Lucknow / Varanasi | Special Report
The five-day Go-Pratishtha Yatra of the revered Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Shri Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, the supreme spiritual head of the Jyotish Peeth, began from Varanasi and passed through several districts of Uttar Pradesh before reaching Lucknow on March 11. During the journey, thousands and lakhs of devotees gathered at various places across the state to have the darshan of Shankaracharya Ji and listen to his discourses.
For the organization of the event, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had imposed 26 conditions. At the same time, the security arrangements for Shankaracharya Ji during the yatra also became a subject of widespread discussion. Since Shankaracharya Ji is regarded as one of the highest spiritual authorities of Sanatan Dharma in India and abroad, his security was considered an extremely sensitive matter.
Keeping this in view, trained commandos of Kalki Sena, under the leadership of Wing Commander (Dr.) Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi (Retd.), provided three-tier security to Shankaracharya Ji throughout the journey. Special security arrangements were made considering the large crowds, continuous programs, and travel through multiple districts.
Kalki Sena Took Charge of Security
Under the leadership of Kalki Sena chief Wing Commander (Dr.) Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi, the organization’s commandos remained actively deployed in security management throughout the program. According to him, a Three-Layer Security System was implemented to ensure the safety of Shankaracharya Ji.
The first and innermost security layer consisted of trained Kalki Sena commandos in uniform who remained extremely close to Shankaracharya Ji, maintaining a protective ring at approximately an arm’s distance. Their primary duty was to ensure immediate security around him. These commandos were equipped with modern protective gear such as bulletproof shields, capable of protecting him even from potential lethal attacks.
The second or middle security layer consisted of Kalki Sena volunteers dressed in religious attire. Their role was to observe the surrounding people and activities and identify any suspicious movement from a distance of approximately 15 to 20 feet.
The third and outermost security layer consisted of volunteers in plain civilian clothes. These volunteers monitored the area within a range of 70 to 300 meters, immediately reporting any suspicious person or activity to the security team.
Under this entire arrangement, it was ensured that no unauthorized person could come extremely close to Shankaracharya Ji.
Reduced Burden on the Police Administration
Speaking to the media, Kalki Sena chief Wing Commander Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi stated that the organization’s volunteers significantly reduced the burden on the police administration during the yatra. He said that the security of Shankaracharya Ji is a highly sensitive matter and requires military discipline, strategic planning, and coordinated management.
He further stated that any lapse in security could have damaged not only the image of Shankaracharya Ji but also that of the state and central governments. Therefore, Kalki Sena gave the highest priority to security arrangements throughout the event.
The Kalki Sena security team not only safely escorted Shankaracharya Ji’s convoy but also actively assisted in traffic management and route security at several locations.
Massive Gathering at Kanshiram Upvan
On March 11, during a large public gathering held at Manyavar Kanshiram Upvan in Lucknow, Kalki Sena’s security volunteers remained fully active. Despite the presence of a massive number of devotees, the event was conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.
Who is Wing Commander Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi?
Kalki Sena chief Wing Commander Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi is a former senior officer of the Indian Air Force. In the Indian Air Force, the rank of Wing Commander is considered a senior position, whose administrative responsibilities in many contexts are regarded as comparable to the DIG (Deputy Inspector General) level in the police.
He served in the Indian Air Force for nearly two decades and handled significant responsibilities in various strategic regions of the country including Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal. During his military career, he played roles in several important security operations and contributed actively to matters related to national security.
Wing Commander Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi took premature retirement from the Air Force with the intention of working openly for society and the nation, after which he became active in social and ideological initiatives.
Academically, he has an extensive educational background. He holds a Doctorate in Management. He has also completed M.A. in Philosophy and Police Management from Lucknow University / AM University and Diploma in Advertising Management from the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA). Additionally, he has participated in advanced education programs at prestigious institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Mumbai, ISB Hyderabad, University College London (UK), and Yale University (USA).
Protection of Temples and Saints is the Primary Objective
Kalki Sena chief Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi stated that the primary objective of the organization is to ensure the security of temples, Shankaracharyas, and vulnerable Hindus. He explained that Kalki Sena cooperates with the administration and government in maintaining law and order and also assists during security-related situations.
Throughout the entire duration of the program, Kalki Sena’s Adjutant General Gaurav Pandey also remained actively deployed in security management.
What is Kalki Sena?
Kalki Sena is a volunteer organization structured on a military framework, aiming to build a network of disciplined and trained volunteers who can assist the administration, police, armed forces, and other emergency services whenever required. Formed by former senior military and police officers, the organization seeks to strengthen the protection of Sanatan Dharma temples, saints, and religious institutions, while also promoting service, discipline, and awareness within society.
The name of Kalki Sena has been recorded in the London Book of Records as the largest combat volunteer organization in the world.
More information about Kalki Sena is available on the organization’s official website: www.kalkisena.co.in.
