Bhopal- Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head of Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, and a renowned religious orator, is once again embroiled in controversy over his statements. This time, the issue is related to his claim that his team had discussions with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists and that he would no longer limit his "powers" to merely reading people's thoughts but would also assist scientists and space missions.
NASA is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for the nation's civilian space program, as well as for conducting cutting-edge research in aeronautics and aerospace technology.
Following Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's statement, discussions intensified on social media and among his followers regarding the possibility of some form of contact being established between Bageshwar Dham and the American space agency NASA. To verify the truth of this claim, The Mooknayak's investigation team probed the entire matter and directly contacted NASA. The response that emerged from the investigation has raised serious questions about Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's claims.
During a religious discourse some time ago, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri claimed that he would no longer use his purported powers only to tell people's thoughts but would also help scientists. He also stated that his team had spoken with some scientists and that he would assist NASA scientists and people going into space. His statement was widely publicized by his supporters. Various claims were also made on social media. However, after NASA's response, the veracity of these claims is now in question.
'The Mooknayak' team sent an email to NASA asking whether any official conversation had taken place with Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, his team, any representative of Bageshwar Dham, or his scientists. It was also asked whether NASA had ever contacted them regarding scientific cooperation or dialogue.
To ascertain the truth of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's claims, a representative of 'The Mooknayak' sent an official email to NASA seeking clarification. The email asked whether NASA had any kind of official or unofficial contact, dialogue, or cooperation with Dhirendra Krishna Shastri or Bageshwar Dham. It also questioned whether NASA recognizes claims related to "divine assistance" in scientific research or space missions.
In response, Elizabeth Shaw, a Communications Strategist at NASA, clearly stated that NASA has "no awareness of any official engagement with the individual as mentioned." In its reply, NASA also said it has no information regarding any kind of discussion or contact with scientists concerning this matter.
NASA's response makes it clear that there was no official conversation between Dhirendra Krishna Shastri or any representative of Bageshwar Dham and NASA. Furthermore, the claim that NASA scientists sought cooperation from them could not be substantiated.
NASA's response clearly states that the agency has no knowledge of any such official contact. This means that no dialogue has been confirmed with Dhirendra Krishna Shastri or his team at the level of NASA, its scientists, or its management.
'The Mooknayak’s' investigation also did not find any document, official record, or reliable evidence to prove that any kind of conversation took place between NASA and Bageshwar Dham. As such, the claim made by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri appears factually weak and misleading.
When the official number of Bageshwar Dham (70550 05553) was contacted to obtain the response of its head, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, a woman answered the phone. She stated that she had no information regarding the matter, explaining, "Guruji (Dhirendra Shastri) is currently in meditation." When asked to provide a contact number for the office or a relevant official, she refused to share the information. Furthermore, during the conversation, when the woman was asked for her name, she replied, "We have not been ordered to tell our name."
In this matter, 'The Mooknayak' representative also sent an email to the Office of Media and Public Relations (OMPR) at ISRO headquarters to find out whether Dhirendra Krishna Shastri or his representatives had claimed any kind of discussion, contact, or cooperation with ISRO scientists. However, no official response was received from ISRO by the time of writing this news.
Emails were also sent to Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and the Bageshwar Dham office seeking their clarification on the NASA and scientists-related claims. However, no official response was received from either party prior to the publication of this news.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri is the head (Peethadheeshwar) of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar located in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, and a religious orator. He is believed to have been born on July 4, 1996, in Gada village (Chhatarpur). He became famous for Hindu religious narratives, especially Ramkatha and Hanuman devotion. Over the past few years, his popularity has grown rapidly through social media, TV, and large religious events. His followers also know him as "Baba Bageshwar". In the "Divya Darbar" events organized at Bageshwar Dham, he has consistently claimed to know people's problems and inner thoughts without being told, which his supporters consider miracles.
As rapidly as Dhirendra Krishna Shastri's popularity grew, so did the controversies surrounding him. The biggest controversy revolved around his claims of "divine powers" and miracles. Several rationalist organizations and social activists have called his claims superstition and challenged him. The Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti had also filed a complaint against him. Additionally, there have been occasional controversies over his statements, including demands for a Hindu nation, religious conversion, political comments, and remarks on social issues. Several times, questions have also been raised regarding the massive crowds at his events and administrative disorder.
Shastri has a huge number of followers, numbering in the millions, across the country. Thousands gather at his events, and he is said to have millions of followers on social media as well. In such a scenario, his public statements have a widespread impact.
Experts believe that when any public figure makes claims related to scientific institutions, international agencies, or technical cooperation, the responsibility towards facts is extremely important. Statements made without evidence can create confusion among the public and encourage superstition.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has been in the news for several controversial statements before as well. Questions have repeatedly been raised regarding his miracles, purported divine powers, and religious claims. Many social organizations and rationalist groups have also challenged his claims.
Now, the response to the NASA claim has deepened this controversy. After 'The Mooknayak’s' investigation, this matter is no longer just a religious statement but has become an issue of the credibility and accountability of public claims.
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