The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar participated in the centenary celebration organised by Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, in the National Capital here.
The event commemorated three significant milestones: the 100th birth anniversary of Param Vandaneya Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma Ji, 100 years of the manifestation of the Akhand Deepak, and 100 years of the penance and spiritual practice of Param Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya Ji.
The celebration brought together representatives, office-bearers and devotees of the Gayatri Parivar from across India and abroad.
The gathering recalled the founders’ extraordinary spiritual dedication and their vision of Yug Nirman, while reaffirming the values of cultural heritage, social harmony, commitment to public welfare and service to society.
Dr Virendra Kumar highlighted the significant contribution of Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The organisation’s efforts in spreading spiritual awareness, education and awareness about the harmful effects of substance use have helped strengthen the national movement against drug abuse.
The Minister noted that these efforts reinforce the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of building a “Vyasanmukt Bharat, Sanskaryukt Bharat” (a drug-free India rooted in strong values). Through community engagement and sustained awareness initiatives, the Gayatri Parivar has encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to adopt healthy and responsible lifestyles.
The presence of thousands of participants at the centenary celebration reflected the century-long dedication and service of Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar. The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Vice-Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, and his dedicated team in carrying forward the organisation’s mission of social service and nation-building.
Inspired by the teachings of its founder, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya Ji, Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar continues to promote the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World Is One Family) and contribute to initiatives aimed at building a healthier, more harmonious society. Its work in the field of de-addiction reflects the role that spiritual and social organisations can play in addressing substance abuse through awareness, community participation and collective responsibility.
The Minister observed that the collective resolve taken by participants to overcome substance addiction during the centenary commemoration of Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma Ji was a significant contribution to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The Minister further highlighted that, following the nationwide call for public participation given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2020, crores of people have joined the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan across the country. He appreciated the distinctive and exemplary role of Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar in mobilising communities and strengthening awareness against substance abuse.
The Ministry reiterated that the active participation of spiritual organisations, educational institutions, civil society and citizens is essential to achieving the goal of a drug-free India. The centenary celebration provided an important platform to renew the collective commitment towards substance-use prevention, social responsibility and public welfare.