Latest news with #Rambhadracharya
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Want PoK back': Jagadguru Rambhadracharya seeks ‘guru dakshina' from Army chief
Lucknow: Spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya has sought Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "guru dakshina" from Army chief general Upendra Dwivedi. The 75-year-old spiritual guru and founder of Tulsi Peeth made the demand on Wednesday, when Gen Dwivedi visited his ashram in Chitrakoot along with his wife Sunita Dwivedi. Rambhadracharya blessed the Army chief and offered prayers for the well-being of the armed forces and the nation. "He took diksha from me. I gave him the mantra which Hanuman took from Sita for conquering Lanka. Maine unse dakshina mangi hai ki mujhe PoK chahiye (In dakshina, I have asked for PoK)," Rambhadracharya said. Gen Dwivedi offered prayers at the Kanch mandir — a temple comprising idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman installed in the sanctum sanctorum — besides visiting Sadguru Seva Sangh and Sadguru eye hospital. He also gifted a memento to Rambhadracharya, who termed the 'battle' as the one for protection of religion and country. The Army chief lauded the efforts undertaken by the trust, regarded as a religious and social service institution based in Janki Kund, Chitrakoot. The Peeth is said to be situated at a place where Lord Ram gave his 'Padukkas' to his brother Bharat during his exile. According to reports, the two exchanged thoughts on national service, spirituality and cultural values. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo General Dwivedi, the 30th chief of the Indian Army, expressed reverence for Rambhadracharya's contributions to Sanatan Dharma, Sanskrit scholarship and social service. Rambhadracharya is the founder and lifelong chancellor of the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University in Chitrakoot, which offers graduate and postgraduate courses exclusively to disabled students. Born as Giridhar Mishra, Rambhadracharya lost his eyesight when he was just two months old. A noted Sanskrit scholar, the seer has authored more than 240 books and 50 papers. In July 2003, he also deposed as an expert witness for religious matters in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case in the Allahabad high court. Some portions of his affidavit and cross examination are also quoted in the final judgement by the HC.
The Print
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Gulzar and Rambhadracharya honoured with 58th Jnanpith Award
Justice Vijendra Jain, president of Bharatiya Jnanpith, and Pratibha Ray, chairperson of the award selection board, were also present at the ceremony to honour the awardees. President Murmu praised both writers for their contributions to India's cultural and spiritual life. The event celebrated Gulzar's emotional, lyrical poetry and Rambhadracharya's deep scholarship, with each awardee presented a citation, a cash prize, and a bronze statue of Vagdevi Saraswati. 'Literature unites and awakens society. The song Vande Mataram , composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has been awakening the children of India for almost 150 years—and will always do so,' said President Murmu, highlighting the vital role of poets and writers in India's social and cultural evolution. New Delhi: Gulzar—beloved for his poems sung by schoolchildren and shared in everyday messages—and Rambhadracharya—a scholar and spiritual teacher who has written epics in Sanskrit and Hindi—were honoured with the 58th Jnanpith Award for their literary contributions. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, celebrating two remarkable contributors to Indian literature. 'A poet fulfils the role of a creator. A poet is a visionary. A poet's life reflects the blueprint of India's future, and that is what I have aimed to do,' said Rambhadracharya. The Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour, has recognised extraordinary contributions to literature since 1961. So far, 58 distinguished individuals have received this prestigious accolade, including celebrated figures like Mahadevi Verma, Girish Karnad, and Pratibha Ray. This year, the spotlight was on two literary giants, each celebrated for their unique contributions to literature and beyond. Also read: Akilan, legendary Tamil writer who fell out of love with Gandhian philosophy Rambhadracharya: 'Knowledge recognised' The event honoured Rambhadracharya for his significant contributions to both literature and education. 'Despite losing his sight at a young age, Rambhadracharya memorised the Bhagavad Gita and Ramcharitmanas by the age of five. By awarding him, the Jnanpith Award has gained even greater prestige,' said Justice Vijendra Jain. Jain also praised Rambhadracharya's philanthropic work, notably the establishment of the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University (JRDSU) in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, in 2001. The institution serves over 2,000 visually impaired students, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, along with vocational training and rehabilitation services. 'I am happy that my knowledge has been recognised through this award,' Rambhadracharya said. His works include four Sanskrit epics like Geet Ramayan and Dashavatara Charitam. 'I did not sing poetry, or perform couplets, or do qawwali. I did not entertain—I contributed to the national spirit through my literary work,' he said. Rambhadracharya also spoke about Operation Sindoor, referencing the Vedas. 'One Veda was at work during the operation. Those who seek to destroy us must be completely eliminated,' he quoted. He praised the Prime Minister for leading the mission carefully, ensuring no civilian casualties, and added with resolve: 'We shall not rest until we have reclaimed PoK.' Also read: What makes Gulzar effortlessly political? From Aandhi, Maachis to poems on GST, Narmada dam Gulzar: A poet for all ages Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, is a legendary poet, lyricist, and filmmaker who has authored over 20 books and penned timeless songs like 'Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi' and 'Chaiyya Chaiyya,' earning numerous prestigious awards. His work spans literature and cinema, blending simplicity with emotional depth in a way that resonates across generations. Through collaborations with renowned composers like RD Burman and AR Rahman, his lyrics have reached mainstream audiences and transcended barriers of language and culture. Though Gulzar could not attend the ceremony due to 'health issues,' the emotional weight of his work was acknowledged and deeply felt. Justice Jain reflected on how Gulzar's poetry—especially iconic lyrics like 'Humko mann ki shakti dena'—and his shayari have become an integral part of everyday life. 'He has earned an Oscar, a Grammy, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his lifelong contributions to the film industry,' Jain said. Recalling Gulzar's humble response on receiving the Jnanpith Award, he shared: 'I was a songwriter, an artist, but today I have become a literary figure too.' 'Gulzar has nurtured his devotion to literature for decades. He is an artist who has carved out tenderness amidst the harshness of life—Kathorta ke beech komalta ko sthapit karne wale kalakar hain Gulzar,' said President Murmu. (Edited by Prashant)
The Print
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Print
MP university students protest honorary degree for Hindu seer, accuse him of being ‘divisive, casteist'
The is an honorary degree meant to celebrate individuals who embody universal values of knowledge, service, human rights and inclusive progress. The protesters allege that Rambhadracharya is a polarising figure who has made 'derogatory remarks against Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Buddhism and Dalit communities' in several public speeches. Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh's only central university, Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya in Sagar, is facing protests from students, professors and even civil society members after it announced conferment of or Doctor of Literature degree on controversial Hindu seer, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya at its 33rd convocation due soon. 'Approving an award for a figure with a history of caste-insensitive remarks undermines the academic integrity of one of India's oldest and most respected universities. It's also against the ethos of the university as well as its founder Harisingh Gour's ethos and values,' states a two-page letter sent to the President of India's office by the protesters. ThePrint has a copy of the letter. When ThePrint reached out to Vivek Jaiswal, media in-charge at the university, he said the decision to confer the degree on the seer was taken according to the Act and Ordinance of the university. 'The university, following the provisions mentioned in its Act and Ordinance, had sent a proposal to the Honourable Visitor (President Droupadi Murmu) for conferring an honorary degree on Swami Rambhadracharyaji on the recommendation of the Executive Council. This honorary degree is being awarded only after the approval of the Hon'ble Visitor,' he said. Earlier this month, the university had written to the President's office, seeking approval to confer the degree on Rambhadracharya. 'Protesting now is akin to protesting against the decision of the President,' Jaiswal said. But the students and professors are gearing up to hit the streets if the university goes ahead with its decision. 'We will hit the streets in protest. We have also informed the district authorities about the same,' a university professor told ThePrint. Also Read: Ramanandis' historical foes in Ayodhya were Sanyasis, not Muslims — the sect & its claim to Ram temple Who is Swami Rambhadracharya? Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, 75, a native of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the four Jagadgurus of the Ramanand sect (which worships the avatars of Vishnu) and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2015. Despite losing his sight while he was just two months old, he is credited with learning 22 languages, and authoring more than 240 books and 50 papers, including four epic poems. In 1988, he was chosen as the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya in Varanasi. The protesting students, teachers and members of civil society that includes advocates, in their letter to the President, state: 'Shri Rambhadracharya despite his scholarly achievements is a highly polarising figure. He has been recorded making derogatory remarks against Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Buddhism and Dalit communities in several public speeches and videos easily accessible in the public domain.' 'His rhetoric has been described as divisive, casteist and humiliating to large sections of Indian society. Such statements are in direct contradiction with the spirit of fraternity, equality and dignity as enshrined in our Constitution.' The renowned seer had landed in controversy last year after a video had come to light in which he was purportedly heard terming those who do not worship the Hindu god Ram as 'chamar', according to media reports. The remarks had drawn sharp criticism, with an application filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking registration of an FIR against the seer for violations of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The plea was later dismissed. Rambhadracharya had also hit the headlines last year after he criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his comments urging to not look for a temple under very mosque. Responding to Bhagwat, Rambhadracharya had said: 'When he did not have power, he was looking for temples everywhere, and after getting power he is advising to not look for temples.' The protesters, who have formed a forum to oppose the degree being conferred upon Rambhadracharya, state further in their letter that 'Dr Harisingh Gour, founder of the university, was a progressive reformer, legal luminary, and a Bodhisattva figure who fought for the rights of the downtrodden and championed the cause of scientific rationalism, gender equality, and social uplift'. 'To honour a figure who espouses values contrary to those of the founder is not only ironical but a direct affront to the university's foundational ethos.' The university is yet to announce a date for its convocation. According to the university administration, while the convocation was scheduled to be held at the end of April, it has been deferred following the terror attack in Kashmir last week. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Why Ayodhya's Suryavanshi Thakurs will end 500-yr-old vow, don pagdis with Ram Lalla's consecration
