Kolkata, 7 December (H.S.): Millions of people gathered at Kolkata's historic Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday to collectively recite the Bhagavad Gita, creating history. The event was attended by religious leaders Dhirendra Krishna Shastri (Bageshwar Baba), Sadhvi Ritambhara, and Swami Gyananand. The program was organized by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, whose president Kartik Maharaj, Swami Nirgunanand, and other saints played a leading role. West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose was also present on the occasion.

On this occasion, the Governor said that the state is ready to end religious arrogance, referring to an incident that took place in Murshidabad on Saturday. Without giving details of the incident, he only said that he had seen something happening in Murshidabad.

On Saturday, suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for a mosque to be built in Rejinagar, Murshidabad, on the lines of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. This move has intensified the political turmoil in the state, especially with the assembly elections due next year. Political analysts said that the event was deliberately organized on December 6, the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.

From the stage of the Gita recitation programme, Governor Bose also spoke about ending corruption. Referring to the Bhagavad Gita verse, Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha dushkritam dharma sansthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge, he said that the resolve to establish righteousness and end unrighteousness always remains.

The 'Five Lakh Voices Recite Gita' programme at Brigade Parade Ground was organized by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, with the participation of saints from various monasteries and religious institutions. It is being presented as the largest mass recitation of the Gita in the state to date. The organizers said the aim of the event is to highlight Bengal's spiritual tradition and spread a message of social harmony.

Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj, also known as Kartik Maharaj, said that “in an atmosphere of division, spiritual practice can provide peace and direction to society.” According to him, a large number of devotees from across the state have already confirmed their attendance.

Extensive preparations have been made for security, crowd management, and medical facilities for the event. Three large stages have been erected in the vast grounds, and security arrangements have been further tightened in central Kolkata.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey