The true measure of a saint is their capacity to unite people and guide them toward truth, stated Professor K.D. Jha at a cultural discourse organized by IFTA. The session, themed ‘The Tradition of Saints and Our Society,’ saw Prof. Jha articulate that saints operate beyond caste barriers, aiming for universal connection. He clarified that unlike seekers (‘sadhus’), saints are those who lead others to divine realization through truth. Prof. Jha highlighted the irony of saintly figures, known for opposing idol worship, now being memorialized with statues. Presided over by Pankaj Srivastava and Kamal Chand Kispoța, the dialogue explored the gap between saintly ideals and societal realities. Speakers observed that while the teachings of luminaries like Kabir, Rahim, and Mira are widely cited, their practical implementation is rare. The historical context of the saint tradition revealed its roots in combating social divisions, advocating for harmony. Modern concerns included the commercialization and politicization of sainthood, often distorting its original purpose. A contemporary saint, it was posited, would re-center humanity by fostering a connection with nature. The core message of saints, as articulated during the event, was the internalization of divine qualities and righteous conduct, moving beyond the worship of physical representations. The event concluded with a formal acknowledgment of contributions and a literary donation.
