Evaluation of VHP'scontribution was carried out in three phases?the first phase from Inception of Ekatmata Yatra (from 1964-1983), the second phase from Dharma Sansad to removal of Ban (from 1984-1994); and the third phase of Removal of the Ban till Today (from 1995-2006).
In the first phase, various public awareness programmes, campaigns and constructive activities were undertaken. Hosts of dedicated and trained workers were created to carry the message of the Parishad; two World Hindu Conferences and sammelans were organised; ?Ekatmata Yatras? were undertaken; programmes to eradicate social evils and illiteracy, untouchability, conversions, etc. were held to resolve issues like acquisition of mutts-mandirs by the Central Government, distortions regarding festivities, etc.
In the second phase, the various departments of the Parishad worked as per the action plans for opening up sewa prakalpas, paravartan and Sanskrit promotion programmes. Even the women'swing organised protests against cow slaughter and acquisition of mutts-mandirs. The Ramjanmabhoomi agitation gathered momentum and spread to different corners of the country.
In the third phase, different cultural activities like satsangs, Bal Kalyan Kendras, schools, Ekal Vidyalayas, vocational training centres, Sanskrit training camps, etc. were organised. The youths in the society combined to form the Bajrang Dal to provide protection against attacks, assaults, atrocities perpetrated by a certain section of the society. Paravartan (home coming) activities of the Parishad even succeeded in reaching the Vanvasi clusters, Harijan localities and slums.
In short, the book gives a detailed account of the growth of the VHP since its inception on the occasion of Janamashtami in 1964 and how its branches are spreading. The author has done extensive study of the Parishad'sactivities and has been associated with the VHP as its joint secretary (publications) since the last 18 years.
(Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Sankat Mochan Ashram, Sector-6, Ramakrishnapuram, New Delhi-110022.)
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