City
Epaper

It is like coming back home: Modi on overnight stay at Belur Math

By IANS | Updated: January 12, 2020 17:20 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined the morning prayers, interacted with saints and seers and meditated at the temple of Swami Vivekananda on the ascetic's 157th birth anniversary at the Belur Math the global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission where he became the first Prime Minister to stay overnight.

Open in App

Modi later said his overnight stay at Belur Math was like "coming back home".

The Prime Minister, who had arrived at the Swami Vivekananda founded Belur Math in Howrah district on Saturday evening by launch from Kolkata and put up for the night at its international guest house, woke up early on Sunday and participated in the Mangal arati.

He then met the senior monks and prayed with them before going to the temple of Swami Vivekananda for meditation.

On May 10, 2015, Modi had prayed and meditated at the ascetic-philosopher's bedroom, on his previous visit to the monastery, around a year after becoming the Prime Minister.

Modi then went to the main temple and paid tribute to Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, before taking prasad offered by the monks.

The Prime Minister had in his youth wanted to become an ascetic of the Ramakrishna Mission, but was asked by its former president Swami Atwasthananda to concentrate on jana seva (public service) instead.

Later, addressing the youth in the monastery's premises, Modi said Swami Vivekananda's ideas were still relevant.

He said the world had lot of expectations from the youth of the country.

"If you're a youth, you deal with challenges and don't run away," he said.

Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is celebrated as National Youth Day.

Modi later took a launch ride to Kolkata where he inaugurated the sesquicentenary celebearions of Kolkata Port Trust.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: modiSwami Vivekanandakolkata
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketIPL 2026 Today Match, KKR vs SRH: Kolkata Weather Forecast, Eden Gardens Pitch Report, Match Timing, Probable Playing XIs & Live Streaming Details

Social ViralBride and Groom Share 35-Second Passionate Kiss in Mandap Before Guests, Video Goes Viral (Watch)

NationalControversial ‘Towel Dance’ From Bengal School Cultural Event Sparks Online Outrage

NationalKolkata: Clashes Erupt Between TMC and BJP Supporters Before PM Modi’s Rally in West Bengal (VIDEO)

Social ViralSA vs NZ: Funny Memes and Jokes Flood Social Media After South Africa’s T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Exit

National Realted Stories

NationalHyderabad woman alleges forced conversion, rape, and blackmail by husband, family

NationalEaster celebrated with fervour at Sacred Heart Church in Tamil Nadu

NationalPM Modi to address rally in Cooch Behar as BJP steps up Bengal campaign

NationalMinistry of Social Justice clocks highest-ever Rs 11,810 crore expenditure in FY26

NationalHimachal govt orders fresh action in Chester Hill land case under tenancy and land reforms law