Pandit Indresh Upadhyay Ji, a renowned religious storyteller known for his unique Bhagwat Katha narrations, has an unusual pre-story ritual: he plays cricket with local children. This unique approach, born from an unexpected encounter in Bihar, has become an integral part of his outreach.
During his early days in Bihar, Indresh Upadhyay Ji noticed a group of children, often indulging in substance abuse, playing cricket near the venue of his Katha. Determined to engage them, he invited them for a game. To their surprise, he joined them, leading to an unexpected outcome. The next day, those same children, who had previously shown no interest in the religious discourse, were present in the audience, captivated by the stories.
This experience inspired Indresh Upadhyay Ji to plays cricket sessions into his routine. Before each Katha, he dedicates an hour to playing with the local children. This serves a dual purpose:
- Maintaining his physical fitness
- Youth Engagement, encouraging them to participate in the religious discourse
Also Read: Indresh Upadhyay Ji: From Prodigy to Renowned Spiritual Guru
Indresh Upadhyay Ji: “Keeping the Real Self Alive”
Reflecting on his journey, Indresh Upadhyay Ji emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. He believes that achieving success should not lead to an inflated ego or a disconnect from one’s true self. “When a person reaches a position, they often forget their reality,” he states. “We become SDM, Collector, Minister, or even Prime Minister, but in doing so, we often kill our real self.” He maintains that embracing his playful nature, even at his current level of prominence, is crucial.
The Essence of a True Hindu
On the concept of “Hindu Rashtra,” Indresh Upadhyay Ji offers a profound perspective. He defines a true Hindu not by birth or religion, but by their inherent compassion. “Hindu means every person whose heart is disturbed on seeing someone suffering,” he explains. “One who does not feel pain on seeing someone suffering is not a Hindu.” He emphasizes that the true essence of a Hindu nation lies in cultivating this compassion within oneself, rather than merely external slogans and political rhetoric. “That should be in the mind,” he asserts, highlighting the importance of internal transformation over external declarations.
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