In India nowadays, there is a trend of considering anyone as a spiritual leader or guru. Those who dive into the sea of blind devotion do not even see whether the person they believe to be their spiritual leader is, or has any level of consciousness in him or not.
10-year-old Abhinav Arora is very lucky to have thousands of devotees at his tender age. People kiss his hands, touch his feet and listen attentively to his words.
Abhinav Arora also now needs high profile security. The fact is that he too has been threatened with death by the notorious Bishnoi gang. Abhinav Arora’s staff says that the gangsters are also threatening him for extortion.
Abhinav Arora’s security has been beefed up. He used to have a private guard but now the security has been updated by the police. His family members say that he had developed a clear conscience at the age of three. Now thousands of people gather to listen to his ‘prochan’ (sermons).
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Abhinav Arora, known as ‘Bal Saint’ among his lovers, considers himself Balaram and worships Shri Krishna as his younger brother.
Delhi-based Abhinav Arora also creates content on spiritual topics and has over 1 million followers on Instagram. Apart from spiritual content, he also shares pictures every day. He recites religious books and meets well-known spiritual figures. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has honored him as the youngest spiritual preacher in the country.
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Ethical integrity. To shed light on this pressing issue, we have invited Dr. Anjali Singh, a sociologist specializing in religious movements and their sociocultural impacts, to speak with us.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Singh. To start, why do you think the phenomenon of self-styled godmen is so prevalent in India today?
**Dr. Singh:** Thank you for having me. The rise of self-styled godmen in India can be attributed to several factors, including societal pressures, a quest for identity, and a growing sense of spiritual vacuum in modern life. Many individuals turn to these figures in desperation for guidance, believing they offer solutions to life’s complexities.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense, but what are the implications of following leaders without ethical scrutiny?
**Dr. Singh:** The implications can be dire. When followers don’t critically assess their leaders, it opens the door to manipulation and exploitation. We’ve seen numerous cases where these godmen perpetrate serious crimes, including abuse and fraud, betraying the trust placed in them by their followers. This not only harms individuals but also damages the broader societal perception of spirituality.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned manipulation and exploitation. How can devotees protect themselves from such figures?
**Dr. Singh:** Education plays a crucial role. Cultivating a critical mindset towards charismatic leaders is essential. Devotees should ask questions, seek transparency, and be aware of warning signs, such as authoritarian behavior or financial exploitation. Community discussions and awareness campaigns can also aid in fostering discernment among potential followers.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a collective effort is needed to address this issue. In your opinion, what actions can society take to curb the influence of dubious godmen?
**Dr. Singh:** Definitely. Society should promote critical thinking from a young age and encourage open dialogues about faith. Regulatory measures could also be contemplated to hold spiritual leaders accountable. Moreover, media coverage highlighting both positive and negative aspects of these figures can inform the public, helping to dismantle the culture of blind faith.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Singh, for your insights on this troubling trend. It’s crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and informed in their spiritual journeys.
**Dr. Singh:** Thank you for shining a light on this issue. It’s a conversation we need to continue.
