| 07 July 2023
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh - In the midst of mounting controversy surrounding the recent conferral of the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize on Gita Press, the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious books, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the opportunity to commend the 100-year-old printing press during the centenary year celebration held in Gorakhpur city.
Highlighting the profound significance of Gita Press, Modi proclaimed, "Gita Press is more than just an organization; it represents the devotion of millions of people. It is not merely a printing press but a living faith and a temple for countless individuals...The name bears 'Gita,' and the work encompasses the essence of the Gita."
The Prime Minister expressed pride in his government's decision to honor Gita Press with the Gandhi Peace Prize, citing the association between the publisher and Mahatma Gandhi, one of India's founding fathers. Gandhi had once contributed his writings to Gita Press through the Kalyan Patrika.
"On the occasion of Gita Press completing 100 years, our government has conferred Gita Press with the Gandhi Peace Prize. Gandhi Ji had an emotional attachment to Gita Press," Modi revealed.
Emphasizing the historical context, Modi underscored the alignment of Gita Press's centenary milestone with India's celebration of 75 years of independence. He alluded to the ravages of foreign invasions and the subsequent British rule, which caused the destruction and disappearance of sacred texts and libraries.
"Gita Press receiving the Gandhi Peace Prize is a testament to the respect Gita Press commands from the nation and its people," Modi asserted.
During the same event, the Prime Minister also seized the opportunity to discuss the impressive transformation of the Gorakhpur railway station. Photos of the revamped station had gone viral on social media, eliciting astonishment from the public.
"Since I shared the photos of Gorakhpur Railway Station on social media, people have been amazed. They never imagined that a railway station could undergo such remarkable development," Modi revealed during the closing ceremony of the Gita Press centenary celebrations.
Prior to the Gorakhpur event, Modi inaugurated eight projects worth over Rs 70 billion in the capital city of Raipur, located in the eastern Chhattisgarh state. Seizing the moment, he launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and other opposition parties attempting to form a coalition against him in the upcoming general elections.
In an apparent reference to Congress, Modi criticized those tainted by corruption who were now attempting to forge an opposition unity. "Those stained are trying to come together today. Those who used to curse each other have now found excuses to unite," he remarked.
Asserting his commitment to combat corruption, Modi declared, "Every corrupt person in this country should listen attentively. If Congress represents the guarantee of corruption, then Modi represents the guarantee of action against corruption."
As the controversy surrounding the Gita Press's Gandhi Peace Prize continues to generate debate, Prime Minister Modi's commendation of the publisher underscores its cultural significance and highlights the enduring devotion it has commanded over a century.
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