COIMBATORE: Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday praised the contribution of Tamil Nadu to the evolution of Indian spiritualism, and said no account of India's spiritual history was complete without referencing the rich Tamil culture.
"Tamil Nadu is a land enriched with countless living examples of spirituality and has carried forward an unbroken legacy of wisdom and spirituality," Shah said while addressing a large gathering to mark Mahashivratri celebrations organised by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation in Coimbatore.
"Shiva is described as Shambhu and Swayambhu representing both truth and beauty. Known as Bhole Nath and Maha Kaal, Shiva is present here in Coimbatore as Adi Yogi, the first Yogi," he added.
Shah complimented Sadhguru for blending science and spirituality and connecting the youth to the country's cultural roots. "Sadhguru has brought science and spirituality together and proved that meditation, energy and state of consciousness are not ancient beliefs but fundamental aspects of science," he said. "PM Narendra Modi gave recognition to yoga by commemorating International Yoga Day and Sadhguru has given a new dimension to yoga through Adi Yogi," Shah said while also underlining the efforts made by Sadhguru to promote environmental consciousness.
Speaking earlier, Sadhguru praised the home minister for fully integrating J&K into the country through the nullification of Article 370, taming insurgencies, including of Left radicals, and for controlling terrorism.
"There were parts of the country which were earlier not in control of the ruling dispensation. What's done (by Shah) in in some way is a reflection of what Sardar Patel did at that time - once again stitching the nation together," he said
Contrasting the sharp drop in terror attacks with the rampages of terrorists through cities, Sadhguru said the home minister deserved the credit for the changed scenario.
Shah pointed to enthusiastic Maha Shivratri celebrations through the country and said, "From Somnath to Kedarnath, Pashupatinath to Rameshwaram, and Kashi to Coimbatore, the entire country is awash with devotion of Lord Shiva. And while Maha Kumbh concludes in Prayagraj, a grand Maha Kumbh of devotion is unfolding here in Coimbatore."
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Bharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. ...
Read MoreBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.
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