The population of the district town of Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh is less than 200,000 according to 2011 census. Yet, when Baba Bageshwar was here early this month on a three day sojourn to tell “Katha”, close to 5,00,000 people congregated at the Katha site. Obviously, not only the whole town but far more from the adjoining areas including the metropolis of Nagpur thronged to have his darshan and hear him in person. These men and women of all denominations seemed to have one thing in common: they would rather live their lives as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live as if there isn’t a God and die to find out that there is.
A Phenomenal Following
Baba Bageshwar’s popularity can be termed as truly phenomenal. His fame has acquired uncommon dimensions, surpassing even that of revered spiritual leaders in recent times. Unlike politicians who rely on exorbitant finances and clout to gather crowds, Baba effortlessly draws a multitude of people by the mere enchantment of his name. Countless individuals seek only a glimpse of him; many revel in the hope of basking in his presence: all seek not just solace and inner peace but also answers to the humdrum and mundane problems of life.
Yet, can he harness this extraordinary popularity and the sway he holds over people’s minds to serve a purpose beyond his purported agenda? While he presents himself as a spokesperson for the Hindu religion and a fervent proponent of India’s transformation into a Hindu Rashtra (a Hindu Nation), could he extend his clairvoyance to tackle loftier goals, such as spearheading a moral resurgence, an ethical renaissance among Hindus, even other adherents?
A Challenging Agenda
The pervasive crisis of morality, the pursuit of an ethical life, is both deeply disconcerting and remarkably challenging. Material progress, despite its strides, does not necessarily equate to the contentment of individuals. This stems from the absence of a righteous way of life within the framework of progress and development. Though it might seem inconsequential to many, this imperceptible yet omnipresent dimension is indispensable for translating progress into true happiness and a better world.
Given Baba’s considerable following, his messages could potentially transform society. Imagine if he were to address prevailing corruption, the unjust appropriation of societal and natural resources by a privileged few, and advocate for their cessation and reversal. Alternatively, suppose he were to rally his adherents to denounce violence against women as antithetical to Hinduism. What if he were to extract a pledge from his followers, a commitment to neither demand nor accept bribes, and to never perpetrate violence against women, epitomizing the essence of the new Hinduism? Should his followers pledge to uphold these ideals, the resulting impact could be more monumental than even the most violent revolutions or a massive social campaign to uproot corruption.
Humanity often grapples with the irony that religious leaders, despite commanding devout following, seldom actively work towards societal harmony. Even within the religion they represent, establishing an equitable and just order rarely stands as their primary objective. Their hold over their followers may perhaps stem from their exceptional articulation though framed in inherently rigid and dogmatic approach.
However, some of history’s major religions were propagated by individuals who were, at their core, social reformers. The social reform movement blossomed into sweeping religious transformations, giving birth to epochal institutions that endure to this day.
A Historic Opportunity
The interpretation of doctrines, traditions, conservatism, political dynamics, power play, cultural contexts, and limited perspectives all shape the discourses of spiritual leaders. And their approach is driven and guided by varying motivations and priorities. An interesting but true dimension of such huge congregations is the willing financial support that they readily get from businessmen and politicians. This may suggest a compromised confluence of interests, dissipating their talents often into peripheral or even divisive issues. It is no coincidence, therefore, that numerous politicians of all hues, have deftly employed religion to advance their agendas, just as they utilize spiritual figures to bolster their own image.
Promotion of societal harmony, justice, and reform may thrive once these highly influential spiritual leaders were to enlarge their agendas. They can inspire their followers to reject corruption and embrace ethical conduct, thereby fostering a just and harmonious society. Their discourses may underscore the broader spiritual and moral implications of violence, illustrating its impact on both individuals and the collective well-being of society.
History illustrates that humanity frequently fails to learn from its past. And where they have, such instances of learning are often short-lived, with ambitious individuals readily undoing hard-earned lessons. Though the world may seem to deteriorate due to this recurrent folly, an unwavering desire to renew efforts to create a more harmonious, accommodating, peaceful, and equitable world persists.
Marxists will like us to believe that Religion is an opiate, of the worst kind. It perhaps is an opiate. And yet, religion is known and is experienced as the instrument to bring in goodness and godliness in humans. This goodness is about character – integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like.
‘When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad, and that’s my religion’, famously said Abraham Lincoln. The question remains: will enlightened souls like Baba Bageshwar recognize and unleash the immense potential latent within their huge following for true transformation, all while advocating righteous conduct within the framework of religious tenets and rituals?
It may be a wishful thinking, the wish being that clairvoyant as he is, could such thoughts arising in million minds like me, reach him and engage his attention?
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