India’s spiritual philosophy can give direction to humanity: CM

Varanasi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while virtually addressing a spiritual seminar held at BHU under the banner of Somnath Swabhiman Parva, on Tuesday said that at a time when the world was facing multiple crises, India’s spiritual philosophy and cultural values could provide meaningful direction to humanity.

The event was jointly organised by Sanskriti Vibhag, Uttar Pradesh, and the Ministry of Culture. Saints, Acharyas, Vice-Chancellors, scholars and educationists from universities and institutions across the country participated in the seminar centred on Bhakti, Shraddha and Indian cultural consciousness.

The CM said Somnath Swabhiman Parva symbolised Indian cultural consciousness, spiritual heritage and national self-respect. Referring to the Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, he said the temple represented the indestructible spirit of Indian civilisation and faith.

BHU Vice-Chancellor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi said self-confidence and self-respect were essential for the development of society and the nation. Referring to India’s knowledge traditions, he said the country had contributed immensely to fields such as trigonometry, astronomy, mathematics, music and theology, and stressed the need to connect traditional knowledge with modern scientific understanding.

Presiding over the programme, Swami Avdheshanand Giri said the growing global interest in Ayurveda, yoga and Indian values reflected the universal relevance of Indian culture. He remarked that Indian civilisation was not merely focused on material prosperity but also guided humanity towards spiritual consciousness.

Speaking on the occasion, Baba Ramdev said India’s Dharma Shakti and life values were rooted in spirituality and human welfare rather than materialism alone. He described the saint tradition and penance of Indian sages as the core of Indian civilisation.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati termed the event a celebration of “Sanatan Swabhiman” and remembered personalities including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad and Madan Mohan Malaviya for their contributions to preserving Indian cultural heritage.

Jagadguru Vasudevacharya Vidyabhaskar highlighted the importance of youth power in nation-building and said Indian scriptures had always regarded young people as the driving force of transformation and service.

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith VC AK Tyagi said Indian temples historically functioned not only as centres of worship but also as institutions of education, economy and social organisation.

Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya VC Biharilal Sharma said awareness towards Indian cultural values and Sanatan traditions was witnessing renewed growth in society.

Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Murali Manohar Pathak recited Sanskrit shlokas while describing the Somnath temple as a symbol of India’s cultural renaissance, civilisational resilience and spiritual strength.