PM attends inaugural ceremony of Mananeeya Eknath Ranade Janm Shati Parva

He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the `Mananeeya Eknath Ranade Janm Shati Parva` in New Delhi.

Modi said, "Shri Eknath Ranade should inspire us to create an India that is both bhavya (prosperous) and divya (spiritual)."

He said India`s poor seek prosperity, and the world seeks spirituality from India.

The Prime Minister said Ranade`s mission was to prepare youth of Swami Vivekananda`s dreams.

He appreciated the work done by the Vivekananda Kendra in the North-Eastern states.

He said Ranade indeed lived up to the motto of "One life. One mission." The Prime Minister spoke at length about his personal experiences with Ranade, calling it his good fortune that after working with Ranade in his formative years, he was today participating in his `Janma Shati
Parva.`

He described Ranade as a perfectionist. Referring to Ranade`s role in the creation of the Vivekananda rock memorial at Kanyakumari, the
Prime Minister said  Ranade paid attention to minor details like which direction the statue`s eye will look at, and what anti-corrosion
material should be used to ensure the statue`s longevity.

The Prime Minister also praised Ranade as a unifier and one who laid stress on people`s participation - Jan Bhaagidaari.

He said he had sought support from leaders across the political spectrum, for the construction of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

He said many, many Indians above the age of 40, would recall donating a small sum of money for this memorial, and were hence part of it.