- Mahant Ravindra Puri Maharaj, Chairman of Akhada Pramukh, and Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj, General Secretary of All India Akhada Parishad perform the Pattabhishekam to reform a 1,300-year-old tradition
- Rajesh Shukla, Chief Strategist of National Intellectual Advisory, Main Trustee – One More Chance (NGO) and Swami Purshottam Shastri ji Maharaj, Head of Swami Narayan Trust lead the historic initiative towards equality in Indian Society
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, MAY 2
Four Dalit saints, SC and ST Sant/Mahatmas, from Gujarat – Mahant Mangal Das, Prem Das, Hari Prasad and Mohan Bapu – were ordained as Mahamandaleshwars at a historic event of transformation towards equality in Indian Society held here on Tuesday.
Rajesh Shukla, Chief Strategist of National Intellectual Advisory and Principal Trustee of One More Chance, and Purshottam Shastri Ji Maharaj, the head of Swami Narayan Trust, have jointly organized this momentous initiative in Ahmedabad. Mahant Ravindra Puri Maharaj, Chairman of Akhada Pramukh, and Mahant Hari Giri Maharaj, General Secretary of All India Akhada Parishad performed the Pattabhishekam to reform a 1,300-year-old tradition.
Notable dignitaries such as Sonal Shah, wife of Home Minister Amit Shah; Kamal Kumar Ojha, former Director General of Police, Gujarat; Amar Sable Ji, former MP and BJP Vice President; Himanshu Chaturvedi, Chairman of the Sports Association; AK Mishra, Chairman of Chanakya IAS Academy, and other dignitaries and approximately 10,000 delegates from different societies of Gujarat attended this path-breaking program.
Rajesh Shukla stated that Samta Moolak Samaj is a transformative project dedicated to fostering equality and social justice within Indian society. Amar Sable emphasized that, led by a coalition of visionary leaders and spiritual figures, this project seeks to dismantle caste-based barriers and promote inclusivity within Sanatan Dharma, aligning with the Constitutional mandate where every individual is treated with dignity and equality.
Swami Purshotam Shastri and Rajesh Shukla said that their commitment and future endeavors include launching the LBS Academy with the help and guidance of Chanakya IAS Academy along with Narayan Shastri Institute, which will have 40 branches PAN India.
Amar Sable, Ex-MP and Vice President of BJP said, “It is something that is beyond anyone’s imagination that a 1,300-year-old tradition will end and a new era for a better society will commence. It is all because of the tireless efforts of Rajesh Shukla ji and unwavering support of Ravindra Swami and Purushottam Swami that we all are witness to a history that is being created here today”.
Kamal Ojha, the former Director General of Police (DGP) for Gujarat State, emphasized the urgency for societal transformation, advocating for a collective shift in mindset and concerted unity in action. Ojha underscored the importance of cohesive societal functioning, stressing the need for a unified approach towards progress and development.
Another prominent figure, AK Mishra, Chairman Chanakya Academy, said that it was an impossible thing to imagine a Dalit Mahamandleshwar but Rajesh Shukla has shown that nothing is impossible. I am grateful to Swami Ravindra Shastri Maharaj ji and Purushottam Das Swamiji for their support and blessing for a new beginning”.
Prince Tyagi, Partner at Pranvayu Healthcare said, “I have seen during COVID pandemic how he along with IIT Madras procured and distributed oxygen cylinders to people who were in dire need of them. Last but not the least, I am grateful to Shri Ravindrputi Maharaj and Shri Purushottam Swami for standing by this and making this a reality. ”
Himanshu Chaturvedi, a long time friend and Chairman of Sport Association said, “This change is beyond imagination. Rajesh Shukla’s dedication has made the impossible possible.”
CA Sameer Malshe said, “Rajesh Shukla’s future plan of having 50 new centers pan India which will churn out the best IAS and IPS officers will not only benefit the nation but make it strong too”.
Dr JM Vyas, Vice Chancellor, Rashtriya Nyayalayik Vidnyan Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gandhinagar said, “SC, ST community have historically faced discrimination and marginalization in society, over the years. Through this initiative we are trying to uplift this community and address the social and economic disparities they face”.
Kishorebhai Makwana, MD, Rotofilt Engineers Ltd, Ahmedabad said, “By promoting education, entrepreneurship opportunities, and supporting their rights, there is hope for a more equal society where all individuals can succeed regardless of their background. It’s heartening to see positive changes being made to uplift the SC, ST community and work towards a more inclusive society for all”.
Jatinbhai Patel, Deputy Mayor, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Ahmedabad said, “To make India a progressive country, it’s important to address social issues like gender inequality, poverty, caste discrimination, and lack of access to education. Through this program we just wanted to highlight the fact that we live in a country where every individual is treated with dignity and equality”.
Devangbhai Dani, Chairman, Standing Committee, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, said, “Accepting diversity and promoting tolerance can help eradicate caste discrimination and build unity among different communities. We can create a fairer society with equal opportunities for all by implementing progressive policies that prioritize social welfare and sustainability over short-term gains”.
Babulal Karsandas Patel, Chairman, Dhara Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad, Member Secretary Board of Governor NSIT- (IFSCS), NFSU and Affiliated commented, “Bringing SC, ST communities into the mainstream is vital. Equal access to education and employment creates a balanced and thriving society.”
