Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the project of setting up a 108-feet multi-metal statue of Acharya Shankar, museum and International Vedanta Sansthan in Omkareshwar will work to connect Madhya Pradesh with the whole world. In fact, this is not the work of a state, it is an ambitious project to be completed with the blessings of the country's leading acharyas and saints outside the boundaries of Madhya Pradesh.
The idea behind the construction of the Statue of Oneness is that by eliminating the sense of difference of opinion, animosity and ill will, it will make people aware of the importance of Advaita Vedanta. This place will emerge as an important site for the purpose of making one aware of the entire philosophy of life of Acharya Shankar, the expressions of his Advaita Vedanta, character building of the coming generation, environmental protection, Mathamnaya tradition, socio-cultural change, world-welfare and development of the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). Chouhan said that "Victory of Dharma, destruction of unrighteousness, harmony among living beings, welfare of the world" is our main objective. Continuous review of the works related to this project will also be done.
The Chief Minister was addressing the second meeting of the Board of Trustees of Acharya Shankar Sanskritik Ekta Nyas at Mantralaya on Saturday. Prominent saints and trust members Swami Avedhashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Swami Paramatmanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Swami Chidanandpuri Ji, Swami Haribrahmendrananda Ji Maharaj, Mukul Kanitkar Ji, Swami Mitranand Ji, Padmashree V.R. Gaurishankar ji and Swami Vedtatwanandji were present. Swami Swaroopanandji, Chinmaya Mission, Australia and Nivedita Didi Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari virtually participated.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that the installation of the statue of Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar is not only the work of installation of the statue, but it is a project of how to bring practical Vedanta in life. Let this world become one family, there is also this feeling behind it. The Madhya Pradesh government will seriously implement the suggestions given by the members of the trust. According to the suggestions received, work will be done expeditiously to finalize the entire action plan.
Life is changing with the activities of Anand Department
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan informed the members of the trust that in Madhya Pradesh, the programme Alpviram of Ananda Department, opening of Anandak Kendras, selection of government and non-government servants who volunteer Anandak's services, organising Anand Utsav and creation of Anand calendar have led to change in the lives of many people. The activities of the Anand Department inspire one to reflect on the importance of solitude and for some time introverted self-analysis and whole life. Establishment of the Statue of Oneness at Omkareshwar, Shankar Sangrahalaya, Acharya Shankar International Advaita Vedanta Sansthan aims at motivating one to think positively and act in this economic and material age. An important activity in the functions of the Anand Department is to express gratitude to the people who have been supportive in life. Events like handing over the unused items for other people's use and Grandparents and Grandmothers Run to bring zeal and enthusiasm in the lives of elderly people have proved to be worthwhile.
Culture Minister Sushri Usha Thakur informed about the manifestation of enthusiasm among the citizens regarding this project. She said that after the completion of this project, the importance of Omkareshwar would increase even more.