Pandit Praveen Mahipal Paliwal calls for Sanatani unity, devotion beyond rituals, and observance of New Year as Parents’ Day
Published on: December 25, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The ongoing Bhagwat Katha organised by the Gandhi family at Udayachal in Rajnandgaon continued to inspire devotees on its fourth day, as eminent Katha Vyas Pandit Praveen Mahipal Paliwal delivered a thought-provoking and spiritually enriching discourse on human life, devotion and social unity.
Highlighting the sanctity of human birth, Pandit Paliwal said that human life is God’s most precious gift, attained through immense penance. Citing the teachings of Shankaracharya, he cautioned against limiting life either to violence in the name of religion or to mere material indulgence. “True worship of God lies in serving parents, gurus and humanity,” he said, adding that dharma alone guides a wandering mind towards the right path.
Narrating the inspirational episode of Sukhiya Malin, the storyteller explained that God values devotion driven by pure emotions rather than material offerings. He said Sukhiya Malin’s unwavering faith and her humble offering of two handfuls of rice symbolised selfless devotion, which was rewarded by divine grace when the rice transformed into immense wealth. The episode, he said, exemplified the power of sincere bhakti.
Pandit Paliwal vividly described the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna, recounting His birth in Mathura and divine leelas in Gokul, Nandgaon and Vrindavan. Referring to sacred sites such as Vrindavan, Nidhivan and the traditions of Banke Bihari Ji, he said these lands continue to bear witness to Krishna’s divine presence. Through the Kaliya Mardan episode, he highlighted the triumph of dharma and compassion, noting how Lord Krishna purified the Yamuna and spared the repentant Kaliya Naag, granting him protection and life.
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A key highlight of the day was the emotionally charged narration of the Govardhan Leela. Pandit Paliwal explained how Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Mountain on the little finger of His left hand to protect the people of Braj and shatter Indra’s arrogance. He said Govardhan Puja symbolises reverence for nature and righteous action. The presentation of a grand tableau, depiction of Lord Krishna as Shrinath Ji, floral showers and devotional music filled the pandal with spiritual fervour. On this occasion, a traditional offering of 56 Bhog was performed with deep devotion and later distributed as prasad among devotees.
Explaining Govardhan worship from both spiritual and scientific perspectives, Pandit Paliwal encouraged environmental awareness and harmony with nature.
Towards the conclusion of the Katha, he delivered a strong social message, urging people to celebrate the coming New Year not merely in a westernised manner but as “Matr-Pitr Diwas” (Parents’ Day), reaffirming respect for parents and family values. Referring to incidents of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, he stressed that while Sanatan Dharma does not preach violence, history shows that disunity weakens society. Raising the slogan “Bantenge to Katenge” (Divided we perish), he called upon all Sanatanis to rise above caste and class divisions and unite under a common Sanatani identity, stating that unity alone ensures security, cultural values and the protection of Sanatan Dharma.
The event witnessed active involvement of Dr Narendra Gandhi in managing arrangements. At the beginning of the Katha, senior editor Ashok Pandey and journalist Purushottam Tiwari, along with guests from Raipur, Kumhari and other places, honoured Pandit Paliwal with floral garlands.
