“Attempts to destroy Indian culture will never be successful as it is rooted in religion. The stream of knowledge brought from Shantikunj, Hardwar for protection of the culture will strengthen the roots of the religion. This will teach values to younger generation,” said Banwarilal Purohit, former Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of ‘Pragya Puran Katha’ and ‘24 Kundiya Gayatri Mahayagya’ jointly organised by Maruti Devasthan Trust, Ramdaspeth, and Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar, Shantikunj, Haridwar held at Lendra Park, Ramdaspeth on Saturday. Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated the programme by worshipping Goddess Gayatri and lighing the ceremonial lamp. Sudhakar Kohle, former MLA; Anand Khandelwal; Ashok Patki; Deepak Heda; and Vinay Dani were prominently present among other dignitaries. Banwarilal Purohit, in his address, explained the importance of ‘Pragya Puran Katha’ event.

 

He said “Indian culture is very ancient and there have been multiple attempts to destroy it, but the stories have kept the Indian culture alive and it will continue to do so.” The programme featured felicitation of Pandit Shambihari Dubey at the hands of dignitaries present at the event. At the outset, Ashok Patki delivered introductory remarks and informed that Maruti Mandir Trust organised the biggest programme in the city to celebrate consecretion programme of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. ‘ Pt Shambihari Dubey, in his address to the devotees, emphasised the relevance of Puran Katha. He said, “Puran Kathas are source of knowledge. A devotee feels closer to God through these stories. They also help an individual from degrading his human life that an individual gets once after 84 lakh births.”