Launch of Commemorative Coins and Stamps Honoring Shrimad Rajchandraji by India's Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi
AHMEDABAD, India, July 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 29, 2017, the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, paid a glorious tribute to Shrimad Rajchandraji, Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual mentor, by launching two commemorative coins by the Central Government and a special postage stamp, first day cover, and first day cancelled cover by the Department of Post. The coins were released in 150 rupees and 10 rupees denominations, while the postage stamp was released in a 5 rupees denomination.
These releases honor the 150th birth anniversary of great Indian saint, poet-philosopher, and spiritual luminary – Shrimad Rajchandraji (1867-1901). Hailed as the spiritual guide of Mahatma Gandhi, Shrimad Rajchandraji had a tremendous and formative influence on the man who led India to independence.
"In my moments of spiritual crisis, Shrimadji was my refuge."
- Mahatma Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Chapter 26: Raychandbhai)
The launch was held amidst an esteemed audience including the Chief Minister of the State of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, government officials, and heads of various organizations where PM Modi also venerated Shrimad Rajchandraji through a speech and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, Founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD).
"The foundation of Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai's beliefs has been fostered by Shrimad Rajchandraji's inspiration and His life is committed to fulfilling those ideals and serving humanity selflessly. No matter how much I applaud Him, it would not be enough. I consider it my great fortune to have gotten the opportunity to meet Him."
-Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi
Along with bearing Shrimadji's portrait, the commemorative coins have inscribed 'Shrimad Rajchandra', '150th Birth Anniversary', the years '1867' and '1901'. The 10 Rupee coin and the stamp will be in normal trade circulation across India, while the 150 Rupee coin serves as a souvenir to the general public.
The 150th year celebration was effectively launched from the Red Fort earlier this year when PM Modi paid homage to Shrimad Rajchandraji as the Guru of Mahatma Gandhi, in his speech on India's 70th Independence Day. He said, "The country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandraji, Mahatma Gandhiji's Guru. In one of His letters to Gandhiji, Shrimadji writes … the principle of non-violence has existed ever since the existence of violence. What is important is which one we utilize for the welfare of mankind."
Through Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai's inspiration, SRMD has organized a yearlong celebration with several initiatives in India and across the world and aims to spread Shrimad Rajchandraji's uplifting teachings to people from all walks of life.
Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai states, "If I have to introduce Shrimad Rajchandraji in brief, then I would say just this, Shrimad Rajchandraji is an invitation to go within."
A brief documentary on Shrimad Rajchandraji's life is available at https://youtu.be/qnE2JAofLWY
Video excerpt of the event can be viewed at https://youtu.be/yM84EzZ6LCM
More information on SRMD visit www.shrimadrajchandramission.org
SOURCE Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD)
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