Chandigarh, April 7 Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Tuesday emphasized that true spiritual development does not lie in withdrawing from the world, but in remaining actively engaged in it with awareness and performing one's duties with a spirit of selflessness.
He was addressing a gathering at Haryana Lok Bhawan during the release of two books authored by his private secretary, Shankha Chatterjee, titled "Advaita Vedanta: Ek Anokha Darshan" and "Samajik Drishtikon Mein Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra".
The governor said that both Advaita Vedanta and Kurukshetra, revered as a sacred 'Dharmakshetra', offer profound insights into the spiritual evolution of humanity.
Referring to Adi Shankaracharya, who systematized Advaita Vedanta, he said the philosophy teaches that the individual self and universal consciousness are one, thereby dissolving the illusion of separation and guiding seekers towards self-realization and inner liberation.
He further noted that Kurukshetra, the sacred battlefield of the Mahabharata, symbolizes the moral and spiritual struggle inherent in human life.
It is here that Lord Krishna imparted eternal wisdom to Arjuna, inspiring him to act with righteousness, detachment and clarity of purpose, he said.
Highlighting the significance of the books, Ghosh said they would not only enrich intellectual discourse but also encourage readers to reflect deeply on life, duty and spiritual understanding.
While Advaita Vedanta presents the philosophical truth of oneness, Kurukshetra serves as the practical arena where this truth is realized through action.
The governor also lauded Chatterjee for his intellect, dedication and simplicity, describing him as a multifaceted personality.
He remarked that Chatterjee has inherited an inclusive intellectual and spiritual outlook from his parents, which is reflected in his writings and perspective on spiritual subjects.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Harvinder Kalyan, said that books play a crucial role in shaping one's understanding of life and its purpose.
Kalyan added that the vision of a developed nation, as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can be realized through creative and thoughtful youth like Chatterjee.
He emphasised the need for young minds to integrate India's rich cultural heritage with modern thinking.
Kalyan further said that the two books released on Tuesday contribute to rekindling the spirit of India's ancient culture and values, while also inspiring youth to imbibe the message of action as propagated by Lord Krishna.
He also appreciated the progressive vision and leadership of Governor Ghosh, saying that his initiatives are providing new direction to Haryana and inspiring all.
On the occasion, Ramakrishna Math and Mission vice president Swami Vimalatmananda Ji Maharaj said that both books would enrich the treasure of Hindi literature.
He remarked that Kurukshetra teaches that life is a continuous battle where one must overcome ego, greed, anger and attachment through selfless action.
Similarly, Advaita Vedanta elucidates the concept of one ultimate reality, dissolving the distinction between the soul and the supreme, he remarked.
Among those present on the occasion were the governor's wife Mitra Ghosh, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's wife Suman Saini, Haryana's Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar and INLD president Abhay Singh Chautala.