Amit Shah Addresses Gayatri Parivar’s Centenary Ceremony in Haridwar, Calls Spiritual Awakening Key to India and the World

Haridwar, Uttarakhand | January 22, 2026

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday addressed the “Centenary Year Ceremony – 2026” organized by the Gayatri Parivar in Haridwar on the occasion of the birth centenary of revered Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma and the centenary year of the Akhand Deep. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that Haridwar is a confluence of faith, spirituality and culture, and described his participation in the Akhand Jyoti conference as an experience of “unbroken energy and consciousness.” He said that Pandit Ram Sharma Acharya chose the path of individual transformation to revive Indian spirituality and culture, awakening the divine energy within every individual.

The Home Minister said that those who understand Sanatan Dharma, Indian culture and history firmly believe that solutions to all global problems lie within India’s own traditions. He added that the spiritual reconstruction of India would benefit not only the country but the entire world.

Referring to great visionaries such as Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo and Pandit Ram Sharma Acharya, Shah said all of them believed that when India rises in its full spiritual radiance, it will illuminate the world. He stressed that the words of such visionaries never fail and should be accepted as guiding principles.

Gayatri Parivar’s Global Impact

Amit Shah said that Pandit Ram Sharma Acharya and Mata Bhagwati Devi accomplished the work of several eras within a single lifetime. He noted that the Gayatri Parivar today guides over 15 crore followers across more than 100 countries on the path of spirituality and self-welfare.

He said that the uninterrupted journey of the Gayatri movement from 1925–26 to 2026, carrying millions together with a single vision, reflects the immense spiritual energy of Pandit Ji’s life and thoughts. Even decades after his passing, the Akhand Jyoti continues to burn not only physically but also in the hearts of millions, he added.

1925–26: A Year of National Resurgence

Highlighting the historical significance of the period, Shah said that 1925–26 marked a national resurgence, with the establishment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the founding of Gita Press, Gorakhpur, and the birth of Mata Bhagwati Devi — all now completing 100 years. He said the convergence of these milestones shows that the year itself was destined for India’s resurgence.

He added that while 100 years signify completion in an individual’s life, for institutions working toward national awakening, it marks a new phase of renewed energy and expansion.

“Hum Badlenge, Yug Badlega”

The Home Minister emphasized Pandit Ram Sharma Acharya’s slogan “Hum Badlenge, Yug Badlega” (We will change, the era will change), calling it a guiding principle for national transformation. He said that true change begins with the individual, and when individuals adopt spirituality, societal and generational transformation follows naturally.

Explaining the spiritual and scientific significance of the Gayatri Mantra, Shah said its 24 syllables awaken 24 noble spiritual centers within the human body, strengthening intellect, courage, altruism and righteousness. He noted that Pandit Ji gave the mantra a scientific foundation and brought it from ritualistic confines to the lives of the common people.

Social Reforms and Nation-Building

Amit Shah recalled Pandit Ram Sharma Acharya’s role in the freedom movement, including his participation in the Salt Satyagraha and resistance against British repression. Post-independence, he led movements against social evils such as caste discrimination, dowry, and addiction, and advocated women’s right to chant the Gayatri Mantra. He also highlighted the Gayatri Parivar’s consistent role in disaster relief during floods, earthquakes and pandemics.

He said that the magazine ‘Akhand Jyoti’, published without advertisements or external support and reaching crores of readers in over 100 languages, stands as a testament to the spiritual discipline of Pandit Ji and Mata Ji.

Tradition and Science Go Together

The Home Minister said that Pandit Ram Sharma Acharya firmly believed that religion and science complement each other, not oppose one another. He noted that the Gayatri Parivar has infused scientific temper into Sanatan Dharma and inspired youth to embrace both ancient wisdom and modern technology. Seeing children holding a Veda in one hand and a laptop in the other, he said, proves that tradition and progress can move forward together.

Vision for Developed India

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Amit Shah said that India is currently in Amrit Kaal, the journey from 75 to 100 years of independence. He expressed confidence that by August 15, 2047, India will emerge as a leading nation in every field — materially advanced and spiritually enlightened.

He said that the resolve to build a fully developed India cannot be achieved without the cooperation of social and spiritual organizations like the Gayatri Parivar, whose mission aligns with the national vision.

Major Developments in the Last Decade

The Home Minister also spoke about significant national milestones achieved in the last decade, including the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, restoration of Somnath Temple, abrogation of Article 370, and progress toward a Common Civil Code. He said that today Indians speak proudly about their faith and cultural identity.

On the occasion, Amit Shah also inaugurated the Patanjali Emergency and Critical Care Hospital in Haridwar.

The centenary celebrations of the Gayatri Parivar, he said, are not merely a commemoration of the past, but a renewed pledge to carry forward the mission of spiritual awakening, social reform and national resurgence.