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Petition
To:
The Hon. Prime Minister , Government of New Zealand
The Hon. Minister of Immigration, Government of New Zealand
The Department of Internal Affairs
The Human Rights Commission, NZ
The Office of Ethnic Communities
Hon. Hindu organisations and Temples New Zealand

Subject: Rejection of Visa Cancellation Calls Against Shri Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Ji (Bageshwar Dham Sarkar) and Demand for Investigation into Biased Media Targeting Hindu Beliefs

Summary:
We,the undersigned residents and supporters of New Zealand’s Hindu and multicultural communities, strongly oppose any efforts to ban or revoke the visa of Shri Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Ji, also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, due to one-sided, misleading, and culturally insensitive media reporting, such as the recent article in The Post referring to him as a "witchdoctor guru."

Shri Shastri Ji is a respected spiritual leader, social reformer, and youth guide whose work is rooted in Vedic wisdom, mental healing, and dharmic values. His prior visit to New Zealand was peaceful, lawful, and embraced by thousands. Mischaracterizing his work harms not just his reputation, but also insults the Hindu community that invited him and participated in his spiritual programs.

Key Objections to the Article Published by The Post (May 2025):

• Use of Derogatory and Insensitive Language:
  Labeling Shri Dhirendra Shastri as a “witchdoctor guru” is culturally offensive, misleading, and disrespectful to ancient Hindu spiritual traditions that emphasize healing, devotion, and ethical upliftment.
• One-Sided Narrative Without Hindu Community Representation:
  The article heavily quotes activists opposing his return but fails to present the views of organizers, devotees, temples, or community leaders who invited him and experienced his peaceful discourses.
• Baseless Association with Superstition and Communal Hate:
  No credible evidence is cited to support claims of promoting hate. Shastri Ji’s teachings are drawn from the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita, and his mission is based on compassion, truth, and unity—not politics.
• Undermining Social Harmony:
  Such biased reporting risks creating fear and division, and targets the spiritual identity of thousands of practicing Hindus in New Zealand under the veil of “controversy.”
   
  Our Core Demands:
• A balanced, evidence-based inquiry should be undertaken involving the Hindu community, legal experts, and cultural advisors.
• A formal rebuttal and accountability process should be initiated against The Post for publishing defamatory and one-sided content that demonizes an entire spiritual tradition.
• The Government must uphold New Zealand’s commitment to religious freedom, by allowing saints, gurus, and teachers of all faiths to engage with their communities peacefully and lawfully.

Key Points in Support of Shri Dhirendra Shastri Ji:

• A spiritual leader, not a political agent – 
  His teachings are rooted in scriptures like the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita, focusing on dharma, seva, and mental well-being.
• He advocates peace and compassion – He has never incited hatred or violence against any group.
• Global goodwill ambassador – His visits to countries like the UK, UAE, Australia have been peaceful and embraced by local communities.
• Mental healing and social service – His “Divya Darbars” provide comfort to those suffering from anxiety, addiction, and family problems.
• A revered figure for Hindus worldwide – Hindus in New Zealand invited him out of devotion and love for their dharma, not to cause division. 

Additional Demands for Fairness and Accountability:

•  A formal investigation must be launched against individuals and organizations who are defaming Sanatan Dharma and spreading conspiracy theories to discredit Hindu saints and scriptures.
• Claims accusing Shastri Ji of “witchcraft” and misleading conduct during his previous NZ visit must be investigated thoroughly. These are not just personal attacks—they are an attack on the community that invited him in good faith.
• Strict legal and media council action should be taken against any publication or group intentionally misleading the public or attempting to create communal disharmony through baseless accusations.
• Defamation of Shri Shastri Ji’s peaceful and lawful prior visit to NZ is an insult to the Hindu organizers and devotees, and it warrants a public clarification and official acknowledgment of the facts.

Divya Darbar: A Global Phenomenon of Faith and Cultural Pride

Shri Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham, conducts the renowned Divya Darbar, a spiritual congregation that transcends geographical boundaries and unites Hindus across the globe. In India, his Darbars regularly witness overwhelming attendance, with some gatherings drawing crowds exceeding 4 lakh (400,000) devotees at a time—setting records for spiritual events in modern India.

During his recent visit to Auckland, New Zealand, the Divya Darbar drew over 8,000 attendees per day, marking one of the largest Hindu spiritual congregations ever held in the country. Notably, these attendees were not only devout Hindus but also well-educated, professional New Zealanders—the very backbone of New Zealand’s economy, contributing millions of dollars in taxes annually. Their overwhelming participation in the Darbar is a reflection of growing pride in Sanatan Dharma and a resurgence of cultural identity among the global Hindu diaspora.

These Divya Darbars are not mere gatherings; they are vibrant spiritual experiences marked by miraculous problem resolution, scriptural discourses, and emotional healing—all rooted in the profound devotion to Lord Hanuman and the sacred Vedic traditions.

 
 We Urge the Government of New Zealand:

• Please do not allow false narratives, culturally biased reporting, or external pressure to erode the right of religious communities to engage with their chosen spiritual guides.
• We stand united in asking for:
•  Respect for religious harmony
• Fairness in media accountability
• Evidence-based immigration decisions
• Inclusion of Hindu voices in all related matters 

Sincerely,
Kush Bhargava 
On Behalf of 
Global Peace and Harmony Research and Development Centre New Zealand
and Supporters of Bageshwar Dham and the Hindu Temples and Hindu Community in New Zealand
Email: kushbhargavnz@gmail.com
Phone: 0210302114