President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said the blending of modernity with spirituality was the greatest strength of India’s civilisation, as she underlined the need for value-based development to address contemporary global challenges.
Addressing a conference titled “Timeless Wisdom of Bharat: Pathways of Peace and Progress”, organised by the Brahma Kumaris Shanti Sarovar to mark its 21st anniversary, the President said the world was witnessing rapid transformations accompanied by serious concerns such as mental health issues, social conflicts, ecological imbalance and erosion of human values.
She said material progress alone could not ensure happiness and peace, stressing that inner stability, emotional intelligence and a value-oriented approach were equally essential.
Referring to India’s ancient sage tradition, the President said it had given enduring messages of truth, non-violence and peaceful coexistence, and that the country’s spiritual heritage offered solutions to global mental, moral and environmental problems. She highlighted Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the idea of the world as one family — as a guiding principle for global peace.
Spirituality, she said, provided a strong foundation for social unity and national progress. Individuals guided by mental balance, moral values and self-discipline contributed to a culture of tolerance, cooperation and responsibility, thereby strengthening nation-building efforts.
President Murmu also lauded the Brahma Kumaris organisation for spreading universal Indian values across the world over the decades, saying its efforts to foster peace and positivity were helping strengthen the moral and emotional fabric of society.
