CM calls for integrating devotion with human service and nation-building
Prominent donors honoured for their generous contributions to the spiritual and cultural centre
A grand foundation stone-laying ceremony for the ISKCON Varachha Temple, which will be built at an estimated cost of ₹125 crore at Kosmada in Surat, was held in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. The event also featured a felicitation ceremony to honour the donors who have contributed generously to the project.
The Chief Minister performed rituals to worship the foundation stones of the temple and offered oblations at the Narsingh Yagna.
Addressing the gathering in the presence of Agriculture Minister Shri Jitubhai Vaghani, Health Minister Shri Prafulbhai Pansheriya and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Govindbhai Dholakia, CM Shri Bhupendra Patel said that in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”, everyone must work towards preserving the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage alongside development.
He said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, efforts were being made to preserve and revitalise India’s religious heritage, from the construction of the Ram Temple, an unparalleled centre of faith for the nation, to various initiatives aimed at keeping the country’s spiritual traditions alive.
The Chief Minister added that getting an opportunity to contribute to a divine cause and become an instrument in its fulfilment was a matter of good fortune. Such initiatives, he said, inspire divinity and promote harmony in society.
Highlighting the significance of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, CM Shri Bhupendra Patel said its 18 chapters provide the right direction for life amid the everyday dilemmas and challenges faced by people.
From the first chapter, Arjuna Vishada Yoga, to the final chapter, Moksha Sanyasa Yoga, the Gita guides people from confusion to understanding, from despair to self-confidence, and from inaction to a sense of duty.
Explaining the relevance of the Gita’s teachings, the Chief Minister said that Sankhya Yoga emphasises self-knowledge, a steady intellect and the importance of duty. Karma Yoga teaches that selfless action is a true form of spiritual practice, while Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga explains how knowledge can sanctify action.
He said that if these eternal values of the Gita were incorporated into daily life, families would become stronger, social harmony would increase, and the nation’s development would gain a firm ethical foundation.
Describing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the ISKCON Varachha Temple as an auspicious beginning that would bring spirituality and social responsibility together, CM called upon people to ensure that devotion was not confined to worship and religious rituals but was also linked to human service.
He also urged society to channel the energy of young people towards nation-building by keeping them away from addiction.
Expressing confidence in the institution’s future, the Chief Minister said the temple would emerge as a leading centre for spiritual knowledge, youth empowerment, cultural awareness and humanitarian service.
Earlier, ISKCON Varachha president Murtimandas delivered the welcome address. Referring to the divine inspiration of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, he said the temple would become a spiritual centre dedicated to Krishna consciousness, devotion and faith. He also outlined the proposed temple’s development plans.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated prominent members of society and distinguished donors who had extended generous support for the construction of the temple. Meritorious students who had successfully cleared the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita examination conducted across Asia were also honoured by the Chief Minister.
The event was attended by Gujarat Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Shri Purnesh Modi, MLA Pravinbhai Ghoghari, Mayor Mayaben Mawani, ISKCON Varachha president Murtimandas, ISKCON Gujarat Zone Regional Secretary Assistant Harsh Govinddas, ISKCON Gujarat Zone B Regional Secretary Assistant Vanshidhari Das, and prominent social leaders and donors, including Mukesh Patel, Jayanti Babariya, Vikram Soni, Vallabhbhai Savani, Lavji Dalia, Ishwar Dholakia and Rakesh Dudhat, along with devotees and dignitaries.
