The Sant Sammelan organised in the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) camp on January 26, VHP President Alok Kumar declared that the reclamation of Hindu mandirs in Kashi and Mathura is not merely a goal but an “unshakable decision.” Recalling the historic resolution of the 1984 Dharma Sansad, where sants demanded the removal of symbols of insult from Ayodhya, Mathura, and Kashi, Kumar asserted, “Ram Lalla has been installed in Ayodhya. Now, the time has come for Kashi and Mathura to return to their rightful custodians.”
The event, presided over by Yug Purush Swami Parmanand Maharaj and graced by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati, brought together prominent sants and spiritual leaders from across the nation. Discussions centered around critical issues facing Hindu society, including mandir control, declining population, and cultural preservation.
Addressing the historical context of mandir control, Alok Kumar criticised the policies of the East India Company, which transferred the income of Hindu mandirs to government treasuries. He questioned the rationale behind state control over Hindu mandirs while churches and mosques remained independent. “This is discriminatory and unjust. Hindu society is capable of managing its mandirs,” he said.
He announced that the VHP had already initiated a campaign for mandir freedom, starting in Vijayawada, where lakhs of Hindus gathered to support the cause. “Hindu mandirs will soon return to the hands of Hindu society. We will not stop until this is achieved,” Kumar declared to resounding applause.
Addressing Declining Hindu Birth Rate
Kumar expressed deep concern over the declining Hindu birth rate, describing it as a demographic crisis. “For a nation’s population to stabilise, the growth rate must be at least 2.1. In Kerala, it is only 1.7. The average across the country is falling. If this trend continues, we will face a future where there are more elderly people and fewer young individuals,” he warned.
He attributed part of the problem to the rising age of marriage, which he said was leading to increased family tensions. Kumar urged Hindu families to consider having at least three children to ensure demographic stability and preserve cultural and societal balance.
Demand for Repeal of the Places of Worship Act
The VHP president also called for the repeal of the Places of Worship Act, urging the government to introduce a bill in Parliament. He argued that this legislation unfairly prevents the restoration of mandirs and rectification of historical wrongs.
On international issues, Kumar raised concerns about the declining Hindu population in Bangladesh. Referring to attacks on Hindus there, he said, “If any attempt is made to make Bangladesh devoid of Hindus, we have all options open. Our diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh in the past has yielded results, and we will continue to protect Hindus globally.”
The Sammelan witnessed passionate speeches from several sants who highlighted the urgent need to revive Sanatan Dharma and counter threats to Hindu culture and tradition.
Saint Somalinga Maharaj of Karnataka emphasised the responsibility of sants in awakening society. “If sants remain confined to their ashrams, religion will face destruction. We must step out, counter conversions, and bring about change,” he said.
Saint Haribhakt Narayan Shinde of the Warkari sect reiterated the commitment to the nation’s mandirs, stating, “Our mission is not limited to monasteries; it extends to the country and its mandirs.”
Palakanand Maharaj of the Vajrayan Tibetan tradition spoke about the cultural challenges in Ladakh and the need to preserve traditions in the face of external threats.
Sants also emphasised the need to reconnect the youth with Sanatan Dharma. Sant Dr Shruti Sagaranand Maharaj of Orissa urged sants to leave their ashrams and engage directly with villages. “Guide your devotees and reconnect them with their roots,” he appealed.
Sadhvi Pragya Bharti lamented the lack of awareness among the youth about Sanatan Dharma. “It is our duty to awaken the youth. They are the future of our culture,” she said. Mahamandaleshwar Jyotirmayanda called for the enactment of laws to regulate population growth, particularly among atheists, stressing that now is the time to act decisively.
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