New Delhi-Mahant Ashish Das, President of the Ramanandi Vaishnav Sampradaya, Jabalpur, and disciple of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj, met former National General Secretary (Organisation) of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shri Sanjay Vinayak Joshi, in New Delhi. During the meeting, Mahant Ashish Das requested him to extend support for awarding the prestigious ‘Bharat Ratna’ to Sant Shiromani Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Maharaj, the chief architect of the reconstruction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya and President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Mahant Ashish Das said that Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji is truly the pride of India, a visionary of the era, and a great pillar of Sanatan Dharma. His life of struggle, unwavering dedication to the nation and Sanatan tradition, and his crucial leadership in the reconstruction of the Shri Ram Temple make him the rightful and deserving recipient of India’s highest civilian award—the Bharat Ratna.
He added, “It is the deep sentiment of millions of Ram devotees and the entire Hindu society that this great spiritual icon and guardian of Sanatan values should be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. This matter should be taken up with the Hon’ble President so that this sacred cause may receive a positive outcome.”
Mahant Ashish Das further stated that Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram is the living embodiment of Indian culture, spirituality, and national consciousness. The reconstruction of a grand temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi after five centuries is not merely a religious effort—
it symbolizes the great renaissance of Sanatan Dharma, a new dawn for Indian civilization, and a powerful message of national unity. It represents self-respect, unwavering devotion, and the proclamation of a new era.
He said that Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji is the “fourth pillar” of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. His sacrifice, penance, humility, service, and lifelong commitment to public welfare give him the highest place in the community of saints. His unanimous election as President of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust stands as a testament to his unparalleled contribution.
Mahant Ashish Das also highlighted that the 365-day uninterrupted community kitchen (Bhandara-Langar) at Baba Mani Ram Das Chhawani Seva Khalsa Ashram in Prayagraj is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. In Ayodhya as well, several institutions—including a Sanskrit school, an eye hospital, a yoga school, a gaushala, and various Brahmin-service and saint-service initiatives—are operating under Mahant Ji’s guidance.
In conclusion, Shri Sanjay Vinayak Joshi assured full support for this sacred and nationally significant endeavour.