84th Prakatya Mahotsav of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj Celebrated as 'Rashtroutkarsh Diwas 2026' in New Delhi

The 84th Prakatya Mahotsav of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj, observed as 'Rashtroutkarsh Diwas 2026', was celebrated with immense devotion, spiritual fervour and grandeur at the Delhi University Stadium, North Campus, on Sunday. Thousands of devotees, saints, scholars, academicians and distinguished guests from across the country participated in the celebration.

Delivering his blessings, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj said that in the pursuit of material prosperity and livelihood, modern society is gradually losing sight of the true purpose of life. Emphasising the need for a value-based life, he remarked, "Livelihood is for life; life is not meant merely for livelihood." He said that material progress should always remain balanced with spirituality, ethics, cultural values and human responsibility.

Expressing concern over the growing migration towards metropolitan cities, the Jagadguru observed that the neglect of villages, forests and nature poses a serious challenge to India's civilisational and cultural heritage. He stressed the importance of preserving nature, rural life and the timeless traditions of Sanatan Dharma for the nation's sustainable future.

He also called upon political leaders and those in positions of authority to uphold respect for Sanatan Dharma and the country's saintly traditions. He said that the teachings of saints, the Sanatan tradition and India's ancient spiritual wisdom provide the foundation for national development and social harmony.

The function was attended by Professor Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Members of Parliament Manoj Tiwari and Sambit Patra, besides several saints, spiritual leaders, academicians and eminent personalities.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Yogesh Singh highlighted the invaluable contribution of India's saintly tradition in nurturing moral values, the Indian knowledge system and cultural consciousness among the younger generation. He said that despite nearly eight centuries of foreign rule, Sanatan Dharma continues to flourish because of the enduring contributions of India's saints and spiritual traditions.

Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev said that Indian culture, yoga and spirituality form the foundation of nation-building and emphasised that preserving Sanatan values is the need of the hour.

The programme featured Vedic chanting, devotional music, spiritual discourses and cultural performances, creating a deeply devotional atmosphere throughout the venue. Devotees from different parts of the country received the blessings of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj.

The dignitaries and saints were welcomed by Acharya Dharmveer, CA Sandeep Garg, Praveen Gupta, Mahendra Ladda and Ashwini Mallik of the Adi Shankaracharya Sanatan Seva Sansthan Foundation, Delhi, along with members of the Peeth Parishad and the organising committee.

Concluding the programme, the organisers expressed their gratitude to all saints, distinguished guests, volunteers and devotees for making the event a grand success. They reaffirmed their commitment to spreading the message of Sanatan Dharma, social harmony, cultural heritage and national upliftment across the country.