The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan has extended an invitation to intersex activist Gopi Shankar Madurai to grace the inaugural ceremony of the colossal 108 feet moorthi (statue) of Adi Shankara at Omkareshwar Dham.
In a bid to promote Advaita Vedanta philosophy and honor the legacy of Adi Shankaracharya, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced the establishment of the grand universal center of Oneness, named ‘Ekatma Dham.’
The project aims to popularize the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and will feature a 108-foot multi-metal statue of child Shankar in a symbolic posture of embarking on a spiritual journey.
The ‘Ekatma Dham’ project will also include the establishment of ‘Advaita Loka’ and the ‘Acharya Shankar International Institute of Advaita Vedanta.’ Leveraging modern technology and innovative expressions of Indian art traditions, it will showcase the life and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya in an effective and attractive manner. Notable features of the project include the ‘Advaita Nauka Vihar,’ a high-screen theatre, a ‘Panchayatan Temple,’ ‘Srishti: a Vedanta interpretation center,’ ‘Annapoorna,’ and ‘Advaita Kalagrama.’
The grand unveiling ceremony of the ‘Statue of Oneness’ and the foundation laying ceremony of ‘Advaita Loka’ are scheduled to take place at 10:30 AM on 18 September, 2023.
For this event, the Chief Minister has extended an invitation to intersex activist, and southern representative of the National Council for Transgender Persons, Gopi Shankar Madurai acknowledging their presence as a symbol of India’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Speaking to The Commune, Gopi said that this is the first time that people belonging to the intersex community have been invited for such an occasion.
“This is very heartening and a moment of joy for us. It is a big representation and an honour for our community. It is not just about dignity. This is real equality. That people from the intersex community are being invited to witness the historic moment of the inauguration of the 108 feet Adi Shankara staute is something that needs to be highlighted.“, Gopi said.
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