Prime Minister launches 50 development projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore at Varanasi; Unveiled the 63 feet statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

Addressing the closing ceremony of the Centenary Celebrations of Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangam Badi Math in Varanasi today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, our conduct as a citizen will determine the future and direction of a new India.

After reaching his parliamentary constituency on a daylong visit, the Prime Minister went to Jangam Badi Math and offered prayers.

The Prime Minister then visited Padav area of Chandauli district where he dedicated to the nation the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre. He also unveiled the 63 feet statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. This is the largest statue of the leader in the country.

Later, the Prime Minister launched 50 development projects worth over Rs.1,200 crore at Varanasi. Shri Narendra Modi also flagged off the Mahakaal Express to link Varanasi, Ujjain and Omkareshwar.

At the closing ceremony of the Centenary Celebration of Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangamwadi Mutt in Varanasi, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also released the translated version of ‘Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth’ in 19 languages. He also launched the ‘Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth’ Mobile App. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister said, its a coincidence that the centenary celebrations are taking place at the beginning of a new decade, and that this decade will once again establish India’s role in 21st century in the world.

He said the digitisation of Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth via Mobile App will further strengthen the engagement with the younger generation and will also inspire their lives. He suggested conducting an annual quiz competition on topics related to Granth, via this Mobile app. He said the translation of Granth in 19 languages will help in making it accessible to a wider public.

Prime Minister said,” Our conduct as a citizen will determine the future of India, will decide the direction of a new India”. He said following the path shown by the saints, we have to fulfil the aspirations of our lives and continue to cooperate fully in nation-building.

He appreciated people’s contribution in creating awareness about cleanliness and taking the Swachhta Mission to each and every corner of the country. He urged them to use Made in India products. He also asked everyone to participate in Jal Jeevan mission to make it a success.

Prime Minister said a significant and visible improvement was made in cleaning the Ganga River; this, he said could be achieved only because of the public participation. He said under Namami Gange Programme, projects worth Rs 7000 crores have been completed while work on projects worth Rs 21000 crores is under progress.

Prime Minister said the government has recently announced the formation of trust- ‘Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra’ for the construction of Ram temple. This trust will look after the construction of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya. He said government has also decided to transfer 67 acres of land to the trust.

(with inputs from AIR & PIB)