24 Sep, 2003

Inculcate Spiritual Strength: Advani

The 50th birthday celebrations of leading spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi got off to a colourful start here with Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani making a strong plea for inculcating spiritual strength, which towered above economic and knowledge powers to alleviate the problems of mankind.

"We in India believe physical strength, economic strength and knowledge strength are important. But spiritual strength is above all these," he said addressing nearly one lakh devotees of Amritanandamayi, affectionately called 'Amma', who had gathered here from India and 191 countries for the four-day event.

"Agriculture can energise us, industry can enrich us, knowledge may enlighten us, but spiritual power elevates us," he said.

Advani, who offered a garland of roses and marigold to Amma and touched her feet before his speech, said there were occasions where speeches do not matter, "it is the presence of an enlightened soul which gives a sense of enlightenment to all who have gathered".

Gazing at the vast expanse of humanity who were chanting "Amma, Amma", he said the congregation was the biggest he had ever addressed.

Advani inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the traditional 'Nilavilakku', symbolising the sacred and festive nature of the "Amritavarsham 50".