KKN Gurugram Desk | Renowned spiritual leader and head of Bageshwar Dham, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, on his visit to Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, raised concerns over rising cases of religious conversions in Bastar and Jashpur regions. Addressing a large gathering, Shastri declared his intent to conduct a grand religious discourse directly in front of Asia’s second-largest church, located in Jashpur.

This statement, both symbolic and direct, is being viewed as a spiritual assertion of Sanatan Dharma in regions where Christian missionary presence is historically strong.

Upcoming Events: Padayatra from Delhi to Vrindavan

Shastri outlined his upcoming spiritual plans that include:

• A statewide Padayatra in Chhattisgarh to promote Sanatan Dharma

• A national-level Padayatra from Delhi to Vrindavan, beginning November 7, 2025

He proclaimed that the “Kamandal of saints will emerge from Bageshwar Dham” as part of a broader movement to affirm India’s identity as a Hindu Rashtra.

Direct Quote: “India Will Remain a Hindu Nation”

While speaking about his mission, Pandit Shastri stated:

“India will remain a Hindu nation. We have a clear roadmap for this. The voice of Sanatan Dharma will resonate from every corner of the country.”

The statement was met with cheers and chants from followers, highlighting the strong emotional and ideological connection his devotees feel.

Church Location Adds Symbolism to the Event

The proposed venue for the upcoming religious discourse — right in front of Asia’s second-largest church — adds a layer of symbolic confrontation. While Pandit Shastri clarified his focus is on “spiritual awakening, not provocation,” critics may see it as a bold response to ongoing concerns about religious conversions in tribal areas.

Context: Why Bastar and Jashpur Are in Focus

🔹 Tribal Vulnerability

Bastar and Jashpur are tribal-dominated regions in Chhattisgarh, historically marked by socio-economic backwardness and missionary influence.

According to Shastri:

“The highest threat of religious conversions exists in these areas. It is time to raise the flag of Sanatan Dharma here.”

His statement mirrors concerns shared by several Hindu organizations over the years regarding conversion-driven demographic shifts.

Welcoming Government’s Anti-Naxal Operations

Shastri praised the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts in combating Naxal insurgency, particularly in Bastar. He lauded:

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

• Home Minister Vijay Sharma

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Shastri remarked:

“The Naxalites should let India remain India. Join the mainstream and embrace the traditions of the country. United, we can fight foreign influences and maintain national integrity.”

This endorsement adds spiritual support to a political and security-driven initiative, blending faith with governance.

Public Response: Enthusiastic Turnout in Bilaspur

On June 2, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri arrived for a one-day visit to Bilaspur, where he was the chief guest at a mass wedding ceremony held in Minocha Colony, Uslapur. The atmosphere in the city turned festive, with thousands of devotees arriving for his darshan.

Police faced significant difficulty in managing the crowd, as devotees thronged the venue in large numbers, hoping for blessings and interaction.

Who Is Dhirendra Krishna Shastri?

Pandit Dhirendra Shastri is the spiritual head of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a growing religious movement based in Madhya Pradesh. Known for his faith healing sessions, exorcism-like “divya darbar”, and vocal Sanatan Dharma advocacy, Shastri has a massive following both online and offline.

Over recent years, he has emerged as:

• A polarizing figure in religious and political debates

• A youth icon for conservative and nationalist Hindu groups

• A proponent of cultural identity, using mythology and public gatherings to promote spiritual nationalism

Political and Religious Repercussions Anticipated

His public address in Bilaspur — particularly his decision to hold a discourse near a major church — is likely to spark dialogue across religious and political spectrums.

While the state government has so far maintained a neutral stance, observers believe:

• It could increase communal tension if not managed with sensitivity

• Or alternatively, encourage tribal pride and cultural re-rooting

Shastri’s Broader Narrative: Sanatan Over Secularism

The tone of his speech — with references to Hindu Rashtra and dharma yatra — points to a larger ideological movement taking shape.

His plan to launch padayatras and conduct discourses in sensitive regions signals:

• A spiritual counter-campaign to religious conversions

• A revivalist approach aimed at tribal re-assimilation into Sanatan Dharma

• Political undertones, especially ahead of state and national elections

Crowd Control and Safety Measures Urged

In light of the overwhelming response from followers in Bilaspur, local authorities have been advised to ramp up security and crowd management in future gatherings.

A police official commented:

“We underestimated the size of the crowd. For upcoming events, especially in Jashpur, we will need to prepare with enhanced deployment and emergency response plans.”

Pandit Dhirendra Shastri’s proposed event in front of Asia’s second-largest church is more than just a religious program — it reflects a wider socio-cultural and ideological shift in India’s tribal regions.

Whether it’s seen as reformist, revivalist, or reactionary, it will undoubtedly spark national attention. As preparations begin, Jashpur may soon become the epicenter of a new kind of religious discourse — one that blends tradition, identity, and national narrative.