Varanasi once again sent a powerful message of love, peace, and unity across religions to the world. The ancient Patalpuri Math of the Ramanandi sect became a symbol of India’s cultural harmony as Muslim women performed aarti and applied tilak to welcome Jagadguru Balak Devacharya Maharaj, the monastery’s head on Thursday. Muslim devotees honoured the spiritual leader by draping him in a Ramnami angavastram (a cloth inscribed with Rama’s name).
Speaking on Guru Purnima, the Jagadguru emphasised that the true essence of discipleship lies in serving society, living for the nation, and upholding unity. He declared Rampanth (the path of Rama) a cultural renaissance fostering compassion and peace, adding, "Every individual in Bharat is united by DNA, ancestors, and culture—no divisions exist. Rampanth welcomes all."
Hundreds of Muslims took initiation (diksha), pledging to dedicate their lives to the nation. Among them, Shahabuddin Tiwari said, "Our ancestors followed Rampanth. Though our worship changed, our blood and culture remain the same."
Nazneen Ansari of the Muslim Women’s Foundation noted, "World peace is possible only through Rama’s path, guided by the Guru." The Jagadguru also initiated tribal children and urged Muslims to reconnect with their roots and spread India’s cultural legacy globally.
Rejecting religious extremism, she asserted, "Those inciting violence in religion’s name are unrighteous. Rama’s name is a philosophy of love." The event stood as a testament to India’s enduring guru-shishya tradition and interfaith harmony.
