Public Declaration of Acharya Rajnarayan Shukla (1956)

Historical Document

Kanpur Convention — 19 October 1956

Presented here as part of the documented historical record.

The following is an English translation of the public declaration delivered by Acharya Shri Rajnarayan Shukla Shatshastri on 19 October 1956 during the Second All-India Convention of the Akhil Bharatvarshiya Bhakti Yoga Darshanic Mandal held in Kanpur.

Acharya Shukla was the founder of the Pandit Shastrartha Mahavidyalaya of Kashi and was widely respected within traditional scriptural debate circles.

A summary of his address was published in the contemporary press the following day.

The translated text is reproduced below as part of the historical record.

Public Announcement

Kanpur — 19 October 1956

Public declaration delivered by Acharya Shri Rajnarayan Shukla Shatshastri concerning the Second Conference organized by the Akhil Bharatvarshiya Bhakti Yoga Darshanic Mandal and its founder, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

He opened by expressing the view that Kanpur could, through such gatherings, become a significant center of philosophical education and cultural renewal, drawing comparisons to historic centers of learning in India.

In the second session of the Convention, Acharya Shukla — described as a scholar of the six schools of philosophy who had come from Kashi along with other scholars — spoke in appreciation of the event.

He referred to:

• The 1955 Chitrakoot Convention, where reconciliation among multiple philosophical schools had been presented
• The 1956 Kanpur Convention, where reconciliation between spiritualism and materialism was being examined

He stated:

“The pandits of Kashi do not readily accept anyone as a scholar of all the scriptures. We first challenge the person to scriptural debate. We evaluate him on several criteria, and only then do we accept him as a scholar.

Today, from this platform, before this vast scholarly assembly, I wish to state that I recognize the scriptural mastery and extraordinary talent of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. I advise you also to recognize this and avail yourselves of this opportunity.”

He further remarked:

“Before coming here, I had heard much praise of Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. I had difficulty accepting that such vast knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures could be acquired at such a young age. After listening to his discourse yesterday, I am deeply impressed.

The manner in which he described the various schools of philosophy and reconciled them into a unified understanding centered in Bhakti Yoga was unique. Such exposition cannot be the product of ordinary intellectual effort.”

He also stated:

“It is the good fortune of this city that such a saint is present among you. Kashi is considered a Gurukul of the world. We who come from Kashi assess carefully before offering recognition. Many among us have listened and have been satisfied.”

Acharya Shukla observed that the purpose of the Mandal and the associated philosophical institution was to disseminate integrated philosophical understanding throughout the country.

He further noted that Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj sought no personal gain and dedicated his efforts toward the spiritual upliftment of others.

He concluded by encouraging those present to listen carefully to the teachings being presented and to apply them for their own spiritual welfare.

Kanpur
19 October 1956

Archival Note

This declaration is preserved here as part of the documented sequence of events:

• Chitrakoot Convention (1955)
• Kanpur Convention (1956)
• Recognition by the Kashi Vidvat Parishad (1957)

The statement is presented without interpretive commentary in order to maintain historical clarity.

👉 Continue Reading: The Kashi Recognition (1957)