New Delhi: Stating that ‘Gorakshpeeth’ reflects the values and ideals of ‘Sanatan Dharm’, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday said that all revered saints associated with ‘Gorakshpeeth’ have dedicated themselves to public welfare by contributing to fields of education, health and service. “Gorakshpeeth follows the values of ‘Sanatan Dharm’, which teaches us that gratitude and respect to ancestors and heritage is paramount,” he said.
Paying his respects to Mahant Digvijaynath during the week-long tribute programme at Gorakhpur, Yogi said, “Being grateful under ‘Sanatan Hindu Dharma’ gives us new inspiration to move forward consistently. Gorakshpeeth reflects the values and ideals of Sanatan Dharma, while all our revered saints associated with it have contributed immensely to the fields of education and health and have stood up to safeguard the dignity of the nation whenever required.”
He went on to say that in 1857, Mahant Gopalnath was arrested by the Britishers as he gave shelter to those revolutionaries who led the country’s fight for independence.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that Gorakshapeeth has a wonderful tradition of expressing gratitude towards the ancestors for their heritage. “A country can rise only when its citizens are respectful towards its traditions and take pride in them. There is a need to make our youth aware of our rich heritage and show gratitude and respect towards our ancestors,” he said.
On the occasion, Yogi also stressed the need for restoring Indian Vedic tradition. Referring to Naimisharanya Dham, he said, “Naimisharanya is the land to record our Vedic tradition, however, at present, our youth is unaware of it. The National Education Policy of PM Modi will restore our ancient ‘Gurukul’ tradition and enable us in making our youth technologically-advanced along with imparting theoretical and practical knowledge to them.”
Reiterating that the entire world recognised the potential of Yoga and Ayurveda during the world’s most dreadful Covid-19 pandemic, CM Yogi said that under PM Modi’s leadership, Indians adopted Yoga and shifted to natural treatments like Ayurveda and today, are realising India’s power and potential.
He said that ‘Kumbh’ was held for thousands of years, and was synonymous with mismanagement, disorder, chaos, anarchy and an unhygienic atmosphere, however, in 2019, Kumbh created a new standard of security, cleanliness, crowd management and gained recognition globally as India’s decades-long tradition of humanity.
“We get inspiration from the yearly tribute programme of the two mahants of the Gorakhnath temple — Mahant Digvijaynath and Mahant Avaidyanath. Both of them registered deep impact in spheres like religion, culture, education, society and the nation with their work in the field of education, social and spiritual reforms,” said Yogi.