Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addresses 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji as the Chief Guest in Nadia, West Bengal

Ministry of Home Affairs Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addresses 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji as the Chief Guest in Nadia, West Bengal Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji and A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji carried forward the devotional tradition initiated by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji and modernized it, paving the way for the welfare of the entire world Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji awakened spiritual consciousness by conveying the profound message of the Gita to the masses in a simple and accessible manner ISKCON has inspired everyone to follow the path of Gita, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also presents a copy of Gita as a gift to every head of state or minister visiting India Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji liberated religion from rigid traditions and narrowness, demonstrating that modernity is not opposed to religion, but rather its companion It is the result of the life’s work of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji and A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji that today ISKCON is carrying the flag of Sanatan Dharma across the world By completing the resolve of chanting one billion names of Shri Krishna, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji set a unique example of austerity, renunciation, and discipline Harichand Thakur Ji and Guruchand Thakur Ji gave a new direction to social welfare and social harmony through the‘Matua Mahasangha’ Through relief work during disasters and initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental protection, ISKCON is also making a significant contribution to the service of the nation Spiritual center being developed by ISKCON in Mayapur will become a global abode dedicated to the welfare of the world Posted On: 18 FEB 2026 6:45PM by PIB Delhi Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah today addressed the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of most Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji as the Chief Guest in Nadia, West Bengal. Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav, along with several other dignitaries, was present on the occasion. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah said that in Mayapur, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji not only carried forward the Bhakti movement initiated by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji, but also modernized it, paving the way for the welfare of youth and people across the world. He said that during his lifetime, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji illuminated the path of devotion to liberate millions suffering from the darkness of ignorance, both in India and globally. Shri Shah stated that when an individual dissolves their existence and becomes immersed in devotion to Lord Krishna, all becomes well. He noted that Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji spread the profound message of the Gita through kirtan, devotional music, and dance in a simple and accessible manner across eastern India, lighting the lamp of devotion in millions of lives. He said that this movement was not only advanced but also connected with modernity by Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji for the welfare of the youth and the entire world. Shri Amit Shah said that today is the 152nd birth anniversary of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji, the commander of devotion of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji and the founder of Gaudiya sect. He said that by fulfilling the resolution of chanting one billion names of Shri Krishna, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji presented a unique ideal of penance, sacrifice and discipline. Shri Shah said that through this, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji dedicated his entire life to Shri Krishna. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji liberated religion from rigid traditions and narrowness, demonstrating that modernity is not opposed to religion, but rather its companion. Referring to his vision, Shri Shah noted that he described the printing press as the ‘Vrihad Mridang’, symbolizing how books printed in press can travel across the oceans and spread devotion worldwide. Union Home Minister said that only unwavering and exclusive devotion to Lord Krishna gives one the courage to break social rigidities. Those who hold God in their hearts consider themselves servants of all. He said that a true Guru is one who, with the spirit of service, elevates disciples from the smallest to the greatest heights. Shri Shah described Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji as a true Guru who introduced the dignity and essence of the Guru’s role to the world and undertook significant efforts to break caste barriers. He added that detachment does not mean abandoning the world entirely, but giving up evils and engaging the entire world in devotion to Lord Krishna. Shri Amit Shah further said that many regard Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji as a living encyclopedia. Though deeply knowledgeable in mathematics and Sanskrit, he dedicated everything at the feet of Lord Krishna and spent his life on the path of devotion. He expressed hope that the spiritual centerbeing developed at Mayapur Dham would serve not only the nation but devotees worldwide and would continue to guide the path of devotion for generations to come. The spiritual center being developed by ISKCON in Mayapur will become a global abode dedicated to the welfare of the world. Shri Shah said that one of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji's greatest contributions was preparing a disciple like A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji to carry forward the tradition. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that it is the result of the life’s work of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Ji and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Ji that today the ISKCON is spreading the flag of Sanatan Dharma across the globe. He said that Harichand Thakur Ji and Guruchand Thakur Ji gave a new direction to social welfare and social harmony through the ‘Matua Mahasangha’. Shri Shah said, ISKCON has inspired everyone to follow the path of Gita, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also presents a copy of Gita as a gift to every head of state or minister visiting India. He added that ISKCON has not only strengthened the Bhakti movement by promoting India’s traditions and scriptures, but has also made significant contributions in the field of service. He said, through relief work during disasters and initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental protection, ISKCON is also making a significant contribution to the service of the nation. From free food distribution and establishing hospitals and colleges to strengthening ecological systems and reconnecting youth with Indian festivals, ISKCON has played a major role in social upliftment. *** RK/PR/PS/SK (Release ID: 2229781) Visitor Counter : 225 Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Assamese , Punjabi , Gujarati , Kannada