The essence of a saint lies in their ability to unite society and illuminate the path of truth, a sentiment articulated by Professor K.D. Jha. During a cultural forum hosted by IFTA, titled ‘The Legacy of Saints and Contemporary Society,’ Prof. Jha highlighted that saints possess no caste and their primary mission is to foster unity. He distinguished saints from mere seekers (‘sadhus’), defining saints as those who guide towards self-realization through adherence to truth. Prof. Jha observed the paradox of saints who challenged idol worship now being venerated through statues. The discussion, co-chaired by Pankaj Srivastava and Kamal Chand Kispoța, featured reflections on the disconnect between saintly teachings and societal practices. Speakers pointed out that while the wisdom of figures like Kabir, Nanak, and Mira is widely acknowledged, its practical application remains limited. The origins of the saint tradition were linked to periods of intense social stratification, with saints championing universal brotherhood. Concerns were raised about the dilution of the saintly ethos in the modern era, with some entering politics, deviating from their core role. A contemporary saint, it was suggested, would reconnect individuals with nature, steering them away from artificial living. The session emphasized that saints taught the embodiment of divine qualities rather than mere worship of idols. The event was concluded with a vote of thanks and a symbolic handover of literary work.
