VARANASI, Aug 2: The All India Sant Samiti has launched a nationwide initiative titled “Sanatan Shankhnaad”, describing it as a collective effort to oppose what it called attempts to undermine Sanatan Dharma and the country’s saintly traditions. The announcement was made during the Samiti’s national meeting held at Brahma Niwas Chhoti Gabi in Varanasi, where religious leaders resolved to expand public outreach across India.
Addressing the gathering, the Samiti’s National General Secretary, Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, said the initiative marks a renewed movement by the Sant Samaj to respond to challenges facing Sanatan traditions through peaceful, democratic, and constitutional means. He likened the effort to a new phase inspired by the spiritual legacy of Adi Shankaracharya, asserting that the community of saints would actively engage in public discourse after years of restraint.
During the meeting, religious leaders also voiced concern over what they described as increasing instances of disrespect towards saints, sages, and saffron robes for political purposes. They maintained that India’s spiritual heritage has always placed the highest regard on the Sant Samaj and said such incidents would be challenged through lawful means.
Jagadguru Balak Das criticised the alleged conduct of independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, over an incident in the Parliament complex. He claimed the episode amounted to an insult to Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma and had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees. He further stated that a police complaint had been lodged against Rajesh Ranjan, Rahul Gandhi, and Awadhesh Prasad. According to him, if no action is taken by the authorities, the Sant Samaj would consider approaching the Supreme Court.
The Samiti also announced that its campaign has received support from the Shri Kashi Vidvat Parishad and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Representatives of both organisations reaffirmed their backing for the initiative during the meeting.
Saints and spiritual leaders from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, Goa, West Bengal, and southern India, attended the deliberations.
In addition to the campaign announcement, the Samiti revealed plans to organise the Sanskriti Sansad in Varanasi from November 2 to 5. Swami Jitendranand Saraswati said the event will commence with a Rudrabhishek ceremony dedicated to the memory of Kar Sevaks associated with the Ram Temple movement. More than 3,000 saints representing diverse religious traditions from across the country are expected to participate in the four-day congregation, which will focus on cultural, spiritual, and social issues.
