Returning from a reflective 45-hour meditation retreat in Kanniyakumari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a note on the flight back to Delhi, urging India to embark on a 25-year journey dedicated to laying a robust foundation for future generations.
Meditating at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, where Swami Vivekananda once sought inspiration, Modi drew parallels between Vivekananda’s vision of “Bharat Mata” and India’s contemporary aspirations. Reflecting on Vivekananda’s call in 1897 to devote 50 years to the nation, which culminated in India’s independence in 1947, Modi proposed dedicating the next quarter-century to national development.
In his note titled “New Sankalp from Sadhana” (new resolutions from reflections), Modi highlighted the sense of detachment he experienced during his meditation, leading him to ponder deeply on the country’s trajectory.
Kanniyakumari, where various rivers converge with the sea, serves as a poignant symbol of India’s unity, according to Modi. He also lauded the presence of the towering statue of Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, describing his timeless work, the Thirukkural, as a “crown jewel” of the Tamil language.
Expounding on India’s historical legacy as a fountainhead of ideas, Modi emphasized the principle of “Idam-na-mama” or “this is not mine,” underscoring India’s tradition of sharing its wisdom with the world. He noted how, despite being a developing nation, India extended support to developed countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, echoing the solidarity it received during its own struggle for independence.
Modi’s call for a sustained 25-year commitment to national development arrives at a pivotal juncture, urging the nation to harness its potential and ascend to new heights on the global stage. As India confronts the challenges of the modern era, Modi’s vision underscores the imperative of unity, spirituality, and forward-thinking policies to propel the nation towards a prosperous and inclusive future.