Mungantiwar says Indian culture shows the world the path of welfare at Gayatri Pariwar event in Delhi

Speaking at a function in New Delhi, MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar said India's greatness lies not merely in its geographical spread, its strength or the glory of its history. According to him, it rests in the ideas of spirituality, values, humanity and the welfare of the world, shaped by thousands of years of penance. He said the Gayatri Pariwar is carrying this priceless culture into homes and taking its light to the whole world.

The function marked the birth centenary year of the revered Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma. Mungantiwar said it was not merely a celebration to remember a great personality, but a resolve to reawaken India's eternal cultural consciousness and pass the legacy of spiritual values to coming generations. He thanked the organisers for the chance to attend the occasion and spoke at length on the greatness of Indian culture and its spiritual foundations of patriotism and service to humanity.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Dr Chinmay Pandya of the Gayatri Pariwar, Swami Vigyananand, general secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, Swami Sarvalokananand, head of the Ramakrishna Mission, and Uttar Pradesh MLA Rajeshwar Singh were present. Many dignitaries from various fields, saints and a large number of devotees also attended.

The event was held to mark the birth centenary year of Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma and 100 years since the descent of the Akhand Jyoti. Mungantiwar said it was a great privilege to come from the soil of Maharashtra, filled with the thoughts of saints and hallowed by the valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to this sacred land of Delhi and join the Gayatri Pariwar. He said he felt more positive energy in the company of the Pariwar than that of thousands of power plants. He offered special thanks to Dr Chinmay Pandya for the invitation.

Referring to the work of Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma and Vedmurti Pt Shriram Sharma Acharya, he said everyone knows the Ganga flows through Rishikesh and Haridwar, but the stream of ideas and spirituality these two great figures gave society flows in every person's heart. Their work, he said, is not limited to shaping individuals; it gives a new direction to society's thinking.

Mungantiwar said the Gayatri Pariwar has taught people to go beyond worship of deities and temple rituals to the worship of humanity. In his view, merely visiting a temple to pray is not religion. Rushing to help the needy, serving humanity and bringing positive change to everyone's life is the true and highest form of worship. He also said the Gayatri Mantra is not merely a collection of words: it awakens energy within a person, gives life a better direction and shows the path of spiritual progress. The Gayatri Pariwar, he said, is making the world aware of this spiritual strength of Indian culture. He said that among the many cultures and civilisations of the world, Indian culture has earned a distinct and imperishable place through its lofty values. This, he said, is not just India's identity but a philosophy that shows the whole world the path of welfare.

Speaking on national pride, he said that if asked which is the most beautiful country in the world, the answer is India. He said one gets the good fortune of being born on this sacred land through the merit of thousands of births, and that no other country can be more beautiful or prosperous. If given another birth, it should be on Indian soil, he said, and everyone should feel this. He added that everyone should contribute to making India richer not only materially but also spiritually and culturally.

Praising Dr Chinmay Pandya, Mungantiwar said that after his medical studies he had the opportunity to build a good hospital and make a major contribution in the medical field, but he dedicated himself instead to the mental and spiritual health of society. Understanding that the health of the mind matters as much as the health of the body, he said, the work Pandya is doing shows society the way. Mungantiwar bowed to his spirit of service and his spiritual work.

At the end of his speech, Mungantiwar appealed to everyone to resolve, in this centenary year, to preserve and promote Indian culture and spread it across the world. He expressed pride in being an Indian and in the nation's greatness. He said the greatness of India and the radiance of Indian culture will last as long as the sun and moon exist, but that for this every Indian must take on the responsibility of sustaining this great tradition through their work.