24-01-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of the Akhand Jyoti Conference “Matri-Vilay Yatra” and Concluding Ceremony

Jai Hind!

Being present today on this sacred land of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, in Haridwar, at this historic centenary celebration, is for me not merely a formal responsibility, but a profound spiritual experience.

This is the same holy land where, in the lap of the Himalayas, sages shaped a philosophy of life for humanity—where spiritual practice was never confined to personal liberation alone, but became a means for the upliftment of society and the nation.

This sacred land of Haridwar has been sanctified by the uninterrupted flow of Mother Ganga and by the age-old Rishi tradition of penance, sacrifice, and spiritual discipline.

The magnificent scene we witness today in this Centenary Nagar is not merely that of an event. It is the living manifestation of the consciousness that has always been the soul of Indian culture.

That today we are celebrating together the centenary of the Akhand Lamp lit by Param Pujya Gurudev and the birth centenary of Param Vandaniya Mataji is not a mere coincidence. It is a symbol of the divine confluence of penance and sacrifice that becomes the foundation of every epochal transformation. The Akhand Lamp symbolizes continuity—such continuity that remains unwavering despite changing circumstances.

It is my privilege to stand today on the land of Yugteerth Shantikunj, which has revived the Rishikul tradition in the modern age—where spiritual practice, service, and value-based living converge; where spirituality is not merely preached, but lived and carried to the masses; and where India’s eternal culture advances with the consciousness of a new era.

Today’s gathering is a Mahakumbh of epochal consciousness. This celebration of a hundred years of the Akhand Jyoti Movement’s penance, austerity, and service reminds us that spiritual light never extinguishes—it continues to illuminate humanity’s path from generation to generation. This conference stands as a symbol of that continuous spiritual endeavor which has guided society toward morality, compassion, and a sense of duty.

The “Matri-Vilay Yatra” is not merely a journey; it is a reaffirmation of the values of motherhood, sacrifice, and compassion embodied throughout the life of Vandaniya Mataji.

This journey reminds us that true spiritual practice lies in self-offering, true strength lies in service, and true leadership lies in compassion. And today’s concluding ceremony is not the end of an event, but the auspicious beginning of a new era.

The birth centenary year of 2026 inspires us to take a resolve—not merely to remember the ideals of Gurudev and Mataji, but to embody them in our conduct. This is not a conclusion, but a moment of commitment, from where a new journey of duty toward the age and the nation begins.

More than fifty thousand seekers, volunteers, youth, women, and intellectuals from across the country and abroad have gathered here today. This is not an ordinary crowd. This is a confluence of individuals who regard life not merely as a means of consumption, but as a medium for spiritual practice and service. In this vast participation, there is discipline, dignity, and a silent resolve—to build society through the transformation of the individual.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has always been a land of yoga, Ayurveda, and spirituality. Sacred centers such as Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri have given this land a distinct place on the global spiritual map.

Today, when the world looks toward India for guidance in yoga, meditation, and balanced living, Uttarakhand is emerging as a leading force in this role. This land not only heals the body, but also gives direction to the soul.

The entire life of Param Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya was the embodiment of the belief that the problems of modern society are not merely economic or political, but fundamentally moral and mental. He was not only a saint or a writer, but a seer of the age.

He clearly stated that unless noble intellect awakens within the individual, no system can provide lasting direction to society. His philosophy was holistic—encompassing the individual, family, society, and nation together.

He spoke of a revolution in thought, knowing that external revolutions are temporary, but when thoughts transform, society transforms naturally. He also emphasized that spirituality does not mean renunciation of the world, but living within it while fulfilling one’s duties with greater awareness, morality, and compassion.

This is why the Gayatri Parivar’s spiritual practice was never limited to worship alone, but has remained actively engaged in education, healthcare, social reform, women’s empowerment, and youth awakening.

In this great spiritual journey, the role of Param Vandaniya Mataji Bhagwati Devi Sharma has been uniquely original and deeply inspiring. She proved that a woman is not merely a supporting force, but can be the very soul of an entire movement. Her life symbolized silent penance, boundless compassion, and extraordinary endurance.

Mataji elevated motherhood beyond the confines of the household and established it as a social and spiritual value. Her life conveys that true strength lies not in noise, but in inner discipline.

Today’s “Matri-Vilay” program is not the merging of a physical form; it is a resolve to adopt motherhood as a life philosophy. It reminds us that if society is to become sensitive, harmonious, and value-oriented, compassion, tolerance, and service must remain at its core.

Shantikunj, Haridwar, is not merely an ashram, but a Yugteerth—a spiritual laboratory where new values for humanity are forged. The integration of spiritual practice, training, and service here shapes individuals into responsible citizens and noble human beings. Spread across the globe, the Gayatri Parivar has become a silent ambassador of world peace.

The continued vitality of this spiritual tradition today also reflects the clarity of vision in its present leadership. Under the guidance of Dr. Chinmay Pandya, the Gayatri Parivar has connected Gurudev’s ideology with contemporary contexts, especially with the younger generation. This is leadership rooted not in position, but in responsibility.

The contribution of Shantikunj and the All World Gayatri Parivar to the nation has been multidimensional—addiction-free campaigns, environmental protection, tree plantation, rural development, women’s empowerment, youth formation, disaster relief, and social awakening against evils. These efforts prove that when spirituality is united with action, a powerful current of social transformation flows.

Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya represents a unique confluence of spirituality and modern education. Through value-based learning, it is nurturing youth who seek not merely employment, but purpose in life.

Sanskrit, the divine language, is the soul of India’s knowledge tradition. The Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, and scriptures have conveyed humanity’s highest wisdom through this language. Sanskrit is not merely the language of the past, but a scientifically relevant language of the future. The role of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in its preservation and promotion is truly commendable.

In the discharge of my constitutional responsibilities, I have observed that a nation’s true strength lies not merely in its institutions, but in the character of its citizens. Laws are essential, but they are effective only when society possesses moral discipline and a sense of duty. From this perspective, the Gayatri Parivar’s work of character-building is of immense significance for the nation’s long-term future.

Today, India is passing through the era of Amrit Kaal. We are progressing economically, technologically, and strategically. Yet history bears witness that development devoid of values hollows society from within. The spiritual legacy of Gurudev and Mataji reminds us that development becomes meaningful only when accompanied by character formation.

The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer for noble intellect. It is not merely a mantra, but a way of life that prevents self-centeredness and nurtures social responsibility. The thousands of volunteers present here are living examples of this noble intellect, silently serving society in their respective fields.

In conclusion, I pray that the ideology flowing from Shantikunj, Haridwar, continues to inspire future generations just as it has done so far. May Mother Gayatri bless us all with noble wisdom, a spirit of service, and humility.

May we all participate in this great sacrificial endeavor of nation-building through individual transformation—this alone will be the true achievement of this centenary celebration.
Jai Hind!