-up to the Lok Sabha election, one of the most regretful development was the exit of the Biju Janata Da,(BJD), from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as seat-sharing talks over Odisha broke down. One of the primary reasons for the BJD’s to exit was the runaway violence in Kandhamal and the conduct of some of the members of the BJP in the aftermath of the riots in Kandhamal. There were two lessons for the BJP from Odisha back in 2009 which seem to have been finally learnt in 2013 as we witness a quiet transformation underway from Shivagiri in Kerala to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
There is no denying the fact that the BJP’s core political constituency has always been located in a high degree of Hindu Identity Consciousness. The challenge for the BJP in the last two decades in general and in States like Odisha in specific has been its inability to appeal to this Hindu Identity Consciousness going beyond rhetoric of Hindu victimhood. The other challenge for the BJP was its inability to localise this Hindu Identity Consciousness through local icons, symbols and a message with local resonance.
From Shivagiri to Haridwar, if there is one message that has come through this week, it is of a new kind of Hindu Politics — benign in its rhetoric and reformist in its appeal.
From extolling the reformist values of Shri Narayana Guru in Kerala to sharing stage with a new-age Hindu movement in Haridwar that’s as much at ease with modern science and technology as it is with Hindu spirituality, the trajectory Narendra Modi’s travels have taken this week signal a significant shift in the remaking of the BJP’s core constituency.
It would be myopic to be dismissive of the significance of this shift. Let us, for a moment, pay attention to what was missing in the speeches at both Shivagiri Mutt and Patanjali Peeth. There was no fear-mongering and paranoia over threat from other faiths. There was no rhetoric of victimhood over unresolved culture conflicts and the many communal faultlines from the century gone by. Instead the speeches focused on universal values, social reform, education and attempts to blend spirituality with modern science and technology.
There was no doubt an unmistakable political message in the speeches at both events held at prominent Hindu religious institutions. But that message was more a statement against status quo within the ‘establishment’ rather than over any kind of majoritarian agenda.
Much debate has ensued in recent days over ‘secularism’ including one much-discussed Column by Pratap Bhanu Mehta. While Hindutva politics of the 1990s were a reaction to the perverse variety of secularism practiced in India during the decades after independence, the many flaws and serious limitations of Hindutva politics of the 1990s became quite evident during the 2000s. Between the extremities of a secularism focused excessively on minority victimhood and a secularism rooted in equal opportunity pandering to religion, India has struggled with what shape its secular state must take that harmonises Constitutional values with the demands of electoral politics.
Listening to the speeches from Shivagiri Mutt and Patanjali Peeth on the political expectations from prominent Hindu religious leaders, I am reminded of a profound comment in the book The White Umbrella – Indian Political Thought from Manu to Gandhi by Mackenzie Brown. In the book, Mackenzie Brown observes how the ‘White Umbrella’ has been a constant symbol of the sovereign power of the state from Rama to Akbar to Shivaji and beyond. Elaborating on the ‘political tradition’ symbolised by the White Umbrella, Mackenzie Brown writes:
“The personal integrity of the ruler and the moral sense of the citizenry are the keys to sound government and prosperous society offered by Manu and Gandhi alike…. the core of the tradition symbolized by “Shveta Chhatra” or “White Umbrella” is essentially this: The problem of Government is the ethical problem of the individual projected into the field of the State. Its solution lies in Dharma”.
It was this non-theocratic political tradition guided by Dharma that was visible in abundance in Haridwar and Shivagiri Mutt as various leaders of Hindu religious institutions took the unusual step of expressing a political preference towards Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. It was also this non-theocratic and minimally secular political tradition that Narendra Modi was alluding to in his articulation of ‘India first’.
It is too early to assess the impact this fusion of politics with a benign Hindu identity consciousness. It however, must be noted that the primary movers and shakers of this movement are Hindu leaders drawn from non upper-caste sections of the Hindu society. This, in and of itself, is a radical change with profound implications for society in general outside of politics.
While political pundits and election junkies obsess over whether this means a ‘Hindu vote-bank consolidation’ we must welcome the fact that Hindu identity consciousness can be harnessed as a force for change without getting trapped within narratives of victimhood and communal polemics of the century gone by.
This is the message from Shivagiri to Haridwar.
http://www.niticentral.com/2013/04/26/from-shivagiri-to-haridwar-namo%E2%80%99s-message-70769.html
“Society which gains strength from history can create history”: Shri Modi at Haridwar
Saturday, April 27th 2013
It is great fortune to be sitting next to such great saints and seers. Their words are 'prasad' and being in their presence is in itself a great honour: Shri Modi
Ramdev ji is a teacher who inspires millions every day to take up Yoga: Shri Modi
It is our misfortune that we do not talk about our inherent strengths: Shri Modi
Ever since I was young, I was pulled towards saints: Shri Modi
I don’t believe Baba Ramdev has an agenda. He started out wanting to spread message of health to people, but in the course of his journey, he noticed that the nation's health also needs fixing: Shri Modi
Whenever Indian society was being overrun by social evils, it was this society itself, which gave us reformers and champions: Shri Modi
My manifesto is the welfare of all -- "Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah”: Shri Modi
After the 2002 elections, I had said, those who voted for me are mine, those who did not vote for me are also mine: Shri Modi
The work of nation building is being done by saints, we should at least see and acknowledge their work: Shri Modi
If 6 cr Gujaratis can lead Gujarat to such success, I am confident that 125 cr Indians can create a great impression in the World: Shri Modi
On April 26th 2013, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Acharyakulam Shikshan Sansthanam at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar. Prominent saints and seers from all over the country were present at the function and praised Shri Modi’s work and dedication. Among those present were Baba Ramdev ji, Shri Ramesh Bhai Ojha and Shri Morari Bapu.
During the ceremony, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated a book on Ayurveda.
Below are excerpts from Shri Modi’s speech:
It is great fortune to be sitting next to such great saints and seers. Their words are ‘prasad’ and being in their presence is in itself a great honour.
It is considered fortunate to sit at the feet of such saints. Crores come from far to hear them speak. These illustrious saints, have been blessed by Maa Saraswati, you can imagine what I must be feeling.
It is great fortune to be sitting next to such great saints and seers. Their words are ‘prasad’ and being in their presence is in itself a great honour.
Since I started understanding things, I have attended every single Kumbh Mela, sometimes I stayed for the entire duration. But I missed doing so this time. I felt bad about it. I feel that god has given the opportunity to compensate for that loss by attending today’s gathering.
In our country, it is easy to say anything about anyone. Saying without understanding the strength and value of words has become a habit.
I have been the CM of Gujarat for quite long now. There is not even one among the saints present here who has ever asked Gujarat Government for anything. These are the people who give. Because of this, the strength of their words multiplies.
Ramdev ji is a teacher who inspires millions every day to undertake Yoga.
I have known Baba Ramdev for years, since he used to ride a bicycle. He is an embodiment of one man, one mission.
Ramdev ji is a teacher who inspires millions every day to undertake Yoga. If Baba Ramdev’s movement had happened in any other country, he would have been the subject of several academic studies.
The Guinness Book should consider Baba Ramdev’s record. I don’t think any other individual has met so many people.
It is our misfortune that we do not talk about our inherent strengths.
It is our misfortune that we do not talk about our inherent strengths. Someone spoke about the Kumbh mela. Organization of the Kumbh Mela is very difficult. The number of people who come there are equivalent to the population of a European country
They stay there without fights or troubles, these people come without invitation. Teachers of Management should learn.
We have lost self respect, it is important that every Indian showcase our strengths and provide inspiration to the world.
It was Sri Aurobindo, who dreamt that India will not only be independent, but it will also become a world leader.
Swami Vivekananda had said a long time back that India will one day be a Jagad-Guru. Is it not the responsibility of every Indian to fulfil his dreams?
Ever since I was young, I was pulled towards saints.
Navratri just got over. I long wanted to visit Maa Kali & the pious land of Bellur Math. I was fortunate that I got a chance to visit these places & the land of Shri Ramkrishna Paramhans and refresh my memories. Later I got to visit Kerala, the place of Shree Narayan Guru.
Shree Narayan Guru had spent his life for the less fortunate, it is his work that today Kerala leads in education.
Ever since I was young, I was pulled towards saints.
Earlier people said, saints only sleep and talk but when they do work, people ask them is this your work? Today people ask Baba Ramdev ji is this your work? He shouldn’t answer these people.
Our saints have not kept their teachings limited to sermons, they have focussed on actions. I am confident that ‘Kapal Bharti’ will serve to abolish Kapal Bhrantis (mental delusions).
If anyone wishes to stay in Haridwar for a year without spending a rupee, he can. It is the saints of Haridwar who will selflessly serve as they serve anyone who is hungry.
I don’t believe Baba Ramdev has an agenda. He started out wanting to spread message of health to people, but in the course of his journey, he noticed that the nation’s health also needs fixing.
I am pained by the adversities that Baba Ramdev has had to face. Is it a crime in modern India to hold views opposite to others?
I don’t believe Baba Ramdev has an agenda. He started out wanting to spread message of health and reduce prices of medicines to people, but in the course of his journey, he noticed that the nation’s health also needs fixing.
Any society which lets go of its roots, that society cannot create history, that society which gains strength form history can create history
Those who think India was born on August 15, 1947, make a mistake. They ignore the thousands of years of historical heritage. A society that cuts itself off from its roots, never prospers.
Any society which lets go of its roots, that society cannot create history, that society which gains strength form history can create history
The work of saving our society was done by our family system, but today we are moving towards micro families.
Whenever Indian society was been overrun by social ills, it was this society itself, which has given us reformers and champions.
Whenever Indian society was been overrun by social ills, it was this society itself, which has given us reformers and champions.
Gandhiji helped us move away from untouchability, Swami Vivekananda told us to worship the poor and not idols. Individuals came from within to tackle ills like mistreatment of widows.
Political leaders and governments have not made this country, our saints and seers have made this country.
My manifesto is the welfare of all — “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah”
I believe in hope. After the 2001 earthquake everyone predicted the end of Gujarat, even our well-wishers were sad, they said the State will never recover. But we recovered within 3 years. Today, even the World Bank agrees that it takes even developed countries 7 years to recover from devastating earthquakes.
Today, talk of development goes alongside any mention of Gujarat. I am not solely responsible for it. The Gujarati people themselves have brought themselves out of tragedy. If 6 crore Gujaratis can do this, then 100 cr indians can create an inspiration for the world.
My manifesto is the welfare of all — “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah”. No other tradition has defined the picture of human social welfare in two lines.
After the 2002 elections, I had said, those who voted for me are mine, those who did not vote for me are also mine.
When I won the elections in 2002, some people were unhappy, I had delivered a speech that day. I had said, elections are over, time for politics is over, the time has now come to move Gujarat forward. I had said, those who voted for me are mine, those who did not vote for me are also mine.
There has been no communal riot in Gujarat for 12 years now. This is because my Government has worked for the benefit of all.
If 6 cr Gujaratis can lead Gujarat to such success, I am confident that 125 cr Indians can create a great impression in the World.
The work of nation building is being done by saints, we should at least see and acknowledge their work.
I would like to congratulate Patanjali Yogpeeth for resuscitating the Yogic tradition of India. Patanjali yogpeeth have believed in our inherent strength and made efforts to revive them.
I don’t feel I deserve all the praise that has been bestowed on me today. But the confidence that the saints have expressed in me will inspire me the way a mother’s confidence inspires a child to walk on his own legs.
I request Baba Ramdev, that there should be a conference of all the educational works being done by saints. This is the work of nation building done by saints, we should at least see and acknowledge their work.