Modi invited to Ramakrishna Mission's HQ in Belurmath

Ramakrishna Math and Mission Order's president Swami Atmasthanand Maharaj, who had imparted spiritual teachings to Narendra Modi during his early years, has invited the Prime Minister elect to the organisation's headquarters in Belurmath, where he first came as a young boy.

In a letter to Modi, the Maharaj said,"I am eagerly looking forward to your visit to Belurmath as the Prime Minister of India."

Addressing him as 'Narendra Bhai', the letter said, "I am happy to learn that you have got a thumping majority. Sri Ramakrishna has given you the opportunity to serve the people of India irrespective of caste, creed and religion."

"I pray to Sri Ramakrishna to give you the right understanding in hours of crisis," he said while giving his blessings to Modi in his new role.

Monks here recall that as a young boy, Modi had visited Belurmath to be a part of the Ramakrishna Order, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897.

"But our then president had advised him to concentrate more on his education. He was also below the minimum age required to join the Order," Subirananda Maharaj, assistant secretary of the Math, told PTI here.

Later Modi went to the RKM centre in Almora, where also his request was turned down, he said.