Bageshwar Dham’s Anti‑Addiction Campaign Inspires Thousands of Young Pilgrims

In a concerted effort to curb substance abuse, the Bageshwar Dham Rath Yatra attracted a massive turnout of young devotees across Chhatarpur, Panna, Damoh, Sagar and Tikamgarh. The five‑day pilgrimage, steered by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, incorporated a series of “katha” sessions that intertwined spiritual teachings with practical advice on staying away from alcohol and narcotics.

Shastri’s speeches emphasized that addiction weakens both the individual and the nation, urging the youth to embrace discipline, purpose‑driven living, and the timeless principles of Sanatan Dharma. He also called for an outright ban on liquor outlets in Madhya Pradesh, citing successful models from Bihar and Gujarat.

The response was overwhelming: dozens of youth groups signed a public declaration of sobriety, and many families shared stories of loss caused by poisonous liquor, reinforcing the urgency of collective action. Observers describe the movement as a catalyst for cultural revival and social reform in the region.