Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi today recalled the great contributions of India’s saints in eradicating social evils and promoting humanity.
Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme of All India Radio, PM said Kabir Das appealed to the people to rise above divisions of religion and caste and make knowledge and wisdom the sole basis of recognition. Mr Modi said, these principles are relevant even after several centuries have gone by.
He appealed to the people to rise above divisions of religion & caste and make knowledge & wisdom the sole basis of recognition.”His (Kabir) principles are relevant even after several centuries have gone by.Since we are referring to Sant Kabir Das ji, I am reminded of a doha couplet in which he says,
“गुरुगोविन्ददोऊखड़ेकाकेलागूंपांय|
बलिहारीगुरुआपने, गोविन्ददियोबताय”||
He said he will be visiting the Samadhi Sthal of Saint Kabir Das at Maghar in Uttar Pradesh on the 28th of this month.
He said, Kabir Das stressed upon the virtues of social equality, peace and brotherhood through his Saakhis and Dohas.
The Prime Minister recited several dohas of the saint saying that these are relevant and inspiring even in modern times. He added that Kabir Das toiled relentlessly to quell many such superstitions and evil social customs of his times and spread the message of peace and harmony.
Mr Modi also cited the example of Guru Nanak saying his teachings endeavoured to eradicate caste based discrimination prevalent in the society. The Prime Minister said the establishment of a kitchen free of social discrimination where a person of any caste, sect, religion or community could eat was initiated solely by Guru Nanak.
The Prime Minister said, the 550th Prakash Parv of the Guru can be celebrated as Prerna Parv next year. The Prime Minister said, it will be 100 years of the horrific incident of Jallianwala Bagh next year.
He said, the massacre imparts the message that violence and cruelty can never solve any problem. He emphasised that it is peace and non-violence, renunciation and martyrdom that are triumphant in the end.