CHENNAI: It is not everyday one finds a swamiji rummaging through a laptop bag to give out prashads to anyone who visits him. Meet Satyamitranand Giri, the spiritual guru from Haridwar, who has a visiting card, and pamphlets advertising his ashram and philosophy. His uniqueness does not end there. Satyamitranand Swami has constructed a temple for Bharat Mata. “Bharat Mata is the only one, who can be worshipped by people from all religions. Everyone is equal for her,” he added.
Speaking about equality, the swami is also for equal treatment for all languages and wishes that North Indians learn Tamil, Telugu and vice versa. However, he subtly suggested that Sanskrit can be used as a link language. “Then again, only if everyone agrees, we can introduce Sanskrit,” he added, giving his opinion on introducing Sanskrit in academics. Talking about other political and religious topics, he said he was for the introduction of the Bhagavad Gita as the national scripture, for it had no relation to Hinduism. The 5,000-year-old scripture just teaches people to serve humanity without discrimination based on creed, caste, and religion. Its ideology and messages are beneficial to the world and will establish peace and harmony, he added.
He said, “Same goes for the Ram Temple issue. Lord Ram has always been respected by all — from Ved Vyas to Mahatma Gandhi. But we need to consult people from other religions as well, before any decision is made. There shouldn’t be any fight or struggle in his name; Lord Ram was supportive of universal welfare and not merely for the Hindus.”
The politically-correct swami, however, agreed with all his counterparts when discussing yoga and meditation. He was visibly excited when he supported the UN’s announcement of International Yoga Day. Yoga and Meditation, according to him, cleanses the body and mind.
Religion, scriptures and yoga apart, Satyamitranand supported the introduction of moral education in schools. He also said that kathas and spiritual discourses did not appeal to the youth, adding that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry should go the extra mile to refine those minds with shows that imbibed moral values.