‘Dharma Should Govern Wealth And Not Vice Versa’: Says Shri Swaroop Manavat

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Bhagwat Bhushan Shri Shyam Swaroop Manavat said here on Sunday that dharma should govern wealth and not vice versa. He was speaking during Vishwam Samvad 2, a monthly intellectual series hosted by Vishwam Sanstha, at the Indore Press Club.

The session focused on the evolving role of Vyas Peeth in the awakening and preservation of Sanatan Dharma. Vyas Peeth is the sacred seat of spiritual discourse, symbolising the responsibility to uphold and spread scriptural wisdom and dharma.

Manavat emphasised that while Vyas Peeth actively promoted religious values, its silence on critical social issues was troubling. “The Vyas Peeth, saints and Shankaracharyas should act as moral commanders. Their guidance is vital when society faces dilemmas,” he said.

He also pointed out that the degradation was mutual and both orators and patrons were responsible. “Narrators have reduced the sanctity of katha by turning it into a performing art. Dance and music have overshadowed scripture and study.”

Acharya Mithila Prasad Tripathi endorsed this view, citing vanity and social prestige as prime motives behind most modern Bhagwat Kathas. “What once aimed at ancestral liberation is now an event of extravagance,” he added.

Organisers Sanjay Agrawal, Sachin Mandwaria, Rahul Shrotriya and others welcomed the guests.

Vishwam Sanskriti Shala students concluded the event with Vande Mataram, while Rahul Shrotriya delivered the vote of thanks. The audience also engaged in a thoughtful question and answer session.