Ahmedabad: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today hailed the Swaminarayan sect’s campaign for social harmony and de-addiction, as they spread the message of social harmony, tolerance and art of living in India and abroad, instead of imposing Hinduism on others.

Speaking at the Swaminarayan Temple’s decennial celebration at Morbi, he said that his government has also made prohibition strict and effective.

Mr. Rupani said that religious authority is above governance as is depicted in scriptures, too. He compared the ancient notion of Ramrajya to the modern concept of Welfare State, helping the weak to become self-reliant, wiping the tears of the last man in the last mile, and ensuring the welfare of one and all.

He said he has no desire for office or power and hasn’t allowed arrogance or haughtiness to go into his head. His government functions on the four pillars of transparency, compassion, prosperity and decisiveness.

The Chief Minister also performed ground-breaking ceremony of renovation of the Ravapar-Dhunda 29-km stretch at a cost of Rs.10.90-crore.

Purushottam Swami felicitated and presented a headgear to the Chief Minister.

Giving details of the decennial function, Bhaktinandandasji Swami said the sants at the temple freed 25,000 youth from addiction and sown one lakh saplings.

Shriji Ceramics presented a cheque of Rs.1.51-lakh towards the Chief Minister’s Kanya Kelavani Nidhi for girls’ education.

Those present on the occasion included Mahant Swami of Mulidham, Shriji Swami, Vishwaviharidas Swami, Minister of State Jayantibhai Kavadia, MP Mohanbhai Kundaria, MLAs Kantibhai Amritiya and Bavanjibhai Metalia, Collector I.K. Patel and DDO Sunil Kumar.

 

DeshGujarat