By Pramod Kumar
The national executive committee of Bajarang Dal, which met in New Delhi from September 4 to 5, has decided to launch a special membership drive from November 20 to December 20 to recruit at least 30 lakh youth. At present it has over 12.50 lakh youth in its fold. “From November 20 to 25, all the senior activists of VHP and senior saints will come out from their maths to encourage the youth to join Bajrang Dal. It will be a big event. After this recruitment drive about five lakh youth will be presented a trishul each and at least one lakh will be imparted organisation’s training,” informed Shri Prakash Sharma, national convener of Bajrang Dal, while talking to Organsier in New Delhi. He said that training activities had now been extended from Prant level to district level and more than one training camps would be organised in every Prant at the district level to impart training to the activists. The national executive committee meeting has decided to launch the organisation’s expansion campaign every two years.
Formed in 1984 during the Ram-Janaki Rath Yatra, Bajrang Dal has turned 20 this year. Its contribution during the Ramjanmabhoomi movement was widely appreciated. It is the only organisation in the country with the largest youth power. It works up to the district level and there is a move to extend the work to tehsil and village level also.
The national executive has also decided to organise social harmony activities along with the VHP, and the Amarnath Yatra has been accepted as the organistion’s annual function. “The Bajrang Dal will call upon the youth to go for Amarnath Yatra in great numbers and it will help in making arrangements for the pilgrims. I can say with confidence that the Bajrang Dal has played a key role in arousing interest among the youth to undertake the Amarnath Yatra and it has also fought against the anti-Hindu policies and decisions of various state governments. Now the Bajrang Dal will also encourage the youth to visit the boodha Amarnath (in Poonch district) while returning from the Yatra,” Shri Sharma said.
Besides prominent Akhil Bharatiya workers and leaders of Bajrang Dal, the VHP working president, Ashok Singhal, general Secretary, Dr Pravin Togadia and joint secretary general, Omkar Bhave were also present at the meeting. Shri Ashok Singhal emphasised the need to develop the Bajrang Dal as a shield of the Hindu society. “The Hindu youth under the banner of Bajrang Dal should strongly oppose the injustice meted out to the Hindus in the country,” he exhorted the youth. Dr Pravin Togadia called upon the workers to moblise more youth to build a strong youth power.
