South Goa, India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled a towering 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram and inaugurated a Ramayana Theme Park at the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in Partagali, South Goa. The event marks the 550th-year celebration of the Math, a significant spiritual milestone for the Saraswat community.
The statue, designed by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, is believed to be among the tallest statues of Lord Ram in Asia. The newly developed Ramayana Theme Park, located within the Math premises, aims to connect devotees, especially younger generations, with ancient epics through an engaging and fresh approach.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting India's rich spiritual heritage. He emphasized the role of institutions like the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math in serving as anchors of faith, culture, and community belonging for centuries.
The Prime Minister also released a special postal stamp and a commemorative coin to mark the occasion. Cultural programs, traditional rituals, and performances by renowned artists are scheduled throughout the 11-day celebration, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith and tradition.
S. Mukund Kamath, Joint Convenor of the Organising Committee, stated that over 15,000 people from across India are expected to attend the event. The 11-day celebration is anticipated to draw over 120,000 people. Shrinivas Dempo, president of the Mutt's central committee, described the celebrations as "an unprecedented and once-in-a-lifetime event" with the aim of establishing Goa as a major pilgrimage destination.
The Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math, a prominent Vaishnava institution, follows the Dvaita order established by Jagadguru Madhvacharya in the 13th century AD. Headquartered in Partagali, South Goa, on the banks of the Kushavati River, the Math holds special significance for the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community.
The event underscores the Math's commitment to evolving and adapting heritage and tradition to embrace young minds. The unveiling of the statue and the inauguration of the Ramayana Theme Park are seen as a reaffirmation of faith, heritage, and identity on a national stage. The Mutt has been refurbished with a modern look, including the construction of a special helipad to facilitate the Prime Minister's arrival.
