India needs power of technology as well as strength of values, says President

President Droupadi Murmu has emphasised the need for both power of technology as well as strength of values as the country moves towards the vision of a Developed India by 2047.

Speaking after inaugurating the 1066^th Jayanthi celebrations of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji at Malavalli in Mandya district on December 16, Ms. Murmu noted that spiritual guidance was essential for nurturing social harmony, ethical leadership, youth empowerment, and inner resilience in an age of rapid change and uncertainty.

She said the integration of modern education with moral wisdom, innovation with environmental responsibility, economic growth with social inclusion, and progress with compassion are required for achieving the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’. She added that institutions like Suttur Mutt can play a substantial role in this national endeavour.

“Our spiritual institutions remind us of the values that bind humanity together — the values of compassion, tolerance, mutual respect and collective responsibility,” she said.

The President also stated that India’s greatest strength lies in its youth, their energy, creativity, values and character. “The destiny of India will be shaped not only by their skills and knowledge, but by their integrity and sense of purpose,” she noted, urging institutions like Suttur Mutt to continue inspiring young minds, nurturing responsible citizens and guiding the architects of tomorrow’s India.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who presided over the function, said Indian culture is eternal and has been continuously preserved since time immemorial by our saints and sages. “Rishis, saints, and acharyas have unfurled the flag of dharma, culture, and spirituality on the global stage. Our culture has always inspired universal brotherhood, universal welfare, universal peace, equality and harmony,” he said, before adding that many countries, in recent times, have been looking towards India to learn about spiritual and mental well-being.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, who spoke after releasing a souvenir to mark the occasion, said Suttur Mutt has given high priority to education of children from economically weaker sections of society.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said that during an earlier visit to Suttur Jathra, he had requested Suttur Mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami to organise the birth anniversary celebrations of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Swami in Mandya district.

He said Malavalli, which is endowed with abundant natural beauty, was also the first place in Asia to generate electricity when the hydro-electric power station was built at Shivanasamudra in the taluk.

Meanwhile, Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, in his address, emphasised the need for uninterrupted continuation of the works undertaken by Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Swami for the welfare of the people.