Amritsar —BJP Punjab spokesperson Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala, Dr. Joginder Singh Salaria, founder of PCT Humanity, and Mahant Ashish Das Ji, disciple of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj from the Ramanandi Vaishnav Sampradaya (Jabalpur), have jointly stated that the appeal made to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to honor Sant Shiromani Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj, President of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, with “Bharat Ratna” is receiving overwhelming nationwide support from saints, social organizations, religious institutions, and millions of Ram devotees across India.They urged the Prime Minister not to delay fulfilling this heartfelt national sentiment — saying that this epoch-making saint, who embodies Ram devotion, national spirit, and Sanatan culture, truly deserves India’s highest civilian award.
Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala said, “Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj is not just a religious figure — he is the living embodiment of Ram Bhakti, Rashtra Bhakti, renunciation, and Sanatan culture. The reconstruction of Shri Ram Temple is not a mere event; it is the rebirth of India’s soul — and Mahant Ji is the guiding yajman (chief presiding saint) of this sacred Mahayajna.”
Dr. Joginder Singh Salaria added, “From the reconstruction of Shri Ayodhya Dham and revival of the Ram temple tradition, to the establishment of Gaushalas, community kitchens, Sanskrit schools, eye hospitals, and centers of service — every act reflects Mahant Ji’s tireless dedication. He represents the selfless ideal upon which the vision of Ram Rajya rests.”
Mahant Ashish Das Ji (Jabalpur) said, “Every breath of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj’s life has been dedicated to Ram Naam and the welfare of humanity. His discipline, devotion, and service continue to inspire millions of disciples and saints across India. Conferring ‘Bharat Ratna’ upon him will be a tribute to all Ram devotees.”
Prof. Khiala further stated that Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji renounced worldly life at the tender age of 12 and came to Ayodhya Dham, where he later became the Peethadheeshwar of Baba Shri Swami Mani Ram Das Chhavni (Chhoti Chhavni). His life has been a perfect example of penance, discipline, selfless service, and social upliftment.
He is recognized as the “Fourth Pillar” of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Movement. From 1984 to the historic 1992 Kar Seva, and up to the 2019 Supreme Court verdict, he remained steadfast at the forefront of the movement. After the passing of Mahant Avaidyanath Ji and Mahant Paramhans Ramchandra Das Ji, he took charge of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, and later became the President of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Under his leadership, several welfare projects are flourishing, including:
Baba Mani Ram Das Chhavni Seva Trust (Ayodhya), Deenbandhu Netralaya Seva Trust, Sanskrit Vidyalaya and Hostel, Yoga Vidyalaya, Gaushala, Brahmin Seva Trust, Shrimad Valmiki Ramayana Bhawan, and Char Dham Mandir Chhavni.
Through these institutions, he has made immense contributions to religion, education, healthcare, cow protection, and public welfare.
The year-round Langar (community kitchen) organized by Baba Mani Ram Das Chhavni in Prayagraj is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, symbolizing his boundless compassion and dedication to service.
Prof. Khiala emphasized that Mahant Ji’s life exemplifies the Sikh philosophy of “Sant-Sipahi” and “Miri-Piri” — a saint devoted to God yet resolutely standing against injustice. Ayodhya, once a symbol of foreign oppression, now stands as a beacon of national unity, culture, and spiritual pride — the fruit of Mahant Ji’s penance, perseverance, and blessings.
Appeal to the Prime Minister: “We humbly request Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji to recommend to the Hon’ble President that this epochal saint — the architect of Shri Ram Temple and a great visionary of Indian culture — be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. This honor would not merely recognize one saint, but would symbolize the reverence for Ram devotion, Indian culture, and the spiritual pride of the nation.”
Appeal to Citizens: “We urge all citizens, saints, youth, and Ram devotees to join this national campaign, ‘Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji Maharaj deserves Bharat Ratna — this is our demand, this is the honor of every Ram devotee!’”