Skip to main content

Crucial to revisit roots, embrace core Hindu principles: love, compassion, harmony

A note on religious leaders'  Satya Dharam Samvad in Haridwar:
***
In a groundbreaking gathering, more than 25 religious leaders including Swamis, Acharyas, Pujaris, Gurus, and Sadhvis from all over India convened to discuss the tenets of Hinduism on September 16th, 2023, in Haridwar, to discuss and discern the current trajectory of Hinduism. This brand new initiative, the Satya Dharam Samvad, was inspired to organize its first assembly in response to the December 2021 Dharma Sansad, where hate speech and calls for violence against the Muslim community contravened the essential principles of Hinduism. Religion is being used to incite riots among Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, etc. In the face of such hatred, Swami Raghavendra felt that something meaningful should be done in the present climate. 
It is after consulting many sages and saints, that Matri Sadan and Satya Dharam Samvad jointly organized the Haridwar Dharma-Sansad 2023. In the coming months, Satya Dharam Samvad will interact with religious leaders in different areas of India in order to expose people who misinterpret religion and promote hate.
Swami Raghavendra, a prominent spiritual leader in attendance, said, "In these tumultuous times, it's crucial to revisit our roots and embrace the core principles of Hinduism – love, compassion, and harmony. We cannot let misguided interpretations take us off the path of our sacred hymns and scriptures."
Strongly rooted in Gandhian principles, the Satya Dharam Samvad serves as a beacon, aiming to connect individuals on a deeper human level. This initiative has been established to counter the rising atmosphere of Hinduphobia and to champion the message of unity and brotherhood across all castes and communities.
Korneshwar Swami, a respected cleric expressed "Hinduism is not about division; it's about unity in diversity. Today, more than ever, we need to remember that and work collectively to form a society that upholds the values of love over hate, and sees every individual as equal."
Acknowledging the complex nature of the challenges facing Hinduism, the conference delved into various aspects, from the misinterpretation of scriptures to the politicization of religious ideologies. Leaders emphasized the need for a more holistic understanding of the religion, calling for increased inter-faith dialogue and unity.
Mahant Rajendra Tripathi, a spiritual leader, said, "Those who spread hatred against a particular community in the name of organising Dharma Sansads are not Hindu priests but businessmen."
Sadhvi Chandrakala Sahib echoed this sentiment, stating, "While Hinduism is facing its challenges, it's our collective responsibility to ensure that its essence – love, compassion, and tolerance – remains untouched. Let's not be political Hindus; let's be spiritual Hindus."
The resolutions set forth by the Satya Dharam Samvad are clear and resonate with the core principles of Hinduism. By advocating for a victory of love over hate, championing human equality, promoting peace among all religions, and aiming for a casteless society, the initiative is setting a robust course for the future of Hinduism.
Drawing deeply from the revered teachings of Acharya Swami Ramanand and his disciple, poet Ravidas, the participants of Satya Dharam Samvad are galvanized with a resolute vision: to foster a casteless society. They embrace Ramanand's timeless wisdom, “No caste is asked, no one worships Hari, so Hari ka hoi,” underscoring that in the divine realm, all souls are equal. Inspired further by Ravidas's poignant prose — the leaders are committed to eradicating these divisive lines. Taking cues from the profound insights of such venerable figures, the samvad stands unwavering in its mission to champion unity, inclusivity, and the rich tapestry of teachings that call for love and understanding above all.
About Satya Dharam Samvad: Satya Dharam Samvad is a non-political organization working towards spreading the message of fraternity and compassion through engagement with religious leaders and authorities. Founded by compassionate Acharyas of the Hindu religion, the initiative seeks to foster peace, love, and harmony, especially in these challenging times.

Comments

Randa's bairagi said…
Good luck with your future endeavors.

TRENDING

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा*  जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए। 

'A tribal lifeline': Health rights group asks Gujarat governor to halt Vyara govt hospital privatization

By A Representative  In a strong appeal to the Governor of Gujarat, the National Health Rights Alliance (NHRA)—an initiative of the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)—has urged the state to halt the ongoing move to privatize the Vyara Government Hospital and Medical College in Tapi district. 

Censor Board's bullying delays 'Phule': A blow to India's democratic spirit

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  A film based on the life and legacy of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule was expected to release today. Instead, its release has been pushed to the last week of April. The reason? Protests by self-proclaimed guardians of caste pride—certain Brahmin groups—and forced edits demanded by a thoroughly discredited Censor Board.

CASR urges immediate halt to Operation Kagaar, calls for peace talks with Maoists

By A Representative   The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a collective of over 40 civil society organizations, has issued a press statement demanding an immediate end to "Operation Kagaar" and alleged state-led killings of Maoist rebels and indigenous people in central India. The group also called on the central government to create a conducive environment for initiating peace talks with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Maoist call for peace talks: A democratic opening amidst state repression?

By Harsh Thakor*  The readiness of the CPI (Maoist), a banned organisation, for peace talks is seen as signifying a democratic gesture that should be welcomed by all who uphold democratic values. The ongoing conflict under ‘Operation Kagaar’ in Central India represents a clash between alleged state aggression and self-defence by oppressed communities. Critics argue that the Indian government has violated constitutional principles by promoting corporate expansion in Adivasi regions under the pretext of development, endangering the lives and livelihoods of local populations.

How Mumbai University crumbles: Not just its buildings

By Rosamma Thomas*  In recent days, the news from the University of Mumbai has been far from inspiring – clumps of plaster have fallen off the ceiling at the CD Deshmukh Bhavan, and it was good fortune that no one was injured; creepy crawlies were found in the water dispenser that students use to collect drinking water, and timely warning videos circulated by vigilant students have kept people safe so far.

Old bias, new excuses: How western media misrepresents India’s anti-terror strikes

By Gajanan Khergamker  The recent Indian military strikes on Pakistan, dubbed Operation Sindoor, have sparked a storm of international media coverage. Several prominent outlets have portrayed India as the aggressor in the escalating conflict, raising concerns over biased reporting. This commentary critiques coverage by foreign media outlets such as The New York Times , Reuters, BBC, and CNN, which have often been accused of framing India’s actions as escalatory while downplaying or omitting critical context regarding Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism. By examining historical patterns and current geopolitical dynamics, this analysis highlights the recurring selective framing, omission of evidence, and a tendency to favor narratives aligned with Western geopolitical interests over factual nuance.

Kashmiriyat lives: Beyond the prime-time lies

By Rimmi Vaghela  I am Rimmi from Ahmedabad. I contemplated this blog on April 27, 2025 in Jammu, when my plans of revisiting the paradise called Kashmir were shattered—not by fear, but by circumstances and sorrow. I decided to share my story with a heavy heart, hoping it reaches those who still believe in the warmth of humanity over the divisive noise of prime-time media.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das*  India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

Naveen Gautam creates history, becomes first Dalit youth to moderate session at UN

By A Representative  In a historic moment for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, Mr. Naveen Gautam of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) became the first Dalit youth to moderate a session at any United Nations forum.