Tokyo, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bageshwar Dham head priest Pandit Dhirendra Shastri has said his vision of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is not about changing anything on paper but about bringing a change in the thoughts and values of Indians.
In an exclusive interview with IANS during his visit to Japan, Shastri said the idea of a Hindu Rashtra could be realised by instilling Indian traditions and Sanatan culture in the hearts of people across generations.
“We want a Hindu Rashtra not on paper, but in thoughts. A change in thought will lead to a change in action. A change in thought will lead to a change in the nation. Our vision of a Hindu nation is ideological, not on paper,” he said.
Asked about the challenges to creating a Hindu nation, Shastri said there was no inherent difficulty, but stressed the need for Sanatan culture to be embraced universally.
“We need to instill the Indian tradition, Sanatan culture, in the hearts of children, the elderly, and every Indian,” he said, adding that people should become “cultured, thoughtful, wise, intelligent and strong”.
He identified casteism and regionalism as the biggest challenges facing Hindu society.
On the growing influence of social media among Gen Z, Shastri said platforms such as Instagram were not inherently harmful but cautioned against excessive use.
“Learn good values, spend less time on the screen, and rely more on real things than reels,” he said, urging young people not to become obsessed with going viral. He also emphasised the importance of patience and happiness alongside ambition.
Shastri said India could learn from Japan’s culture, discipline, systems, infrastructure and emphasis on physical well-being. He also praised the Japanese people for being simple, humble and rule-abiding.
At the same time, he said Japan could learn from India about promoting culture among young people, unity in diversity and spirituality.
Responding to a hypothetical question about a Gen Z person refusing to believe in God without proof, Shastri said not everything that exists can be physically demonstrated. Comparing God to air, which is invisible but present, he said spirituality was something to be experienced within oneself rather than merely seen.
Sharing his impressions of Japan, Shastri praised the country’s technology and infrastructure while reiterating his affection for India.
“If I had to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings for something to change India,” he said, he would ask for improvements in education and health.
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