Need to set up Sanatan Board declaring Bharat as Hindu Rashtra: Dwarka Shankrayacharya.

Govt should set up Sanatan Board for growth of Hindu institutions: Dwarka Shardapeeth Shankrayacharya Sadanand Saraswati.

He proposes the establishment of a Sanatan Board to promote the growth of Hindu religious institutions. Furthermore, he suggests that the government should initiate legislation to amend the Constitution, declaring India a Hindu rashtra or Hindu nation .

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Prayag Raj | Jan 23, 2025:: Dwarka Shardapeeth Shankarayacharya Sadanand Saraswati is advocating for significant changes in India’s governance structure. He proposes the establishment of a Sanatan Board to promote the growth of Hindu religious institutions. Furthermore, he suggests that the government should initiate legislation to amend the Constitution, declaring India a Hindu rashtra or Hindu nation.

 Sadanand Saraswati’s predecessor, Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, was also a prominent figure who shared his views on various issues on Hindutva, including the protection of cows, the importance of Hindu scriptures, and the need for a uniform civil code.

The Sankracharya’s statement highlights a contentious issue surrounding the Waqf Board, which manages mosque properties across India. He argues that the concept of the Waqf Board is not grounded in the Koran or the Indian Constitution.

Meanwhile, plans for making a Sanatan Board are underway, spearheaded by Devkinandan Thakur, a renowned Hindu storyteller. The idea is being promoted by seers like him, who envision a Hindu rashtra (Hindu nation).

Read also: Draft constitution of Sanatan Board to be announced at Jan 27 Dharm Sabha in Maha Kumbh

The Sankracharya’s assertion that “this is the country of Hindus, the Sanatanis” echoes sentiments of Hindu nationalism, which emphasizes the importance of Hindu culture and heritage in India. This ideology has been influential in shaping India’s political landscape, with organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promoting Hindu nationalist agendas.

“This is the country of Hindus, the Sanatanis. If Hindu rashtra is declared, how can anyone object?,” the Dwarka Shankaracharya asked.

“The issue is how to declare India under the present Constitution. The Constitution must be amended to make this possible,” the Shankarayacharya said while talking to Saibal Dasgupta, a reporter in TOI.

“As you would say, quantity has increased but there is need for improvement in quality. The feeling of devotion must come from within oneself. Is the body practising dharma or the spirit within the body—this is an issue that must be understood,” the seer said.

“There has been an increase in religiosity among the people. There is also an increase in the resources available for the spread of religion. Transportation facilities have increased. This is the reason why the number of people visiting the Mels has increased,” Swami Sadananda said.

The proposal for a Sanatan Board raises questions about the relationship between religion and governance in India. While some argue that such a board would promote Hindu interests and cultural preservation, others in ‘selective secular’ sides are seeing it as an attempt to impose Hindu dominance or undermine India’s secular framework. But, these secular elements never objected the Waqf Act, Sharia dimension or the Muslim appeasement.
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__Inputs from TOI and HT.