Pune – On the occasion of Sanatan Sanstha’s Silver Jubilee, an open interaction was organised for journalists at Hotel Grand Tulip, where Mr Chetan Rajhans (National Spokesperson, Sanatan Sanstha) engaged with reporters on 1st and 2nd February 2024. He said – “Sanatan Sanstha is a spiritual organisation and all its activities are aimed at the spiritual welfare of society. Its endeavours focus on the well-being of society through enlightening discourses on topics such as ‘Spirituality for a Happy Life’, ‘Spirituality for Stress relief’, ‘Spirituality for Addiction relief’, ‘Spirituality for Personality development’, besides conducting satsangs on Sadhana (Spiritual practice) and Balsanskar classes. As Sanatan Sanstha celebrates 25 years, it marks a quarter-century of dedicated spiritual service to society, made possible through the unwavering commitment of its seekers and well-wishers”.
During the interaction, Mr Chetan Rajhans introduced Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Balaji Athavale (Founder of Sanatan Sanstha), and elaborated on the organisation’s founding principles and objectives. Subsequently, journalists inquired about the organisation’s activities, goals and ideology. Considering the linking of Sanatan Sanstha’s name with cases involving the murders of atheists, the journalists sought clarification through questions, to understand the organisation’s perspective. This event was facilitated by Mr Chaitanya Tagde, a seeker of Sanatan Sanstha.
Replies of Mr Chetan Rajhans to the questions of Journalists
1. Why does Sanatan Sanstha’s name frequently surface in discussions on incidents such as bomb blasts or murders, despite the presence of numerous organisations that advocate Hindutva principles ?
Mr Rajhans : Political entities often seek soft targets in society to pursue their agendas. Since 1947, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was the primary target for criticism of groups such as the Congress, Secularists and Communists. However, after the 2014 elections, with a Swayamsevak (Volunteer) from the Sangh assuming the role of Pradhansevak (Prime Minister), the Sangh itself became less vulnerable to such targetting due to its increased prominence. Consequently, attention shifted to Sanatan Sanstha, which was actively involved in Hindutva initiatives in various States. The baseless allegations levelled at Sanatan Sanstha are a measure of political opposition to Sanatan Sanstha.
2. Why is the main Ashram of Sanatan Sanstha situated in Goa, despite most of its activities being in Maharashtra ?
Mr Rajhans : In 1993, Saint Bhaktaraj Maharaj, the Guru of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, prophesied that the work of spreading Spirituality will be done from Goa. Later, Sanatan Sanstha was donated land at Ramnathi, Goa. Hence, Sanatan Sanstha’s main Ashram was established in Goa.
3. Was Prof. Shyam Manav a seeker of Sanatan Sanstha ? He alleges that seekers are hypnotised. Can you clarify this point ?
Mr Rajhans : Dr Jayant Balaji Athavale is an internationally renowned Clinical Hypnotherapist. Between 1985 and 1988, Prof. Shyam Manav regularly used to visit Dr Athavale to learn hypnosis. During this period, Dr Athavale trained more than 500 dentists, doctors and social workers in society on Clinical Hypnotherapy.
However, upon realising the profound depth of spiritual science when compared with medical science, Dr Athavale stopped His medical practice and devoted Himself to sadhana (Spiritual practice) under the guidance of His Guru.
Following the expansion of His spiritual work, Sanatan Sanstha was founded in 1999 to propagate Spirituality, focusing solely on sadhana. So how can an atheist like Prof. Shyam Manav be a seeker ? When it is medically proven that no one can be hypnotised against their will, such statements from Prof. Shyam Manav is akin to spreading superstition about Hypnotherapy.
4. What is the concept of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ according to Sanatan Sanstha ?
Mr Rajhans : Currently, society is talking of the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ primarily in the context of the political system. There is a growing inclination towards the idea of a Government that advocates the interests of Hindus. However, Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale defines a Nation which is based on Spirituality as a ‘Hindu Rashtra’.
In 1998, He authored the Text ‘Establishment of the Divine Kingdom’, which elaborated on the concept of the Hindu Rashtra’. The Text emphasises the importance of nurturing virtues in society, establishing a system rooted in Spirituality, and thus achieving Universal welfare.
Furthermore, in the Text ‘Direction on establishing the ‘Hindu Rashtra’, Dr Athavale defines the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ as a Nation comprising sattvik people dedicated to the welfare of the world. In essence, the intention of Sanatan Sanstha is not only to safeguard the interests of Hindus but also to promote the welfare of humanity by cultivating a virtuous society.
The task of establishing such a system within the current corrupt environment can be likened to re-establishing Dharma. Despite its challenges, there is confidence that it will come to fruition in due time.
One illustration of this is finding a magnificient Shivalinga in Gyanvapi’s Vajukhana area in the final hour of the 3-day survey. This incident can be interpreted as a manifestation of the Divine, indicating the presence of Divine intervention.
Moreover, the Indian Government’s advocacy for the motto of ‘One World, One Family’ since the G-20 summit signifies the initiation of efforts towards establishing a Universal welfare system. This demonstrates the sowing of seeds for the realisation of Universal welfare.
5. In the Dabholkar and Pansare murder cases, targeting Sanatan Sanstha, did not reveal the real killers. What do you say about this ?
Mr Rajhans : After the murders of atheists, there was indeed a biased targeting of Hindus. Investigating agencies concocted various narratives to implicate Sanatan Sanstha, making numerous false allegations in the process. Unfortunately, there was no genuine investigation into these crimes. This is articulated eloquently in a book titled ‘The Rationalist Murders : Diary of Ruined Investigation’, authored by the esteemed surgeon Dr Amit Thadhani from Mumbai.
During this period, investigating agencies scrutinised over 1,200 Sanatan seekers. We were witnessing the literal manifestation of the proverb – ‘Leave the thief and hang the Ascetic’. It is very unfortunate that a skilled surgeon like Dr Tawde has been languishing in jail for more than eight years. In accordance with the principle of Karmaphal-nyaya in Hindu Dharma, we firmly believe that those who persecute seekers will ultimately be judged in God’s Court.
Dignitaries praise Sanatan’s AshramsThis is a wonderful abode which brings about physical, spiritual, intellectual, moral, cultural and Vaidik transformation in individuals. – Advocate Kamleshchandra Tripathi (National President, ‘India with Wisdom Group’, Varanasi, UP) There is positive energy in the Ashram. The dedication of seekers to establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is combined with faith. – Mr Rahul Kaul (of Panun Kashmir) Participating in the task of reinstating Dharma according to one’s ability is also sadhana, especially when Dharma is experiencing lassitude. In the secular system, Dharma is experiencing lassitude. To change this situation, making efforts to establish the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ for reinstating Dharma is also sadhana according to the times. |
Quarter-century of dedicated spiritual service to society, made possible through the unwavering commitment of seekers !