Modi's Spiritual Retreat: Island Meditation Ahead of Indian Election Conclusion
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day meditation retreat on a secluded island shrine, marking the culmination of his extensive election campaign. This public manifestation of his religious beliefs follows recent statements where he hinted at divine guidance in his leadership.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to an island shrine for a two-day meditation session, marking the end of weeks of election campaigning. This is just another public demonstration of his strong religious beliefs, following his recent statement about being chosen by a higher power.
India’s election is a massive event, known as the world’s largest democratic exercise, spanning over six weeks. The voting will conclude on Saturday, with the results being announced three days later.
Modi is scheduled to visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari from May 30 to June 1. This pilgrimage site is located off India's southernmost tip and is of great significance. It is the place where the renowned Hindu monk and philosopher Swami Vivekananda achieved enlightenment.
Modi has ended two election campaigns with meditation in the past. Recently, he has been showing more piety, trying to connect with Hindu-nationalist feelings as he hopes to win a third term in office.
During an interview with local news channel NDTV last week, Modi shared, "I believe that God has a plan for me, and when that plan is fulfilled, my job will be complete."
“God doesn’t reveal his cards. He just keeps making me do things,” he continued.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock.
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock.
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India is required by its constitution to uphold secularism, but since coming into power in 2014, Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have pushed a strong form of Hindu nationalism, which has widened religious rifts.
When Modi ran in national elections ten years ago, he selected Varanasi, India's spiritual hub, as his constituency, using the historic city as a setting to combine his religious and political goals.
At the end of his campaign, Modi made a visit to Pratapgad in Maharashtra, where the Maratha forces achieved a significant victory over the Mughal empire army in the 17th century.
Towards the end of the 2019 national elections, which he emerged victorious from, Modi took a trip to meditate at the sacred Kedarnath shrine honoring the Hindu deity Lord Shiva located high in the Himalayas.
In January, Modi participated in the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a Hindu temple built on the site of a destroyed mosque. This event took place just months before campaigning for the elections started. Modi's involvement in this religious ceremony is unusual as it is typically done by priests.
India has a population where around 80% of people follow the polytheistic faith of Hinduism. However, some critics argue that Modi's emphasis on Hinduism has fueled Islamophobia and led to increased persecution of the country's more than 200 million Muslims.
During his recent election speeches, Modi and the BJP have been using more and more Islamophobic language. In a speech last month, Modi stirred up controversy by suggesting that if the opposition wins, they would give the country’s wealth to "infiltrators" and those with more children, which seemed to target the Muslim community.
Editor's P/S:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public display of religious beliefs has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as a reflection of his personal faith, while others see it as a political strategy to appeal to Hindu-nationalist sentiments. The article raises concerns about the potential consequences of such actions, including the widening of religious rifts in India.
Modi's recent statements about being chosen by a higher power and his participation in religious ceremonies have raised questions about the separation of religion and state in India. Critics argue that Modi's actions may embolden religious extremists and contribute to the marginalization of minority communities, particularly Muslims. It is crucial for India to uphold its constitutional commitment to secularism and ensure that all citizens feel respected and included, regardless of their religious beliefs.
