Udupi witnessed an extraordinary display of enthusiasm and devotion on November 28, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the temple town after a 17-year gap. The visit, marked by an elaborate two-kilometre roadshow, drew massive crowds who had gathered since early morning to welcome the country’s leader. For Udupi, a region steeped in spiritual legacy and cultural pride, PM Modi’s arrival was not just a political event but an emotional moment, rekindling memories of his 2008 visit before he became Prime Minister.
#WATCH | Udupi, Karnataka | PM Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Udupi
Source: ANI/ DD pic.twitter.com/QOyJiHWidC
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2025
PM Modi flew from Mangaluru Airport in an Indian Air Force helicopter and landed in Udupi amid unprecedented security and an electrified atmosphere. People lined up along the entire stretch of the roadshow route, showering the Prime Minister with flowers, chanting slogans, waving flags and placards, and capturing the moment on their phones. In return, PM Modi smiled warmly, waved continuously, and even threw flowers back at the crowd, acknowledging their deep affection. The scenes highlighted not just political popularity but a personal bond between PM Modi and coastal Karnataka.
Once the roadshow concluded, the Prime Minister proceeded to the famed Sri Krishna Math. Entering through the historic Ratha Beedi, he walked into the sanctum via the iconic Kanakana Kindi the window through which poet-saint Kanakadasa is believed to have first glimpsed Bhagwan Krishna. PM Modi offered prayers, performed Teertha Prokshane at the Madhwa Sarovara, and interacted with the seers of the Ashta Mutts. His presence evoked a spiritual fervour across the temple town, with devotees expressing joy over his visit.
#WATCH | Udupi, Karnataka | Jagadguru Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji felicitates PM Narendra Modi at the Vishwa Gita Paryaay- Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana.
Source: DD pic.twitter.com/L2esWvStXh
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2025
Later, PM Modi participated in the massive Laksha Kantha Gita Pathana a community chanting event where thousands recited verses from the Bhagavad Gita. Addressing the gathering, he urged citizens to make “nine resolutions” for nation-building. These included water conservation, planting trees in their mother’s name, uplifting at least one poor family, adopting Swadeshi, supporting natural farming, leading a healthier lifestyle, practising yoga, helping preserve manuscripts, and visiting at least 25 sacred places across India.
PM Modi emphasised that these commitments were essential for fulfilling the nation’s 2047 “Amrit Kaal” aspirations. India’s development, he said, depended not only on government policy but also on individual responsibility. He hailed the Udupi Math traditions, the spiritual heritage of Madhwacharya, and the cultural contributions of Kanakadasa as sources of inspiration for service, knowledge, and devotion.
Switching to Kannada, PM Modi greeted the crowd with “Jai Shri Krishna.” He also noticed people holding portraits of him along the roadshow route and instructed the SPG to collect them so he could send them personalised thank-you letters. This gesture won loud applause, reinforcing his image as a leader who values emotional connections with citizens.
During his speech, PM Modi recalled his recent visit to Ayodhya, where the Dharma Dhvaja was installed at the Ram Mandir. Linking Ayodhya to Udupi, he said that millions of devotees across the country were united in joy over the temple’s completion. He also praised the Laksha Kantha Gita Pathana, organised under the guidance of Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji, calling it a “campaign of Sanatana culture” that would strengthen spiritual consciousness among the younger generation.
PM Modi said the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings of duty, righteousness and universal welfare inspired India’s governance model. The message of Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas echoed the essence of Bhagwan Krishna’s philosophy. He added that, just as the Gita teaches the destruction of evil, the government must also act decisively against those who threaten national integrity. Without naming, he referred to anti-India forces and said the country would deploy its “Sudharshana Chakra” in the form of national security operations whenever required.
The Prime Minister hailed Udupi as the “karma bhoomi” of leaders like the late V.S. Acharya and acknowledged the region’s long association with the Jan Sangh and the BJP’s governance ideals. He said that Udupi’s cultural and educational institutions played an important role in shaping Karnataka’s development narrative.
