Viksit Bharat Ambassasor Dialogue

On May 4th, the Rudraksh International Convention Centre hosted the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Dialogue, an event focused on the transformative potential of collective efforts to create a developed India by 2047. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the dialogue, which drew over 1,200 distinguished individuals from Varanasi’s diverse spectrum, including Padma awardees, artists, industrialists, professionals, and influencers. The event called for national progress and aimed to unite people for a common cause.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar passionately rallied the audience to embrace the role of a Viksit Bharat Ambassador, proclaiming, “Every individual has started walking towards Viksit Bharat. Everyone should do it. Those who come out of a negative mindset and think of India’s bright future – I consider all of them Viksit Bharat Ambassadors…”

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also commended Sanatan Dharma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kashi’s transformative facelift. He praised Sanatan Dharma for its blend of ancient practices and modern values, emphasizing its tradition of respect and inclusivity towards all sections of society.

He highlighted India’s rapid development and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a global leader, comparing him to the legendary sage Vishwamitra. He noted India’s growing stature in the world and its achievements in space exploration, such as reaching the Moon and Mars, while retaining traditional values amidst modern progress. Kashi exemplifies this balance, having undergone significant economic development, road infrastructure improvements, and rejuvenation of the Ganga ghats.

Following the event, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar convened with 30 influential local figures, cementing partnerships for collective action and advocacy towards Viksit Bharat’s objectives.

Reflecting on Varanasi’s rejuvenation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar extolled the city’s rich heritage and commendable transformation under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He remarked, “Kashi is India’s heritage… 10 years ago, people could not even fathom that Kashi could be so beautiful and accessible for people in such a short span of time.”

Reflecting on the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar specifically lauded PM Modi’s humility in acknowledging and honouring the labourers, recounting an incident where PM Modi washed the feet of workers and received a flower shower—an act that surprised and impressed everyone present.

“I was amazed by the gesture of PM Modi. Before addressing the devotees, he went to the shramiks, washed their feet, and got a flower shower done on them. The saints and sages present there were initially taken aback as it was they who were entitled to such treatment. But the Prime Minister re-wrote the rules and gave the workers their due. I was also awestruck over his conduct,” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar remarked.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized PM Modi’s efforts in strengthening India’s civilizational values, spiritual beliefs, and cultural heritage, particularly recognizing his respect for traditional practices like honouring the Sengol.

“Nobody other than PM Modi cared to give respect to the Sengol. It was he who stood for the country’s heritage and gave Sengol the respect it deserved,” said Sri Sri.

He criticized attempts by the West to defame the Indian government due to India’s rapid progress across various sectors.