The Delhi Dharma Sansad, organized by renowned spiritual orator Devkinandan Thakur on Saturday, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of saints, spiritual leaders, and thousands of devotees from across India. The central theme of the event revolved around the demand for establishing a Sanatan Board, with Thakur emphasizing the urgency of the matter through his slogan, "Abhi nahi, to kabhi nahi" (Now or never).

A Call for Unity and Action

The event featured prominent saints, including Dwarikapeeth Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati, who served as the chief guest. Saints from 13 prominent akharas and religious leaders like Dr. Ram Vilas Vedanti, Mahant Raju Das of Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi, and spiritual speaker Pradeep Mishra also voiced their support for the Sanatan Board.

Devkinandan Thakur addressed critical concerns, such as alleged animal fat contamination in Tirupati Balaji temple's prasad, calling for stricter regulations under a unified Sanatan Board. He also raised issues like preserving Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and protecting Hindu traditions. Highlighting the declining Hindu population, he urged the community to unite and take proactive steps to safeguard their faith and culture.

Key Statements from Religious Leaders

Mahant Raju Das (Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya)

Raju Das stressed the importance of similar gatherings during Kumbh Mela, criticizing the government for utilizing temple funds while facing opposition to organizing Hindu events. He urged Hindus to stay vigilant against potential threats, referencing incidents in Bangladesh, and rallied for collective action to ensure the establishment of the Sanatan Board.

Pandit Pradeep Mishra

Pandit Mishra took a firm stance against controversial remarks by Maulana Taukir Raza, asserting that Hindu youth, inspired by spiritual teachings, stand ready to defend their faith. He encouraged Hindu families to equip themselves with protective tools and highlighted the power of spiritual unity.

Dr. Ram Vilas Vedanti

Vedanti emphasized the role of Sanatan Dharma in protecting India’s cultural identity. He demanded the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and revocation of the Waqf Board’s authority, arguing it to be unique to India. He also called for barring non-Hindus from entering the Kumbh Mela, drawing parallels to restrictions in Mecca and Medina.

Controversial Demands and Statements

The Dharma Sansad saw strong rhetoric, including calls for the community to adopt self-defense measures and boycott economic ties with those opposing Hindu traditions. Some leaders suggested stringent actions, such as prohibiting the entry of non-Hindus within 40 kilometers of Kumbh venues, a statement likely to spark widespread debate.

Next Steps: Haridwar Dharma Sansad

Concluding the event, Devkinandan Thakur announced that the next Dharma Sansad would be held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. He reiterated the need for the Sanatan Board to address issues like temple management, religious education, and the prevention of forced religious conversions.

Key Takeaways

• The Sanatan Board is proposed to regulate Hindu temple activities, protect traditions, and address grievances.
• Unity among Hindus and a focus on increasing the population were emphasized.
• Several leaders called for stricter laws to prevent religious conversions and promote the Gurukul system of education.

The Delhi Dharma Sansad marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to unify Hindu voices under a centralized framework, urging immediate action to preserve Sanatan Dharma and its cultural heritage. However, the absence of key religious leaders raised questions about the event’s inclusivity, signaling the need for broader engagement in future gatherings.