AGRA: PM Narendra Modi on Thursday attended Braj Raj Utsav in Mathura to commemorate 525th birth anniversary of saint Meera Bai. He offered prayers at the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, becoming the first prime minister to do so. He told the gathering: "The family of Meera Bai and the people of Rajasthan sacrificed everything to protect our religious sites. They acted like a wall to protect the soul of India.This event reminds us of that sacrifice and bravery."Sharing his sentiments about visiting Mathura, he remarked, "Im fortunate to have got the opportunity to get darshan of Braj because only those come here who are called by Lord Krishna." The PM said Mathura did not get the attention it deserved as people remained devoid of the sense of glorious past of India and could not rid themselves of the colonial mindset and deprived Braj Bhoomi of development. This time of Amrit Kaal, the nation has come out of this mentality for the first time, he added. Referring to the revamped grand Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Kedar Nath Dham, and upcoming consecration ceremony of Ram temple, he said, "Mathura and Braj will not be left behind in the race of development." He expressed happiness over the establishment of UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad for the development of Braj. "This council is working hard for the convenience of devotees and to develop pilgrimage sites," he added. Modi reiterated that the entire region is associated with the leelas of Lord Krishna and gave examples of areas like Mathura, Vrindavan, Bharatpur, Karauli, Agra, Firozabad, Kasganj, Palwal, and Ballabgarh, that fall in different states. He informed that the Centre is making efforts to develop this entire area in collaboration with different state governments. Modi emphasised changes and developments in the Braj region and the country. "These changes are not just in the system but a symbol of changing nature of nations reawakening consciousness. Mahabharata is proof that wherever India is reborn, there are definitely blessings of Lord Krishna behind it," he said, underlining that the country will accomplish its resolutions and build a Viksit Bharat. Modi praised the efforts of veteran actress Hema Malini as Mathuras MP and witnessed her dance performance on the life of Meera Bai. He also released a stamp and coin in honour of the saint.

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