Unfortunately, laments Swamiji, it is the worst elements of religion that are imported into politics. The result is the free-play of communalism. Instead, people of religious principles and idealism should enter the field of political action, rather than abandon it to unscrupulous elements.

He is outspoken about the ironies of religion. India has the largest number of temples and shrines in the world. The goddess of wealth (Laxmi) is in India; yet our country is beset with abject poverty. Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is worshipped in India, but our country continues to be plagued with illiteracy.

Well-informed and up-to-date with social issues, the swami has clear perspectives on a wide range of issues – ranging from the ruinous debts of the Third World nations (which he wants to be abrogated), to cultural imperialism, to an appropriate developmental pattern, unsustainable over-consumption by the rich, and of course, the need to make religion more people-friendly.

He was born as Shyam Vepa Rao, and his grandfather was a Diwan (finance minister) of the princely state of Shakti in Madhya Pradesh now is Chhattishgarh. He chose his new name ‘Agnivesh’ most appropriately, for no other name could have encapsulated his spirit so well. True to his name, his crictics say, he spits fire (Agani) when he addresses public meetings, in infusing youths to rebel against obscurantism

Agnivesh points out that India has an estimated five million Swamis and Sadhus spread over its 50,000 villages. Only a very small majority of them are genuine, he feels. The vast majority are parasites, burdens on society and indulging in sheer escapism.

Most of the people of the world believe in some god, whether called Allah, Iswar or God ‘Make the Supreme Being a rallying point. Stress on the minimum commonality of diverse religions (to bring united action among different people),’ Agnivesh suggests.

‘Yes, I am a fake Swami. Because the moment one starts thinking of oneself as a Swami, all Godhood disappears. And I claim no miracles – in fact, I am fighting miracles all the time,’ he once told an interviewer.

– Third World Network Features