The North News
Goa, November 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a 77-foot statue of Lord Ram at the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math as the centuries-old institution marked its 550th anniversary. Writing on X, Modi urged devotees across the country to visit the site, calling it “a very special experience”. Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, he said the occasion filled him with “deep peace” and praised the spiritual legacy of the Math, which he described as a guiding centre that had retained its relevance through periods of upheaval over five and a half centuries.
Modi said the institution had balanced tradition and public welfare, linking spiritual practice with service. He added that its endurance demonstrated the strength of society during difficult times and offered his greetings to the Mathadhipati, Shrimad Vidyadhish Tirth Swamiji, and those involved in the commemoration.
The Prime Minister compared the unveiling of the statue with his recent visit to Ayodhya, where he hoisted the Dharma Dhwaja at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. Alongside the new statue, a Ramayana-themed park was also opened as part of the celebrations.
The Math is also developing a museum and a 3D theatre to connect younger generations with its heritage through modern technology. Modi said the ongoing Ram Naam Jap Yajna and the 550-day Ram Rath Yatra — involving millions of devotees — symbolised the collective discipline and devotion of the community, and were helping spread “a new consciousness” across the country.
Commemorative coins and postal stamps were released to mark the anniversary, which Modi said honoured the spiritual tradition that had shaped communities along India’s western coast. Tracing the lineage of the Math to Shrimad Narayan Tirth Swamiji and the Dvaita Vedanta teachings of Jagadguru Madhvacharya, he said Udupi and Partagali represented “living streams of the same spiritual river”.
Modi also praised the families associated with the Math, saying their success across sectors such as trade, finance, education and technology reflected a long-standing commitment to discipline, knowledge and service. He expressed confidence that the Math would continue to inspire future generations.
