Jamshedpur, February 26 President Droupadi Murmu stated on Thursday that the spiritual teachings in the Bhagavad Gita could provide a new direction for today's youth and shape their lives.
Murmu was addressing a gathering in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, after laying the foundation stone and performing the ground-breaking ceremony of the Sri Jagannath Spiritual and Cultural Charitable Centre Trust at Kadma.
"It will be a center for spiritual learning and communal harmony. It will ensure the education of poor children, including girls, at its hostel," Murmu said.
The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are nourishment for the soul, the President said.
Murmu also praised the organizers of the proposed spiritual center, saying it will help instill the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita among youth and shape their character.
The President said that in our spiritual tradition, the greatest emphasis is placed on the feeling of love and compassion for all living beings and plants.
"Mahaprabhu Jagannath is the Lord of the entire universe. His grace showers equally upon all humanity, without any discrimination," she said, adding that there is no caste and creed or untouchability at the doorstep of Lord Jagannath.
This is the reason Lord Jagannath was also known as "Jagat ke Nath" (Lord of the Universe), she said.
Recalling her tenure as the Governor of Jharkhand, Murmu said that the state has set a good example of social harmony and preserved tribal traditions.
She also expressed satisfaction over the growing faith in Lord Jagannath worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that over 500 Jagannath temples have been built across the country so far.
SK Behera, managing trustee of the trust, said that the new center will be a replica of the 12th-century shrine in Puri, and will be developed over 2.5 acres near the river Kharkhai at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore.
The project is expected to boost religious tourism in the state and also serve as a hub for "character building and ethical development" of the younger generation.
"We aim to foster holistic personality development of today's youth and those pursuing higher education," Behera said.
Later, President Murmu interacted with students of Manipal Tata Medical College, Baridiha, offering her blessings for a bright future.
She also planted a tree on the campus to spread the message of environmental protection, as posted on X by the East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner.