A Long Read
Stutie (Junoo) Sharma and Venkat Raman
Auckland, June 26, 2025
Editor’s Standfirst: The following is a translation of the conversation held with Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a prominent Indian spiritual leader and the head of Bageshwar Dham, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh. Born in 1996, he gained widespread recognition for his spiritual discourses, particularly those focused on Lord Hanuman and the Ramcharitmanas. Among those who participated in this conversation (apart from the two reporters under the byline) were Consul General of India in Auckland Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, Link2 Group Executive Chairman Indra Sirigiri, businesspersons Ritesh and Nikita Khanna, prominent community leaders Ravi Virk and Akhilesh Chaudhary. The following text is a transcript of the responses by Bageshwar Dham Sarkar to the questions raised.
We are currently on an international journey to reflect upon a vital question: How can Indian culture and tradition become more sustainable and resonate across the world? Why were we once known as Vishwa Gurus, and how can we reclaim that stature?
With this vision in our hearts, we represent India, not just as individuals, but as torchbearers of a cultural renaissance. To revive this journey of transformation, we must engage directly with the people. While some work can be done from within India, true impact on a global scale requires presence and participation abroad.
From New Zealand to Fiji, Australia to Oman, Dubai to London, we have travelled across the world, engaging with diverse communities. In an era shadowed by the possibility of global conflict, it becomes even more crucial to stand for unity and wisdom.
Let us envision a world where disputes are resolved not through aggression, but through dialogue. Let us ask: How can lasting peace be nurtured? And what role can India play as a guiding force in this mission for harmony?
The Inner Battlefield and Global Harmony
There is a war within every heart; a silent, inner conflict that reflects in the world around us. Until we resolve the war in the heart, there will be unrest everywhere.
In Mahabharata, as dramatised by Ramanand Sagar, the character of Shakuni spoke words that still echo in our minds. He said, “Before battles are fought on the battlefield, they are played out on the battleground of the mind.” What resides in the heart inevitably finds its way into the world.
Today, there is a struggle within people, a turmoil that manifests as conflict among nations. This, perhaps, is the breaking point. And at this juncture, we must turn to the essence of Sanatana Sanskriti.
Sanatana is not a religion. It is the eternal tradition of humanity. It is a call for peace, unity, and conscious living. If war is the disease, Sanatana is the medicine. It offers both revolution and serenity, not through rage, but through awakened consciousness.
Sanatana is the embodiment of unity in diversity. It does not seek to divide, but to unite. It sees the world not through a lens of commerce, but of kinship. In Sanatana thought, the world is one family, and everyone is a part of it. Everyone has Ram within them. And if Ram resides in all, then why should one Ram harm another? If Ram strikes down Ram, how can he still be Ram? Let Ram strike down Ravan, not one another.
The lost peace and the fear of conflict
The eradication of terrorism, not the loss of identity or loyalty, is the true path forward. But this journey begins with India. When India reflects, awakens, and reclaims its ancient wisdom, rooted in the Vedas and the Sanatani path.
Remember when Swami Vivekananda stirred the world, not with weapons, but with words? That is the India we must all carry with us. A nation that speaks through thought, not through war.
And so, wherever Indians may live, let them carry the flame of inquiry, the spirit of intellectual struggle, not one of violence. Let us tell the world: Do not fear conflict, but let your struggle be one of ideas, not of vengeance.
Where is the chain, the sacred thread that links joy to peace, peace to purpose, purpose to the soul?
We often search for it in external sound: in clubs, in crowds, in hours of dancing under neon lights. Yet, joy found in such frenzy fades like perfume on the wind. It leaves the body aching, the mind cluttered, and the spirit tired. True joy or Param Sukh is not found outside ourselves. It is not in the noise. It resides in the silence that speaks within, in the calm echo of the Paramatman, the Divine Presence both within and all around us. Until you become Antarmukhi, a seeker within, you will wander the world for happiness that has been waiting in your own breath all along.
There was a time when children found pure delight in a single chocolate. Their eyes would gleam, laughter would spill, and sleep would come naturally, like a lullaby. They did not need medicine; they did not need a crowd; they did not fear being alone. But now, even in quiet moments, we toss and turn. Even in the company of people, we ache. Even with medicine, we struggle to find rest.
Why? Because we have forgotten the joy of small things. We have measured our worth by what we lack instead of cherishing what we have. Here is the truth: what you receive is enough. What you did not receive is not a loss. The world owes us nothing, but it offers everything, if only we pause, turn inward, and listen.
The dangers of Smartphone addiction
Mobile phones have become as addictive as drugs. Children today are so attached to their screens that they seem to disconnect from the real world long before they even step outside. As a result, attention spans are shrinking. We have gone from enjoying full-length films to shorter movies, then 30-minute episodes, followed by five-minute clips, and now we expect to absorb everything in 30 seconds. Yet, we are still bored.
Our capacity for deep thought is diminishing. Memory, once a source of pride, has been outsourced to our devices. In the past, people could remember entire phone numbers. Today’s children, however, might not even know their next-door neighbour’s name, yet they can scroll endlessly through lists of online ‘friends.’
Mobile phones have become the most dangerous drug for the new generation. This is why we urge parents to think carefully before giving a child a phone. Understand what you are providing them. If a child is introduced to a phone without proper guidance, they risk becoming trapped, addicted, and disconnected from reality.
A major reason for this situation is parenting. When children lack proper structure in their early years and are then given powerful tools like smartphones, it creates confusion, not freedom.
Traditionally, small habits, such as asking permission before doing things, were instilled to teach discipline and respect. These seemingly minor practices shaped our ability to consider others, to ask before acting, and to value patience and perspective.
If we do not reintroduce these values and address this growing dependency on devices, the consequences will be serious: weakened mental focus, an increase in neurological disorders, and a rise in vision and emotional health problems. Today, we spend eight to 16 hours daily staring at screens. This could be the costliest epidemic of the modern age.
The Spirit of Bharat
Here is a message to people living outside India: You embody the essence of India’s cultural soul and human connection between nations like India and New Zealand. Your simplicity is admirable. But a painful reality is evident.
Whether someone is from Odisha, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, or Haryana, why is it that we are all here, far from home? What is India’s deepest problem that has compelled so many of us to leave?
We ask not to assign blame, but to reflect. If we cannot live for the Tiranga, the Indian flag, What can we truly live for? Patriotism is not about slogans but about spirit.
Take Yoga Day, for instance. International Yoga Day is recognised globally on June 21 as a celebration of India’s ancient wisdom. Across the world, countries proudly embraced the event, yet many of us here could not make it to a local gathering. Some were in far-off towns, some disengaged. But location was not the issue; intention was.
This lack of collective pride and participation has broader consequences. India has not become a global brand not because it lacks talent or culture, but because we have failed to present a united front. Our currency remains weak, our image diluted, not due to external forces alone, but because of internal disunity.
Disharmony, corruption, and selfishness have quietly corroded our global identity.
The world respects unity, even when it is wrong. Often, if spoken consistently, even a lie is perceived as truth. As the Western philosopher (perhaps referring to the spirit of Diogenes) notes: “Say a lie a hundred times, and it becomes the truth.” That is the harsh logic of perception.
If Indians abroad cannot stand together, if they cannot uphold their heritage, values, and unity, they risk losing not only respect from others but their connection to their very roots.
To every Indian living in New Zealand and beyond: do not let apathy undermine your motherland. Remember her. Represent her. And live not only with freedom, but with purpose and unity.
Ravi Virk: “We can do something together.” It was more than a casual remark; it was a call to collective action. Guru Ji’s thoughts on Akhand Bharat held even greater significance during our visit to Sri Dashmesh Gurudwara (Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe) on June 22, 2025. There, Guru Sahib’s words and presence reminded us of resilience at a time when people are divided, both locally and globally. That visit to the Gurudwara symbolised more than just tradition. It was a declaration: the Sikh community, alongside others, is ready to stand united. In that sacred space, we were no longer fragmented communities from different regions; we were one voice, one heart. In this spirit, I believe Guruji is poised to lead. His visits to Harimandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) and Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, reflect not merely pilgrimages but a profound purpose. Where political leaders speak policy, he speaks to the soul. In a world full of ambassadors and diplomats, it is spiritual visionaries like Guruji who become the true diplomats of the heart and mind. No matter which country we find ourselves in, it is this shared moral compass, this unity in values, that will guide us. Only when we rise above divisions and gather on one platform will we truly begin to shape a future that honours our roots, our faith, and our shared humanity.
A tribute to unity, service, and spiritual heritage
Bageshwar continues
We have been given a powerful opportunity, one that brought together voices and hearts from across communities. Although there were moments of resistance, particularly from some individuals within the Hindu community, the Sikh tradition stood tall, demonstrating courage and commitment. Their message was clear: “This programme will not be stopped, nor cancelled.” Those words filled us with pride.
I was deeply moved as I remembered the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In his honour, I also recalled the immense sacrifices of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and other revered spiritual leaders. Even today, their spirit lives within every follower of the Sikh tradition.
Sadly, over time, an artificial divide has been created between Sanatan Dharma and Sikhism. But the truth remains: we are all Indian. That identity, that unity, is enough.
What we have learnt from Gurudwaras is profound: selfless service that sees neither caste nor creed, nor ego. Regardless of wealth or status, every person is welcomed and served with love. This is the light of the Sikh tradition, and it is a light we must all nurture.
Yesterday (June 22, 2025) when we visited the Temple at six in the morning, only eight people were present. By evening (8 pm), the hall was filled with energy and devotion. This is not about numbers; it is about spirit. We do not seek to divide; we aim to uplift.
Every Sunday, there is a Sikh education programme at the Gurudwara, teaching Guruvani, Kirtan, and the sacred values of the tradition. These roots must be preserved. Harmandir Sahib stands not only as a sacred site but as the birthplace of Guru Parampara. We are the living continuation of that lineage—the third generation walking the path of our Gurus.
And I believe a true Guru does not merely guide people; they elevate civilisations.
Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Auckland
Given our devotion to Lord Balaji, who is none other than a Divine form of Lord Vishnu and in light of the sincere efforts to establish a Balaji Temple in Auckland, we would wholeheartedly support the proposed Devasthanam. Wherever we travel, our mission is to awaken spiritual consciousness, unite Hindu communities, and encourage the establishment and strengthening of sacred institutions. We always encourage devotees to contribute their time, energy, and resources toward such noble causes, highlighting their importance in nurturing spiritual well-being and preserving our cultural identity.
Shankaracharya envisioned establishing four temples across India with a singular purpose: to provide a spiritual anchor for Hindus. These temples were more than just places of ritual; they were symbols of unity. While Sanatana Dharma speaks of the inner temple, the Man Mandir, it also acknowledges the power of the Murti Mandir, where a physical space can nurture collective consciousness and devotion.
By establishing these Temples, the aim was to provide a foundation of shared thought, to demonstrate unity to the world, and to strengthen deeply rooted traditions. As time unfolds, such spiritual centres will become even more vital to India’s future.
Those receiving His Divine Grace are blessed with an abundance of peace, prosperity, and fulfilment in every aspect of life. The Temple of Tirupati does more than house a deity; it offers a space of unwavering faith.
