Historic Three-day Dharma Sansad begins in Udupi
Udupi: The three-day historic Dharma Sansad organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad began on Friday, November 24 at the Royal Garden Udupi here.
The Shoba Yatre was led by RSS Sarsangchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Pejavar Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Thirtha Swami and Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. Veerendra Heggade.
A large number of seers, including Suttur mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami and Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami took part in the Shoba Yatre.
The Dharma Sansad was inaugurated by Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, while Nirmalanandanath Swami of Adichunchungiri Math released the souvenir Paatheya.’
Mohan Bhagwat Sarasanghchalak of RSS, Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math, Dr Veerendra Heggade working president of Dharma Sansad Reception committee, Prof. M B Puranik and others were present.
In his address, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) International Working President, Pravin Togadia, said, “The administration of Hindu temples by the government is against the Constitution and an insult to the secular ethos of the country. Let the government, which controls temples, try to control a mosque or a church,” he said, and called upon the seers to fight towards freeing government control over temples.
He also stressed the need to work out a strategy towards implementation of ban on cow slaughter.
In his inaugural speech, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji said that we have assembled here on a historic event and time, where the issues pertaining to the worlds’ most profound religion Hinduism are discussed, debated by those who have dedicated their lives for it. The world would be looking at the outcome of this event, as it would define the future course of humanity and its existence.
India has given birth to a galaxy of saints and philosophers who, in their unique way, have enunciated in simplest form the profound truth of Hindu Philosophy. The wisdom lying hidden in the scriptures is found expressed through many saints in many languages covering different regions. Such saint philosophers are found in every age and region.
Today societies across the globe are facing unprecedented crises and hatred, with piled-up nuclear weapons. Besides, accumulation of wealth, advanced technology, religious intolerance, environmental degradation and erosion of human values have made human existence critical. The values societies built and cherished over centuries are crumbling down on their own weight. At this juncture, the Dharma Sansad is discussing very pertinent questions which are causing concern for the future of Hinduism, such as untouchability, casteism, forcible conversion, Cow protection and construction of the Rama Mandir in a peaceful atmosphere.
Today, the Dharam Sansad has to initiate a process of reclaiming the past glory of Hinduism with plenty of hollow ideologies, and misinterpretation of Indian values, the young minds are being misdirected through social and other media.
The innumerable religious sects must sink their differences and come together for the purpose of Unity, yet by retaining their individual identity. Casteism has eroded the vitals of Hindu religion. Immediate action from all fronts is required to negotiate this, ensuring the inclusion of the untouchables, within its brotherly fold. Corruption in all its forms must be met with zero tolerance. The status of women needs to be improved, their safety and honour unscathed.
The most dangerous threat is some pseudo-religious groups, who in the name of Hinduism, indulge in lumpen activities and cause irreparable damage to the religion; such as cow vigilantes, moral policing, heralding pseudo-sanyasis etc. Shall not be tolerated, he added.
In his keynote address, RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat said that the Dharam Sansad here today is to give direction to the Hindu Samaj. We will decide our future, and should not be worried about the situation as it comes and goes. The world is waiting for changes in the society. We want a safe society, intact with our cultural roots. It should be a healthy society.
Many activists who were peacefully involved in cow protection were attacked and killed and lamented that this issue was neither discussed nor being inquired. People are trying to defame our Gau Rakshaks. What we do to the cows to safeguard, is our tradition it is unfair to link cow protectors or entire activity of cow protection with violent incidents, he said.
While speaking about the Ram Mandir Bhagwat said that “Ram Mandir will be built only at the Jamnabhoomi site in Ayodhya. No other structure is to be built on that land.” Bhagwat also said that the temple should be built on the very same land with the “very same stones” that were sent to Ayodhya for this purpose under the guidance of those who were the flag-bearers of the Ram janmabhoomi movement for the last 25 years.
But prior to building the temple, public awareness was essential. “We are close to achieving our goal but at this juncture, we should be extra cautious”, he said.
In his presidential address, Sri Vishwesha Theerha Swamiji of Pejawar Math said that The seers belonging to Sikh, Buddhist, Jains and Lingayat communities have attended the conference. Vishwa Hindu Parishat always considers all the ‘Dharmas’ introduced by the seers in the country as a fraction of Hinduism. It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate Hinduism and protect it from the evils of untouchability and conversion.
Cow slaughter cannot be accepted in this country. It is unfortunate that cow slaughter had not been banned in the country as well as in many states. The Union government cannot pass the anti-cow slaughter bill directly, the state governments should also support this. Voters should also give their precious vote during the elections to the party that will bring a stronger anti-cattle slaughter law, he added.
In India, there will be discrimination between the minority and Majority religion. Governments are giving all the facilities to the minority religions which is wrong. In a secular country, governments should treat persons of all faiths and religions equally.
As the issue of Ram Mandir is in court, there could be a possibility of the Central government and the Uttar Pradesh government, which is run by the BJP, passing a Bill in favour of the Temple. The Pejawar Swamiji assured that the construction work of the Ram Mandir will begin by 2019. After completing my Paryaya, I will work for this to fulfill our dream, he added.
Building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, cow protection, eradication of untouchability, social reforms and prevention of religious conversions would come up for discussions in the Dharma Sansad.
More than 2,000 saints, Math heads and VHP leaders from across the country are participating in this historic meet, which would also discuss the issues of discrimination on the basis of caste and gender, and explore ways to ensure harmony within the Hindu society.