Union Minister says vested interests are trying to weaken Hindu society

There are conspiracies by vested interests to weaken Hinduism and undermine the strength of India, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said in Dharwad on Sunday.

“Some people are trying to destroy Hindu society as a whole. They include some within the country and others abroad. They are working jointly to weaken our faith, religion and the nation,” he said.

“In such circumstances, it is necessary to bring people closer to dharma. For the commoners, following the path shown by the seers is itself dharma. Our practices and beliefs may differ and there may be differences of opinion amongst those following different streams of thought. But there is a need to protect society,” he said.

“Hinduism is a great religion and we should all be proud of it. We must set aside our internal differences and stand united,” he said.

He was speaking at a religious discourse organised at Gopalpur Uttaradi Math where the Chaturmasya programme is under way.

“We should stop criticising the sages and traditions of Sanatana Dharma. Attempts have been made to pose a serious threat to dharma. We must follow the path shown by seers. In Sanatana Dharma, leading a pure life itself is dharma. Work performed without selfish motives is dharma. Whatever one’s faith may be, following dharma brings happiness and peace. This is the message being conveyed by Sri Satyatmateertha Swami,” Mr. Joshi said.

“Seers like Sri Satyatmateertha Swami are continuously working to guide youngsters towards the path of dharma,’’ he added.

He urged parents to keep track of screen addiction among youngsters. “You should keep children away from excessive television and mobile phone use. However, it is necessary to engage with youth who have become addicted to reels and guide them towards activities related to dharma,” he said.

Mr. Joshi said that the Chaturmasya programme being observed by the seer is being held in Dharwad after nearly 90 years.

“I believe the last one was held in 1935. After 91 years, it is now being conducted on a grand scale. The blessings of Lord Hayagriva are the reason for this. Long ago, my gurus instructed me to serve society and such religious institutions. That has now been fulfilled. As a result, I am standing before you today as Union Education Minister,” he said.

“Sri Satyatmateertha Swami expressed the desire to hold the Chaturmasya programme in the presence of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala. I have already spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and arrangements will be made for the seers to hold a Chaturmasya programme there next year,” he said.

The seer said that it is a matter of pride for everyone that Pralhad Joshi, a committed follower of Sanatana Dharma, has become the Union Education Minister.

“I think Lord Hayagriva has placed him in this position so that education can reach the common people. May this help create an atmosphere filled with knowledge. The propagation of Sanatana Dharma and protection of its traditions must continue. India should occupy the position of sharing knowledge with the world. India holds a distinguished place in terms of moral values,” he added.