Gorakhpur, Sep 29 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday asserted that the collective well-being of people depends on the “strength of Sanatan Dharma” and alleged that those who are unable to tolerate its “glory” will resort to “malicious propaganda” and create confusion.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing a lecture held at the Gorakhnath Temple, as part of the week-long ceremony marking the 57th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijay Nath and the 12th death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath.
“While modes of worship across various sects and denominations may differ, the collective well-being of all depends on the strength of the broader Sanatan Dharma. If 1.4 billion people raise their voices in unison, no power in the world can stand against them. Divergent paths lead to ruin rather than progress, and discordant voices lead to defeat rather than strength,” he said.
Launching a veiled attack on the Opposition, Chief Minister Adityanath remarked: “Those who cannot tolerate the glory of Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma in Ayodhya will resort to malicious propaganda and create confusion. Just as Hanuman recognised ‘Kalnemi’ while on his quest for the ‘Sanjeevani’ herb, devotees of Ram must also identify those who spread misinformation.”
He noted that Mahant Digvijay Nath did not view India’s independence merely as political freedom; he believed cultural freedom was also essential for complete sovereignty.
“He (Nath) held the view that if the Somnath Temple could be restored and reconsecrated, the same should be done in Ayodhya,” the Chief Minister said while mentioning that Mahant Digvijay Nath, Baba Abhiram Das, and Mahant Ramchandra Das Paramhans played active roles in the events of December 1949 when the idols of Ram Lalla were allegedly placed inside the Babri Masjid structure in Ayodhya.
“Today, after 500 years, the grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya fills followers of Sanatan Dharma with a sense of pride,” he stated.
Chief Minister Adityanath said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the magnificent forms of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, and Vindhyavasini Dham have been unveiled. At the same time, the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj showcased the strength of the Sanatan tradition to the world.
Further, the UP CM noted that Mahant Digvijay Nath united the fragmented ‘Nath sect’ into the ‘Akhil Bharatvarshiya Avadhoot Bhes Barah Panth Yogi Mahasabha’. He further emphasised the need to strengthen the unity of the broader Sanatan Dharma while upholding one’s own traditions.
He also emphasised that Mahant Digvijay Nath played a pivotal role in establishing Gorakhpur University.
“He (Nath) handed over the ‘math’s’ property and two institutions to the government for the university without seeking any personal credit. Today, 50 to 55 institutions operate under the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad, including a university, medical college, Ayurveda college, engineering college, polytechnic, schools, hospitals, and a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agricultural Science Centre),” the CM said.
CM Adityanath said Mahant Digvijay Nath established schools and colleges for girls’ education during that era and also helped advance efforts to establish the fertiliser factory and BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur.
The Chief Minister added that while ‘Gorakhpeeth’ is the seat of the ‘Nath tradition’, it is dedicated to the entire ‘Sanatan Dharma’.
“There is no discrimination here based on caste, creed, or sect. People of all castes eat together in a single row, and all ‘Acharyas’ and saints are accorded equal respect,” he underlined.
–IANS
cg/dan
