Goraksha Peeth has long been recognised for its significant contributions to India’s struggle for independence, the preservation of the values of freedom as well as to the Ram Mandir movement. This proud heritage is being diligently carried forward by the current Peethadheeshwar, Yogi Adityanath.

An official spokesman of the Uttar Pradesh government claimed on Thursday evening that under the present leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the state has seen the establishment of parks named after martyrs in every district, a deep respect for every martyr, and the beautification of memorials related to the freedom struggle. These initiatives stand as testaments to the ongoing reverence for those who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.

In this sequence, the government has prepared a series of programmes to mark the centenary year of the Kakori Train Action, the spokesman stated, adding that starting on August 9, events will be held across the state on different dates to commemorate this historic event. Additionally, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign will be organized from August 13 to 15, encouraging every household to hoist the tricolour, further instilling a sense of patriotism and unity among the citizens.

According to the spokesman, the Nath sect located in Gorakhpur has long been a beacon of social concern and activism. For nearly a century, there has been no significant area of the country’s politics or society where the Goraksha Peeth has not played a crucial role. One of the most notable contributions of Goraksha Peeth was its involvement in the Ram Mandir movement, the largest social and political movement in India post-independence. The movement had a profound impact on the nation’s politics and society.

Goraksha Peeth’s legacy extends to the Indian freedom struggle, where it played an equally crucial role. A notable figure in this regard is Guru Brahmalin Mahant Digvijaynath, the grandfather of the current Peethadheeshwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the spokesman added.

The spokesman further said that Guru Brahmalin Mahant Digvijaynath was a dedicated freedom fighter who immersed himself in the movement during his teenage years. Born in Kakarhawan, Chittor Mewar, he relocated to Gorakhpur at the age of five and made it his home. The same soil that bred the legendary Maharana Pratap, who did not bow down in front of the most powerful Mughal emperor, instilled in him a fervent patriotism.

By his teens, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Guru Brahmalin Digvijaynath actively joined the freedom movement. As peethadheeshwar of Goraksha Peeth during the peak of the struggle, he played a significant role in both revolutionary activities and Gandhi’s peaceful Satyagraha. Balancing these dual approaches, he provided protection, financial aid and arms to revolutionaries while also abandoning his formal education to support Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement. His unwavering commitment was driven by a singular aim to secure India’s independence by any means necessary.

On February 8, 1921, nearly a year before the Chauri Chaura uprising, Guru Brahmalin Digvijaynath welcomed Mahatma Gandhi to Gorakhpur with his volunteer group, ensuring smooth arrangements for Gandhi’s visit. His involvement in the Chauri Chaura incident later came under scrutiny, but he was honourably acquitted.

Like many leaders of the time, he disagreed with Gandhi’s abrupt decision to withdraw the non-cooperation movement following the Chauri Chaura incident, the spokesman said, adding that disillusioned with the Congress and Gandhi’s appeasement of the Muslim League, Digvijaynath joined the All India Hindu Mahasabha, led by Veer Savarkar and Bhai Parmanand, and remained an active member until his death.

Veer Savarkar praised him, saying, “If other religious leaders like Mahant Digvijaynath also start serving the country, caste, and religion, then India can again be established as the world teacher.”

In 1932, Mahant Digvijaynath established the Maharana Pratap Education Council, reflecting his admiration for Maharana Pratap. He aimed to instill the same patriotism, enthusiasm and values in students that Maharana Pratap exemplified. Named in honour of the legendary warrior, the education council seeks to inspire students to emulate Pratap’s ideals. Today, it fosters nationalism through more than four dozen institutions, keeping the spirit of patriotism alive among young learners, the spokesman added.