Indian spiritual leader Morari Bapu commences 9-day ‘Ramcharitmanas’ recital at Harvard University

New York, Indian spiritual leader Morari Bapu kicked off a nine-day recital of the Ramcharitmanas at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre on August 15. The event, titled "Manas Guru Prasad," will conclude on August 23. A three-day scholarly discussion took place from August 16 to 18. Prof Diana Eck, Faculty Director at Harvard's Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, explained that the Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana's 14-day journey from Ayodhya to Rameshwaram transformed the locations into sacred sites, influencing spiritual pilgrimages worldwide.

UK House of Lords member Dolar Popat noted that Harvard's motto, "Veritas," aligned with the principles of "Satya, Prem, and Karuna," enhancing the significance of the gathering. Bapu initiated the Tulsi Jayanti program in 2010 to celebrate the birth anniversary of poet-saint Tulsidas. During the recital, Bapu emphasized the spiritual aspect of the event, describing the gathering as "prem jyoti."

The event united the world's oldest recital traditions with one of its most prestigious academic institutions, featuring sadhus and scholars from significant locations in India. Bapu, known for delivering over 980 Kathas at various global locations, brings this tradition to Harvard, marking a unique intersection of spiritual and academic pursuits.