Dhirendra Shastri, the renowned storyteller from Bageshwar Dham, has once again drawn attention for his contentious remark about the drinking habits of women from affluent families.’
Shastri was conducting a religious discourse in Nagpur when he said, “Aaj kal purush to chhodhiye, bade gharano ki matayein bhi pi rahi hain…Bajrang Bali bachaye…(Forget men, now-a-days, women from elite class are also drinking…My Lord Bajrang Bali save us).
He also made comments suggesting that such habits, “Vichitra sanskar” could affect children’s upbringing.
He further added. “Bhavishya mein aise halaat ho sakte hain ki bachche ke rone par use bhi sharaab pilakar sula diya jaye. Pehle log galat kaam karne se darte the, lekin ab sthitiyan badal rahi hain…(It could reach a point where a crying child might be made to sleep by giving them alcohol. Earlier people were afraid of doing wrong, but now the situation has changed.)”
The remark sparked intense reactions across social and political circles. It ignited a debate, with some viewing it as a caution against shifting social values, while others condemned it as disrespectful to women.
Women Congress opposes statement
Conversely, women Congress leader Deepti Pandey firmly condemned the remark, stating that such comments made from a religious platform are unacceptable.She demanded a public apology from Shastri and warned of protests if he does not apologise.
She also said that mothers are a child’s first teachers and such statements should not be made from respected platforms.
The dispute has also fueled social tensions, with supporters describing it as a societal warning and critics condemning it as disrespectful.
Not the first time!
This is not the first instance in which Shastri’s comments have stirred controversy. Recently, at an event in Nagpur, he urged people to have four children and dedicate one of them to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) or to the service of the nation.This statement also created a nationwide controversy. Later, he clarified that his intention was to encourage children to join the army or become doctors and serve the country.
