Our Bureau
New York, NY
On the fourth day of Ram Katha by Morari Bapu at the United Nations headquarters here, the spiritual leader once again captivated the audience by reciting the Ram Charita Manas of Goswami Tulsidas and set the tone for a spiritual journey that transcends all the boundaries of nations in this world, re-emphasizing the age-old Indian ethos of universal brotherhood.
The Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, conveyed a special message on the occasion to recognize and honor Morari Bapu. Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan and Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff in the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Aissata Camara, along with the Consul General of India (CGI) in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, joined for the session on July 30.
While presenting the honor with a citation on behalf of New York Mayor to Morari Bapu for reciting the Ram Katha for the people of New York and beyond, Dilip Chauhan said, “With an unwavering commitment, Morari Bapu has inspired millions across the globe. Today is a historical day that you are here to deliver the Katha as you had wished for few years back. From 30 countries, you all have come to listen to Bapu ji. Now, Diwali is a holiday in New York schools, thanks to the effort of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and it is the same year that Morari Bapu has come to recite the Katha for us.”
Speaking at the event, CGI in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, said, “I feel very honored to get this privilege of welcoming Morari Bapu at the United Nations headquarters here. I feel that what the UN stands for and what Bapu teaches are truly in alignment. Since the start of my diplomatic career in 2004, I have watched Morari Bapu through Doordarshan and sought inspiration from him. Bapu has been propagating the message of Ram Charit Manas, an Indian epic.”
“Bapu has played the role of guiding star in my life. Now, that we are facing unprecedented challenges in the form of climate change and social inequality, Bapu’s teaching resonates even more,” he added.
Speaking at the UN gathering, New York City Commissioner for International Affairs, Edward Mermelstein said, “We are so privileged to host you all in this great city and as you all know New York City is one of the most diverse cities with over 200 languages spoken. It is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. Morari Bapu’s visit highlights the teachings of love, truth and compassion and this is what New York City is embracing.”
The host of the Ram Katha, Ashish Thakkar said, “The topic of this Ram Katha is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the whole world is one family. Bapu’s teachings have always been centered around Truth, Love and Compassion.”
This event marks the first time that Ram Katha is being organized at the United Nations headquarters, fulfilling a dream for Morari Bapu.
Prominent guests who joined to pay their respects to Morari Bapu included Baba Ramdev, Hari Om Dada and Sadhu Keshwani from Dwarka Mandir. Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Ji from Paramarth Niketan will be attending the Ram Katha on Saturday.
The seven-day long historic event is broadcast live on AASTHA TV Network. Sunil Hali, partner of AASTHA TV in USA, Canada, Central and South America, said: “We are so proud to live broadcast the unique event at the UN worldwide, in line with the main mission of UN to connect all across the world. There could be nothing better than such pious moment to share with the world”.
Ram Charita Manas, one of the most revered Hindu scriptures, conveys a global message, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Morari Bapu, who has been reciting Ram Kathas for more than 65 years, draws from Vedic Sanatana Dharma. Beyond promoting peace, the Ram Katha aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Morari Bapu has termed the Ram Katha as Manas Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu sacred texts such as the Maha Upanishad, meaning “The World Is One Family.”
During the spiritual discourse while reciting the Ram Katha, Morari Bapu cited the example of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna taking up the battlefield for a sacred thought of eliminating all the evils of the world. Bapu emphasized the concept of “large heartedness to weave this world into one world”, which is central to the Ram Charita Manas.
