In his Tirupati speech, Pawan Kalyan, the leader of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, made a strong call to protect Sanatana Dharma. He pointed out that this ancient faith has been under attack. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of respecting all other religions, underlining that mutual respect is essential for harmony in a diverse country like India.
Temple Visit and Ritual
Earlier in the day, before addressing the public, Pawan Kalyan visited the Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala. He participated in a ritual that addressed the controversy regarding ghee adulteration in temple offerings. After this, he made his way to Tirupati in his ‘Varahi’ campaign vehicle to deliver his speech to a large gathering.
Criticizing “Pseudo Secularism”
During the Pawan Kalyan speech in Tirupati, he expressed his frustration with certain politicians and public figures. While these individuals speak out against attacks on other religions, they remain silent when Sanatana Dharma is under threat. He referred to this selective outrage as “pseudo secularism.” Moreover, he stressed that true secularism works both ways. “Respect must be mutual,” he said, emphasizing that people must respect all religions equally.
The Varahi Declaration
Pawan Kalyan’s Varahi Declaration called on Hindus to unite and defend Sanatana Dharma against these attacks. However, he urged them to do this while still respecting other faiths. He encouraged the community to rise above differences in region and language. Additionally, he proposed a national law to protect Sanatana Dharma, ensuring that all religions are treated equally under the law.
Ensuring Purity in Temple Offerings
As part of his address, Pawan Kalyan also focused on the recent controversy involving adulterated ghee used in temple offerings. To prevent such issues in the future, he called for a certification system. This system would ensure the purity of ingredients used in all temple offerings across the country, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of temple rituals.
Non-Cooperation with Anti-Sanatana Dharma Forces
Furthermore, in his Tirupati speech, Pawan Kalyan urged the public to stop cooperating with individuals or organizations that promote hatred against Sanatana Dharma. By refusing to support such forces, he argued, the community could help maintain communal harmony and protect their faith.
Temples as Centers of Growth
In conclusion, Pawan Kalyan also proposed that temples should evolve beyond being just places of worship. He envisioned them as hubs for promoting art, culture, education, economic development, environmental conservation, and public welfare. This, he said, would allow temples to play a greater role in the overall growth of society.