Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Friday flagged off the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra from Bhopal, paying tribute to Swami Chinmayananda Maharaj and describing him as a great saint, thinker and spiritual luminary.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, CM Dr Yadav said Swami Chinmayananda had made an invaluable contribution to taking Indian culture, particularly the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, to people across the country.
MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav in a still from the event
He noted that the Chinmaya Amrit Yatra, which was launched to spread the message of Indian culture and the Gita among the masses under Swami Chinmayananda’s guidance, has now completed 75 years.
‘His contribution will always be remembered’
The Chief Minister said Swami Chinmayananda’s contribution to the moral development of Indian society and its youth, as well as to the promotion of the Gita as one of the country’s revered cultural treasures, would remain etched in the hearts of people.
“His contribution to the moral development of Indian society and youth and to spreading the message of the Gita will always be remembered,” CM Dr Yadav said.
The programme was attended by Swami Mitrananda Saraswati Maharaj, head and patron of the Chinmaya Mission, along with other followers and members of the organisation.
CM praises Chinmaya Mission’s social initiatives
CM Dr Yadav highlighted the work undertaken by the Chinmaya Mission to strengthen social traditions and values across the country.
He said the mission had undertaken several significant initiatives, including the establishment of schools, colleges and universities, besides its role in the establishment of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
Swami Chinmayananda Maharaj
Appreciating the mission’s activities on behalf of the Madhya Pradesh government, the Chief Minister said people would strive to follow the righteous path shown by Swami Chinmayananda.
CM Dr Yadav also extended the state government’s best wishes for all the social campaigns being conducted by the Chinmaya Mission.
Journey to cover Bhopal and Jhansi
The Chinmaya Amrit Yatra will travel from Bhopal to Jhansi. The journey entered Madhya Pradesh from Chhattisgarh and reached Bhopal after passing through Rewa, Satna, Betul and Narmadapuram.
From Bhopal, the yatra will proceed towards Jhansi as part of its onward journey. The previous Chinmaya Amrit Yatra had passed through Khandwa and Indore in Madhya Pradesh.
The Chief Minister flagged off the yatra and conveyed the state government’s best wishes to the Chinmaya Mission for its continuing social and cultural initiatives.