A significant 10-day padayatra, led by Bageshwar Dham’s Peethadhishwar Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has begun its journey across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The initiative, starting November 7 and concluding on November 16, covers a distance of 145 kilometers with the overarching goals of bolstering Hindu unity, dismantling caste-based discrimination, and disseminating messages centered on peace, national pride, and Sanatan principles.
At the launch event, Shastri conveyed a strong message about the need for an awakening among the Hindu community. He articulated a vision for India free from casteism and division, prioritizing nationalism and the security of Hindu children. His remarks also touched upon preventing the ‘Islamization’ of the country and fostering a harmonious environment, symbolized by the flow of the Ganga.
This ambitious undertaking has garnered substantial interest, with around 40,000 individuals registering to participate. The daily schedule is structured around spiritual and nationalistic activities, commencing each day with the recitation of the national anthem and the Hanuman Chalisa. This is followed by a series of seven pledges intended to cultivate unity and eradicate caste-based prejudices.
Shastri was unequivocal in defining the padayatra’s focus, stating, “We are not marching against Muslims, but in support of Hindus.” He underscored the mission to connect with every community, asserting that the movement is exclusively for the unity of Hindus and the preservation of Sanatan values.
In an effort to garner broader support, invitations have been extended to leaders across the political spectrum who align with Hindutva ideology. Shastri expressed his desire for those passionate about these principles to join the march.
The walkathon carries profound patriotic and religious symbolism. Shastri explained that participants are united by their love for Hindutva, Sanatan, and the national flag, likening the endeavor to seeing the ‘tricolour on the moon.’ He reiterated that the padayatra is a spiritual mission aimed at national well-being, covering approximately 150 kilometers for the benefit of the country’s citizens.
Drawing a connection to historical events, Shastri invoked the memory of November 7, 1966, in Delhi, referencing an incident involving violence against saints and cows. He framed the padayatra as a non-violent response, a journey to end casteism and foster Hindu brotherhood. Participants are encouraged to commit to pledges emphasizing Hindu unity, rejecting religious conversion, abolishing untouchability, and protecting their community’s integrity.