During a recent visit to the ashram of the esteemed spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi received a unique and symbolic request pertaining to the region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The revered figure proposed that reclaiming PoK be considered a form of ‘guru dakshina’—a traditional offering disciples make to their spiritual mentors in Hindu teachings.
On his visit, General Dwivedi sought the blessings of the Jagadguru and engaged in a meaningful dialogue with the assembly of saints and students present. During this interaction, Rambhadracharya drew comparisons between the Army Chief’s objectives and the mythological exploits of Lord Hanuman, emphasizing the sacred mission ahead. He suggested that General Dwivedi had been bestowed the same initiation—the Ram Mantra—that Hanuman received prior to embarking on his quest to rescue Sita from Lanka.
The request for the reclamation of PoK as guru dakshina was made in a context that resonated both spiritually and nationalistically, signaling the depth of commitment and connection between faith and patriotism in contemporary India’s narrative. This appeal comes on the heels of the recent military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor. This operation was launched in response to a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. Initiated on May 7, the operation targeted various terror bases located in both Pakistan and PoK, leading to an intense exchange of fire until a ceasefire was established on May 10. Despite the ensuing calm, Indian officials have indicated that the strategic framework of Operation Sindoor continues to remain active.
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, celebrated for his intellectual contributions and awarded the Padma honor, has been vocal about national unity and cultural resurgence. His poetic call for reclaiming PoK reflects the intertwining of spirituality and nationalism within India’s civil-military discourse, underscoring a relationship where spiritual leadership seeks to inspire military undertakings for national integrity.
