New Delhi, Jun 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday praised the deep spiritual and cultural significance of the Amarnath Yatra and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during his monthly radio programme ëMann Ki Baatí, calling them not just journeys of faith but also powerful symbols of national unity and public service.

Highlighting the upcoming commencement of the Amarnath Yatra on July 3 and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a prolonged pause, PM Modi described these yatras as transformative experiences that transcend religious rituals.

ìWhen someone embarks on a yatra, the first feeling that comes to mind is, ëChalo Bulawa Aaya HaiÖí (Letís proceed amid the divine call…). This very feeling is the soul of our religious yatras,î he said.

The PM called the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra an ìauspicious re-startî and noted its spiritual resonance across multiple faiths.

Kailash is considered the centre of faith and devotion in every tradition – be it Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain, he said, referring to the sacred peak as the abode of lord Shiva.

Reflecting on the essence of such journeys, PM Modi said yatras serve as a means of ìdisciplining the body, purifying the mind, mutual love and brotherhood, and connecting with God.î

He also underlined their societal impact, noting how they become occasions for service, where people voluntarily organise bhandaras (free food), water stalls, medical camps, and accommodations for yatris.

The PM also spoke of the recent Rath Yatra of lord Jagannath, celebrated in Odisha, Gujarat, and other states.

He described Indiaís yatras as ìa reflection of the spirit of ëEk Bharat-Shrestha Bharatíî (One India, Great India).

PM Modi urged devotees to undertake their journeys with ìdevotion, dedication, and discipline.î

He extended best wishes to all yatris, commending those working tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being.

ìI also commend those, who are engaged in making these yatras successful and safe with a spirit of service,î the PM said.

PM APPLAUDS YOGA EVENT AT WORLD’S HIGHEST RAIL BRIDGE

PM Modi also highlighted a remarkable celebration of International Day of Yoga that took place at one of Indiaís most iconic locations, the Chenab Rail Bridge in Reasi.

The bridge, known as the worldís highest railway arch bridge, served as a stunning and symbolic venue for the yoga event capturing the spirit of unity and wellness that International Day of Yoga represents.

The event was organised by the district administration Reasi under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nidhi Malik.

With enthusiastic participation from locals, officials, and yoga practitioners, the programme was a resounding success.

The backdrop of the Chenab Bridge set against the dramatic Himalayan landscape offered a powerful visual representation of the connection between physical health, natural beauty, and national pride.

DC Reasi Malik emphasised that this momentous occasion being mentioned by the PM in ëMann Ki Baatí was a matter of great pride for the Reasi district.

ìIt reflects not only the commitment of the local administration to national initiatives but also their ability to turn infrastructure and geography into opportunities for positive engagement. The recognition places Reasi firmly on the national stage and highlights its potential as a centre for innovative and meaningful public events,î she said.

Beyond national recognition, the event is expected to have a significant impact on the districtís future.

Tourism in Reasi, already buoyed by attractions like the Vaishno Devi shrine and the Chenab Bridge is likely to receive a substantial boost.

With growing interest in wellness tourism and adventure travel, such events promote the district as a destination that combines spiritual, physical and scenic experiences.

This can lead to increased economic opportunities for local communities, including job creation in tourism, hospitality, and allied sectors.

The success of this unique yoga event is a milestone for the Reasi district and serves as an inspiring example for other regions aiming to blend culture, wellness, and tourism.

ìThe district administrationís effort in making this event a reality has not only brought pride to Jammu and Kashmir but also set a benchmark for imaginative and impactful public engagement,î the DC said.

New Delhi, June 29: In the 123rd episode of his monthly radio show, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt wishes to devotees embarking on various religious yatras across the country.

He also lauded those who, with a selfless spirit of service, contribute to the smooth and safe conduct of these spiritual journeys.

“When one embarks on a pilgrimage, the first feeling that arises is ‘Let’s go, we have been called!’ This emotion is the soul of our pilgrimage. These pilgrimages are a means of discipline of the body, purification of the heart, of mutual love and brotherhood and a means to connect with God,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that beyond personal spiritual fulfilment, pilgrimages also represent collective service.

“There is another significant aspect to these journeys. These pilgrimages are also a great ritual of opportunities for service. Whenever a pilgrimage takes place, more people engage in serving the pilgrims than those who go on the pilgrimage. Everywhere, free community kitchens and food stalls are organised, people arrange for drinking water alongside the roads with a spirit of service, medical camps and facilities are set up, and many people even arrange lodging and rest houses for pilgrims,” he said.

PM Modi expressed joy over the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a long gap.

“Kailash Mansarovar means the abode of Lord Shiva. In every tradition — be it Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain — Kailash is considered to be the centre of faith and devotion,” he noted.

Highlighting the spiritual vibrancy across India, he added, “The holy Amarnath Yatra is going to start from July 3, and the holy month of Sawan is also just a few days away. Just a few days ago, we have also seen the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath ji.”

The Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most sacred festivals of the country, draws lakhs of devotees from across the country, who converge at the temple town to take part in it every year.

He praised the scale and unity reflected in these events. “Whether it is Odisha, Gujarat, or any other corner of the country, millions of devotees participate in this pilgrimage. From North to South and from East to West, these pilgrimages reflect the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’,” he said.

“When we undertake these pilgrimages with full devotion and discipline, then we also receive their rewards,” the Prime Minister said, concluding with a message of goodwill.

“I extend my best wishes to all the fortunate devotees going on the various Yatras. I also commend those who are engaged in making these Yatras successful and safe with a spirit of service,” he said.

Puri, June 29: At least three persons were killed and around 50 others injured in a stampede that took place near Shree Gundicha Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Sunday, a senior official said.

The incident took place around 4 am when hundreds of devotees gathered near the temple, Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said.

The injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital, and the condition of six people is critical, he said.

The deceased were identified as Basanti Sahu from Bolagarh, and Premakant Mohanty and Pravati Das from Balipatna.

The bodies have been sent for postmortem and an investigation is underway.