‘India’s mindset changing’, Riteshwar Maharaj praises ‘Hanuman Ansh’ amid Cong criticism
Prayagraj, Sep 9 (IANS) Sadguru Riteshwar Ji Maharaj, head of Shri Anandam Dham, heaped praise on the film ‘Hanuman Ansh’, stating that admiration for such films inspired by life of revered spiritual guru Neem Karoli Baba was because of the change in India’s cultural mindset over the recent years.
He said that while funds he described as “anti-national” were earlier being used in Bollywood to weaken India’s historical and religious heritage, the film industry is now increasingly producing content centred on the country’s heroes, religion and culture.
Speaking to IANS, Sahguru Riteshwar Maharaj said India’s identity is rooted in Sanatan culture and argued that films and web series continue to have a strong influence on society, particularly on younger generations.
“India’s culture is Sanatan culture. Unfortunately, anti-national money was previously being utilised in Hollywood and Bollywood. They were dismantling our culture — destroying everything from our youth and historical memories to our religious heritage. In recent years, however, Bollywood has begun producing films centred on our heroes, our religion, and our culture. Films continue to influence people; both web series and movies have an impact,” he said.
Riteshwar Maharaj said the increasing participation of “Sanatanis and nationalists” in the entertainment sector could play an important role in strengthening cultural values among the younger generation. He also cited ‘Hanuman Ansh’ as an example of a film that, despite being made on a relatively small budget, has generated substantial earnings.
“‘Hanuman Ansh’ is based on the life of a saint and Lord Hanuman. Despite being a low-budget production, it has also emerged as a source of substantial earnings,” he noted.
“This means that India’s mindset has now changed,” he added.
The spiritual leader further said that India was seeking to reconnect with its Sanatan roots while simultaneously embracing modern technologies and new-age fields. He said the younger generations, including Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, want the country to combine technological advancement with the Sanatan Vedic tradition.
According to him, bringing these apparently different spheres together could help India regain its position as a “Vishwaguru”.
Riteshwar Maharaj said these developments were only early indications of a much larger transformation that could take place in the country.
This came as Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using religion as a political tool to influence people’s minds and secure votes, while also criticising the demolition of a mosque inside the Saharanpur Collectorate campus in Uttar Pradesh.
About the spiritual film “Hanuman Ansh”, written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, Alvi alleged that films of this nature were being made as part of a broader attempt to influence people through religious sentiments and use faith for political gains.
The film chronicles the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, popularly known as Maharaj Ji.
Responding to the criticism, Riteshwar Maharaj said that India’s political system has historically been guided by the principles of Dharma and that religious values should remain above political interests.
“India is the land of Sanatan culture. Politics is born from Dharma (righteousness/religion). If Dharma is the mother, then politics is the daughter. If the seat of Dharma is placed below the political throne, the country’s condition would mirror that of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan,” he said.
“Our country has always placed the religious throne above the political throne, with the latter operating under the former’s guidance. In such a scenario, everyone lives happily, free from depression, and the nation remains united,” Riteshwar Maharaj said.
Talking about Alvi, he said, “I do not follow his statements; I have only heard about it from you. But one’s statements reflect one’s mindset. Anyone who carries the spirit of India and Sanatan within them can never oppose truth, Dharma, and love,” he said.
India’s culture should continue to progress in this manner. It is the opposition’s role to engage in rhetoric and speak against the government; such things are expected in a democracy,” he added.
Riteshwar Maharaj also said that the government should distinguish between criticism made merely for political rhetoric and concerns that genuinely involve public interest.
“If allegations were being raised simply for the sake of criticism, the government should not allow such statements to distract it from its work,” he said, adding, “however, whenever an issue appeared to involve public interest, the government should put aside ego and be willing to acknowledge the concern with humility and take corrective action,” he remarked.
–IANS
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