Kalki Dham Foundation Stone Laying In UP's Sambhal: Here Are The Key Highlights Of PM Modi's Address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (19 February) laid the foundation stone of Hindu shrine Kalki Dham in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal.

The foundation laying ceremony was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Kalki Dham Nirman Trust Chairman Acharya Pramod Krishnam, seers and religious leaders from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, "I have had the privilege of laying the foundation stone of the grand Kalki Dham in the presence of all of you. I am confident that Kalki Dham will emerge as another great centre of Indian faith".

Here are the highlights of his speech:

Unique Features of Kalki Dham

PM Modi said that the Kalki Dham will be spread over several acres and will have 10 sancta sanctorum.

All the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu will be consecrated in these sancta sanctorum, he informed.

"This huge Dham spread over several acres is going to be special in many ways. This will be such a temple, which will have 10 sanctums and all the 10 incarnations of God will be enshrined," he said.

"There are many good works that some people have left for me to do. With the blessings of the saints and the people, we will also complete the good works that remain," he added.

Reflections on Recent Religious Milestones

"Just last month, the country saw the end of 500 years of wait in Ayodhya. That supernatural experience of Ramlala's presence, that divine feeling, still makes us emotional. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed the inauguration of the first huge temple in Abu Dhabi, on Arab soil, hundreds of kilometers away from the country," he said.

A Decade of Religious and Cultural Development

Speaking about the ten years of his government, PM Modi outlined several religious projects undertaken across the country.

"We have seen Vishwanath Dham flourishing. During this period we are witnessing the rejuvenation of Kashi. It is during this period that we have seen the glory of Mahalok of Mahakaal. We have seen the development of Somnath, reconstruction of Kedar Valley. We are imbibing the mantra of development as well as heritage," he said.

Infrastructure and Religious Development

"Today, on one hand, our pilgrimage sites are being developed, and on the other hand, hi-tech infrastructure is also being created in the cities. If temples are being built today, then new medical colleges are also being built across the country," he said.

"Today our ancient sculptures are also being brought back from abroad and foreign investment is also coming in record numbers," he added.

Kalki Avatar's Role in Shaping India's Future

PM Modi said that like Lord Ram, Kalki avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu will also determine India's course for thousands of years.

He added that Kalki is the initiator of change in the cycle of time and is also a source of inspiration.

India's Resilience Through History

PM Modi also spoke about the invasions that the country faced for hundreds of years but still stood firm.

"India is a nation that can pull out victory even from defeat. We were attacked so much for hundreds of years. Had it been any other country, any other society, it would have been completely destroyed due to so many continuous attacks. Yet we not only stood firm, but also emerged even stronger," PM Modi said.

India as a Center of Possibilities and Innovation

"Today, for the first time, India is at a stage where we are not following, we are setting an example. Today, for the first time, India is being seen as a center of possibilities in the field of technology and digital technology. We are being recognised as an innovation hub," he said.

National Pride and Confidence

"For the first time, an Indian citizen, no matter which corner of the world he is in, feels proud of himself. The wave of positive thinking and confidence in the country is amazing. Therefore today our power is also infinite and the possibilities for us are also immense," he said.