Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, transformed his 29th birthday into a platform for social reform and religious unity. In the presence of lakhs of devotees in Gada village, located in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, Baba declared casteism and discrimination as the biggest diseases of the country on Friday and reiterated his resolve to eradicate them.
Dhirendra Shastri said in an emotional tone, "The time has now come for us to go from village to village, street to street, embrace people, and awaken the consciousness of Hindutva within them." With this announcement, the entire atmosphere echoed with the slogans of Jai Shri Ram and Hindu Rashtra. The program was celebrated with simplicity due to an incident of the pandal collapsing a day earlier, but there was no shortage of devotion.
Unique Gift Requested from Devotees
On this special occasion of his birthday, Dhirendra Shastri also requested a gift from his followers—but it was not a material object. He urged them to gift him the resolve for a Hindu Rashtra, freedom from casteism, a halt to religious conversion, and the promise to make India a Vishwaguru (world leader) again. He said, "We must now take steps to ensure world peace and avoid situations like a World War."
The Sanatan Dharma to Resound in the South as Well
A large number of followers from various parts of South India, including Chennai, were present at the event. He announced that Baba's court would soon be established in South India as well, so that the Sanatan Dharma could expand throughout India. During this time, Baba also announced his upcoming padyatra (foot march), which will be taken out in the Braj region. Along with this, he also clarified the responsibilities of his team.
Now a National Face of Hindutva
Dhirendra Shastri, who was limited to Chhatarpur until a few years ago, has now become a b voice of Hindu faith and nationalism in the country and the world. His devotees are spread from Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Jharkhand to New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. His courts are held in the country and abroad, and people come with crores of devotion to listen to him and get their parchis (written readings) read.