Dhirendra Shastri says, ‘No forward-backward distinction in India’:Appeals to govt over UGC controversy; urged unity, says, ‘Society should not be divided along caste lines’

Amid the ongoing nationwide debate over the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new regulations, Baba Begshwar Dham Chief Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has made a strong appeal for social unity, calling for an end to caste-based divisions in India. Speaking during a Shri Satyanarayan Katha at the Bageshwar Sanatan Math in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Shastri shared his views on the UGC issue for the first time, stressing equality and national unity. “Indians should be united, not divided” The Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham said that the current discussion around the UGC should not lead to inequality or social fragmentation. “Today, one issue is being widely discussed—UGC. There should be no inequality in India; there should only be equality. We are all one. In India, there should be neither ‘upper’ nor ‘backward’ classes—only Indians,” he said. He appealed to the government and society at large, saying, “We should unite Indians, not divide them.” ‘We are all one’: Emphasis on Hindu unity During his address, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri raised the slogan “We are all one as Hindus” three times, underlining the importance of unity and social harmony. He said his belief in equality is reflected in the mass wedding ceremonies organized by him, where daughters from all sections of society—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and service communities—are married together. Same wedding Mandap for all communities Shastri further explained that the same wedding pavilion is used for everyone, regardless of caste. “The mandap where a priest’s daughter is married is the same mandap where the daughters of Kshatriyas and Vaishyas are married. This shows that no one is big or small,” he said. Call for ‘One India, One Indian’ Concluding his remarks, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri reiterated the slogan “One India, One Indian,” urging society to rise above caste identities and focus on unity and equality.