Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today emphasised that differences of opinion and perspective are natural in a democracy, but disagreements must always be expressed with mutual respect and dignity. He observed that Sant Kabir's teachings underscore the importance of restraint in speech, ethical conduct and respect for others, even when opinions differ.
Addressing the Sant Kabir Mahotsav and the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Kabir Smriti Bhawan at Kabirdham Ashram in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Birla said that Sant Kabir's timeless message of compassion, equality and social harmony continues to guide society even after six centuries. He observed that wider dissemination of Sant Kabir's teachings would foster sensitivity, mutual understanding and social harmony.
Recalling Sant Kabir's remarkable contribution to social reforms, Shri Birla said that, at a time when society was divided by caste distinctions, religious differences and social prejudices, Sant Kabir challenged prevailing orthodoxies and worked to break down divisive barriers. Through his simple yet profound couplets, composed in the language of the common people, he conveyed universal messages of truth, morality, equality and righteous conduct. Shri Birla observed that the enduring relevance of these teachings demonstrates their extraordinary power to inspire positive social transformation across generations.
Highlighting the importance of introspection, Shri Birla referred to Sant Kabir's celebrated couplet: "बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय; जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय।" He observed that, instead of finding faults in others, individuals should reflect on their own conduct and shortcomings. Such introspection, he said, fosters wisdom and humility and encourages a more compassionate approach towards fellow human beings.
Shri Birla further observed that an individual's true legacy is determined not by their position or status, but by their actions and contributions to society. Referring to Sant Kabir's simple life and enduring influence, he said that his noble deeds, selfless service and a commitment to the welfare of others leave a lasting impression on society.
Speaking about the significance of the Kabir Smriti Bhawan, Shri Birla expressed confidence that the institution would disseminate Sant Kabir's message among the people and inspire future generations to embrace his ideals. He underscored the need to take Sant Kabir's spiritual wisdom, people-centric outlook and rational expression to every section of society.
On the occasion, Shri Birla paid his respects to Sant Asang Dev Ji Maharaj and appreciated his lifelong dedication to social service and the dissemination of Sant Kabir's teachings across India and beyond. He observed that the lives of saints, marked by sacrifice, discipline and selfless dedication, provide spiritual strength and inspiration to society. He also acknowledged the contributions of saints and followers who have devoted their lives to carrying forward Sant Kabir's message.
Shri Birla called upon everyone to draw inspiration from Sant Kabir's teachings, practise restraint in speech, cultivate the habit of self-reflection and work towards bringing about positive change in the lives of others.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Sant Asang Dev Ji Maharaj, several public representatives, saints and a large number of followers of Sant Kabir were present on the occasion.
लखीमपुर खीरी, उत्तर प्रदेश में आयोजित संत कबीर महोत्सव एवं कबीर स्मृति भवन के भूमि पूजन एवं शिलान्यास समारोह में सम्मिलित हुआ। संत कबीर की वाणी भारतीय संत परंपरा की वह अमूल्य धरोहर है, जो सदियों से मानवता को सत्य, प्रेम, समरसता और आत्मचिंतन का मार्ग दिखाती आई है। उनके विचार सामाजिक रूढ़ियों से ऊपर उठकर मानवीय मूल्यों, सदाचार और पारस्परिक सम्मान को जीवन का आधार बनाने की प्रेरणा देते हैं। पूज्य संत श्री असंग देव जी महाराज के जन्मोत्सव के पावन अवसर पर उन्हें हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। कबीर धाम के माध्यम से संत कबीर के विचारों को जन-जन तक पहुँचाने का उनका सतत प्रयास समाज को आध्यात्मिक चेतना और नैतिक मूल्यों से जोड़ने की दिशा में सराहनीय है। कबीर स्मृति भवन का निर्माण संत कबीर की अमर वाणी, साहित्यिक विरासत और लोकमंगल के संदेश को भावी पीढ़ियों तक पहुँचाने का महत्वपूर्ण माध्यम बनेगा। विश्वास है कि यह भवन सत्य, सद्भाव और मानवीय संवेदना के उन मूल्यों को निरंतर आलोकित करेगा, जिनमें एक समरस और सशक्त समाज की नींव निहित है।