Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addresses the Centenary Celebration organised by Gayatri Parivar in New Delhi on 31 October 2026. (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday paid tribute to spiritual leaders Acharya Shri Ram Sharma Ji and Mata Bhagwati Devi Ji during the Shatabdi Samaroh 2026 organised by the Gayatri Parivar in the national capital. He described the centenary celebration as more than a commemoration of the past, saying it reflected a transformative movement that had influenced countless lives through spirituality, social reform and nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Birla highlighted the role of the Gayatri Parivar in spreading spiritual awareness, promoting value-based education and encouraging positive social change. He called upon the organisation to continue its mission of taking the ideals of development, righteousness and nation-building to every section of society.
Remembering Acharya Shri Ram Sharma Ji, Birla said that through Akhand Jyoti, the spiritual leader had spread the message of spirituality and inspired people to work towards individual, family, social and national development.
He recalled Acharya Ji’s guiding message, “We will change, and the era will change”, saying it had inspired people in India and across the world. Birla also noted that the Gayatri Mantra and yajna had helped connect people with spiritual consciousness, inner purity and self-improvement.
Sharing his association with the Gayatri Parivar, the Lok Sabha Speaker said he had witnessed the influence of Acharya Ji’s philosophy in remote villages and hamlets. According to him, the movement had encouraged people to overcome superstition and harmful social practices while promoting character-building and a greater sense of social responsibility.
Paying tribute to Mata Bhagwati Devi Ji, Birla highlighted her life of compassion, dedication, penance and service. He said her contribution extended beyond spiritual awakening and included efforts towards social transformation and women's empowerment.
He recalled that Mata Ji encouraged women to pursue education, build self-confidence and become self-reliant at a time when many faced restrictive social practices and challenges.
Birla emphasised that the development and empowerment of women within families played an important role in the progress of society. He also highlighted the importance of Indian values, spiritual awareness and compassionate guidance in strengthening families and encouraging positive social attitudes.
Birla appreciated the Gayatri Parivar’s efforts to take India's spiritual heritage, cultural wisdom and value-based philosophy to different parts of the world. He said the organisation had been working in several countries to promote individual, family and social development while adapting its approach to contemporary needs.
He also praised the institution established by Acharya Ji for its emphasis on spirituality, cultural values and character-building from the early stages of education. The Lok Sabha Speaker appreciated its initiatives in value-based education, women's awakening, empowerment and social reform.
Birla further lauded Dr. Chinmaya Pandya for taking India's spiritual traditions and cultural values to an international audience while familiarising people with developments in science and technology.
Referring to growing concerns around stress and depression in several countries, Birla said that the message of inner peace, spiritual strength and a purposeful life had become increasingly relevant.
He observed that the Gayatri Parivar's spiritual centre provided people with mental peace, self-confidence, determination and direction in life. He stressed that spirituality and cultural values could continue to play an important role in building a harmonious and progressive society.
Concluding his address, Birla called upon the Gayatri Parivar to carry the light of Akhand Jyoti to every village and every section of society. He said the mission should continue until positive transformation reached the last person in society.
Expressing confidence in the organisation's future contribution, he said the spiritual energy and consciousness inspired by Acharya Shri Ram Sharma Ji and Mata Bhagwati Devi Ji would continue to strengthen the foundations of an enlightened, harmonious and developed society.
