Hindu group calls Narsinghanand’s Dharam Sansad divisive and harmful to national unity

The Satya Dharam Samvad (SDS), a coalition of Hindu religious leaders and organisations, has denounced the upcoming Dharam Sansad, organised by controversial Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand, describing it as divisive and detrimental to interfaith harmony.

The event, titled the "World Religion Convention," is scheduled to take place from December 17 to 21 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and has drawn criticism for its provocative rhetoric targeting specific faiths.

In a statement issued on December 16, the SDS criticised the gathering as a deviation from the core principles of Sanatan Dharma, which emphasises peace, acceptance, and respect for all religions.

The organisation underscored Hinduism’s ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Sarva Dharma Sambhava (respect for all religions), asserting that such divisive actions undermine the spiritual sanctity of Hinduism and threaten the nation’s unity, which thrives on diversity and interfaith coexistence.

The SDS also highlighted the increasing use of religious platforms to propagate hate speech and advance political agendas. It called for decisive action from authorities to curb such exploitation, stressing the need for justice and fairness to uphold communal harmony.

The statement, signed by representatives from 62 organisations, including the Lingayat Community, Varkari Sampraday, and Vishwanath Mandir, emphasised the importance of fostering interfaith understanding and mutual respect.

The Dharam Sansad events organised by Narsinghanand have previously attracted significant controversy. Known for his inflammatory speeches, including calls for violence against Muslims, Narsinghanand has faced arrests and bail over his remarks. Earlier instances of Dharam Sansad gatherings in North India, such as the 2021 Haridwar event, have been criticised for openly communal themes, with some participants calling for genocide.

The SDS urged all communities, irrespective of faith, to unite in a spirit of kindness and understanding, reiterating the essence of Hinduism as love, tolerance, and service to humanity. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue over confrontation, calling on spiritual leaders to guide their followers toward peace and harmony.

Meanwhile, retired civil servants have moved the Supreme Court with a contempt petition against the Uttar Pradesh government for failing to prevent the congregation. The petition highlights the continued allowance of events that propagate hate speech, despite prior instances drawing widespread condemnation.