National
Mahant Ravindra Puri: Prayagraj Mahakumbh Inspires a Revival Among Hindus
Despite a tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya—the primary bathing day—that resulted in the loss of 30 lives and injuries to over 60, the Mahakumbh was a resounding success for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, attracting over 400 million pilgrims to this significant Sanatan Dharma gathering.
Mahant Ravindra Puri, the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and a pivotal figure in the Mahakumbh, spoke extensively with “The Statesman” correspondent Manoj Bhadra about various aspects of the event from the perspectives of the saints and sadhus of the 13 Akharas. Mahant Ravindra Puri is also the President of the Mansa Devi Mandir Trust in Haridwar and is affiliated with the Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani.
**Excerpts from the conversation:**
**Q**: With all three Amrit Snans completed and the Akharas actively participating, how do you assess the government’s arrangements and facilities?
**A**: I have been attending Ardh Kumbhs and Mahakumbhs since 1995, but I have never witnessed arrangements of such high quality as this year. I can confidently say, “Na Bhuto Na Bhavishyati” (neither in the past nor will there be another like it in the future) regarding this Mahakumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was genuinely concerned for the welfare of the sadhus and saints and personally addressed any issues that arose, visiting the Akharas multiple times for inspections.
**Q**: The Prayagraj Mahakumbh has been labeled the largest religious gathering in the world.
**A**: We are fortunate that Hindus have, at last, come together and attended this Mahakumbh with their families. This newfound unity among Hindus will positively influence both the nation and the world. Previously, other religions perceived a lack of unity among Hindus, which they exploited. However, the dynamics have shifted during this Mahakumbh; Hindus are now united in preserving their faith. We estimate that by the end of this Mahakumbh, around 500 million people will have bathed in the Sangam—a figure we never anticipated. Much of this is thanks to the exceptional arrangements by PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath.
**Q**: Regarding the stampede on Mauni Amavasya which resulted in fatalities, what are your thoughts?
**A**: It was a tragic incident, and we, the Akharas, were among the first to express condolences. We temporarily suspended our Amrit Snan until the situation was stable and pilgrims could safely bathe in the Sangam. On that day, approximately 80 to 100 million Sanatani people were present, and while there were individuals opposed to the Sanatan ideology attempting to cause disruptions, the security forces managed to contain the situation. Incidents like these can occur in large gatherings.
**Q**: The opposition has attributed blame for the stampede to the Modi and Yogi governments, labeling them failures in overseeing the Mahakumbh.
**A**: The opposition and anti-Sanatani forces are dismayed by the unprecedented unity among Hindus. Lacking any substantial criticism of the government, they seized upon the stampede as an opportunity to undermine both the government and our saints. Their statements are unfounded, and the public has largely dismissed their claims. With around 400 million pilgrims having attended, many have praised the government’s arrangements. How can the opposition leaders attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the majority Hindus?
**Q**: There have been social media posts highlighting management issues during the Mahakumbh as well as negative portrayals of the saints. Your response?
**A**: Anti-Hindu forces employed various YouTubers to tarnish the Mahakumbh’s image, showcasing some false saints to craft a negative narrative surrounding our community. It’s plausible that the January 29 stampede was orchestrated by these elements.
**Q**: Concerns have emerged from opposition figures and environmentalists regarding pollution in the Sangam during the Mahakumbh.
**A**: I have seen media reports on this and ask: Did any devotees voice complaints? Did anyone fall ill? Anti-Sanatani forces are doing everything possible to create confusion among Hindus, hoping to disrupt their pilgrimage journey to Prayagraj. Nonetheless, their conspiracies have failed; many continue to bathe in the Sangam, and more are expected until Shivratri on February 26. Even Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries have bathed in the so-called polluted Sangam, demonstrating that such conspiracies are merely attempts to divide society.
**Q**: Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has been outspoken in supporting the opposition and has called for Yogi Adityanath’s resignation over the stampede incident.
**A**: Calls for the Chief Minister’s resignation stem from frustration and should not involve a sadhu’s political engagement. Such behavior is disheartening, and this type of saint can be likened to ‘vultures’ who undermine their own community and religion.
**Q**: With all three Amrit Snans completed, what lies ahead for the Akharas?
**A**: The sadhus from our Niranjani Akhara will depart for Kashi on February 7, while the other Akharas will return to their respective ashrams.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for Odisha. With the launch of these projects worth ₹1.15 lakh crore in Jajpur, we’re not just laying foundations; we’re constructing a future. This will create 36,000 job opportunities, allowing our youth to thrive in their homeland. In just 113 days, we’ve transformed commitments into tangible progress,” CM Majhi stated during his address.
This achievement reflects our government’s determination, commitment, and focus on action over rhetoric. Kalinganagar is now emerging as the economic backbone of a self-reliant Odisha. We reaffirm that Odisha is not only rich in heritage but also brimming with opportunities and industrial excellence.
The 24 projects are strategically situated in Kalinga Nagar, Danagadi, and Badachana in Jajpur district, strengthening the region’s status as a vital part of Odisha’s industrial growth. They encompass crucial sectors including steel, ferro alloys, chemicals, solar energy, refractory materials, automotive components, warehousing, and food processing.
Odisha is cementing its status as one of India’s rapidly growing industrial hubs with these major initiatives. The combined investment of ₹1.15 lakh crore is set to offer employment to 36,000 people, propelling the state’s economic expansion.
Among the launched projects, Tata Steel Ltd’s 5 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant expansion in Kalinga Nagar stands out, with an investment of ₹47,599 crore, expected to create 4,625 jobs. Other significant projects include JSL Group’s petroleum and solar power initiative, worth ₹470 crore, and Abis Exports India Pvt Ltd’s poultry feed plant, projected to generate 850 jobs.
The groundbreaking phase is led by Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited’s (NINL) ₹61,769 crore steel plant expansion, expected to become one of the largest steel manufacturing units in the area, yielding 14,000 direct employment opportunities.
Collectively, these 24 projects not only introduce foreign investment and advanced technologies to Odisha but also catalyze job creation, foster MSME collaboration, and promote downstream industrial growth in the region, officials noted.
This remarkable achievement highlights the company’s resilience, operational prowess, and steadfast commitment to value creation.
According to the audited financial results released yesterday, NALCO has reached an unprecedented financial landmark, recording its highest-ever net profit of ₹5,325 crore, reflecting a robust year-on-year increase of 158%. The company also reported its all-time highest revenue from operations amounting to ₹16,788 crore for FY 25.
Addressing employees regarding this extraordinary achievement, Brijendra Pratap Singh, CMD of NALCO, expressed heartfelt congratulations. He emphasized that this record-breaking performance exemplifies the power of teamwork, prudent financial management, commitment, and alignment with NALCO’s strategic vision. This accomplishment is a source of pride not just for NALCO, but also for every employee, valued stakeholders, the Ministry of Mines, the Government of India, and the state of Odisha.
Reinforcing NALCO’s commitment to sustainable long-term growth, Singh noted that while this year’s exceptional performance was bolstered by favorable alumina and aluminium prices, enduring success relies on agility, operational excellence, and consistent high performance. He highlighted key strategic initiatives aimed at driving NALCO’s next growth phase, including the 5th Stream expansion of the Alumina Refinery, operationalization of the Pottangi Bauxite Mines, and the proposed expansion of the existing Smelter Plant and Captive Power Plant.
“These forward-looking projects will create a strong foundation for sustainable and resilient growth, further solidifying NALCO’s leadership in the global aluminium industry,” he stated.
Senior leadership, including Sadashiv Samantaray (Director, Commercial), Pankaj Kumar Sharma (Director, Production), Jagdish Arora (Director, P&T), Dr. Tapas Kumar Pattanayak (Director, HR), and Pranab Jyoti Nath (CVO), were present to acknowledge the collective efforts at NALCO and extend their congratulations to the team for maintaining a competitive edge in performance and productivity.
An expert team from the NHAI inspected the site of the collapsed retaining wall on NH 66 on Monday. The team, featuring Dr. Anil Dixit from Jaipur and Dr. Jimmy Thomas from Kochi, performed a preliminary assessment of the affected areas, which include both the main highway and the service road.
According to initial findings, no issues were detected in the construction of the protective wall made of cement blocks. Dr. Jimmy Thomas stated that “the preliminary conclusion indicates a soil-related problem.”
“A comprehensive analysis of various factors, including soil composition, road design, and construction methods, is necessary. Only after a detailed investigation can we determine the exact cause,” he emphasized.
In addition to Kooriyad, multiple other sections of roads under the NH 66 widening project have experienced collapses and cracks in northern Kerala. On Wednesday, residents protested at the NH construction site in Kuppam, Kannur, following two landslips reported in a single day.
In Kasaragod, a 72-foot crack appeared on the NH near Mavungal, close to another crack discovered the previous day. The service road near Kooliyangal in Kanhangad also collapsed, raising concerns over the quality of roadwork in the region.
The Youth Congress staged a protest march in Kooriyad on Wednesday, led by state leaders including Abin Varkey, demanding accountability from KNR Constructions Ltd for alleged negligence.
Meanwhile, Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging immediate action to address these issues before the monsoon season. “In many areas of Kozhikode, hills have been cleared unsafely for road construction,” he noted.
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