During his address, Shri Narendra Modi Ji expressed his admiration for the commendable efforts undertaken by the Heartfulness Institute and the various environmental and wellbeing initiatives at Kanha Shanti Vanam. He praised the center for spreading the wisdom and traditions of ancient seers and yogis, embraced by over 160 countries as yoga and meditation. The Prime Minister emphasized the positive energy emanating from the collective meditation by lakhs of people at Kanha Shanti Vanam and its contribution to building a strong Bharat (India). Shri Narendra Modi Ji praised Daaji's contributions to humanity, citing his significant role in the pharmaceutical industry and his exemplary leadership in the science of spirituality. Daaji's recognition with the Padma Bhushan was highlighted as a testament to his remarkable contributions.
Proceedings from this remarkable event can be watched below
On the 26th, Daaji commenced the day early, engrossed in work on his computer before leading a meditation session at 6:25 am. Even amidst finalizing the arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit later that day, he found moments of solace with his grandchildren.
The morning sun shone on a spick and-span Kanha, illuminating the palpable anticipation that was in the air. Flowers adorned Daaji’s home in simple dahlia garlands. Everyone gathered in the meditation hall by 9 am. The simplicity was bespoke of a higher ostentatious order. Elegantly dressed practitioners walked in silently and settled down into a meditative mood. A beautiful documentary of Babuji Maharaj’s interview filmed in the 70s was played to begin the telecast. Mesmerized by Babuji’s voice, gestures, and smile as he held Lalaji’s photograph close to his heart while he was being filmed, every practitioner's heartfelt thankfully proud of the legacy he has built which we carry in our meditations every day.
The choppers landed on the helipad which had been specially prepared at the new school site, by 11:30 am. After the dust settled, a bevy of functionaries greeted the Hon’ble Prime Minister as he alighted. Ceremoniously, the Prime Minister’s convoy proceeded towards the meditation hall. Daaji awaited him alone as per carefully laid out protocol. They greeted each other with broad smiles. They went for a short golf cart tour of Kanha. They conversed about Kanha as Daaji showed him a few of Kanha’s green landmarks. On this significant occasion, the Hon’ble Prime Minister planted a Bakul plant, known for its medicinal, cultural, and astronomical significance. In addition to its manifold benefits, the Bakul Tree holds special significance as it is intricately linked with Lord Krishna and the Anuradha Nakshatra (constellation). Notably, our esteemed Prime Minister was born under the celestial configuration of the Anuradha Nakshatra.
By 11.45 am they walked on the stage to a round of thundering applause. Viewers from 160 countries were watching the program live. After a brief introduction of the event by the MC, Daaji felicitated Modiji and then he gave a profound talk where he relieved the story which Babuji Maharaj said in 1978 about the boy who would be leading India, and that the prediction had come true and the boy has come to the home of the predictor today. After the talk, Modiji unveiled the plaque of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Pujya Babuji Maharaj, along with Daaji.
During his address, Shri Narendra Modi Ji expressed his admiration for the commendable efforts undertaken by the Heartfulness Institute and the various environmental and wellbeing initiatives at Kanha Shanti Vanam. He praised the center for spreading the wisdom and traditions of ancient seers and yogis, embraced by over 160 countries as yoga and meditation. The Prime Minister emphasized the positive energy emanating from the collective meditation by lakhs of people at Kanha Shanti Vanam and its contribution to building a strong Bharat (India). Shri Narendra Modi Ji praised Daaji's contributions to humanity, citing his significant role in the pharmaceutical industry and his exemplary leadership in the science of spirituality. Daaji's recognition with the Padma Bhushan was highlighted as a testament to his remarkable contributions.
On the way back Modiji visited Daaji's home. He and Daaji had a discussion on several aspects in a personal meeting. Thereafter Modiji conversed with Daaji’s family taking a memorable group photograph. After a brief Brighter Minds demonstration he took his leave to reach the helipad where the chopper was already in take-off mode. As he flew off, there was a huge feeling of awe in the atmosphere of Kanha his historic visit had left.
Daaji discussed various subjects including bio charcoal, plasma water, afforestation along railway tracks and roads, the establishment of water bodies and mini-forests along highways, the My Bharat mission to prevent substance abuse among youth, and initiatives in land development in Gujarat with the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Daaji updated the Prime Minister on various afforestation projects undertaken by the Heartfulness teams in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other states, highlighting both the progress made and the developmental challenges faced.
Additionally, he presented the Hon’ble Prime Minister with an author-signed copy of the Spiritual Anatomy book and an early edition of the upcoming publication centered on the life of the 24 Tirthankars of Jainism, highlighting the parallels between their teachings and the principles of Heartfulness. This book, authored by Daaji at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, is based on extensive research and is co-authored with B. Rathinasabapathy. Later Daaji went for a walk.
In the evening Daaji conducted the meditation in the meditation hall from 5.34 pm to 6 pm. After the meditation, Tanuja Nesari, Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi met Daaji in his office. She had come to Hyderabad for an official conference in the city and wanted to take this opportunity to pay her respects to Daaji and take his blessings. When Daaji was getting into the car, many practitioners gathered and congratulated Daaji for Modiji’s Visit. When one of them remarked it was a great success and achievement, Daaji in his down-to-earth manner said, ‘It’s just the beginning.’
Later in the evening Shri Himanshu Gupta, Director of Education of Delhi, and Himanshu SPG joined Daaji for the dinner. He discussed with him and other guests the need for value-based education for kids, integrating agriculture into the curriculum. Daaji then took all of them for a walk in the surrounding forest and showed them the Hydroponics installations.
The Prime Minister’s visit was very welcome. However, we must remember that people won’t simply start Heartfulness meditation practice just because such a well-known person came to visit us. It was a good thing to happen.