Searching Threads of Celebrating Diversity

Prayagraj: Sarvasamaveshi Sanskritik Kumbh was a different kind of Kumbh within the Kumbh on January 30. Eminent saints from various sects, faiths and communities gathered at Ganga Pandal and shared their views on the theme ‘Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti’.

The unique cultural Kumbh began with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing inspiring quotes of various saints. Welcoming the saints and other participants, Vice Chancellor of Rajarshi Tandon Open University Dr KN Singh said despite different geographical regions and sects from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, Bharat is one and all are committed here for the betterment of the entire universe.

Addressing the gathering, RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi said the Sanskritik Kumbh would strengthen unity in the Hindu society. He said Bharat and Hindus have a unique identity and vision of life. All ways of worships here lead to the same goal and we believe that one can achieve that goal through any method. “All sects transform one from nar to narayana. We believe in practice and not in principle alone. Every way of worship has some of the sutras of unity and these sutras basically unite the entire society. However, some elements have tried to misuse the uniqueness that every sect has to divide the society and they are successful to some extent. But today’s Kumbh will lead us to the unity that we all wish to achieve. All great personalities have been working in the same direction for years,” the RSS Sarkaryavah added.

Shri Joshi further said: “Truth is one which takes all along. Some people said the one, who has money would rule the world. Hence, many countries in the world started amassing wealth. Then someone said the one who has number would rule the world. Hence, some people started increasing their number in the world. Then the third view came, which said the one who influences the largest number of people will rule the world. But in the time to come, the one who takes all along will rule the world. I feel the thinking of taking all along will eliminate struggles from the world.”

Presiding over the discussion, Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Hansdevacharya said such activities strengthen the cultural roots of the Indian culture. Yogaguru Baba Ramdev said criticising Bharat in the name of caste is wrong as the Indian culture believes in unity. Our saints have advocated and worked for ensuring women empowerment since ages. He stressed the need for the saints to work for an addiction-free society. Shri Govinddev Giri Maharaj said the soul of Bharat resides in the Vedas. Indian culture does not believe in invasion and it talks about peace and happiness all over the world.

Swami Awadheshanand Giri Maharaj said it is Bharat that has deeply studied the truth. When majority of the regions in the world treat the world merely as a market, we treat it as a family. Swami Chidanand Saraswati said Kumbh normally gives a new direction, but the organisation of Sarvasamaveshi Sanskritik Kumbh has given a new direction to the Kumbh. Some people claim that the RSS believes in dividing the country, but it is the RSS alone that is tirelessly working to unite Bharat and the Bharatiya culture.

Vice Chancellor of Tibetan Central University Rimpoche described Indian culture as the foundation of non-violence and satisfaction. He said the Indian culture provides ways to overcome the global challenges and also mental pollution. Shri Kamal Muni Jain, Shri Jitendraji Maharaj, Sadhvi Prachi, Shri Satpal Maharaj, Shri Umeshnath Valmiki, Dr Vijay Ram Valmiki and many other saints also addressed the Kumbh.

Other eminent personalities who were also present on the occasion included VHP president Justice (retd) Shri VS Kokaje, working president Shri Alok Kumar, RSS Sahsarkaryavahs Shri Dattatreya Hosabale and Dr Krishna Gopal.