Vishwa
Hindu parishad
Even as his concern about the security
of the country from external threats was paramount, his anxiety was no
less in the reforms to be brought about in the society from within. Most
of the Hindus of the world live in Bharat. But millions of them have settled
in a number of other countries of the world too. They have gone there for
vocation, studies, trade, business, etc., and have stayed back in those
countries. Many a great Hindu social thinker felt the need for a forum
for bringing the Hindus of the world together. Vishwa Hindu Parishad was
thus founded on the Krishna Janmashtami day in 1964. Guru conceptualized
the founding of the V.H.P. and continued to guide it for the next few years.
The Parishad convened its First World
Conference at Prayag (Allahabad) in 1966. The First Karnataka State-levelConference
was held at Udupi in 1969. Both these conferences were attended by a record
number of delegates and blessed by the Dharmacharyas of all the major religious
orders and traditions such as Shaiva, Vaishnava, Veerasaiva, Bouddha, Jain,
Sikh, Aryasamaj, etc. The Sant-Sadhus assembled there proclaimed in unequivocal
terms the natural brotherhood and equality of all Hindus. They defended
the right of the Hindus to self-protection. Guru was the leading light
of these conferences.
The Dharmacharyas declared with one
voice that there is neither prescription nor any sanction for the most
heinous practice of Untouchability in our Dharma or in scriptures. When
this resolution was adopted unanimously, the eyes of Guru were full with
tears of fulfillment. He exclaimed, "Momentous session!"
Guru was travelling throughout the
country at least twice a year. He was interacting with thousands of Sangh
workers and members of the public through various programs like the month-long
State-level Sangh Shiksha Vargas (training camps), short-duration camps,
'baithaks', meetings, wide public contacts, etc. He was establishing personal
rapport with the associates and the people everywhere, and always discussing
about the problems faced by the country and emphasizing our duty to it.
He was clearing their doubts and providing constant guidance. Added to
this, he had to meet the harassment caused by the Government from time
to time. |