Let spirit of selfless service and patriotism reside in all of us: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the holistic welfare of all living beings is the foremost objective of humanity and that ‘Live and Let Live’ is the eternal philosophy of life. He said India has a long tradition of moral education, patriotism, and a value-based way of life. It is this inherent self-discipline of Indians that is enabling the nation to emerge today as a global power. The Chief Minister said that Indians are carriers of a matriarchal cultural tradition, where mothers and sisters are revered as goddesses. In India, even children express reverence for the Mother Nation by chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the 26th Rashtra Katha Shivir organised by Shri Vedic Mission Trust near Upleta in Rajkot district of Gujarat on Thursday. During the camp, he participated in the event, sought the blessings of the Trust’s Gujarat head and eminent thinker Swami Dharmabandhu Ji Maharaj, and said that everyone should always strive to do well in life. He added that revered Swamiji has given society a new perspective on life.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that practical and real-life knowledge is superior to mere bookish learning. It is essential to make the younger generation aware of their immense potential. He emphasised that goodness, selfless service, and patriotism should flow naturally in everyone like blood in the body. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is the core civilisational objective of Indian culture, and society must move forward with greater strength in this direction.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Shri Somnath Dham is among the twelve Jyotirlingas and that the stream of Sanatan culture is flowing strongly across all spheres of the country. He stated that through the Rashtra Katha Shivir, Swamiji has inspired youth from various states to contribute to national development.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is once again progressing towards becoming a ‘Vishwaguru’ (global leader). He highlighted the importance of the Guru, stating that a Guru guides humanity from darkness to light. India has, for thousands of years, given the message of global brotherhood to the world. In Indian families, mothers hold a special place and are the first Gurus in one’s life. While nations across the world take pride in their cultures, the foundation of a matriarchal culture is rarely found elsewhere.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Minister said that when people across the world were in distress, India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, faced the crisis with strong resolve. By adopting a disciplined lifestyle, India not only safeguarded itself but also safeguarded villages, neighbourhoods, towns, and contributed to global relief efforts. By developing COVID vaccines and supplying them to more than 40 countries, India helped save countless lives. He said this altruistic culture is a matter of pride for the nation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that India is making progress in every sector today. While academic knowledge can secure marks, merit lists, and recognition, paper degrees alone are not sufficient. Education should not be limited to securing jobs but should focus on the holistic, moral and value-based development of children. Indians naturally possess a sense of self-discipline. In many countries, social control relies heavily on punitive systems, where a large security force is required to regulate society. In contrast, India is a society where minimal policing is required, with a single police officer often overseeing many villages. He pointed out that in a country of 1.45 billion people, the combined strength of the armed forces and police is only about four million, yet India remains one of the world’s largest and strongest democracies. Indian soldiers protect the nation and its citizens by risking their lives even in the most difficult circumstances. The Chief Minister said that after the United States and Israel, India has now emerged as the third country in the world capable of protecting its borders and citizens in every dimension. He said the noble work of instilling patriotism among Indian youth through this camp is truly commendable.

Referring to the New Year, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that while today marks the first day of the year according to the English calendar, the Indian New Year begins with Gudi Padwa. He noted that every living person takes approximately 21,500 breaths in 24 hours and that life continues as cells regenerate daily. Therefore, the life bestowed upon us by Baba Mahakal should be dedicated to selfless service and the service of humanity.

Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, Trikambhai Bijalbhai Chhanga, said that Swamiji’s efforts fill everyone with pride. He said that service to humanity is service to the Supreme Being, and all living creatures should be served with compassion, kindness, affection, care, and a spirit of welfare. He added that Swamiji has motivated youth from different states towards national service, which is true patriotism.

At the beginning of the program, revered Swamiji warmly welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and other dignitaries by adorning them with traditional Gujarati turbans (safas) and shawls. A book was also presented to the Chief Minister at the Rashtra Katha Shivir. Earlier, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited and reviewed an exhibition by the Indian Coast Guard at the 26th Rashtra Katha Shivir in Upleta, Rajkot.

Jharkhand MLA Manoj Yadav, former Indian Ambassador to Poland Deepak Vohra, Shri S.N. Meena, Shri R.S. June, Shri Sudhir Yadav, and other dignitaries were present at the event. A large number of students from Gujarat and several other states across the country participated enthusiastically in the camp.