Sambhal : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that along with pilgrimage sites, hi-tech infrastructure has been also developed across the nation.
While addressing a gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham, PM Modi said, "Today, on one hand, our pilgrimage sites are being developed, and on the other hand, hi-tech infrastructure is also being created in the cities."
"If temples are being built today, then new medical colleges are also being built across the country," he added.
"Today, with the devotion of revered saints and the spirit of the people, the foundation of another holy place is being laid. Now I have the privilege of laying the foundation stone of the grand Kalki Dham in the presence of all of you. I am confident that Kalki Dham will emerge as another great centre of Indian faith," the Prime Minister said.
He also hailed the country's achievement in terms of foreign investment.
"Today our ancient sculptures are also being brought back from abroad and foreign investment is also coming in record numbers. For the first time, an Indian citizen, no matter which corner of the world he is in, feels proud of himself. The wave of positive thinking and confidence in the country is amazing. Therefore today our power is also infinite and the possibilities for us are also immense," the Prime Minister remarked.
PM Modi reiterated his call for 'Ram Rashtra' saying that a new journey is beginning for India for the next thousand years adding that Kalki will determine the course.
"Now a new period has started from 22nd January. When Lord Shri Ram ruled, his influence lasted for thousands of years. Similarly, with the enthronement of Ram Lalla, a new journey is beginning for India for the next thousand years," PM Modi said.
"Like Lord Ram, Kalki's avatar will also determine the course of thousands of years. We can say that Kalki is the initiator of change in the cycle of time and is also a source of inspiration," he added.
PM Modi said that Acharya Pramod Krishnam, chairman of the Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust 'gave him nothing' but expressed his feelings while indirectly taking a dig at 'possible corruption charges'.
Drawing parallels with the Lord Krishna-Sudama encounter from the myths, he said that if it were the current times, then Lord Krishna would have been charged with corruption.
"He (Acharya Pramod Krishnam) said that everyone has something to give but I have nothing, I can only express my feelings. Pramod ji, it is good that you did not give me anything, otherwise the times have changed in such a way that if in today's era, Sudama would give rice to Shri Krishna and the video would come out, a PIL would be filed in the Supreme Court and the judgment would come that something was given to Lord Krishna in corruption and Lord Krishna was doing corruption. It is better that you expressed your feelings and did not give anything," the Prime Minister remarked.
He also highlighted that the country is recognised as an 'innovation hub'.
"Today, for the first time, India is at a stage where we are not following, we are setting an example. Today, for the first time, India is being seen as a centre of possibilities in the field of technology and digital technology. We are being recognized as an innovation hub," the Prime Minister said.
"India is a nation that can pull out victory even from defeat. We were attacked so much for hundreds of years. Had it been any other country, any other society, it would have been destroyed due to so many continuous attacks. Yet we not only stood firm but also emerged even stronger," he said.
"There are many such good works which some people have left for me only. Whatever good work is left in the future, we will complete it with the blessings of the saints and the people," the Prime Minister outlined.
He also paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji on the occasion of his birth anniversary during the address.
"Today is also the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This day therefore becomes even more sacred and inspiring. Today, the cultural revival that we are seeing in the country and being proud of our identity, we get this inspiration only from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On this occasion, I pay my respects at the feet of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," PM Modi said.
Speaking on occasion, Acharya Pramod Krishnam, chairman of Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust asserted that saints from across the country have gathered at Shri Kalki Dham in Sambhal to realise the dream of 'Sanatan Dharma' seen 18 years ago.
"This group of thousands of saints have gathered today to realize the dream of the proclamation of 'Sanatan Dharma'. The dream which we saw 18 years ago, the dream which the sages saw from ancient times till today," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day laid the foundation stone for Shri Kalki Dham in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Acharya Pramod Krishnam.
During the occasion, saints of the Shri Kalki Dham presented the proposed form of Kalki Dham temple to PM Modi.
The programme witnessed the participation of many saints, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
Shri Kalki Dham is being constructed by Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust whose chairman is Acharya Pramod Krishnam.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will launch as many as 14,500 projects across Uttar Pradesh worth more than Rs 10 Lakh crore at the fourth groundbreaking ceremony in Lucknow for investment proposals received during the UP Global Investors Summit 2023 (UPGIS 2023) held in February 2023.
The projects relate to sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, IT and ITeS, food processing, housing and real estate, hospitality and entertainment, and education among others.
According to the Prime Minister's office, the programme will be attended by about 5,000 participants, including industrialists, representatives of top global and Indian firms, ambassadors and high commissioners and other distinguished guests.