Hindus have come a long way when it comes to women empowerment and yet it has taken them more than 1200 years to finally see a woman as the front-runner for the seat of Shankaracharya.
We are talking about Sadhvi Hemanand Giri who is the first woman to be shortlisted for the post of Shankaracharya out of the 200 candidates and she is already a top candidate along with three others!
It is important to state here, that her running for the office of Shankaracharya is being backed by major political as well as major male religious figures who are sure that her running is only going to nurture the Hinduism and bring to fore more women in leadership roles.
Ex-vice President of Nepal, Parmanand Jha, was also one of the major personalities who came to see the Sadhvi Hemanand Giri.
Nepal Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh had organized a major program in her honor in January of 2018 and others followed:
The charismatic lady was even honored by the Mul Bhatta or the main Pujari of the iconic Pashupati Nath Temple on 20th January 2018 which shows that the Hindu men in religious positions understand the need for Hindu women to come forth and take charge.
Exclusive: Why did a woman seek to become a Shankaracharya? Listen to her (Video)
In her conversation with me, Sadhvi Hemanand Giri has stressed on the need of positivity in our society, for laying the foundation for the Satyuga, and for reinstating the glory of the woman.
All in all, she has adopted a progressive tone and has been able to walk the tightrope of being assertive but humble at all times. But, will she be the first Woman Shankaracharya? Only time can tell.
But, indeed, the Hindu society is ready. Or like she said last time to me, it always was.
You can watch her speak below:
By Namta Gupta
