Religious Leader Links Ganesh Celebrations with National Unity and Development

Mumbai – While touring the Ganesh pilgrimage sites of Kandivali and Bhivandi on September 17, senior spiritual figure Pandit Dheerendra Krishna Shastri used the occasion to underline the connection between religious festivity and the country’s progress.

He began his visit by offering prayers before the Ganesh murti, pleading for worldwide harmony, the flourishing of India, and the preservation of Sanatan unity. He observed that Maharashtra’s population is wholly engaged in Ganesha devotion during this festive period.

The pontiff sent birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating his 76th year and attributing India’s strengthened economy and fiscal health to the current government’s policies. He asked the deity Bagheswar Balaji to bless the Prime Minister with long life and vigor.

Shastri reminded listeners that the Bhivandi Ganesh idol has stood for nearly four decades, giving countless devotees the chance to seek blessings. He also mentioned his own routine visits to the Bagheswar Dham ashram every few months.

When asked about the VHP’s demand to bar Muslims from Navratri celebrations, Shastri answered that each religion should be allowed to observe its own festivals. He described Navratri as a timeless Hindu tradition and pointed out that Islamic practice does not include idol worship.

Concluding his remarks, Shastri highlighted his commitment to education: rather than merely creating disciples, he strives to develop future gurus, believing that a guru‑rich India will emerge as a world teacher.