Righteous citizens lead to evolution of enlightened society: Kalam

BHUBANESWAR: “Seeds of peace in the world have their origin in the righteousness in the heart of every individual. Such righteous citizens lead to the evolution of enlightened society,” said former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Azad while inaugurating Swami Chidananda Birth Centenary celebrations here on Saturday.

Kalam emphasised on three components for creation of an enlightened society. These were- education with value system, religion transforming into spirituality and economic development for societal transformation.

The former President said value system should be inducted in the education of a child, who is a keen learner, from five years to 17 years. Father, mother, spiritual environment and primary teacher can bring positive change in the life a child, he added. 

“True education is the acquisition of enlightened feelings and enlightened powers to understand daily events and to understand the permanent truth linking man, to his environment, human and planetary,” said Kalam, adding, “When we need peace in the world, we need order in the nation and harmony in the home. The origin is righteousness in the heart.” 

Kalam further said about transforming of religion into spirituality. He said that religion has two components, theology and spirituality. Even though theology is unique to every religion, the spiritual component spreads the value to be inculcated by human beings for promoting a good human life and welfare of the society, while pursuing the material life. 

Kalam said that economic development is needed for societal transformation. “Nearly 220 million people have to be lifted by upgrading their quality of life in both rural and urban areas,” he said, adding, “Even though the GDP growth indicates our economic growth, people’s participation is essential for achieving the required targets.”

Among others, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, Swami Nirliptananda Saraswati Maharaj, Swami Sivachidananda Saraswati Maharaj and Swami Chidananda Janma Shatabarshiki Samiti vice president Choudhury Gourahari Mishra were present.