Courtesy:

1. Karsanbhai Premji Meghani, Nana-Angia, Gandhidham and
2. Ramji Bhimji Diani, Dhawda, Joravarnagar

The situation was getting worse for the Sanatanis. Every day, Satpanthis were lodging false legal cases and complaints with the police to harass the Sanatanis. They had the support of the Pirana organization behind them, while the Sanatanis had no organized support. The Satpanthis had infiltrated the central society, making it difficult to receive support within the central society regarding the Satpanth issue. It was crucial to take action to sustain the Sanatan organization.

In 1995, the brothers of Joravarnagar came together in Surendranagar to form an organization of Sanatanis. Their aim was to counter the persecution and oppression of Sanatanis caused by false court cases and police complaints filed by Satpanthi. The group also aimed to support the Sanatani community in their fight. There was talk of creating a central place for Sanatan Dharma, where the Lakshminarayan temples of Gamegam could be built in unison. This would provide strength to the organization of Sanat and enable them to propagate dharma effectively.

One has to work hard to bring this work to fruition. For that, a team of original Kolkatawalas and brothers settled in the then Joravarnagar decided to form a team and take charge of the situation. The five main people who added significant contributions to the cause were Karsanbhai Premji Meghani – Angia Nana, Ramji Bhimji Dayani – Dhavda, Akhai Valji Parsia – Angia, Vishram Hansraj Dhalo – Kotda (J.), Valji Kesra Nakarani – Sairan.

During that time, a group of brothers approached Mr. Premjibhai Poonja Vasani, the elder of their society, for assistance. Mr. Poonja, together with some friends, then met with Jetha Lalji Chopra, the President of Umia Mataji Bandhay, and a few other leaders. Shivdas Govind Chabhaiya expressed their hard work on the matter but their efforts had not been successful. Karsanbhai and Ramjibhai then voiced their determination to proceed with the work, emphasizing that it is unacceptable to suppress the Satpanthis. This idea received unanimous approval. The Joravarnagar brothers reiterated their solidarity and suggested the formation of an organization to carry out the task.

At Vandhaya, representatives from 140 Kutch villages formed the “Lakshminarayan Dharma Prachar Samiti”. Shri Premji Poonja Vasani was the President and Shri Akhai Premji Manani from Vithon was the first General Secretary. 

Karsanbhai and Ramjibhai made a decision to spread their preaching, even if there were villages with only two houses located at the edge of Kutch. Initially, they encountered several difficulties. When they went to the villages and asked to meet with the village leader, that person would disappear. Nonetheless, they persisted. These elders continued preaching from village to village in Kutch and later expanded to other villages in Gujarat. Some people attended only one or two meetings, but Karsanbhai and Ramjibhai were always together. They took up the main banner of the Sanat religion and preached it.

To spread religion, a saint is necessary. Shantidas Maharaj of Virani-Moti was willing to take on this task, with the support of other monks and saints. They all gathered at Umiya Mataji, Vandhay to accelerate the propaganda work, and organized a Dharma Yatra on February 4, 1996 to Virani-Moti, the village of Narayan Ramji Limbani who brought awareness of Sanatan Dharma. The first meeting was held in Virani Moti, followed by a second meeting on February 12, 1996 in the village of Kotda-Jadodar, belonging to Bhimji Keshara Limbani.

From here the campaign work of Lakshminarayan Dharma Prachar Samiti gained momentum. Inaugural meetings were held from Jatavira villages on 19 Feb 1996 Ukheda, 20 Feb 1996 Naranpar Roha, 21 Feb 1996 Sanganara, 23-Feb-1996 Mathal, 24-Feb-1996 Rasalia, 25-Feb-1996 Sukhpar (Virani), 26-Feb-1996 and Anandsar (Vithon), 27-Feb-1996.

For months, these two elders carrying torches resided at Umiya Mataji – Vandhay, refusing to go back home. Their sole purpose was to establish Sanatan Dharma as the center of the Sanatani, no matter the cost. Gradually, more people joined them and they received positive responses. Narayan Hira Dholo from Nagalpar and Narayan Poonja Nakarani from Virani Moti also joined their cause and together, they campaigned in their car.

Lalji Chopra was appointed as the second president of Lakshminarayan Dharma Prachar Samiti. During his tenure, the organization built “Sanskar Dham” at Deshlapar-Vandhay, which includes the Lakshminarayan Kendra and the grand temple of Lord Lakshminarayana. Additionally, “Sri Akhil Bharatiya Kutch Kadwa Patidar Lakshminarayan Sanatan Samaj” was established as a central organization for Sanatan Dharma. The purpose of these endeavors was to create a tourist destination that connects with faith and to provide facilities such as Samu Adhyatma Kendra, Sahitya Center, and Vidya Mandir. The organization also intended to start constructing a Veda School to educate children about Sanat Samskaras from an early age, however, that project has not yet commenced.

After the publication of the white paper by the Central Samaj in 2010, the Sanat movement gained widespread popularity throughout India. The efforts to create awareness about Sanatan and the construction of Sanatani’s graying Sansthan received an overwhelming response. Kendriya Samaj, Umiya Mataji Sansthan, Yuva Sangh, and Mahila Sangh also joined in the movement. The Pranapratishtha Mohotsav of Lord Lakshminarayan Temple witnessed a large number of Sanatans who participated with a sense of pride, cooperation, and devotion. They contributed their heart, minds, and wealth to the cause.

Under the leadership of Shri Gangarambhai Ramani, a variety of activities are taking place in our Sanskar Dham. These include a literature center, satsang meetings, religious lectures, a satsang hall for activities such as Santwani, a Veda temple, and the construction of a CBSC school. Additionally, various religious festivals are celebrated with Yuva Sangh and Mahila Sangh through Bal Sanskar Kendra across India to teach children about Sanatan Dharma, Kuldevi Ma Umiya, and Ishtadev Bhagwan Lakshminarayan. We are also connected with the work of our saints and community heroes. Currently, Vallabhbhai Karsan Maiyat has been appointed as the chief missionary monk.