Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, said his Gorakhpur trip, which included a visit to Gita Press and the launch of modern trains, exemplified his government’s policy of combining development with heritage.

“The Gorakhpur visit this time is a unique example of ‘Virasat bhi, Vikas bhi (heritage and development)’ policy,” Modi said.

He said the dream of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya was going to be fulfilled after centuries. He also referred to the redesigned Navy insignia based on a flag of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Gita Press in Gorakhpur, the prime minister also said that it was time to give up the slavery mentality and take pride in the country’s traditions.

He hailed Gita Press as not just an institution but a living faith and said it was a spiritual sanctuary that held immense reverence for millions of devotees.

He emphasised the significance of Gita Press, stating that it holds immense importance for millions of people and is considered a sacred place akin to a temple.

“The name itself carries the essence of Bhagavad Gita, which represents Lord Krishna and embodies compassion, action, knowledge, and scientific inquiry,” the prime minister said.

Modi commended Gita Press for following Mahatma Gandhi’s suggestions and refraining from publishing advertisements in the Kalyan Patrika publication

The prime minister also drew attention to the staggering number of books published by Gita Press over the last 100 years, which he said, “is bound to surprise anyone”.

“These books are made available at affordable prices and are conveniently delivered to people’s doorsteps. They provide spiritual and intellectual satisfaction, contributing to the development of dedicated citizens within society,” Modi said.

Highlighting the national character of Gita Press, Prime Minister Modi emphasised its role in connecting and strengthening India’s unity.

With 20 branches across the country and stalls at railway stations nationwide, Gita Press has published about 1,600 titles in 15 different languages, serving as a unifying force and representing the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).

The prime minister underscored the remarkable timing of Gita Press’ centenary coinciding with India’s 75th year of independence. He linked this alignment to the pre-independence era when various institutions were established to rejuvenate the country, culminating in India’s preparedness to break free from the shackles of colonialism.

“Gita Press played a crucial role in this transformation, becoming a significant pillar of India’s struggle for independence,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi also emphasised the profound impact of Bhagavad Gita, particularly during challenging times. He highlighted how India’s consciousness had been tarnished by centuries of foreign rule, resulting in the destruction of libraries and the suppression of indigenous knowledge.

“Gita Press emerged as a beacon of hope by preserving sacred texts and making them accessible to the masses, reminding people of the timeless wisdom and strength found in the Bhagavad Gita. In times of crisis, the Gita has provided unwavering faith and protection for truth and religion,” he said.

The prime minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to re-establish India’s heritage and ideas. He pointed out the removal of symbols of slavery, such as the naval flag, which was replaced with a flag bearing the mark of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also emphasised the revitalisation of Rajpath, transforming it from a reminder of slavery into a path of duty, as well as the establishment of tribal freedom fighter museums and the repatriation of stolen ancient idols.

During the event, the prime minister also mentioned the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Vande Bharat launch and the remodeling project of Gorakhpur railway station. He commended the Vande Bharat train for providing enhanced facilities to the middle class and flagged off its routes from Gorakhpur to Lucknow and Jodhpur to Ahmedabad.

Modi also visited the Leela Chitra temple within the premises of Gita Press. The temple, adorned with shlokas from the Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, and depicting various deities, and verses by Goswami Tulsidas, Sant Kabir, and Dadu, deeply moved the prime minister.

The event began with the auspicious recitation of Swastivachan and shlokas from Bhagavad Gita by seven Vedpathi children from the Gita Press-run Gurukul in Rishikul Brahmacharya Ashram Churu, Rajasthan.

A documentary chronicling Gita Press’ journey was also screened, further capturing the attention of Prime Minister Modi, Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In closing, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to release two special issues of Shiv Mahapuran and the Nepali translation of Shiva Mahapuran. He hailed the spiritual knowledge and energy of the sages as instrumental in building a new India and strengthening the welfare of the world.