NEW DELHI, Nov 9 (Agencies): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invoked the life and struggle of RSS ideologue Eknath Ranade to urge the youth to make their life meaningful rather than be just successful and cited the example of Bill Gates to bring home the point.
Saluting the contributions of Ranade who lived by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, the Prime Minister hoped that Ranade's ideals of "one life, one mission" will inspire the youths to join in nation-building and fulfil Swamiji's dreams.
"Ask anyone what the purpose of their life is and they will tell you it is to be successful. But Ranade used to attach more importance to make life meaningful rather than being simply successful. That should be our strive in life," he said.
To drive home the difference between a "successful (safal)" and a "meaningful (sarthak)" life, the Prime Minister cited the example of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, one of the richest men in the world, is today working towards social welfare, helping people install toilets across the world and serving humanity.
"Bill Gates made a discovery that changed the world. He made a world of wealth, attained unmatched success but then realised that all this was not the end of life. He then donated money towards the human development in poorer nations, supporting toilet-building and other activities. This made his life meaningful," he said.
Modi said Ranade's vision should inspire in creation of an India that is both "bhavya" (prosperous) and "divya" (spiritual).
Modi, who at a function at Vigyan Bhawan launched the birth centenary celebrations of Ranade that will begin from November 19, recalled how as a youngster he had the chance of being blessed by the RSS ideologue.
The Prime Minister said Ranade played a "very significant role during the Emergency".
Referring to his association with Ranade, Modi said "Eknathji never used to sleep in the afternoon while I had this habit. He then started asking me to accompany him for walks post lunch. In these small little ways, he groomed me as his friend and imbibed me with his values."
The Prime Minister also lauded Ranade for his consensus building skills by reminiscing how he brought all stakeholders on board before building the Vivekananda memorial.
"There were issues around the project. Some fishermen were being displaced. But Eknathji deftly worked out a consensus and realised his mission," Modi said, adding he had sought the support of all while building the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.
The Prime Minister said many Indians above the age of 40 would recall donating a small sum of money for this memorial and were hence part of it.
"I am delighted to be here. Eknathji remains an inspiration ever since childhood. Also got to work with him," the PM said, lauding his perfectionist skills and noting that none in the Sangh Parivar can match him in this aspect.
Ranade paid attention to minor details like which direction the Vivekananda statue's eye will look at and what anti-corrosion material should be used to ensure the statue's longevity, he said.
Modi said integration was key to Eknath's working as he believed in integrating things and integrating people.
"Eknathji felt whatever had to be done, should be done through 'Jan Bhagidari' (people's participation)," he said, adding that whatever he did was keeping the future in mind.
The Prime Minister said Ranade's mission was to prepare the youth of Swami Vivekananda's dreams while appreciating the work done by the Vivekananda Kendra in the Northeastern states.
