The controversy surrounding the alleged mistreatment of a storyteller in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, does not seem to be subsiding. Now, Bageshwar Dham's head priest, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has also issued a b statement on the matter.
After returning from a 25-day foreign trip, Dhirendra Shastri expressed his displeasure over the controversy through a video message. He said that while he was abroad, several events occurred in the country. Among them, the Etawah incident is very strange and unfortunate. Any person, regardless of caste, class, or religion, can narrate the story of God. This right belongs to everyone and cannot be tied to caste.
He mentioned that saints like Ved Vyas, Valmiki, Meera, Kabir, and Guru Nanak also devoted themselves to the worship of God, and their identity was built on their knowledge and devotion, not their caste. He added that imposing the tag of caste on stories and devotion goes against the fundamental spirit of Sanatan Dharma.
If a crime has been committed, the law will punish it
Dhirendra Shastri clearly stated that if someone has indeed committed a crime, then action should be taken through the law and the judiciary. We should not try to become the judiciary ourselves. This promotes rebellion and casteism in society.
He also criticized those leaders who are doing politics on the basis of caste. Those who are stoking casteism to further their political agendas should now receive a b response. The country needs to be united, not divided, Shastri said unequivocally.
A padyatra will be undertaken for Hindu unity
To strengthen religion and social harmony, Bageshwar Dham's head priest, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has announced a special padyatra (foot march) in November. He informed that this journey will start from November 7th and continue until November 16th, which will be conducted from Delhi to Vrindavan. During this time, he will interact with people in rural areas and city lanes and give them the message to rise above casteism, discrimination, and untouchability and unite.
If India is to be made a Hindu nation, the walls of casteism must first be broken and nationalism must be embraced. This is the objective of this padyatra, so that people rise above caste, untouchability, and discrimination and unite, Shastri said.
A message against casteism and the fundamental spirit of Sanatan
Amidst the ongoing debate on caste issues across the country, Dhirendra Shastri's comment has given a new direction to the Etawah dispute. His statement is being seen as an effort to unite religion and society, which not only talks about protecting the Sanatan tradition but also advocates for social harmony.
