Mathura: Spiritual preacher Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham on Friday addressed followers in Mathura, stressing that the nation’s strength rests on two key groups—its soldiers and its farmers. After leading a march honouring soldiers the previous day, he said the day’s rally was dedicated to the farming community.
Dhirendra Shastri described farmers as the “living heritage” of India and the backbone of its economy, urging people to recognise their contributions. “The country stands secure because of the soldier at the border and the farmer working in the fields,” he said during his address.
Emphasizing the importance of both knowledge and defence, he remarked that “shastra and shaastra”—weapons and scriptures—are equally essential. In a message directed to the Hindu community, he encouraged people to embrace spirituality while also being prepared to safeguard their well-being. “Maala aur bhaala dono hath mein rakhiye… Mala se sanskriti bachegi, bhaala se sampatti bachegi… (Keep the rosary and the spear in your hands—culture is protected through devotion, and prosperity through strength),” he said.
Shastri’s remarks drew a large gathering in the temple town, where crowds joined the march to express solidarity with farmers amid ongoing conversations around agrarian issues in the region.
