Sanatan Dharma is not superstition: Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan emphasized that Sanatan Dharma should never be seen as superstition. Speaking at the evening event of the ‘Brihat Geetotsav’ organized by the Parayay Puttige Sri Krishna Math in Udupi, Karnataka, he described it as a spiritual guide that offers scientific wisdom to humanity.

During the event, the head of the Math, Param Pujya Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji, honored Pawan Kalyan with the title ‘Abhinava Sri Krishnadevaraya.’ After having a darshan of Lord Krishna through the Kanaka Kindi and receiving the Swamiji’s blessings, Pawan Kalyan described the experience as profoundly spiritual. TTD board member B. Anand Sai was also present.

Speaking after receiving blessings, Pawan Kalyan said that before pointing out attacks on our faith by others, we must take responsibility for protecting it ourselves. Highlighting the legal battles Hindus had to fight in Tamil Nadu to safeguard their traditions, he urged every Hindu to cultivate awareness and vigilance to prevent such situations in the future.

He clarified that the Bhagavad Gita is not restricted to any region or religion; it is a treasure of knowledge meant for all humanity. “The Gita is a guide that gives courage and clarity during moments of doubt. It should not be treated as a book just for rituals or display in a prayer room. Young people must read it because it strengthens us in facing daily challenges,” he said.

Pawan Kalyan shared that the Gita taught him the value of selfless action. “It reminded me to perform my duties sincerely, regardless of whether I win votes or not. Stand by the truth, even if it means standing alone.” He recalled that during the Andhra Pradesh elections, while facing doubts similar to Arjuna in the Kurukshetra battlefield, he drew guidance from Krishna’s counsel in the Gita and chose to contest only 21 seats, prioritizing the state’s welfare over personal gain.

He added, “Today, I come here not just as Deputy CM, but as a seeker of Dharma. Dharma guides humanity morally, while the Constitution guides justice. Both aim for fairness, equality, and a compassionate society.”

On visiting Udupi, Pawan Kalyan described the experience as deeply spiritual. “This is not just a temple town; it is a center of India’s spiritual strength. The unified chanting of the Gita by thousands of devotees acts as a protective shield for the nation. The historic responsibility of preserving and propagating the Gita through collective effort is a remarkable contribution of the Parayay Puttige Math.”

He also mentioned the recent honor given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the Math’s pontiffs, including the title ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata,’ praising the Prime Minister’s ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s cultural heritage.