Key Highlights

  • Filmmaker Aushim Khetarpal received spiritual leadership recognition at the 17th Annual Spiritual Festival in Tiruvannamalai.
  • He ceremonially lit the 'Baton of Peace & Unity' torch, a global initiative promoting harmony and humanitarian values.
  • The torch's journey began at Vatican City, travelling through South Africa and the USA before arriving at the sacred Arunachalam.

Tiruvannamalai, Arunachalam: Filmmaker and actor Aushim Khetarpal recently received a significant spiritual leadership honour at the 17th Annual Spiritual Festival held in the sacred land of Arunachalam. Revered saints and spiritual leaders conferred the recognition, acknowledging his impactful contributions to films, television, and social welfare initiatives.

Khetarpal’s work has consistently championed spiritual awareness and humanitarian values, resonating with the ethos of the festival.

A pivotal moment saw Khetarpal ceremonially light the 'Baton of Peace & Unity' torch. This torch, associated with the Sai Baba Peace Awards, started its global journey last October from Vatican City, blessed by the Pope. It then travelled to the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation in South Africa, followed by Dallas, USA, a city that houses one of the largest statues of Sai Baba.

From there, the baton moved through Amrita Maa and the Mother Teresa Foundation before making its way to the revered Arunachalam in Tiruvannamalai.

? Did You Know? The 'Baton of Peace & Unity' torch embarked on its global journey from Vatican City, blessed by the Pope, before making its way across continents to promote universal harmony.

Lighting the torch in the presence of over 100 saints and spiritual leaders was a proud and deeply significant moment for Khetarpal. It marks a rare honour for an Indian filmmaker and social contributor to represent such a profound global initiative dedicated to peace, unity, and humanity.

The event was meticulously organised under the guidance of Swamy Sai Ravichandran by the Akshaya Sri Sai Dhyana Sabai Temple, reflecting deep devotion to Sai Baba. Thousands of devotees participated in the sacred Girivalam (parikrama), a walk symbolising faith, service, and spiritual unity.

Speaking at the occasion, Aushim Khetarpal shared his sentiments. “In today’s world, there is an urgent need for peace. Initiatives like the ‘Baton of Peace & Unity’ and the Sai Baba Peace Awards carry immense significance. Lighting this sacred torch on the holy land of Arunachala is both a proud and deeply spiritual experience for me,” he stated.

Khetarpal is widely recognized for his work in films and television, particularly projects centred on Sai Baba and Baba Ramdevsa Pir. For over three decades, he has used cinema as a powerful medium to disseminate spiritual awareness and vital social messages. His upcoming film, 'Children of God', is an inspirational coming-of-age social drama exploring crucial themes like LGBTQIA+ identity, human rights, and self-acceptance. The film is slated for release in theatres on June 19.

The festival also featured a range of sacred rituals, including homam, abhishekam, aarti, nama sankeertanam, and bhajans. In the true spirit of service, large-scale charitable initiatives like distributing clothes to saints, annadaan (food donation), and community meals were conducted, embodying the timeless message: “Sabka Malik Ek” (God is One for all).

This event was not just a spiritual celebration but also a meaningful stride towards fostering unity, compassion, and humanity on a global scale.