Herald: Sanatan Saunstha’s name has been dragged into all kinds of controversies with the latest being the murder of Govind Pansare, in which a sadhak has been arrested. What is your view?
NS: It is important to note that the police have been naming Sameer Gaikwad as a suspect and not accused. The issue is still in Court. Therefore, till the judicial verdict comes, Sanatan maintains that Sameer Gaikwad is innocent and he has been wrongly and unnecessarily implicated. I’ll give you a few points that support our stance.
He was taken into custody on the night of September 15; however; on record it was shown as arrested on the morning of September 16. Without allowing him to take the assistance of any advocate, he was produced before the Court and thereby police custody was sought for him. All this appears to be a well-planned move.
Even after this much time, it remains a fact that police have found no evidence against him. Police, in fact were asking for an extension of custody. The court rejected this request and awarded him magistrate custody.
Therefore, unless the court gives its verdict, no one should try to accuse Sanatan Sanstha for the crime by an individual which is yet to be proven.
Herald: Why is the organization allowing itself to be dragged into controversies, be it the Margao blast, Pansare murder or the Malegaon blast?
NS: There is absolutely no relation with the Malegaon blasts. None of the accused or others associated with the issue are associated with the Sanstha. Kindly refer to the chargesheet pertaining to the case filed in the honourable Court to ascertain this fact. The secular politicians for their selfish motives used the media to make false accusations. However, no media person is making an attempt to understand the truth. The Court in its verdict clearly stated that the explosives found in the Madgaon bomb blast and those that were found elsewhere did not match. NIA presented 122 witnesses before the Court, but their testimony proved futile. The Court passed strictures while acquitting all the Sanstha members in the case. The answer about Pansare killing has already been dealt with.
Herald: There are calls from the locals in Ponda to ban Sanatan Sanstha for preaching hatred.
NS: Saurabh Lotlikar made serious allegations against the Sanstha by making statements that Sanatan Ashram should be shifted out of town and a ban should be imposed. Lotlikar grabbed the opportunity thinking anybody can attain publicity nowadays by opposing the Sanstha. Lotlikar, unknown to anyone so far is satisfying his lust for publicity when the Sanatan is going through a rough patch at present. He may be harbouring his political ambition in the future by this deed. If Lotlikar sincerely wished to fight against immoral activities going in Goa, he would have undertaken many agitations against immoral activities going on in casinos, massage parlours and ‘rave parties’.
A sinister conspiracy is being hatched to defame a culture-loving institution by using Saurabh Lotlikar as a person in the front. He is making false allegations through insufficient knowledge. He is not even aware of many highly qualified doctors, who are staying in the Sanatan Ashram for medical treatment of the seekers. Similarly, hundreds of free health camps are organised. Sanatan Sanstha is well aware of the traditions and history of Goa.
Herald: Locals allege there are a lot of illegalities going on in the Saunstha. Is it true?
NS: The entire work of the Sanatan Sanstha is carried out within the ambit of the Constitution. It undertakes the wok of propagation of Dharma through the medium of weekly satsang, educational classes on Sanskaras, a wealth of Holy texts, etc. As a social obligation, Sanatan Sanstha undertakes social upliftment and creates awakening about the Nation. There is not a single incident of law and order problem created so far due to the existence of the Sanatan Ashram. To demand the closure of the Ashram is unconstitutional. The Constitution has endowed freedom of movement to all citizens. Lotlikar is opposing such freedom and behaving in an undemocratic manner. The Government should protect the Constitutional rights of the Sanatan Sanstha.
Herald: What is the Sanstha’s stand on Samir Gaikwad’s arrest and absconding Rudra Patil?
NS: Gaikwad is a full-time seeker of the Sanstha. It is our firm belief that he is innocent. About Patil, he is absconding since 2009 and the Sanstha has no contact with him since then.
Herald: What are the basic aims and objectives of the Sanatan Saunstha?
NS: The focal point of the mission of Sanatan Sanstha is to help seekers from various paths of spiritual practice such as Bhaktiyoga (Path of Devotion), Dnyanayoga (Path of Knowledge), Dhyanayoga (Path of Meditation) for individual spiritual evolution. The teachings of H.H. Dr Athavale are not individual-centric. Hence, spreading the science of Spirituality advised by Hindu Dharma in a scientific terminology is the main motive behind establishing Sanatan Sanstha. Simultaneously, Sanatan Sanstha also makes efforts for unity of like-minded Hindu organisations and sects and thereby, Bharat be declared a Hindu Nation constitutionally.
Herald: How does the Sanstha sustain itself? Who funds it?
NS: Sanatan Sanstha is guiding the society about following conduct as per Dharma since last 20 years. The members of the society have comprehended the importance of such teachings. As such, many philanthropics and donors in the society give donations, which are enough. The seekers of the Sanstha also donate money as a part of sacrifice.
