Coins honouring Bapu's spiritual guru released

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative coins and stamps honouring Mahatma Gandhi's spiritual guru Shrimad Rajchandraji at Sabarmati Ashram on Thursday. This year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandraji, who is hailed as Bapu's spiritual guide and had a tremendous and formative influence on him.

Modi launched two commemorative coins of Rs 150 and Rs 10, a special Rs 5 postage stamp, a first day cover and a first day cancelled cover on the occasion.

Along with his portrait, the words 'Shrimad Rajchandra' and 150th birth anniversary have been inscribed on the coins. The Rs 10 coin and the stamp will be circulated, while the Rs 150 coin will serve as a souvenir.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and members of various organisations carrying forward the legacy of Shrimad Rajchandraji were present at the event.

Elaborating on Rajchandraji's influence on Mahatma Gandhi, Abhay Jasani, president of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, said, "Gandhiji met Shrimadji for the first time in Mumbai in 1891. His absorption in spiritual pursuits, enlightening wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and moral earnestness left a deep-rooted impression on Gandhiji."

"Their relationship blossomed over profound interactions in the two years that Gandhiji spent in Mumbai. Upon moving to South Africa, Gandhiji corresponded with him through letters. Shrimadji's inherent adherence to principles of satya, ahimsa and dharma later crystallised as the fundamental tenets of Gandhism," added Jasani.