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Saints have been carrying forward the eternal values (Sanatan) and knowledge across centuries and ages – Anil Vij
A human being needs religion, and true knowledge of religion can only come from a saint – Vij
Chandigarh, August 4, 2025
Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said today, “Saints are the custodians of our culture. It is saints who have preserved and spread Sanatan values and knowledge across centuries. Just as a man needs food, he also needs religion — and that true understanding of religion can only come from a saint.”
Sh. Vij was speaking to media persons today in Chandigarh in response to their questions.
He said that“ There’s a vast difference between a saint and a storyteller (kathavachak). Anyone can read four books and become a kathavachak, but that doesn’t mean they possess complete spiritual knowledge.” Referring to the recent remarks made by Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj about women, he said, “Such statements cannot be accepted by our religion, our culture, or our country under any circumstance.”
Explaining the true meaning of a saint, Sh. Vij said that “A saint is one who, after renouncing worldly desires, freeing themselves from the traps of illusion (maya), performing penance, and attaining scriptural knowledge, connects their soul with the Divine. That’s where true wisdom lies.”
He added that “Many people do go to kathavachaks for listening, and if it’s for entertainment, then that’s fine. But if someone is truly in search of knowledge, then they must seek a saint. I’m not here to declare who is a saint and who is a kathavachak — that’s for each individual to decide using their own discretion.”
He further reiterated that “religion also is hunger to a person, religion too is a human necessity. But true religious knowledge can only be acquired from a saint — not from a kathavachak.”
Clarifying his stance, he said that “I’m not stopping anyone from listening to kathas (spiritual discourses), nor am I imposing any restrictions. But as per my understanding, there is a difference between a saint and a kathavachak. Still, every individual has the right to make their own decision.”
