Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: In a personal revelation during a ceremony in Varanasi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnanshared that a visit to the holy city of Kashi 25 years ago had a profound impact on his life, leading him to adopt vegetarianism. Speaking at the inauguration of a new satram (lodging facility) built by the Sri Kasi Nattukkottai Nagara Satram Managing Society, Radhakrishnan reflected on the spiritual awakening he experienced after bathing in the Ganga river, an act that he said transformed his life.

“When I first came to Kashi 25 years ago, I was a non-vegetarian. After bathing in the Ganga, my life changed so much that I adopted vegetarianism,” he said. The vice president described this as a personal turning point that symbolised the deep spiritual connection that Kashi fosters in visitors from across India.

Radhakrishnan inaugurated the facility along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, lauding the transformation of Kashi over the past decades. He noted, “There is a vast difference between the Kashi of 25 years ago and the Kashi of today. This transformation has been possible only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.” His remarks highlighted the government’s efforts to promote urban development alongside religious and cultural preservation in one of India’s holiest cities.

A Symbol of Faith and Collaboration

The newly inaugurated satram, a ten-storeyed building with 140 rooms, represents a major contribution from the Nattukkottai Nagarathar community, which invested ₹60 crore through community donations. Radhakrishnan praised the community for their commitment to social service, cultural preservation, and religious activities, noting that the facility embodies the values of faith, resilience, and collaboration between regions of India.

“This building embodies the spirit of the Natukottai group, which brings together service, religion, and progress,” he said. The satram, he added, is not merely a lodging facility but a symbolic structure reinforcing centuries-old ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Historically, Tamil scholars, poets, and devotees have travelled to Kashi for spiritual and intellectual pursuits, and the new facility strengthens this enduring cultural connection.

The institution, originally established in 1863, was created to assist devotees from Tamil Nadu visiting Kashi, a purpose that continues to guide its operations today. The vice president highlighted that this initiative also complements efforts such as the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, which promotes cultural exchange and encourages younger generations to engage with the spiritual heritage of the holy city.

Spiritual Renaissance and Heritage Restoration

Radhakrishnan also acknowledged broader efforts to preserve and revive spiritual traditions in Kashi under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath. He referenced the return of the idol of Goddess Annapurni Amman Devi to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex, noting that the idol had been stolen over a century ago and was successfully repatriated from Canada in 2021 through government efforts.

According to Radhakrishnan, initiatives like the restoration of sacred idols and the construction of modern facilities such as the satram reflect a spiritual renaissance in Kashi, integrating religious heritage with contemporary infrastructure to serve devotees efficiently.

Green Energy and Modern Amenities

The new satram is also designed with sustainability in mind. It features 76 solar lamps, costing around ₹1.5 crore, which are expected to save approximately ₹25 lakh annually in electricity costs. Radhakrishnan highlighted this as an example of green energy adoption in traditional institutions, merging environmental responsibility with cultural preservation.

Following the inauguration, the vice president visited the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Annapurni Amman Devi Mandir, offering prayers for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all devotees. His visit underscored the importance of spiritual grounding alongside the development of modern facilities for pilgrims.

Strengthening North-South Cultural Bonds

Radhakrishnan emphasised that the new facility will enhance the longstanding cultural connection between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, supporting not just spiritual pursuits but also educational and cultural exchanges. “This initiative reflects the age-old spiritual and cultural bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, symbolising the deep Kashi-Tamil connect in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India),” he stated.

The vice president also highlighted that the satram serves as a facility for pilgrims and a catalyst for cultural integration, ensuring that Tamil traditions are celebrated and preserved in one of India’s most significant spiritual centres.

Conclusion

CP Radhakrishnan’s visit to Kashi and the inauguration of the new satram reflect a blend of spiritual awakening, community service, cultural preservation, and sustainable infrastructure development. His personal transformation after bathing in the Ganga symbolizes the profound influence of spiritual practices, while the new lodging facility underscores the collaborative efforts of regional communities and government initiatives to foster cultural cohesion. Through such projects, the centuries-old ties between North and South India are strengthened, promoting both religious devotion and national unity in line with the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.