HYDERABAD: In a resolute effort to combat caste discrimination and promote social harmony, Samajika Samarasata Vedika, Telangana, hosted a significant gathering of revered Dharmacharyas at Kandakurthi in Nizamabad (Indur) district, on October 27.
The assembly, held as part of the Tricentennial celebrations of Lokamata Ahilyabai Holkar, drew around 100 attendees, including more than 60 Dharmacharyas and Swamijis from seven districts of the state, along with their disciples.
The gathering commenced with a collective aarti to the Godavari River at the newly named Lokamata Ahilyabai Holkar Pushkara Ghat, followed by a ceremonial offering and the unveiling of Ahilyabai’s portrait. The saints united to chant the Samarasata mantra, “Hindava Sodara Sarve,” underscoring the spirit of social brotherhood that guided the event. “The dharma of every Hindu is to recognize that virtue transcends caste,” noted Sri Siddheshwarananda Bharati Swamiji of Bardipur Ashram, where he teaches Vedic wisdom to over 1500 disciples across all social backgrounds. “The call to serve is what unites us, above caste and origin,” he added.
Swamijis shared personal stories and called for societal unity, emphasizing the need to break down social divisions. “Despite the discrimination faced even by those who take up Sannyasa, we are dedicated to ending this division,” stated Sangram Maharaj, who works in tribal and remote villages to prevent religious conversions through the establishment of ashrams.
Echoing this sentiment, the dharmacharyas advocated for ashrams to lead the charge in dismantling these prejudices. “In the Vedas, caste has no supremacy over character; ashrams should actively foster inclusivity,” said Jagadattri Ashram’s Yanch Mataji Shri Om Swarna Kamalakshini.
In this meeting, an action plan emerged focused on promoting dharmic values to foster harmony and respect among all sections and castes of society. The participants emphasised the importance of developing interpersonal relationships across diverse communities to encourage understanding and unity. A key initiative will involve direct engagement with villages, bastis, and localities of underprivileged communities, marking this as a crucial first step in implementing the plan. Regular visits will be organised to these areas to understand their challenges and build connections.
At the event, newly published books on Ahilyabai Holkar’s life and the teachings of Malayalam Swami were released, reinforcing the mission of social awareness. The state convenor of Samarasata Vedika Appala Prasada also presented the purpose of the gathering, inspiring Dharmacharyas to address caste-based discrimination with strategic initiatives.
Notably, Kandakurthi holds special significance as the ancestral village of Dr. Keshavaram Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), adding further historical resonance to the event.
History reveals, and local residents firmly believe, that Ahilyabai Holkar constructed a Shiva temple at the Triveni Sangam in the village of Kandakurthi.
Participants in the discussions included Sangram Maharaj, who has established an ashram in tribal villages to prevent religious conversions; and Jagadattri Ashram’s Yanch Mataji Shri Om Swarna Kamalakshini, Ananta Nanda Giri Swamiji, president of Sadhu Parishad, Satchidananda Swamiji of Thadi Pakala Ashram, Chinta Kunta Swamiji, Vishoka Ananda Swamiji, Gudimet Swamiji Mahadev Swamiji, Haridas Arya, Karimnagar Swamiji Satchidananda Swamiji, and Ujjaini Ananda Saraswati, among others.
Pulloori Ramarao, Haridas Swami, Cheetla Gangadhar, and Ajay Sharma Swamiji, prominent state-level functionaries of the Samarasata Dharmacharya division and district leaders, including Dr. Sheena Nayak (Honourable President), Devi Das (President), and others, honoured the visiting Swamijis with portraits of Ahilyabai Holkar and shawls brought from Ayodhya.
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