NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with a holographic representation of late spiritual teacher Swami Chinmayananda on Friday at Bharat Mandapam during the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan.
Modi described the digital encounter as an emotional reminder of their 1993 meeting in Vadodara. In his address, he called the representation a holobot and thanked Chinmaya Mission for arranging the experience.
“For me, this is a deeply emotional experience,” he said.
According to the official transcript, Modi felt the interaction had transported him back 33 years. He recalled Chinmayananda’s conversation, affection and blessings during their earlier meeting.
The demonstration formed part of the opening of the three-day gathering, which commemorated Chinmaya Mission’s 75-year journey. Organisers scheduled the event from October 23 to 25 at the New Delhi venue.
Modi also explained the circumstances of his original meeting with the spiritual teacher. Around February or March 1993, he visited Chinmayananda to invite him to the centenary celebrations of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
Chinmayananda accepted the invitation and travelled to the United States, Modi recounted. However, he died in San Diego on August 3, 1993, weeks before the September gathering.
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Modi said he attended the Chicago event and remembered the teacher’s absence. He described their final discussion as focused on developing young people’s abilities and building a stronger India.
Meanwhile, Chinmaya Mission’s programme brought together spiritual teachers, scholars, young members and followers. Organisers said participants were expected from more than 25 countries. Its published schedule included talks, an exhibition and a musical performance as part of the anniversary gathering.
