PM Modi mentioned the Ganesh devotee of Thailand
New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the global identity of Indian culture, faith and art in the 138th episode of his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He told how India’s cultural traditions are connecting people in different parts of the world. During this, the Prime Minister specially mentioned the devotion of Mr. Panthon Thirkhanon, a great devotee of Lord Ganesha of Thailand. Prime Minister Modi said that the influence of Indian culture and spiritual traditions is being seen all over the world. Referring to the glory of Lord Ganesha, he said that during the Ganesh Utsav, there was an atmosphere of reverence and enthusiasm in the entire country. People welcomed and worshiped Ganpati Bappa at their homes and public places. In the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, the Prime Minister said that Lord Ganesha is worshiped as the remover of obstacles. They are considered symbols of knowledge, wisdom and the beginning of any auspicious work. He said that Ganesh Utsav brings an atmosphere of happiness and enthusiasm throughout the country.
Citing the example of Mr. Panthon Thirkhanon of Thailand, Prime Minister Modi said that his faith in Lord Ganesha is not limited to India, rather people worship Lord Ganesha in many countries of the world. He said that in Thailand, Lord Ganesha is worshiped as ‘Phra Phikanet’. PM Modi said that Mr. Pantheon Thirkhanon has been studying the devotion of Lord Ganesha and the traditions associated with him for more than four decades. His faith began when he was 19 years old and his father gifted him a picture of Lord Ganesha. The Prime Minister said that picture instilled in him a deep reverence for Lord Ganesha. After this he studied the traditions, culture and spiritual aspects related to Lord Ganesha for a long time. He said that this example shows that the influence of Indian culture and spiritual heritage has reached different parts of the world.
He said that the cultural traditions of India are not limited only to the borders of the country. In many countries of the world, people’s interest and respect towards Indian festivals, deities and spiritual ideas is visible. Referring to the Ganesh Utsav, the Prime Minister said that this festival is not only a symbol of religious faith, but it also gives an opportunity to unite the society and strengthen cultural sentiments. He said that Lord Ganesha is associated with wisdom, prudence and auspicious beginnings.
Referring to the story of Shri Panthon Thirkhanon, the Prime Minister said that the strength of any culture lies in its traditions and the faith of the people. When people understand and adopt a culture, that culture makes its mark at the global level. Discussing various aspects of Indian culture, PM Modi said that the country’s art, traditions and spiritual heritage are continuously making their place in the world. He said that such examples show the cultural richness of India.
Regarding the worship of Lord Ganesha in Thailand, the Prime Minister said that Ganesha is given special respect there. Lord Ganesha is worshiped in the form of ‘Phra Fikanet’ and a large number of people follow the traditions related to him. He said that the specialty of Indian culture is that it works to connect people of different countries and societies. Mutual understanding and relations between countries are also strengthened through culture and faith. In his address, the Prime Minister also said that India’s festivals and traditions have the ability to connect people. Festivals like Ganesh Utsav give the message of unity, enthusiasm and positive energy in the society.
In this episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister shared the story of a devotee from Thailand, highlighting the global influence of Indian culture. He described how one person’s faith was linked to the study and devotion of the traditions of Lord Ganesha for more than four decades. The Prime Minister said such examples show the breadth of India’s cultural heritage. It is a matter of pride for the country that Indian traditions and spiritual ideas are respected in different parts of the world.
He said that inclusivity and diversity have a special role in Indian culture. This is the reason why Indian traditions attract people from different countries and work to connect them. Overall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the devotion of Lord Ganesha and the global impact of Indian culture in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He shared the story of Sriman Panthon Thirkhanon from Thailand and how Ganesha devotion remains a part of people’s lives even outside India. The Prime Minister underlined the global recognition and importance of Indian cultural traditions.