Demand for Sanatan Board Formation Raised at Maha Kumbh, Calls to End Waqf Board

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The saints and Mahants attending the world’s largest fair have urged the government to establish a Sanatan Board. During a press conference held on Thursday, led by Akhada Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri, the saints declared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as the hosts of the Maha Kumbh and presented two key demands. First, they called for the abolition of the Waqf Board and second, the formation of the Sanatan Board. The saints emphasized their commitment, stating they would not leave the Maha Kumbh without the establishment of the Sanatan Board.

Renowned storyteller Devkinandan Thakur emphasized the importance of the Sanatan Board in advancing their objectives. He announced the presentation of the draft constitution of the Sanatan Board during the Sanatan Dharma Sansad scheduled to be held at the Sector 17 camp on 27th January, which will also be observed as Religious Freedom Day. The event will bring together representatives from all Akharas, the four Shankaracharyas and other leaders associated with Sanatan Dharma. Mahant Ravindra Puri urged all saints, Mahants and storytellers at the Maha Kumbh to prioritize their presence at the Dharma Sansad, where, rather than merely raising the demand for the board, its establishment will be formally announced.

Mahant Swami Yatindranand Giri of Juna Akhara expressed confidence that the Sanatan Board would be formed, while Peethadheeshwar Swami Balakanand Giri of Anand Akhara stressed the need to protect monasteries and temples, describing the board as essential for preserving Sanatan traditions. Mahant Swami Premanand Puri of Ujjain’s Arji Hanuman Ji temple highlighted that existing boards are over 200 years old and do not represent the ancient traditions of Aryavart, where Sanatan Dharma was once the sole religion. He firmly stated that they would leave the Kumbh only after the establishment of the Sanatan Board, calling for a constitutional institution to uphold their heritage and traditions.