Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that in the long run a “self-reliant India was in the interest of the world” as he expounded the core beliefs in the Bhagwat Gita.
Releasing the ‘Kindle’ version of Swami Chidbhavananda’s book on the subject, he said, “At the core of Atmanirbhar Bharat is to create wealth and values not only for ourselves but for the larger humanity. We believe that an Atmanirbhar Bharat is good for the world”.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that when the world needed medicines, India did whatever it could to provide them. “Our scientists worked in a quick time to come out with vaccines. Now, we are humbled that vaccines made in India are going around the world. We want to heal as well as help humanity. This is exactly what the Bhagavad Gita teaches us.”
The Bhagavad Gita was born during conflict, a reference to Mahabharat, and many felt that humanity was passing through a similar conflict and challenges now, he noted.
“The world is fighting a tough battle against a once in a lifetime global pandemic. The economic and social impacts are also far reaching. In such a time, the path shown in Bhagavad Gita becomes ever relevant,” he asserted.
The beauty of the Gita was in its depth, diversity and flexibility, he pointed out.
He quoted a peer reviewed journal of cardiology published by the University of Oxford that talks at length about the relevance of Gita during the time of the pandemic.
Praises Tamil diaspora
He praised the Tamil diaspora for scaling new heights in many sectors and yet carrying the greatness of its culture wherever they went.
Paying homage to Swami Chidbhavananda, Mr. Modi said his mind, body, heart and soul were devoted to India’s regeneration.
