Saturday September 27, 9:45 AM

'Spiritual gurus do what Govts can't'

By ChennaiOnline News Service

Kochi, September 26: Lauding the efforts of spiritual leaders, Union Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi said they had accomplished what many elected governments had failed to do.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of devotees, assembled here yesterday for the 50th birthday celebration of Mata Amritanandamayi, Joshi said that spiritual gurus had, on many occasions, succeeded in implementing projects and schemes, while governments had failed.

Citing the example of the Mata and her charity activities, he said many projects could be easily implemented when the leadership was provided by spiritual leaders like her. But when politicians come, people feel there is a selfish motive.

"I have been in government for all these years. Projects and works performed by the spiritual gurus I have observed has worked wonders'', he said.

Hailing the works of other spiritual leaders like Kanchi Acharya, Satya Sai Baba Sree Narayana Guru and sages of many other mutts, Joshi said their service to humanity was ''unparalleled'' and ''miraculous''.

Joshi, who unveiled a plaque of the Mutt for a proposed AIDS hospice, said this issue was something very important. The Mata was also very concerned about trafficking in women and children.

Describing himself as the spiritual leader''s ''child'', Joshi said ''I will be able to do whatever little I can for the service of mankind with Amma''s blessing."

Joshi said that Amma was the ''embodiment'' of the cosmic spirit. "The matha is the cosmic spirit, moving in physical form."

Earlier, he garlanded Amma and touched her feet to seek her blessing.

Karnataka governor T N Chaturvedi, and Kerala Agricultural Minister K R Gowri were also present.

Nakanishi Shuku, a 96-year-old woman, representing the Buddhist sect in Japan, also wished Amma well.

Brij Mohan Munjal, chairman of the Hero Honda Group, garlanded Amma. (Agencies)