New Delhi, May 18 (PTI) More than 300 saints from across the country gathered in the national capital on Monday under the banner of the Bharateeya Santa Mahaa Parishhad (BSMP), with the aim of bringing together different streams of Bharatiya spiritual traditions to "protect and promote Indian culture and Sanatan values".
The gathering also proposed a Uniform Ritual Code (URC) and Uniform General Samskara Education (UGSE) as part of BSMP's mission to unite traditions rooted in Bharateeya Sanskriti under a common cultural framework.
Addressing a press conference after the event, Mahamandaleshwar Jayendra Puri said the gathering marked an effort to bring together different streams of Bharatiya spiritual traditions under a common vision.
"The saints who share a common vision have arrived at the decision that the entire society, setting aside differences between sects and especially philosophical differences, will unite together and work for the advancement of Indian culture through special action plans. That is the essence of this initiative," he added.
The organisers said the deliberations focused on "seeking unity amidst diversity" and "upholding and safeguarding Sanatana Dharma from constant assaults".
Shankaracharya Swayamprakasha Sachidananda Saraswathi described the gathering as a "historic global conference" aimed at creating a common framework for the diverse traditions within Bharatiya culture.
"We conducted a historic global conference of BSMP. Today's programme is among the most historic ones," he said.
"Through this, we want to bring all those across the world who represent an entire philosophy and tradition of Bharatiya culture within a common framework. Our culture is highly diverse, and only through collective organised strength by bringing everyone together within a common framework can we move forward," he added.
Jain monk Lokesh Muni said the gathering represented "a new chapter of history" and reflected the collective resolve of religious leaders to preserve and promote Indian cultural values.
"More than 300 eminent saints from every corner of the country -- shankaracharyas, acharyas, Jjagatgurus, mahamandaleshwars, saints and women ascetics -- gathered on one platform," he said.
"The biggest achievement is that there was collective sitting, collective thinking and collective churning. The essence that has emerged from it is this: for the protection and promotion of our culture, and for value-based education rooted in Indian traditions, we must reach every corner of the country -- every city, every village, every lane," he added.
The day-long conference was held at Vivekananda Auditorium of Sri Ramakrishna Mission here.
According to a statement released by the organisation, the Uniform Ritual Code consists of five common "samskaras" or practices, called "pancha praana vidhis", which followers are encouraged to observe according to their respective traditions.
"The Uniform Ritual Code does not involve imposing any particular belief on another person by force," the BSMP said, adding that every person belonging to Bharateeya Sanskriti would remain free to follow the code according to their own traditions and customs.
The second initiative, Uniform General Samskara Education (UGSE), proposes a common Bharateeya Sanskriti education programme for children aged six years and above over a period of eight years.
Under the proposal, spiritual, historical, cultural, literary and scientific aspects of Bharateeya Sanskriti that are "acceptable to all" would be taught through General Samskara Centres at the regional level.
The organisation said the programme aims to strengthen spirituality, scientific thinking and nationalism among children.
The BSMP described itself as a confederation of saints representing faiths, philosophies and traditions that consider Bharateeya Sanskriti as their "mother-root".
The BSMP said its sole objective is to bring together all traditions connected to Bharateeya Sanskriti "without hurting anyone's sentiments even slightly" and to build a society committed to "world peace, global harmony and universal brotherhood".
The organisation identified traditions such as Shaiva, Shakta, Vaidika, Vaishnava, Jain, Boddh, Sikh and Veerashaiva-Lingayat as part of the broader Bharateeya Sanskriti framework.