PM Modi Calls Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana in Udupi, Karnataka

Prime Minister Modi reflected on the spiritual continuity of his recent visits, recalling that only three days earlier he had been in Kurukshetra—the land where the Bhagavad Gita was revealed.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the grand Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme at the revered Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka, marking a monumental spiritual congregation where one lakh devotees recited shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita in unison. The Prime Minister described the occasion as a deeply divine moment combining sacred darshan, spiritual resonance, and blessings from revered saints—an experience he termed a “supreme fortune”.

Divine Continuity: From Kurukshetra to Udupi

Prime Minister Modi reflected on the spiritual continuity of his recent visits, recalling that only three days earlier he had been in Kurukshetra—the land where the Bhagavad Gita was revealed. Addressing thousands in Udupi, he said that coming to a place sanctified by Lord Shri Krishna and Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya offers unmatched contentment. He highlighted the historic nature of the event, where the mass chanting of the Gita’s verses demonstrated to the world the living, breathing continuity of India’s millennia-old spiritual wisdom.

Udupi: A Sacred Land With a Personal Connection

PM Modi noted that although he was born in Gujarat, the bond between Gujarat and Udupi has been spiritually intertwined for centuries. He recalled the belief that the iconic idol of Lord Krishna in Udupi, consecrated by Madhvacharya, was once worshipped by Mata Rukmini in Dwarka, deepening his personal sense of connection. Recalling his underwater darshan of Dwarka last year, he emotionally described the profound experience of beholding Krishna’s idol in Udupi—an encounter filled with spiritual bliss.

Udupi’s Role in Shaping Modern Governance

Calling Udupi the “karmabhoomi” of an early governance model influencing the Jan Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party, PM Modi highlighted the city’s pioneering steps in public welfare. In 1968, the people elected Jan Sangh’s V.S. Acharya, who introduced progressive models for sanitation, water supply, and drainage systems—decades before such initiatives became national priorities. Udupi’s early adoption of these reforms, he said, laid foundations now visible in campaigns like Swachh Bharat.

The Power of Collective Spirituality

Quoting the Ramcharitmanas, PM Modi emphasised that in Kalyug, liberation comes through chanting the Lord’s name. The vibration produced by one lakh people chanting the Gita together, he said, generated an energy field symbolising the power of spirituality and collective consciousness. This mass recitation became a demonstration of India’s social unity, shared cultural identity, and civilisational strength.

Saluting Spiritual Leadership and Global Initiatives

The Prime Minister bowed to Param Pujya Shri Shri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji, whose vision brought the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana to life and inspired the global Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna—a movement encouraging people worldwide to handwrite the Gita. He highlighted that India's youth embracing the Gita’s teachings marks a significant cultural resurgence, continuing the tradition of passing knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads, and Shastras to future generations.

From Ayodhya to Udupi: A Sacred Journey

PM Modi noted that days before arriving in Udupi, he visited Ayodhya for the auspicious Vivaha Panchami ceremony, where the Dharma Dhwaja was established at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. He reminded listeners that Udupi has played a pivotal role in the historic Ram Mandir movement, guided for decades by late Vishwesh Tirtha Swamiji. Highlighting the new Ram Mandir’s grand gate named after Jagadguru Madhvacharya, he said the honor reflects immense pride for Udupi and all of Karnataka.

Madhvacharya’s Enduring Legacy

Describing Jagadguru Madhvacharya as the guiding light of Dvaita Vedanta, PM Modi noted that Udupi’s Ashta Mathas stand as living institutions of devotion, knowledge, and service. Madhvacharya’s teachings, he said, unified diverse communities in a period of civilisational challenges, and his tradition continues to serve millions daily through bhakti, education, and anna-dana.

Cultural Renaissance Through the Haridasa Tradition

PM Modi recalled how Madhvacharya’s influence led to the flourishing Haridasa tradition through saints like Purandar Das and Kanak Das, who made devotion accessible through simple Kannada compositions. He observed that their works continue to inspire youth today—resonating even in social media reels—and strengthen the spiritual bridge between generations.

The Gita as a Guide for National Policy

Reiterating that the Gita’s teachings transcend time, PM Modi said its principles underpin national policies aimed at public good. Ideas such as Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas, women’s empowerment through the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and global initiatives like Vaccine Maitri and International Solar Alliance all draw inspiration from the Gita’s universal wisdom.

National Security Rooted in Dharma

Citing the Gita’s message delivered on a battlefield, the Prime Minister stated that establishing peace often requires the defeat of oppression. This sentiment, he said, guides India’s security doctrine—where compassion and strength go hand in hand. Referring to Mission Sudarshan Chakra, he explained that India is building fortified protective systems across critical national assets, ensuring that any aggression will meet decisive retaliation.

India’s Resolve on Security: From Pahalgam to Operation Sindoor

PM Modi referenced the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where several people, including Karnataka residents, lost their lives. He emphasised that unlike previous governments, today’s India responds firmly to threats, as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor. “New India,” he said, “bows to none and protects its citizens with unwavering resolve.”

Nine Resolutions for a Developed India

Drawing inspiration from the Gita, PM Modi urged the nation to embrace nine resolutions shaping India’s future:

1. Conserve water and protect rivers.

2. Plant trees, strengthening the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” movement.

3. Improve the life of at least one underprivileged person.

4. Embrace Swadeshi and be “Vocal for Local”.

5. Promote natural farming.

6. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, including millet-based diets.

7. Incorporate yoga into daily life.

8. Preserve ancient manuscripts, supporting missions like Gyan Bharatam.

9. Visit 25 heritage sites across India, including newly created centres such as the Mahabharata Experience Centre in Kurukshetra.

He also urged people to attend cultural events like the Madhavpur Mela in Gujarat, celebrating the divine union of Krishna and Rukmini.

A Collective Duty Toward 2047

The Prime Minister concluded by saying that as India moves toward 2047, the Amrit Kaal is a “duty-bound era". Karnataka’s hardworking people, he said, play a crucial role in this national journey. With dedication, unity, and the spirit of service, the dream of a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Karnataka will become reality.

He expressed hope that the divine energy emanating from Udupi would continue guiding India’s resolve toward national development and spiritual harmony.