Uniting for True Sanatan Dharma: Over 100 Hindu Leaders Gather in Kolhapur for Dharam Sansad

On October 15, 2024, over 100 spiritual leaders from diverse Hindu sects, including Warkari, Lingayat, and Dashanami, gathered in Kolhapur to promote a message of unity, compassion, and non-violence. Rejecting the politicization of religion, these leaders called for the protection of Sanatan Dharma’s core values—tolerance, inclusiveness, and peace—while condemning those who exploit religion for political gain. This Dharam Sansad emphasized the need to foster interfaith dialogue and build a society free from discrimination.

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PRESS RELEASE

In the city of Kolhapur, known as Maharashtra's Kashi and a religious center symbolizing equality, spiritual leaders from various sects of the Hindu religion gathered on October 15, 2024. The event brought together saints and gurus from traditions such as Warkari, Lingayat, Ramananda, Dashanami, Datt, Shakta, and others, with around a hundred spiritual leaders in attendance. Held at the conference hall of Rasika Garden, the gathering included representatives from prominent Hindu pilgrimage centers like Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar, alongside leaders of regional sects.

The term "Dharam Sansad" refers to a forum for meaningful collective dialogue, focusing on the compassionate essence of Dharma. This Dharam Sansad emphasized the spiritual dimensions of Hinduism over political Hindutva, with key discussions centered on the principles of diversity, inclusiveness, tolerance, and the vastness of Hindu thought.

Swami Raghavendra, a prominent spiritual leader in attendance, said “Recognizing the complex challenges confronting Hinduism today, the conference explored a range of issues, from the misinterpretation of scriptures to the politicization of religious ideologies. Leaders stressed the importance of fostering a more holistic understanding of the religion, urging for greater interfaith dialogue and unity to address these concerns.”

Mahant Anand Das Naga, Hanumangarh, associated with Ayodhya, said, “Some organizations that claim to unite Indian society are actually trying to divide it. These organizations are attempting to bind the country's diversity to a specific ideology. More temples have been destroyed during the regime of the so-called Hindutva party than were destroyed during the Mughal period or by Abdali.”

Bal Yogi Ramdas, Mahant of Kartaliya Baba Ashram, Ayodhya, said, “Neither Lord Rama nor religion is the property of any one religion or any one political party. We will not allow any party to monopolize Hinduism. Religion and politics are two separate things. We will strongly oppose the politics of religion.”

Sanganbaswa Nilanga Swami of Satya Dharam Samvad very poignantly declared, “The use of religion for political purposes and the recent Hindu-Muslim riots in Kolhapur prove that some parties, individuals, and forces are engaging in politics over riots and dead bodies, linking them to religion. Every crime is being seen through the lens of religion, not from the perspective of the criminal. A religious angle is being drawn into every issue. All of us religious leaders must engage in grassroots, one-on-one dialogues to clear the confusion in the minds of ordinary Hindus.”

Shri Korneshwar Swami said, “Hinduism has various sects, and its beauty lies in its tolerance and coexistence. If religion continues to be exploited for political gain, then those who claim to be the custodians of Hinduism will be the very ones putting its existence at risk. Hinduism, which was once known globally for its tolerance, is now seeing an increase in 'Hinduphobia' due to the actions of these individuals.”

Swami Raghavendra, in his presidential address, said, “The so-called Hindu religious leaders who assist those engaging in religious politics are neglecting the core tenets of religion—truth, love, compassion, non-violence, coexistence, tolerance, and brotherhood. Instead of focusing on the welfare of humanity and how a person can lead a moral life, they comment on other religions, their deities, beliefs, and practices, causing hurt and increasing tension. Such actions will be condemned by Satya Dharam Samvad as it travels from village to village across India, and we will call for their boycott.”

Acharya Ravi, who leads the Dharma Bodh campaign in Ujjain, said, “A truly religious person is the one who has overcome the sense of division. Saints always speak of humanity and pray for the welfare of mankind. Today, the perspectives of many people and religious leaders are becoming increasingly narrow. In such a scenario, initiatives like Satya Dharam Samvad should continue so that the true purpose of religion can be understood.”

Shri Paramatma Maharaj of Dattapeeth, Aadi, Belgaum, said, “People who incite riots in the name of religion, no matter which country or religion they belong to, do not truly understand religion. There is only one true religion—humanity. We must guide everyone towards humanity, which is the essence of religion—truth, love, and compassion. We appreciate Swami Raghavendra's efforts in initiating such a movement.”

Shri Manohar Manav stated that the Indian society is a confluence of diverse cultures and religions, and preserving its beauty is essential to maintaining its heritage.

United in one voice, over a hundred religious leaders at this Kolhapur Dharam Sansad declared the following

1. With a focus on the ancient tradition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), we will promote the true Sanatan Dharma globally, rooted in tolerance.

2. Keeping the true Sanatan Dharma away from narrow partisan politics, we will continue to advance towards building a welfare-oriented society.

3. We will uphold the values of truth, justice, compassion, and equality, and will respond non-violently to those so-called followers of religion who seek to undermine these principles.

4. Inspired by nature, we will work towards building a society free from all forms of discrimination and dogmatism.

5. We will reject all forms of violent and hateful ideologies and strive to establish the true meaning of Sanatan Dharma in society, based on non-violence.

6. We will foster friendly and loving relations with the followers of other religions, in an effort to strengthen the diverse spiritual culture of India.

7. We will express respect and honour towards great figures not only from Sanatan Dharma but from other religions as well.

8. We will strive to eradicate casteism from Hinduism, working towards an ideal society.

9. By eliminating dogmatism within us and embracing the virtues of all sects, we will contribute to establishing an egalitarian and peaceful society.

10. We will publicly boycott so-called religious leaders who attempt to divide India's social fabric.

Press Contact: Swami Raghavendra

www.satyadharamsamvad.org

satyadharamsamvad@gmail.com

+91-9939200407

Satya Dharam Samvad is a non-political organization working towards spreading this message of compassion and fraternity of Hinduism. This initiative was started by kind-hearted Hindu spritiual leaders in Haridwar in a similar Dharam Sansad, with the aim of promoting peace, love, and harmony, particularly in these challenging times.