Amit Shah Declares Governments Failing Sanatan Dharma Will Not Return to Power
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah made a significant political statement on Tuesday, asserting that any government which fails to uphold the values of Sanatan Dharma would never return to power in India again. He delivered these remarks during a special event commemorating the Swaminarayan sect in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Historical Context and Long-Awaited Governance
Shah emphasized that followers of various Sanatan traditions have patiently waited since India's independence for a government that would give due importance to Sanatan Dharma and govern according to its foundational principles. "I am confident that, with the blessings of saints, a government that disappoints followers of Sanatan Dharma will never come to power again in this country," he told the assembled gathering with conviction.
Celebrating 200 Years of Shikshapatri
The event specifically marked the bicentennial anniversary of "Shikshapatri", a sacred code of conduct consisting of 212 Sanskrit verses authored by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1826. This text serves as an essential guide for followers of the Swaminarayan sect, outlining comprehensive moral, social, and spiritual principles. These include directives on non-violence, purity, dietary habits, and daily responsibilities, forming a holistic framework for righteous living.
Modi Government's Commitment to Cultural Heritage
Shah highlighted that since Narendra Modi assumed the role of Prime Minister, numerous governmental decisions have reflected a steadfast commitment to India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. He specifically pointed to the reconstruction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which was destroyed over 550 years ago, as a monumental achievement under PM Modi's leadership. This project fulfilled the centuries-old aspirations of countless devotees.
"Article 370 of the Constitution was abrogated. Triple talaq was abolished, and a Common Civil Code was initiated for all religions," Shah stated, enumerating key policy actions. He further noted that initiatives promoting yoga, ayurveda, cow protection, and the restoration of major pilgrimage sites such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaal, and Somnath have been undertaken over the past eleven years.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan's Enduring Legacy
The Union Minister praised Bhagwan Swaminarayan's profound contributions to Gujarat and Indian society at large. "Bhagwan Swaminarayan travelled across India on foot before settling in Gujarat. At a time when society was suffering from many vices and addictions, he worked tirelessly to organize and reform the community," Shah recounted, underscoring the spiritual leader's transformative impact.
Relevance of Shikshapatri in Modern Times
Regarding the enduring importance of the Shikshapatri, Shah described it as capturing the essence of major Hindu scriptures. "It is like a moral constitution for life. It provides practical guidance on self-discipline, social conduct, compassion, non-violence, and a sense of duty," he explained. Shah added that the text remains remarkably relevant today, as it advises individuals to maintain transparency in financial dealings and personal conduct to prevent disputes and foster harmony.
Advocacy for Social Reforms
Shah further elaborated that Bhagwan Swaminarayan strongly advocated for progressive social reforms by encouraging girls' education, opposing animal sacrifice, and launching campaigns against casteism and untouchability. He affirmed that since its inception, the Swaminarayan sect has been dedicated to protecting Sanatan values and uplifting society through spiritual and social initiatives.
