04-12-2025 : Address of the Hon’ble Governor at the “Teerth Raj Vandan Ceremony” held at Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar

Jai Hind!

Respected saints, scholars, esteemed faculty of Dev Sanskriti University, members of the Shantikunj family, and all seekers and devotees who have come from across India and abroad—my respectful greetings to you all from this sacred land of Haridwar, nestled in the divine embrace of Mother Ganga.

Standing on this holy soil of Haridwar fills the heart with reverence, humility, and gratitude. Every word spoken and every thought conceived in the lap of Mother Ganga transforms into a spiritual resolve. Being present today at the “Teerth Raj Vandan Ceremony” is a divine and elevating experience—one that purifies the soul, illuminates the mind, and inspires a renewed commitment to the welfare of humanity.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the All World Gayatri Parivar and Dev Sanskriti University. Your affection, respect, and goodwill have always inspired me deeply. Today’s ceremony is a celebration of India’s eternal spiritual tradition—where the streams of austerity, sacrifice, values, devotion, and social upliftment all flow together.

Indian spirituality has always taught humanity to recognize the divinity hidden within. Our sages taught that a human being is not mere flesh and bone—he is consciousness, light, and the power of resolve and discipline. Shantikunj is a center dedicated to awakening this inner consciousness. Every seeker who comes here returns with a renewed awareness of his own dormant potential. This mission has long served as a bridge between spirituality and modernity, offering powerful direction to global humanity.

When I look at Dev Sanskriti University, I find that it is not just an educational institution but a modern-day gurukul. Here, education is treated as a form of spiritual practice, and the true purpose of knowledge is realized through righteous living. Our Upanishads proclaim, *“Vidya Amritam Ashnute”—*true knowledge grants one the taste of immortal values. This very spirit makes this university unique.

I would like to make special mention of Dr. Chinmaya Pandya—whose simplicity is profound, whose silence carries strength, and whose leadership radiates compassion. He is among those rare individuals who harmonize spirituality with modern science and empower culture through global dialogue. His work strengthens our belief that when leadership is rooted in inner vision, it has the power to transform society.

This year grants us a unique and sacred coincidence—the centenary of the Akhand Deepak and the birth centenary of Param Vandaniya Mataji. The Akhand Deepak is not merely a flame; it is the center of that spiritual energy of Pujya Gurudev which has illuminated countless lives. The lamp reminds us that no matter how deep the darkness, even a small flame is enough to dispel it.

Mataji’s centenary is equally inspiring. Through her silence, penance, and motherly love, she gave direction to the Yug Nirman movement in a way that would not have been possible without her. In Indian culture, the woman is revered as Shakti, and Mataji demonstrated the sublime expression of this power through her devotion, service, and sacrifice.

Today’s Teerth Raj Vandan Ceremony reminds us that sacred sites are not merely geographical locations—they are centers of spiritual energy. Our sages called the dust of the pilgrimage sites the “dust of values.” When one places this sacred dust upon one’s forehead, it is not merely ritual—it is a resolve that one’s thoughts remain pure, one’s actions remain selfless, and one’s life be dedicated to the welfare of society.

Indian spirituality teaches that true development occurs not outside, but within. The purer the individual becomes, the more harmonious society becomes. This is the mantra of Shantikunj: “Change the individual, and the era will change.” Seeing the thousands of seekers gathered here strengthens the belief that this movement is not merely an institutional activity—it is a journey of hearts that is guiding the world toward peace and harmony.

India has long proclaimed “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”— the world is one family. This is not merely a phrase, but a spiritual truth. When a person sees himself as a part of the world family, narrowness fades, and his every action moves toward the welfare of humanity. The Gayatri Parivar is striving to awaken this global consciousness.

This decade holds special significance for Uttarakhand. The divine energy of this land inspires us to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji—to make this decade the “Decade of Uttarakhand.” If every citizen fulfills his responsibility with excellence, Uttarakhand will not only accelerate India’s progress but also emerge as an inspiring model for the world.

Our sages taught that human effort shapes destiny. When we trust our immense inner potential and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to our duties, even the impossible becomes possible. I firmly believe that with our resolve and dedication, we will once again establish India as a guiding light for the world.

On this occasion, I must also mention Prime Minister Modi ji’s vision—that India, through its culture, yoga, spirituality, and values, can offer new direction to the world. This sacred land of Uttarakhand—known as Devbhoomi, Tapobhoomi, and Yogbhoomi—can truly become a global center of spirituality and peace.

I am confident that in the coming years Uttarakhand will emerge as the “Spiritual Capital of the World.” The natural divinity of this region, the radiance of the Himalayas, the purity of the Ganga, and the simplicity and service-oriented nature of its people make this possibility even stronger.

The Gayatri Parivar is guiding society precisely in this direction. Character-building, youth awakening, women empowerment, environmental protection, de-addiction campaigns, life-management programs, yoga movements, disaster management, and global humanitarian initiatives—these are not merely activities but a cultural renaissance.

This is a movement of era-transformation—one that transforms the individual from within and generates positive energy in society. I can confidently say that the mission of Shantikunj is a lighthouse guiding our nation and the world toward morality, compassion, peace, and service.

Pujya Gurudev once said, “We will change, and the era will change.” Today, in this great assembly of seekers, those words appear vividly alive. This centenary year is not just a celebration—it is a time for inner awakening. It reminds us that every individual holds within him the divine light that can dispel darkness, and the strength to transform society.

I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dev Sanskriti University, the Shantikunj family, Dr. Chinmaya Pandya, and all seekers for this divine event. I am confident that the coming times will bring new peace, new inspiration, and new harmony for Uttarakhand, for India, and for all of humanity.

May Gurudev’s divine vision, Mataji’s motherly grace, and Mother Ganga’s sacred blessings continue to illuminate our lives.

With these sacred sentiments, I conclude my address.

Jai Hind!