Udaipur : Prashant Agrawal, president of Narayan Seva Sansthan, shared messages of regular devotion, humility, forgiveness, service and sensitivity towards those in need through inspiring stories related to Lord Ganesha during the ongoing ‘Apno Se Apni Baat’ discourse.
Narrating the story of devotee Morya, Prashant Agrawal said Morya worshipped Lord Ganesha for years under difficult circumstances by travelling to Morgaon. When he became old and could no longer visit the temple, he received a message in a dream that he no longer needed to come as the Lord would come to him. Later, he found an idol of Lord Ganesha in a river.
Agrawal said the test of devotion lies not merely in worship but in maintaining it with regularity and discipline. He said Morya’s dedication is the reason the names of the devotee and the Lord are remembered together today.
Strength Needs the Right Direction
Referring to Lord Ganesha’s mouse vehicle, Agrawal narrated the story of a Gandharva named Krauncha, who insulted a sage out of arrogance and was cursed to become a mouse. He had strength but lacked the right direction.
Lord Ganesha did not destroy his strength but accepted him as his vehicle. Agrawal said that instead of suppressing someone’s abilities, it is important to give them the right direction.
He said the identity of a great person is reflected in the ability to adjust according to the weaker person and move forward together.
Identity Comes from Work and Ability
Referring to the story of Riddhi and Siddhi, Agrawal said society often judges a person by external appearance, whereas true identity is determined by one’s actions, abilities and competence.
He said persons with disabilities should also receive equal respect, opportunities and support.
Narrating the episode involving Parashurama and Lord Ganesha, he said one of Ganesha’s tusks was broken by a blow from Parashurama’s axe, but Ganesha forgave him. With Lord Shiva’s blessings, what appeared to be a weakness became part of his identity, and he came to be known as ‘Ekadant’.
Agrawal said that regardless of circumstances, people should not give up regularity, humility, forgiveness and compassion.
He said providing persons with disabilities with artificial limbs, assistive devices, skill training and employment opportunities to make them self-reliant is true service. He said it is not appropriate to consider anyone weak or incomplete; instead, their abilities should be recognised and they should be given opportunities to move forward.
During the discourse, Agrawal interacted with persons with disabilities. Hundreds of devotees attended the programme.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.