Mungantiwar says Indian culture shows the world the path to 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. It rests, he said, in the lofty ideas of spirituality, values, humanity and the welfare of the world, built through thousands of years of penance. According to him, the Gayatri Pariwar is working to bring this precious culture into every home and every heart and to carry its light across the world.

The function was held to mark the birth centenary year of Vandaniya Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma. Mungantiwar said it was not just an occasion 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 expressed gratitude for the chance to take part in the event.

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

Speaking on the birth centenary year of Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma and the completion of 100 years of the advent of Akhand Jyoti, Mungantiwar said it was a great fortune for him to come from the land of Maharashtra, steeped in the thoughts of saints and sanctified by the valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to this sacred land of Delhi and sit among the Gayatri Pariwar. He said he drew more positive energy from being with the family than from thousands of power plants. He thanked Dr Chinmay Pandya in particular for the invitation.

Recalling 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 ideological and spiritual Ganga these great figures gave society flows in every person's heart. Their work, he said, was not limited to shaping individuals but gave society's thinking a new direction.

Mungantiwar said the Gayatri Pariwar has taught people to go beyond worship of deities and temple rituals to the worship of humanity. Merely going to a temple to pray is not religion, he said. Rushing to help the needy, serving humanity and bringing positive change to everyone's life is true and the highest worship. He said the Gayatri Mantra is not just a handful of words but awakens energy within a person, gives life a better direction and shows the way to spiritual progress. According to him, among the world's many cultures, Indian culture has carved out a distinct and indelible place through its high values, and it is not only India's identity but a philosophy that shows the whole world the path to welfare.

Expressing his feelings for the country, he said that if asked which is the most beautiful country in the world, the answer is India. Birth in this sacred land comes through the merit of thousands of births, he said, and everyone should feel that if given another birth, it should be on the soil of India. Everyone should contribute to making India richer not only materially but also spiritually and culturally.

Praising Dr Chinmay Pandya, he said that after his medical studies he had the chance to build a good hospital and make a major contribution in medicine, but instead dedicated himself to the mental and spiritual health of society. Guided by the understanding that the health of the mind matters as much as the health of the body, the work he is doing shows society the way, Mungantiwar said. He saluted Dr Pandya's service-minded and spiritual work.

Making an appeal, he urged everyone to resolve in the centenary year to preserve, nurture and spread Indian culture across the world. Concluding his speech, he voiced his pride in being Indian and his feelings about the country's greatness. He said that as long as the sun and moon exist, India's greatness and the brilliance of its culture will endure, but for that every Indian must take on the responsibility of preserving this great tradition through their own conduct.