Ram Katha at UN: Spiritual Leader Morari Bapu Commences Nine-Day Long RAM KATHA, Discourse at United Nations Headquarters

By R Anil Kumar 

• Indian spiritual leader Morari Bapu recites Ram Katha for the first time at the United Nations headquarters in New York to spread the timeless relevance of the Ramcharitmanas, one of the most revered Hindu scriptures

• Morari Bapu’s humanitarian efforts extend to disaster-hit areas globally, including war-torn regions and marginalized communities

• The Ramcharitmanas carries a global message, transcending religious and cultural boundaries-Morari Bapu

• He has named the katha as ‘Manas Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning ‘for Humans, the world is a family’

UNITED NATIONS: Renowned spiritual leader Morari Bapu commenced a nine-day Ram Katha discourse at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

This significant event, named as ‘Manas Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ marks the first instance of a Ram Katha being held at the UN.

For the first time in the history of the United Nations, a Ram Katha was held at its headquarters as revered Gujarati spiritual leader Morari Bapu commenced such an event at the UN, highlighting its global importance. He has named the katha as ‘Manas Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning ‘for Humans, the world is a family’.

“Recitation of Ram Katha at the UN is a divine grace and a step towards global harmony,” he said on the eve of the start of the nine-day recitation of

Ram Katha at the Delegates Dining Room at the UN Headquarters in New York.

This is the first time that Ram Katha is being organised at the United Nations headquarters in New York, said Morari Bapu, noting that this is a dream come true.

Morari Bapu discussed the four main goals of the United Nations of maintaining global peace, developing friendly relations among nations, improving the lives of poor people by conquering hunger, disease, and illiteracy, and encouraging respect for each other’s rights and freedoms. He also proposed five additional goals of global dialogue, acceptance, truth, love, and compassion.

Morari Bapu said, “The charisma of the Ramcharitmanas has brought all of us here. Many years ago, I circumambulated the United Nations Headquarters building. At that time, I had not thought of doing a Katha inside the United Nations, but Katha must have wished for it, and thus we are here.”

He emphasized that this Ram Katha brings the goodwill of all Indians, highlighting that it is not a show of strength but a spiritual discourse. “What is historic can become old and jaded, but what is spiritual remains eternal,” he added, in the context of Hinduism being Sanatana Dharma. He expressed gratitude to the UN Secretary-General and his team for their cooperation in organizing the event.

Morari Bapu’s humanitarian efforts extend to disaster-hit areas globally, including war-torn regions and marginalized communities. He has also offered to hold a Ram Katha on the border of Ukraine and Russia in order to end war and re-establish peace. He also offered the same in Israel.

His long term commitment to inclusivity and compassion is evident in his outreach to sex workers, transgender individuals, and others often overlooked by society. His teachings align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting peace, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He has been strongly advocating planting trees and urged devotees to plant at least 5 trees in their backyard.

The Ramcharitmanas carries a global message, transcending religious and cultural boundaries, Morari Bapu, who has been reciting Ram Kathas for over sixty-five years drawing from Vedic Sanatana Dharma, said.

“It speaks to the universal values that are needed in today’s world—truth, love, and compassion,” he said.

Morari Bapu, 77, so far has conducted Ram Kathas in numerous cities and pilgrimage sites across the world, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Israel, and Japan.

“We all need to work together for peace, love, and truth in the world, especially on this dear earth which we call Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. By performing the Ram Katha here, we pray for supreme peace and well-being for all,” Morari Bapu said.

In addition to promoting peace, Ram Katha, according to the Indian spiritual leader, will help in showing the path to address contemporary issues such as mental health, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable development.

“The teachings of the Ramcharitmanas are very much aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising the need for global cooperation and compassion,” he said.

“We must tackle mental health issues exacerbated by stress and competition. Good communication, or Satsang, is a powerful therapy for mental distress. The Ram Katha will highlight these teachings, advocating for a harmonious and balanced life,” he said.

Morari Bapu said the event is part of a broader vision to spread the message of the Ramayana globally.

“Through Ram Katha, we aim to unite people beyond boundaries, fostering a sense of global brotherhood. Our future plans include more such events to spread the message of the Ramayana,” the spiritual leader from Gujarat noted.

The historic Ram Katha at the United Nations Headquarters is set to be a milestone event, bridging spiritual teachings with global aspirations for peace and unity. The event underscores the timeless relevance of the Ramcharitmanas in addressing contemporary global challenges and promoting a harmonious world.