Vrindavan to host atheists in October
Vrindavan, a popular destination for religious devotees, will host a two-day ‘Nastik Sammelan’ – a gathering of atheists – on October 14-15. ‘Swami’ Balendu, 45, the man behind the idea, surprisingly runs an ‘ashram’ – Shree Bindu Sewa Sansthan – in the temple city, where he teaches foreigners about Yoga and Ayurveda. “However, no religious activities are conducted here,” he says.
Hundreds of people from across the country are expected to assemble for the sammelan. The first such congregation was hosted last year by Swami Balendu, who adds that theists too are welcome to attend the ‘sammelan’, where they would come across alternate opinions and beliefs.
Despite being an atheist, Balendu is referred to as ‘Swami’ (a title for a Hindu male religious teacher) by those who follow him. When asked to explain this, he says, “I am the owner (of my life), while others are slaves (to various religions). Thus, the title ‘Swami’.”
Elaborating on the planned atheist gathering, he says, “The list of speakers at the October event includes Narendra Naik, a leading activist who works against superstition. Many writers, poets and other intellectuals will also deliver speeches aimed at dispelling the illusion of God.”
Speaking about his journey from a theist to an atheist, Balendu says, “I took birth in a religious household. My grandfather Bindu Ji was a known scholar of Hinduism and used to hold mass gatherings for preaching the religion. The tradition was kept alive by my father, Balak Ram Sharan.”
He adds, “The seeds of atheism were sown in me about 15 years ago. I remained inside a cave, away from all worldly affairs, for 13 years. When I came out, I found it awkward that people worshipped me as if I was a saint. I wanted to sit with others but was requested to sit on an elevated asana. Instead of enjoying the new-found status, I was put off by it. Thus, began my leaning towards atheism.”
The atheist ‘Swami’ claims that he has been visited by former governor Vishnu Kant Shastri, singers Sonu Nigam, Hariharan and the late Jagjit Singh.