Now I'm one of the most watched scandals on net: Nityananda

Jacinta D'Souza
Bangalore, Jun 27 (PTI) Freed on bail after spending 53
days in prison on rape charges, self-styled godman Nityananda
says the purported video footage of him with an actress has
affected him socially -- turning him to one of the "most
watched scandals" on internet.
"Spiritually nothing changes, because the truth is always
the same. But socially I can say many things have changed. I
used to be the one of the most watched gurus on (video sharing
site) Youtube -- now I am one of the most watched scandals on
Youtube" the 32-year-old told PTI.
He defended himself over "media reported charges" of
sexually exploiting women, saying that over 23 lakh women have
so far attended his programmes. "In my ashram, I have female
ashramites aged between eight and 80. Though CID issued
repeated appeals since March this year, not a single woman has
lodged any complaint so far," he said.
"Over 300 women come to the ashram each day for darshan
and blessing," Nityananda said.
He appeared in no hurry to clear his name. "After three
months, I think devotees and public are beginning to
understand the truth. All their queries are being
automatically answered. I don't need to clear my image because
in course of time the truth will emerge."
The 'godman' hit the headlines last March after a
purported video footage showing him in a compromising position
with a Tamil actress was aired on local TV channels.
Told that swamis being embroiled in controversies seemed
the order of the day and asked when religion, money, sex and
politics got mixed, he said, "It is exactly the opposite.
Religion or rather, spirituality has not entered deep enough
into money, sex or politics...Only if spirituality penetrates
every dimension of life even material life can become sacred."
Asked whether the incident had made him mentally stronger
and if he has grudge against those who have now distanced
themselves from him, he said, "I can say all devotees who
survived so much sensationalism have emerged stronger. It has
been a tremendous learning experience for all."
"Some people got carried away by rumours. Those who
experienced the truth around me stayed strong throughout. Some
were shaken, but are coming back as the rumours are being
cleared," Nityananda claimed.
Asked about plans to continue his missionary goals in the
face of a court directive restraining him from preaching, he
said, "My concern is for my ashramites, devotees and seekers
who chose this path and want to receive spiritual guidance.
But I shall abide by the High Court direction."
"Ultimately, justice will prevail," he said.
He, however, evaded a question on whether he was still in
touch with the actress purportedly shown in the video and his
alleged infatuation with her as a young lad. PTI JD
RBT


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