Latest news with #SanatanRashtraShankhnadMahotsav
Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘I am free now': Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik thanks Goa CM Pramod Sawant for lifting ban on his entry into state
In his first public appearance in Goa for more than a decade, Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for 'revoking' the ban against him entering the state. 'For the last 10 years, there was a ban (on Muthalik entering Goa). Abhi mukt ho gya hun (I am free now). The ban has been lifted due to the graciousness of the Chief Minister. I want to thank him. I met him yesterday. I told him that it is because of his courtesy that I got the opportunity to visit,' Muthalik said in Goa on Sunday. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 'Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav', organised by the Goa-based Sanatan Sanstha, to commemorate the 83rd birthday of the group's founder, Jayant Athavale, and the group's silver jubilee. CM Sawant had attended the opening ceremony of the three-day event on Saturday. On what prompted the state to impose the ban, Muthalik said, 'Yehi sarkar thi (It was the same government that imposed the ban). In their view, there may have been a wrong opinion about my personality, which is why the ban was enforced at the time.' The controversial chief of Sri Ram Sene shot into the limelight for 'moral policing', after he led a group of men who attacked men and women visiting a pub in Mangaluru in 2009, claiming they were 'violating traditional Indian values'. Subsequently, under the Congress-led government, the district administration in Goa in 2009 issued a notification banning the entry of Muthalik and his associates into the state. Muthalik's entry in Goa was again banned in August 2014, when BJP's Manohar Parrikar was the Chief Minister, after Muthalik had announced his decision to set up his outfit in Goa later that year to 'fight against drug, alcohol and pub culture' in the state. According to officials, the decision to ban his entry was based on police reports that had warned that the entry of members of Sri Ram Sene and its leader could lead to a law-and-order problem in Goa, and that his statements 'will affect peace, harmony and create fear in the minds of the public'. For over a decade, the ban had been extended every few months by the district magistrates of the two districts in Goa. However, the ban lapsed this year and was not extended. In March, Muthalik entered Goa and met former Goa RSS chief-turned-rebel Subhash Velingkar at his home in Panaji.
India Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Goa is for yoga, cows, not pleasure: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that Goa is more of a "yog bhoomi" (land of devotion and yoga) and "go-mata bhoomi" (land of cows) than a "bhog bhoomi" (land of pleasure), asserting that the coastal state is attracting more people for its temples and culture than for its "sun, sand, and sea.""Earlier, whenever people used to come to Goa, they used to think that this is bhog bhoomi (land of pleasure). But, this is not bhog bhoomi, it is yog bhoomi (land of devotion and yoga) instead. This is go-mata here, there is the ashram of Sanatan Sanstha as well," said Chief Minister Sawant, addressing the opening ceremony of 'Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav' on to the legend of Lord Vishnu's avatar, Lord Parashuram, creating Goa by shooting an arrow into the Arabian Sea and causing it to recede, Chief Minister Sawant said: "This is Lord Parshuram's land." Chief Minister Sawant was speaking at the 83rd birth anniversary of Sanatan Sanstha's founder, Jayant said that the state's clean and beautiful temples are drawing more people than its beaches."In the past, people visited Goa to witness sun, sand, and sea. That has changed now. Tourists are arriving here to experience our rich culture and grand temples," he said, as reported by news agency further mentioned that the temples in Goa are not managed by the government but by local communities who have upheld centuries-old rituals and customs."The government has no involvement in the management of the temples in the state," he also heaped praise on the Sanstha, based out of Ramnathi village in North Goa, for bringing spiritual awareness to people and teaching people more about the Sanatan Dharma.
Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Goa is yog bhoomi, not bhog bhoomi: CM at Sanatan Sanstha event
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Saturday said Goa is 'yog bhoomi (land of devotion/yoga)', not 'bhog bhoomi (land of pleasure)'. Sawant said the coastal state, which has for long been associated with 'sun, sand and sea', is now becoming known for its temples and culture. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of 'Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav', organised by Goa-based Sanatan Sanstha to commemorate the 83rd birthday of Sanatan Sanstha's founder Jayant Athavale and the silver jubilee of the organisation. 'When people visited Goa, they used to think it was 'bhog bhoomi'. This [Goa] is 'yog bhoomi', this is 'Gau mata's bhoomi (mother cow's land)', this is 'Parshuram's bhoomi (referring to the belief that Lord Parshuram shot an arrow into the Arabian Sea and parted it, creating Goa),' said the Chief Minister. 'Earlier, people used to come to Goa for sun, sand and sea. But now they come here to see Goa's ancient and grand temples, the state's culture and villages. We have temples from the Kadamba dynasty and the Maratha era. We have renovated them. This along with Kaavi art are major attractions. The Sanatan Sanstha has an ashram here… In Sanguem, a Sanskrit teaching school has come up and people from across the country are now coming to study Sanskrit scriptures and economics there,' he said. Sanatan Sanstha, which has branches across Goa and Maharashtra, said the three-day event marks an 'auspicious beginning to unite all in the mission to re-establish Sanatan Rashtra (Ram Rajya), paving the way for India to once again rise as the Vishwaguru (world leader)'. Sawant's presence at the inauguration marks a rare instance of a Chief Minister of the state attending an event organised by the Sanstha. Union MoS for Power, New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Goa Power Minister Ramkrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar, state Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai and state BJP president Damodar 'Damu' Naik were also present on the stage for the inaugural session. In his speech, Sawant said that everyone who resides in India is a 'Hindustani' regardless of their religion. 'We all say this country is one Hindustan. People living here, irrespective of their caste or religion, still call themselves Hindustani. We say whether it's a Hindu or a Muslim or Sikh or Christian or Buddhist, everyone living in this country is a 'Hindustani'. That is why it is a 'Hindu rashtra (Hindu nation)'. When we say Hindustani, it is not to taunt anyone's religion. Everyone has [the duty] to follow their religion and live their life according to the principles of their religion. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has stressed 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas',' Sawant said. 'We say in this Hindustan, we… Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all live together. This is Goa's speciality. It is the first state to follow the Uniform Civil Code and we say it with pride,' the CM said. Hailing Sanatan Sanstha's contribution to 'spiritual uplift of society', Sawant said the organisation has been playing a crucial role in propagating Sanatan dharma for the past 25 years and its task was akin to that of a 'lighthouse', promoting the teachings of Hindu religion. 'I consider myself fortunate that this event is taking place on this sacred land of Goa. The Sanatan culture and the Shankhnad Mahotsav will give a fillip to the state's economy and boost tourism. I have full confidence that people will come to visit the temples here from across the country and globe too,' he said.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Not just for sun & sea, people now come to Goa for temples, culture: CM
Panaji : CM Pramod Sawant said on Saturday that Goa is a 'yog bhumi' (land of yoga) and not a 'bhog bhumi' (land of enjoyment). He said that initially, people came to Goa for the sun, sand, and sea, but today, they visit for the temples and culture. Addressing over 14,000 people at the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav, he said that anyone who wants to see beautiful and clean temples must come to Goa. He also said that the Sanatan Sanstha has created awareness about Hindutva. 'Whenever people come to Goa, they think Goa is a 'bhog bhumi'. This is not 'bhog bhumi', but this is ' yog bhumi '. This is cow bhumi and Parshuram bhumi,' he said. He also said that those who have come to Goa to attend the mahotsav would create awareness about temples and culture in their states, which will help boost tourism and the economy of Goa. Sawant also said that there is no govt involvement in managing temple affairs. 'Local villagers and committees are responsible for the management of temples in Goa . In every village in Goa, we have gods like Shankar, Shantadurga, and Sattari,' he said. He also said that Goa is the only state in India that follows a common civil code, and that the people of the state are proud of it. He also said that state govt pays Rs 80 per cow to protect it from slaughter. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Union minister of state State Shripad Naik said that today, the country is facing attacks from outsiders and called for national unity. 'To move ahead, the programme organised by Sanatan Sanstha will give us direction to make India a cultural country. We know what Sanatan rashtra and Hindu rashtra are. Sanatan rashtra means no injustice to anybody, and we will achieve this purpose. We all will work to make this a Hindu rashtra,' he said. Devkinandan Thakur, a spiritual leader, said that the movement to make a Hindu rashtra has kicked off from Goa, with the Shankhnad Mahotsav. 'Goa was known for tourism and casinos. Just now, I came to know that around 70-75% of those who live in Goa are Hindus. I have discussed this, and we have to promote this. Goa is not just to sit on the beach but to worship Shankar and Lord Parshuram,' he said. He also stated that all those who have come to attend the mahotsav have the purpose of making a Hindu rashtra. 'Everyone wants a Hindu rashtra, and it is important to think like that,' he said.
Hans India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Massive Vehicle Rally in Goa Marks Prelude to Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav
Ponda (Goa): Thousands of devotees from across India participated in a large-scale vehicle rally in Goa on Friday to mark the commencement of the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav. Organised by Sanatan Sanstha, the rally served as a prelude to the three-day event beginning Saturday at the Engineering College ground in Farmagudi, Ponda. The procession began near the Sanatan Ashram in Ponda, with vehicles proceeding through key locations including Kavale-Tisk Ponda, Shantinagar Junction, Goa Bagayatdar, Ponda Post Office, and Shree Hanuman Temple, before culminating near the historic fort at Farmagudi. Simultaneously, convoys of vehicles carrying participants entered Goa through border points such as Patradevi in North Goa and Canacona in the South. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, with saffron flags displayed on two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and buses. Participants chanted slogans including 'Har Har Mahadev', 'Sanatan Dharmacha Vijay Aso' (Victory to Sanatan Dharma), and 'Jayatu Hindu Rashtram' (Victory to the Hindu Nation). Streets along the procession route were adorned with rangoli, and traditional aarti rituals were performed by women at several locations to welcome the procession. The rally was flagged off with a ceremonial worship of the Dharma Dhwaj (flag of Dharma), conducted by former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Arun Desai. Sanatan Sanstha spokesperson Abhay Vartak described the event as a 'spiritual pilgrimage,' drawing a parallel with the annual warkari pilgrimage to Pandharpur. 'On the occasion of the 83rd birth anniversary of Sanatan Sanstha's founder, Dr Jayant Balaji Athavale, thousands of devotees from India and abroad have arrived in Goa. This is more than a rally—it is a demonstration of collective devotion,' Vartak said. Organisers claimed it was one of the largest such religious gatherings the state has witnessed in recent times. Police and local officials were deployed along the route to ensure order and manage the flow of traffic. The Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav, which opens formally on Saturday, is expected to feature a series of discourses, cultural events, and discussions on spiritual and socio-cultural issues. Participants and spiritual leaders from across India are scheduled to attend.
