Sudhir Hosts Bageshwar Dham Sarkar in Kampala’s Grand Spiritual Gathering

By Gad Masereka

Kampala’s serene Lake Victoria shores came alive last weekend as Speke Resort Munyonyo transformed into a center of devotion, culture, and community.

Business magnate Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia played host to one of India’s most prominent spiritual figures, Shri Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, widely known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, in what many described as an extraordinary convergence of spirituality and elegance.

For three days, from August 15 to 17, thousands of worshippers and well-wishers gathered for the “Shri Hanumant Charitra Katha,” a series of discourses drawn from the Ramayana that celebrated the virtues of Lord Hanuman.

The event was deliberately timed to coincide with India’s Independence Day, adding to the fervor as participants waved flags, sang devotional hymns, and joined in the powerful sound of the “Sanatan Shankhnad” that reverberated across Munyonyo’s lakeside lawns.

Shastri, who heads the Bageshwar Dham temple in Madhya Pradesh, spoke passionately about the timeless values of Sanatan Dharma, weaving lessons on devotion, humility, and service into his storytelling.

His message, though deeply rooted in Indian tradition, resonated widely with Uganda’s Indian diaspora and with many locals who attended out of curiosity or admiration for the cultural spectacle. “Faith is not bound by borders,” one participant remarked. “Events like this remind us of our shared humanity.”

For Dr. Ruparelia, the choice of venue was as symbolic as it was practical. Speke Resort Munyonyo, known for its luxury Presidential Suites, gourmet restaurants, and world-class conference facilities, has long been a site for international gatherings ranging from political summits to cultural celebrations.

Hosting Shastri’s visit there reinforced the resort’s reputation as a space where Uganda can showcase itself as a meeting point for global traditions.

The event’s impact extended well beyond its spiritual significance. Local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transport operators, reported a notable surge in patronage, underscoring how cultural tourism can stimulate the economy.

At the same time, the gathering added a new dimension to Uganda-India relations, highlighting not only historical ties between the two communities but also the role of shared values in deepening cultural understanding.

For the Indian Ugandan community, Shastri’s presence was more than a religious milestone; it was a reaffirmation of identity and belonging.

Many described it as a long-awaited moment of renewal, one that bridged the gap between ancestral traditions and life in Uganda today. As one attendee put it, “We felt connected to our roots, even while standing on Ugandan soil.”

By bringing a global spiritual figure to Uganda, Ruparelia once again positioned the country as a destination for more than just business and leisure.

The Munyonyo gathering reflected Uganda’s growing prominence as a hub for cultural and interfaith dialogue in East Africa.

Beyond the prayers and chants, it carried a broader message: that Uganda is ready to embrace the world, not only through trade and investment but also through faith, culture, and shared human experience.