Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan issued a strong call to action, expressing deep concern over the increasing targeting of Sanatana Dharma and urging the public to break their silence. He made these remarks during the valedictory ceremony of the month-long ‘Bruhat Gitotsava’ held at the historic Rajangana of Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi on Sunday.
A Call to Protect Dharma and Embrace the Gita
Pawan Kalyan stated that Sanatana Dharma is facing targeted attacks, even in states like Tamil Nadu, often disguised as exercises in free speech. He emphasized that remaining silent in the face of such challenges is not a viable option. Drawing inspiration from Acharya Madhwa, whom he described as a revolutionary thinker, Kalyan noted that true devotion requires inner strength. He used the imagery of Lord Krishna with a churning stick and rope to illustrate that life's struggles must be faced and churned to attain wisdom.
The Deputy CM passionately appealed to people not to treat the Bhagavad Gita as a mere ritual object kept in prayer rooms. Instead, he urged them to read it, especially during times of personal distress. He termed the sacred text the "living pulse of our civilisation" and directly addressed Generation Z and the youth, asserting that its teachings are more relevant today than ever as a guide to combatting adharma (unrighteousness) in life.
Dharma and Constitution: Complementary Guides
Addressing a common perception, Pawan Kalyan argued that Dharma and the Constitution are not mutually exclusive. He explained that while the Constitution provides a legal framework for society, Dharma offers an essential moral compass. According to him, both systems complement each other in steering society toward peace and compassion. He attributed this potential for harmony to the fact that Sanatana Dharma is rooted not in blind faith, but in scientific and timeless wisdom.
Kalyan expressed profound reverence for Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji of the Paryaya Puttige Mutt, who organized the event, and all the seers of the Ashta Mutts. He credited them for transforming Udupi into a spiritual Vaikunta (abode of Vishnu). The political leader highlighted that Udupi's significant stature is largely due to Jagadguru Madhwacharya, revered as the third incarnation of Vayu. He praised the Puttige Mutt's unique campaign, through which one crore (10 million) people wrote out all 700 shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita, calling it an extraordinary act of mass devotion.
Seer's Appeal for Gita in Andhra Pradesh Textbooks
During the ceremony, Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji of Paryaya Puttige Mutt emphasized the universal importance of Sanskrit, calling it the root of all languages and the language of the heavens. He commended Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for his efforts to protect Hindu dharma and presented him with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. The seer also made a significant appeal, urging Kalyan to include lessons on the philosophy of Madhwacharya, the compositions of saint Tyagaraja, and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in the school textbooks of Andhra Pradesh.
Recalling the devotion of Kanakadasa, which is believed to have moved the deity of Lord Krishna in Udupi, Kalyan said it exemplifies that true bhakti (devotion) transcends barriers of caste, social status, or power—a fundamental hallmark of Sanatana Dharma. He also voiced concern over the increasing incidents of cow slaughter and called upon Hindus to protect cows, clarifying that his dharma does not preach hatred towards any religion.
The event concluded with Pawan Kalyan being honored with the ‘Abhinava Krishna Devaraya’ award. He was presented with a picture of Lord Krishna, a traditional 'kadegolu', and a citation. Later, along with TTD Board member Ananda Sai, he offered Tirumala Tirupati Temple prasada to the Puttige seer. The ceremony was presided over by Vidyaprasanna Thirtha Swamiji of Subrahmanya Mutt, with several dignitaries in attendance including ISKCON's Subhag Swami Maharaj, junior seer of Puthige Mutt Sri Susheendra Thirtha Swamiji, and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna.
