President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday the significance of peace and unity has increased amid unrest in certain parts of the world.
Addressing the inaugural session of a four-day global summit on 'Spirituality for Clean and Healthy Society' at the international headquarters of Brahma Kumaris in Mount Abu, the president said, "Today, an atmosphere of unrest is prevailing in several parts of the world. At a time when human values are declining, the importance of peace and unity is increasing even more." She added, "Peace is also located deep inside the mind. So everyone must keep their mind, words and deeds clean." Murmu urged people to come together to overcome the challenge of global warming and pollution and said, "People should understand that they are not the owners of this earth, but are responsible for its protection. We are trustees, not owners. We have to protect this planet with our own discretion." Somewhere there is excessive rain while somewhere there is a drought, she said on the impact of climate change.
"The Government of India has requested every person to plant a sapling in the name of mothers. If 140 crore saplings are planted, the number of trees will increase which will slowly improve the climate. To achieve this, everyone must plant a sapling each year," she said.
Murmu said materialism only provides momentary happiness, and people get attracted to it thinking it to be real contentment, but it also becomes the reason for sorrow and dissatisfaction. Spirituality, instead, gives people an opportunity to recognise their inner strength, she said.
"Spirituality gives a new perspective, it creates a sense of compassion towards all creatures and sensitivity towards the nature. Spirituality is a medium to bring positivity in the society. Being spiritual means recognising the inner power, and bringing purity in conduct.
"One can become a better person by improving his actions. Bringing purity in thoughts and actions is necessary for peace and balance in life, and for a healthy society," the president said.
"People sometimes become tainted with lust, anger and attachments. But if the soul is pure, everything will be purified. If we are not mentally clean, external cleanliness will prove meaningless," she added.
The event was also attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade.
Later in the day, the president visited the Mangarh Dham in Banswara where she addressed the 'Adi Gaurav Samman Samaroh'.
Stressing that education is the key to development, Murmu said, "Send your children to school, get them educated because education is the key to development. With education, the children will progress, the society will progress, while the country will also move ahead." Recalling her growing up years, she said, "After studying in my village, I went to Bhubaneswar for further studies. Had I not got a hostel seat, my education could have been interrupted.
"Today I am standing in front of you only on the strength of my education. Therefore, I request everyone to get their children educated." Governor Bagade and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma were also present at the event.
Earlier, the president paid tribute to Govind Guru at his Samadhi in Mangarh Dham.
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