The connection between Kashi and Telugu people is deep. Telugu people have kept Kashi attached to their souls exactly like Kashi adopted and understood them, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Our forefathers established the consciousness of India in different centers which make the complete form of Mother India together”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29, while addressing Kashi-Telugu Sangamam in Kashi, Uttar Pradesh via video message. The PM began his address by conveying his best wishes on the occasion of Ganga Pushkaralu Utsav. “Even though I could not be present there to welcome you, my mind is with you all”, said Prime Minister.
Emphasising that the Ganga – Pushkaralu Utsav at the ghats of Kashi is like the confluence of the Ganges and the Godavari, PM said that it was a celebration of the confluence of ancient civilisations, cultures and traditions of India.
He recalled the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam that took place a few months ago in Kashi.
“This confluence of diversities is giving rise to the Amrit of nationalism that will ensure full energy for India in the future”, said the PM. Pointing out the deep connections of Kashi and its residents with Telugus, he said, “Kashi has been welcoming them for generations, and the relationship is as ancient as the city itself. The faith of people from a Telugu background in Kashi is as sacred as Kashi. People from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana constitute a significant number of the number of pilgrims who visit Kashi. Telugu states have given Kashi so many great saints, so many Acharyas and sages.”
Prime Minister said, “When the people of Kashi and the pilgrims go to visit Baba Vishwanath, they also visit Tailang Swami’s ashram to seek his blessings. Tailang Swami who was born in Vizianagaram but was called the living Shiva of Kashi by Swami Ramakrishna Paramhans.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that Telugu people have kept Kashi attached to their souls exactly like Kashi adopted and understood them, and mentioned the holy shrine Vemulawada which is called Dakshina Kashi. He underlined that the black thread which is tied on the hands in the temples of Andhra and Telangana is called Kashi Daram. Highlighting that the glory of Kashi is deeply embedded in the Telugu language and literature, the Prime Minister mentioned the Kashi Khandamu Granth by Srinath Mahakavi, the Kashi Yatra character of Engul Viraswamayya and the popular Kashi Majili Kathalu. Emphasising how an outsider might find it hard to believe how a city so far away can be so close to the heart, the Prime Minister said, “This is the heritage of India which has kept the belief of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ alive for centuries.”
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. The content has not been written or edited by Organiser staff)
