Spiritual connect will drive self-development, says Dharmendra Pradhan

On the auspicious occasion of the Janmashtami festival on Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, praying for the welfare of the country while stating that connecting with spirituality will lead to self-development among people.

Speaking to reporters within the temple premises, Dharmendra Pradhan said: "On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami festival today, I had the good fortune of having darshan of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath. On this sacred day, I prayed before Mahaprabhu and Lord Krishna for the welfare of the world, the welfare of the people of the country, and the welfare of our state Odisha."

Conveying his best wishes to the citizens of the country and Odisha, Pradhan said: "May religious sentiments grow among people. The development of the nation will come only from the eternal flow of life. Connecting with spirituality will lead to self-development among people."

"I pray for everyone on today's auspicious occasion," he added.

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to the people of India on the occasion of Janmashtami and wished that the sacred festival would bring positive energy, strength and prosperity into everyone's lives.

He said the auspicious occasion, dedicated to devotion and worship of Lord Krishna, should inspire people and fill their lives with renewed energy and strength.

PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Heartfelt Janmashtami greetings to all of you. In the divine messages of Lord Shri Krishna lies the profound inspiration for selfless action, which has continuously guided humanity. May this sacred occasion, dedicated to his devotion and worship, infuse positive energy and strength into everyone's life that is my heartfelt wish. Jai Shri Krishna."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes and said, "Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on the sacred festival of ‘Shri Krishna Janmashtami’. May Lord Shri Krishna, the symbol of righteousness, ethics, and public welfare, continue to shower his blessings on everyone. Jai Shri Krishna."

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