Spirituality Is Antidote To Stress, Says Naidu
The Chief Minister announced that the state government would construct 5,000 Sri Venkateswara temples across Andhra Pradesh to reinforce spiritual values and social cohesion. He also emphasised the need to preserve the tradition of joint families
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday flagged off the first Jagannath Rath Yatra in Amaravati, saying spirituality is the most effective antidote to stress and plays a vital role in strengthening peace, harmony and family values.
Addressing a gathering at Venkatapalem, Naidu said temples have traditionally promoted social harmony and inner peace. Expressing concern over weakening family relationships and the negative influence of social media, he said spirituality offers a path to emotional well-being and mental stability.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government would construct 5,000 Sri Venkateswara temples across Andhra Pradesh to reinforce spiritual values and social cohesion. He also emphasised the need to preserve the tradition of joint families.
Following the centuries-old tradition of the Puri Rath Yatra, Naidu performed the Chhera Pahanra ritual by ceremonially sweeping the path before the chariot with a golden broom before pulling the chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
In a symbolic gesture, he carried a model of Amaravati's master plan on his head as an offering to Lord Jagannath and prayed for the capital city to emerge as a world-class destination.
Welcoming ISKCON's decision to organise the Rath Yatra annually in Amaravati, Naidu praised the humanitarian work of ISKCON and the Akshaya Patra Foundation. He noted that the foundation provides mid-day meals to students in 25,000 schools across 16 states and three Union Territories, including about 1.8 lakh students in Andhra Pradesh through 10 centralised kitchens.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to partnering with organisations such as ISKCON to preserve India's cultural and spiritual heritage.
Union minister of state Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, municipal administration minister P. Narayana, Tenali MLA Sravan Kumar and other public representatives attended the inaugural Rath Yatra.