Indian spiritual leader Morari Bapu will recite Ram Katha for the first time at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, highlighting the enduring importance of the Ramcharitmanas, a revered Hindu scripture. According to Morari Bapu, Ramcharitmanas carries a global message that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Bapu, who has been reciting Ram Katha for over 65 years, will draw on the Vedic Sanatana Dharma to highlight that it embodies universal values essential in today’s world: truth, love and compassion.
Speaking on the eve of the nine-day Ram Katha recitation at the UN Headquarters Delegates Dining Hall, Morari Bapu described the event as “a divine blessing and a step towards global harmony.” Emphasising that this is the first time that Ram Katha is being held at the UN, he said it was a dream come true.
Morari Bapu, 77, has performed Ram Kattas in many cities and pilgrimage sites around the world, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, the UK, the US, Brazil, Australia, Israel and Japan. Reflecting on the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”), Bapu stressed the need for joint efforts towards peace, love and truth. “The Ram Katta here is a prayer for the highest peace and happiness of all people,” Bapu said.
As well as promoting peace, Morali Bapu believes Ram Katha offers guidance on contemporary issues like mental health, environmental degradation and sustainable development. He said the teachings of Ramcharitmanas are in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and emphasise the importance of global cooperation and compassion.
Morali Bapu stressed the importance of addressing mental health issues that are exacerbated by stress and competition and noted that good communication, or satsang, is a powerful therapy against mental distress. “Ram Katha highlights these teachings and advocates a harmonious and balanced life,” he said. He added that the event is part of a larger vision to spread the message of the Ramayana worldwide.
“Through Ram Katha, we aim to unite people across borders and foster a sense of global brotherhood. Our future plans include organising more such events to further spread the message of the Ramayana,” said the spiritual leader from Gujarat. The historic Ram Katha at the UN Headquarters is expected to be a landmark event that combines spiritual teachings with the global aspirations for peace and unity, highlighting the timeless importance of the Ramcharitmana in addressing contemporary global challenges and promoting a harmonious world.
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