The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today called for renewed effort towards a cultural renaissance by promoting our rich cultural and spiritual heritage.Addressing a huge gathering at Isha Yoga Center, in Coimbatore on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri today the Vice President said that India is the only country which believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- the whole world as a family’.
Shri Naidu highlighted that our ancient sages and rishis have guided and enlightened the people of this land through their knowledge and wisdom. He called upon the need to pass this treasure of wisdom to next generations.Mentioning the twelve Jyothirlingas spread all over the India, the Vice President said that this exemplifies that India has always been a single cultural entity since ancient times.
Emphasising the relevance of Lord Shiva in modern times, the Vice President said that present day lifestyle and high pressure work routines are making our lives stressful leading to increased levels of frustration, irritation and impatience.In such a competitive world, the Vice President said, the people are increasingly turning to Yoga as it not only improves health but brings inner peace. It helps to achieve self control through unity between body and mind, Shri Naidu said.
The Vice President said that Yoga is an art and science and should not be viewed from any political or religious prism.Describing that Shiva as ‘Neelakantha’ who consumed Halahala – the poison to save the world, Shri Naidu appealed to the youth to fight against the poison of social evils such as corruption, casteism, illiteracy and poverty inflicting the modern day society.
Mentioning Lord Shiva’s love and closeness to nature, mountains and animals, the Vice President asked everyone to love and live with nature.Describing the respect for nature as a specialty of Indian culture, he called for adopting sustainable development practices.“We should benefit from nature without being exploitative”, he said.
Shri Naidu appreciated Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev ji for his noble initiatives such as ‘Rally for River’ and ‘Cauvery Calling’. the Vice President said that Sadhguru reminds us of our ancient sages and Rishis.“He has the rare ability to explain complex concepts easily. He is a guru who reaches out to the people with the message of hope, of peace and positive thinking”, Shri Naidu said.
He called upon the people to develop positive attitude in life and shun violence and destructive tendencies. He appealed to the people to take an oath on the occasion of this Maha Shivratri to bring peace, harmony and prosperity in the world.On this occasion, the Vice President also released the book titled ‘Death – An Inside Story’ written by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev ji and witnessed the light and sound show on Lord Shiva.
Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister of Puduchery, Shri V. Narayanaswami, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ashwani Chaube, Tamil Nadu Minister for Animal Husbandry, Shri Udumalai K. Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development, Shri S.P. Velumani, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and devotees from across India and world were present on the occasion.
