The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: Terming the event as “divisive,” the Satya Dharam Samvad (SDS) has appealed to like-minded Hindu religious leaders and organisations to reject the Dharam Sansad being organised by militant Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand.
“The upcoming “World Religion Convention,” set to be held on December 17-21, 2024, and provocative rhetoric targeting specific faiths, are clear departures from the true spirit of Sanatan Dharma. Such acts not only undermine the spiritual sanctity of Hinduism but also jeopardise the delicate harmony and unity of our nation, which thrives on its diversity and interfaith coexistence,” the SDS said in a statement issued on Tuesday (December 16).
The statement added that Hinduism, with its timeless ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Sarva Dharma Sambhava (respect for all religions), has always stood as a beacon of peace, acceptance, and unity.
“It pains us to see that, in the name of religion, certain actions and statements are eroding these cherished values, sowing discord among communities. Hinduism also unequivocally rejects divisions based on caste and any form of oppression perpetuated in its name. True spirituality lies in recognising the divine in all beings and fostering equality and mutual respect,” said the statement.
The statement has said that the SDS and the signatories reject hate speech and divisive acts, believe in fostering interfaith understanding and oppose the exploitation of religion for political agendas and divisive motives.
“We urge responsible authorities to take decisive action against those who manipulate religion for selfish or political gain, ensuring fairness and justice prevail. We call on all Hindus and people of other faiths to come together in the spirit of kindness, understanding, and mutual respect. Our nation’s greatest strength lies in its unity amidst diversity,” says the statement.
The statement has been signed by representatives of 62 organisations, including the Lingayat Community, Varkari Sampraday, The Purple Pandit Project, Vishwanath Mandir, School of Bhagavat Gita, and Balkram Mandir.
Earlier, retired civil servants were among petitioners who moved Supreme Court with a contempt petition against the Uttar Pradesh government for not taking steps to stop the congregation at Ghaziabad led by Narsinghanand, who has called for violence against Muslims several times before.
“Unlike the provocative and exclusionary approach of Yati Narsinghanand’s Dharam Sansad, SDS stands committed to the tradition of samvad (dialogue) that seeks to unite rather than divide. SDS firmly believes that the essence of Sanatan Dharma lies in love, tolerance, and service to humanity. We encourage all spiritual and social leaders to join us in reaffirming these values and steering our communities toward peace and harmony,” the SDS said in the statement.
Narsinghanand is known for extremely communal, sexist and violent statements. He has been arrested, but given bail as well, over earlier comments.
‘Dharam Sansad’ events earlier, at various places across north India, have been in the news for their openly communal themes. In 2021, a Dharam Sansad in Haridwar had called for the genocide of Muslims.