Gandhinagar: Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that a govt that fails to uphold the values of Sanatan Dharma would never return to power in the country again. He was speaking at an event of the Swaminarayan sect in Gandhinagar.Shah said that followers of various Sanatan traditions had waited for a long time since independence, hoping for a govt that would give due importance to Sanatan Dharma and govern in accordance with its principles. “I am confident that, with the blessings of saints, a govt that disappoints followers of Sanatan Dharma will never come to power again in this country,” he told the gathering.
The event marked 200 years of “Shikshapatri”, a sacred code of conduct containing 212 Sanskrit verses written by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1826. It serves as a foundational guide for followers of the Swaminarayan sect, outlining moral, social, and spiritual principles, including non-violence, purity, diet, and daily duties.Shah said that since Narendra Modi became the country’s Prime Minister, several decisions taken reflect a commitment to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He added that the Ram temple at Ayodhya, which was destroyed more than 550 years ago, was rebuilt under the leadership of PM Modi, fulfilling the desires of people who waited centuries for this moment.“Article 370 (of the Constitution) was abrogated. Triple talaq was abolished, and a Common Civil Code was initiated for all religions,” Shah said. He added that yoga, ayurveda, cow protection, and the restoration of major pilgrimage sites such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaal, and Somnath were undertaken in these 11 years.He hailed Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s contributions to Gujarat and Indian society. “Bhagwan Swaminarayan travelled across India on foot before settling in Gujarat. At a time when society was suffering from many vices and addictions, he worked to organize and reform the community,” the Union minister said.Regarding the importance of the “Shikshapatri”, Shah said it captured the essence of major Hindu scriptures. “It is like a moral constitution for life. It provides practical guidance on self-discipline, social conduct, compassion, non-violence, and a sense of duty,” he said, adding that the text is relevant today as it advises people to maintain transparency in financial dealings and personal conduct to avoid disputes.Shah further said Bhagwan Swaminarayan strongly recommended social reforms by encouraging girls’ education, opposing animal sacrifice, and launching campaigns against casteism and untouchability. He said that since its foundation, the Swaminarayan sect has worked to protect Sanatan values and uplift society.
