📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / George Grantham Bain Collection
Religion
Pundit Dhierendra Shastri Clarifies Views on Conversion, Faces Backlash in Ludhiana
✍️ Amar Ujala · Ludhiana
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 08:32 AM
👁 16
Pundit Dhierendra Krishna Shastri defended his remarks on religious conversion during a Shri Hanumant Katha in Ludhiana, stating all religions belong to India and that conversion is wrong. The comments sparked objections from local Muslim and Christian groups.
Pundit Dhierendra Krishna Shastri, the head of the Bageshwar Dham in Punjab, made remarks during a Shri Hanumant Katha held in Ludhiana that all religions belong to India and that religious conversion is incorrect. He urged the people of Punjab to protect the region’s cultural heritage.
The comments drew immediate criticism from local Muslim and Christian communities, who expressed their discontent through formal objections. The groups felt that the pundit’s statements were insensitive and could fuel communal tensions.
Shastri clarified that his remarks were meant to emphasize unity and cultural preservation, not to denigrate any faith. He reiterated that India is a land of diverse religions and that conversions should be approached with caution.
The incident has highlighted the delicate balance between religious discourse and communal harmony in Punjab. Authorities have not yet announced any official response, but community leaders are calling for calm and dialogue.
The comments drew immediate criticism from local Muslim and Christian communities, who expressed their discontent through formal objections. The groups felt that the pundit’s statements were insensitive and could fuel communal tensions.
Shastri clarified that his remarks were meant to emphasize unity and cultural preservation, not to denigrate any faith. He reiterated that India is a land of diverse religions and that conversions should be approached with caution.
The incident has highlighted the delicate balance between religious discourse and communal harmony in Punjab. Authorities have not yet announced any official response, but community leaders are calling for calm and dialogue.