http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=100828
No sex education please, we are Hindus!
Ranjeet S Jamwal
in Jaipur
Dec. 27. — Should schools educate students about sex related issues? Definitely not, as far the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is concerned, as it fears sex education would encourage immorality among school students.
The Rajasthan government has included sex education in the curriculum for Class XI and students will be given lessons on the topic from the coming session. But the VHP is opposing the inclusion of sex education in the school syllabus and has threatened to resist it at every level.
A spokesperson of the state unit of VHP, Mr Mahavir Parikh said the government should rethink the proposal and see to it that sex education does not become part of school education. He said it would encourage immorality among students.
Citing the example of western countries where sex education is part of the curriculum, Mr Parikh said the results have not been good there and incidents of young girls becoming pregnant at young age have increased. “Rather, the government should provide education that inculcates good values in students according to our culture,” Mr Parikh said.
A senior education department official, however, said just three chapters on life skills have been included in the syllabus for class XI. “But these three chapters are not all about sex but various problems young people face while growing up. But yes, sex education is definitely a part of it,” the official said.
“The government has approved the inclusion of sex education in the syllabus under the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA),” the official added. The VHP has decided to registered its protest with the education minister.
December 28, 2005
November 13, 2005
It’s aimed at Hindus: Says Bajrang Dal on sterilisation camp
(Indian Express, November 11, 2005)
It’s aimed at Hindus: Says Bajrang Dal on sterilisation camp
by Milind Ghatwai
BHOPAL, NOVEMBER 10: There are men who don’t go to family planning camps. But here, they run away after having reached it. Ask the Bajrang Dal workers standing guard at the vasectomy camp in Siwni (near Hoshangabad) and they will tell you, it’s like conversion — men were lured to the camp. They just changed their mind.
To make sure, Bajrang Dal members have been stopping the officials at work as well.
Not only this. Days before the camp, they went around spreading ‘‘awareness’’ in the Hoshangabad district, trying to convince villagers that the camp was aimed at Hindu men. Officials said persuading men was always difficult, and the Bajrang Dal has made it more so. Doctors have to be accompanied by policemen. Dal activists allege that Muslims are not being sterilised.
This is the camp which the Dal would rather reserve only for minorities. But the free-of-cost government NSV (non-scalpel vasectomy) camp, where the male gets Rs 265 and the motivator Rs 25 per case, is a Central government scheme open for all.
On Wednesday, the first day of the camp, Bajrang Dal men gathered outside the town’s community health centre and argued with officials. The few men who came from nearby villages ran away.
On Thursday, 50 policemen had to be deployed, but the Dal men continued to raise slogans. Dal’s prant sanyojak Manish Dube said: ‘‘We won’t tolerate our men being lured to the camp. Why don’t they bring Muslims?’’
‘‘Those who escaped must have been brought on false promises,’’ he alleged. ‘‘We will oppose such camps,’’ he warned and announced that he will take up the issue at Dal’s three-day national executive meeting to begin at Haridwar on Saturday.
SDM Niaz Ahmed admitted that the Dal’s drive affected turnout. ‘‘We are unlikely to cover all 253 males who had given written consent.’’
Additional collector V.P. Deharia said: ‘‘We are approached only when doctors fail to meet the target.’
It’s aimed at Hindus: Says Bajrang Dal on sterilisation camp
by Milind Ghatwai
BHOPAL, NOVEMBER 10: There are men who don’t go to family planning camps. But here, they run away after having reached it. Ask the Bajrang Dal workers standing guard at the vasectomy camp in Siwni (near Hoshangabad) and they will tell you, it’s like conversion — men were lured to the camp. They just changed their mind.
To make sure, Bajrang Dal members have been stopping the officials at work as well.
Not only this. Days before the camp, they went around spreading ‘‘awareness’’ in the Hoshangabad district, trying to convince villagers that the camp was aimed at Hindu men. Officials said persuading men was always difficult, and the Bajrang Dal has made it more so. Doctors have to be accompanied by policemen. Dal activists allege that Muslims are not being sterilised.
This is the camp which the Dal would rather reserve only for minorities. But the free-of-cost government NSV (non-scalpel vasectomy) camp, where the male gets Rs 265 and the motivator Rs 25 per case, is a Central government scheme open for all.
On Wednesday, the first day of the camp, Bajrang Dal men gathered outside the town’s community health centre and argued with officials. The few men who came from nearby villages ran away.
On Thursday, 50 policemen had to be deployed, but the Dal men continued to raise slogans. Dal’s prant sanyojak Manish Dube said: ‘‘We won’t tolerate our men being lured to the camp. Why don’t they bring Muslims?’’
‘‘Those who escaped must have been brought on false promises,’’ he alleged. ‘‘We will oppose such camps,’’ he warned and announced that he will take up the issue at Dal’s three-day national executive meeting to begin at Haridwar on Saturday.
SDM Niaz Ahmed admitted that the Dal’s drive affected turnout. ‘‘We are unlikely to cover all 253 males who had given written consent.’’
Additional collector V.P. Deharia said: ‘‘We are approached only when doctors fail to meet the target.’
November 12, 2005
VHP to launch Hindu Sena in Assam
(Hindustan Times, November 11, 2005)
VHP to launch Hindu Sena in Assam
Newsfile
Guwahati, November 11, 2005
After the All Assam Students Union which launched its Asom Sena some time back, it is now time for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to launch a similar outfit in the state.
The VHP's outfit, which is being formed to "protect the interests of the indigenous communities in the state" is being called the Hindu Sena, said senior leaders of the Parishad.
According to the VHP leaders, it had become necessary to form an organisation such as the Hindu Sena as the government had failed to protect indigenous people as the activities of Pakistan's ISI was growing in the state. "It is now up to the VHP to take the responsibility of ensuring that the Indian communities here are not compromised," they said.
The All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students Union (AKRASU) has meanwhile opposed the proposed Sena of the VHP. President of the Bongaigaon unit of the AKRASU Phanindra Singha said that his organisation would not allow parties to play politics in the name of religion.
VHP to launch Hindu Sena in Assam
Newsfile
Guwahati, November 11, 2005
After the All Assam Students Union which launched its Asom Sena some time back, it is now time for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to launch a similar outfit in the state.
The VHP's outfit, which is being formed to "protect the interests of the indigenous communities in the state" is being called the Hindu Sena, said senior leaders of the Parishad.
According to the VHP leaders, it had become necessary to form an organisation such as the Hindu Sena as the government had failed to protect indigenous people as the activities of Pakistan's ISI was growing in the state. "It is now up to the VHP to take the responsibility of ensuring that the Indian communities here are not compromised," they said.
The All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students Union (AKRASU) has meanwhile opposed the proposed Sena of the VHP. President of the Bongaigaon unit of the AKRASU Phanindra Singha said that his organisation would not allow parties to play politics in the name of religion.
November 04, 2005
The View from the Right
(Indian Express, November 4, 2005)
The View from the Right
Excerpts from the Organiser, the mouthpiece of the RSS, Deepavali Special Issue
EDITORIAL
The Deepavali special issue of the Organiser is in a magazine rather than the usual tabloid format. In a signed two-page editorial, editor R. Balashankar outlines the various legends behind Deepavali in different parts of the country and then slams ‘‘the communal, pro-Muslim, pro-Pakistani vocal brigade in the media and politics in India.’’ Accusing them of resisting ‘‘all voices of nationality, patriotism, native aspirations and cultural heritage,’’ he concludes: ‘‘This divisive loyalty, the trans-national commitments, anti-Hindu attitudes are the contemporary manifestations of Ravana and Narakasura. These have not yet gained the strength that God should incarnate. They are very much within our power to demolish. Let’s drop the veil on vigil and reveal our vibrant energy and power. [Deepavali] is the celebration of victory. Let’s give meaning to our celebration. Or it will become a meaningless splurge.’’
COVER STORY
The cover story entitled ‘Mau burnt as Mulayam fiddled’ is a six-page detailed “investigation” on the riots that broke out on October 13. It claims that ‘‘99% of the victims’’ were Hindus and ‘‘if any Muslim suffered, it was due to action of security forces against the rioters.’’ Disputing the official toll figure of 14, the report says the unofficial figure ‘‘is believed to be more than 200 dead, 500 injured and over 300 missing.’’ No evidence, though, is provided to substantiate this belief. Writer Pramod Kumar also notes how ‘‘Muslims have criminalised and communalised the region’’ through the uncontrolled mushrooming of madrasas and mosques and warns that the Mau riots ‘‘appear just a beginning of a larger disaster. The Hindus, whichever political party they support, are going to face serious troubles.’’
POLITICS PLUS
The article under this subheading by Ashoke Dasgupta entitled ‘Marxism is dead but UPA keeps it alive’ attacks CPI and CPM for carrying the deadwood of Marxism but, confusingly, also criticises them for not being Marxist enough. It says,‘‘Once a political party commits itself to Marxism, it has to wage political class struggle for the establishment of socialism. The two communist parties minus policies to achieve socialism are, in this way of assessment, two ghost parties that deceitfully exhibit as if they have not bonded themselves in a coalition submitting themselves to the hegemony of Sonia’s party.’’ It concludes with the dire prediction that ‘‘a weak, aimless Sonia party’s coalition government under the stranglehold of ghost Marxists’’ is turning India into a soft state ‘‘which may be the initial steps to becoming a banana republic.’’
DEBATE
The reprinted article under this rubric by Anthony Browne in Brussels gives an objective account of the debate raging in the Netherlands on the Dutch government’s proposal to ban the burqa. The author quotes opposition to the move and notes how the Netherlands ‘‘ has become less liberal’’ over the years in its attitude towards immigrants. Curiously, the main blurb in the piece does not figure in the actual article at all. It says, ‘‘Why can’t India implement similar measures ...like the Dutch are doing? Well, we know the answer, the vote banks and secularism that support fatwas against Imrana or Sania. Secularism of the Indian kind, which does not exist anywhere else, is dangerous not only to the security of India but also to civilisation in general.’’
REPORT
A report on the three-day Hindu Dharmacharya Sabha conference in Mumbai from October 16-18 notes the presence of two special invitees to the conference — VHP leader Ashok Singhal and Janata Party president Subramaniam Swamy. The report extensively quotes Swamy’s speech on how Hindus are under siege today but are not speaking out enough. ‘‘It is not enough if today’s Hindu is pious or rich. What matters is the mindset of the Hindu that recognises that India shall forever be a nation of Hindus and those whose ancestors are Hindus or those we accepted in our land as refugees (Parsis, Jews and Syrian Christians). Such Hindus must always retaliate in a deterrent way when attacked even mildly,’’ Swamy is quoted as having said to the acharyas who gave him ‘‘a prolonged ovation.’’
(Compiled by Manini Chatterjee)
The View from the Right
Excerpts from the Organiser, the mouthpiece of the RSS, Deepavali Special Issue
EDITORIAL
The Deepavali special issue of the Organiser is in a magazine rather than the usual tabloid format. In a signed two-page editorial, editor R. Balashankar outlines the various legends behind Deepavali in different parts of the country and then slams ‘‘the communal, pro-Muslim, pro-Pakistani vocal brigade in the media and politics in India.’’ Accusing them of resisting ‘‘all voices of nationality, patriotism, native aspirations and cultural heritage,’’ he concludes: ‘‘This divisive loyalty, the trans-national commitments, anti-Hindu attitudes are the contemporary manifestations of Ravana and Narakasura. These have not yet gained the strength that God should incarnate. They are very much within our power to demolish. Let’s drop the veil on vigil and reveal our vibrant energy and power. [Deepavali] is the celebration of victory. Let’s give meaning to our celebration. Or it will become a meaningless splurge.’’
COVER STORY
The cover story entitled ‘Mau burnt as Mulayam fiddled’ is a six-page detailed “investigation” on the riots that broke out on October 13. It claims that ‘‘99% of the victims’’ were Hindus and ‘‘if any Muslim suffered, it was due to action of security forces against the rioters.’’ Disputing the official toll figure of 14, the report says the unofficial figure ‘‘is believed to be more than 200 dead, 500 injured and over 300 missing.’’ No evidence, though, is provided to substantiate this belief. Writer Pramod Kumar also notes how ‘‘Muslims have criminalised and communalised the region’’ through the uncontrolled mushrooming of madrasas and mosques and warns that the Mau riots ‘‘appear just a beginning of a larger disaster. The Hindus, whichever political party they support, are going to face serious troubles.’’
POLITICS PLUS
The article under this subheading by Ashoke Dasgupta entitled ‘Marxism is dead but UPA keeps it alive’ attacks CPI and CPM for carrying the deadwood of Marxism but, confusingly, also criticises them for not being Marxist enough. It says,‘‘Once a political party commits itself to Marxism, it has to wage political class struggle for the establishment of socialism. The two communist parties minus policies to achieve socialism are, in this way of assessment, two ghost parties that deceitfully exhibit as if they have not bonded themselves in a coalition submitting themselves to the hegemony of Sonia’s party.’’ It concludes with the dire prediction that ‘‘a weak, aimless Sonia party’s coalition government under the stranglehold of ghost Marxists’’ is turning India into a soft state ‘‘which may be the initial steps to becoming a banana republic.’’
DEBATE
The reprinted article under this rubric by Anthony Browne in Brussels gives an objective account of the debate raging in the Netherlands on the Dutch government’s proposal to ban the burqa. The author quotes opposition to the move and notes how the Netherlands ‘‘ has become less liberal’’ over the years in its attitude towards immigrants. Curiously, the main blurb in the piece does not figure in the actual article at all. It says, ‘‘Why can’t India implement similar measures ...like the Dutch are doing? Well, we know the answer, the vote banks and secularism that support fatwas against Imrana or Sania. Secularism of the Indian kind, which does not exist anywhere else, is dangerous not only to the security of India but also to civilisation in general.’’
REPORT
A report on the three-day Hindu Dharmacharya Sabha conference in Mumbai from October 16-18 notes the presence of two special invitees to the conference — VHP leader Ashok Singhal and Janata Party president Subramaniam Swamy. The report extensively quotes Swamy’s speech on how Hindus are under siege today but are not speaking out enough. ‘‘It is not enough if today’s Hindu is pious or rich. What matters is the mindset of the Hindu that recognises that India shall forever be a nation of Hindus and those whose ancestors are Hindus or those we accepted in our land as refugees (Parsis, Jews and Syrian Christians). Such Hindus must always retaliate in a deterrent way when attacked even mildly,’’ Swamy is quoted as having said to the acharyas who gave him ‘‘a prolonged ovation.’’
(Compiled by Manini Chatterjee)
October 22, 2005
Now Parivar plans a Rajasthan Kumbh on Babri anniversary
(Indian Express, October 22, 2005)
Now Parivar plans a Rajasthan Kumbh on Babri anniversary
by Sandipan Sharma
Rajasthan, banswara BANSWARA, OCTOBER 21: The Sangh Parivar is quietly planning to take its Ram Temple offensive to the remote tribal areas of Rajasthan. The RSS-VHP combine will organise a huge ‘Hindu Kumbh’ here on December 6, the day Babri Masjid was demolished.
Thousands of tribals from Banswara and adjoining Dungarpur are expected to attend the Kumbh, where Sarsanghkaryavaah Mohan Bhagwat will be the chief guest. ‘‘We are expecting more than 50,000 people from these two districts alone to come for the gathering,’’ said VHP Banswara head Ram Swaroop, who is in charge of the event.
Activists have begun fanning out in the area to spread the word. ‘‘There will be no formal invitation for the Kumbh,’’ Swaroop said. The day-long inaugural Kumbh, whose mainstay would be a show of strength in the local stadium, would be followed by bhajan sandhyas in local temples.
The Parivar, as reported first in The Indian Express, is organising another Kumbh in the Dangs, Gujarat, where too it is involved in a battle with Christian missionaries to win over the tribals.
The twin-districts of Banswara-Dungarpur in south Rajasthan have a high density of tribal population and is the new battleground for the Hindutva brigade and the missionaries. The Kumbh here is seen as the Parivar’s response to a three-day Christian gathering in the last week of October in Sagwa village of Banswara. Thousands of people are expected to attend this event, where preachers from across the country are scheduled to speak. The local VHP chief said their strategy had indeed been prompted by the missionaries in the area. ‘‘The Christian missionaries are embedded deep in the villages of this area. Our effort is to check the conversions,’’ he said.
‘‘We do not believe in direct confrontation with them. Our strategy would be to interact with the tribals in the interiors and erase the influence of missionaries on them,’’ he said.
Now Parivar plans a Rajasthan Kumbh on Babri anniversary
by Sandipan Sharma
Rajasthan, banswara BANSWARA, OCTOBER 21: The Sangh Parivar is quietly planning to take its Ram Temple offensive to the remote tribal areas of Rajasthan. The RSS-VHP combine will organise a huge ‘Hindu Kumbh’ here on December 6, the day Babri Masjid was demolished.
Thousands of tribals from Banswara and adjoining Dungarpur are expected to attend the Kumbh, where Sarsanghkaryavaah Mohan Bhagwat will be the chief guest. ‘‘We are expecting more than 50,000 people from these two districts alone to come for the gathering,’’ said VHP Banswara head Ram Swaroop, who is in charge of the event.
Activists have begun fanning out in the area to spread the word. ‘‘There will be no formal invitation for the Kumbh,’’ Swaroop said. The day-long inaugural Kumbh, whose mainstay would be a show of strength in the local stadium, would be followed by bhajan sandhyas in local temples.
The Parivar, as reported first in The Indian Express, is organising another Kumbh in the Dangs, Gujarat, where too it is involved in a battle with Christian missionaries to win over the tribals.
The twin-districts of Banswara-Dungarpur in south Rajasthan have a high density of tribal population and is the new battleground for the Hindutva brigade and the missionaries. The Kumbh here is seen as the Parivar’s response to a three-day Christian gathering in the last week of October in Sagwa village of Banswara. Thousands of people are expected to attend this event, where preachers from across the country are scheduled to speak. The local VHP chief said their strategy had indeed been prompted by the missionaries in the area. ‘‘The Christian missionaries are embedded deep in the villages of this area. Our effort is to check the conversions,’’ he said.
‘‘We do not believe in direct confrontation with them. Our strategy would be to interact with the tribals in the interiors and erase the influence of missionaries on them,’’ he said.
June 21, 2005
Bajrang Dal's arms-training programme in Aligarh
(http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=87804&cat=India)
Bajrang Dal conducts arms training camp at Aligarh:-
Aligarh | June 12, 2005 5:23:45 PM IST
Bajrang Dal conducted a seven-day arms-training programme in Aligarh that concluded Saturday.
Bajrang Dal activist, Prakash Sharma claims that this training would boost will power, confidence and courage in the trainees. The trainees at the training camp were provided training in firearms, martial arts and other physical endurance tests.
"We are training our youth generation to make them courageous. We are focussing on their mental and physical development so that they can meet the challenges and circumstances faced by the country. In all 40 camps will be set up for seven days all over the country," said Prakash Sharma, Bajrang Dal.
According to sources, retired Army officials were imparted also training at the programme.
According to a latest legislation passed by the Parliament, possessing arms or imparting training in arms, besides lathi, is a criminal offence. (ANI)
Bajrang Dal conducts arms training camp at Aligarh:-
Aligarh | June 12, 2005 5:23:45 PM IST
Bajrang Dal conducted a seven-day arms-training programme in Aligarh that concluded Saturday.
Bajrang Dal activist, Prakash Sharma claims that this training would boost will power, confidence and courage in the trainees. The trainees at the training camp were provided training in firearms, martial arts and other physical endurance tests.
"We are training our youth generation to make them courageous. We are focussing on their mental and physical development so that they can meet the challenges and circumstances faced by the country. In all 40 camps will be set up for seven days all over the country," said Prakash Sharma, Bajrang Dal.
According to sources, retired Army officials were imparted also training at the programme.
According to a latest legislation passed by the Parliament, possessing arms or imparting training in arms, besides lathi, is a criminal offence. (ANI)
May 24, 2005
VHP, Bajrang Dal distribute trishuls in Orissa
(Deccan Herald - May 24, 2005)
VHP, Bajrang Dal distribute trishuls
DH News Service ,Bhubaneswar:
A ‘Trishul Diksha’ programme was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal at Nimapara in Orissa’s coastal Puri district on Sunday where trishuls were distributed to nearly 350 youths from different coastal districts. They were also administered oath to work for the protection of the Hindu religion.
The event was organised at the end of a week-long training session of VHP-Bajrang Dal volunteers.
Last year too, an attempt was made to hold such an event in the presence of VHP heavyweight Praveen Togadia which had to be cancelled due to resistance from the state administration as well as a few non-BJP political parties.
Sunday’s programme was a low-key affair. The only Central leader present at the function was Rajendra Prasad Pankaj, an all-India secretary of the VHP.However, several leaders of the Orissa units were present. They included Subash Chouhan, the state coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, and Gouri Prasad Rath, a secretary of the VHP’s Orissa unit. Significantly, the controversial event was held the day RSS chief K S Sudarshan arrived in the state. Mr Sudarshan, however, visited the state to attend a different programme — a two-day training camp of the RSS cadres at Talcher in Angul district.
VHP, Bajrang Dal distribute trishuls
DH News Service ,Bhubaneswar:
A ‘Trishul Diksha’ programme was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal at Nimapara in Orissa’s coastal Puri district on Sunday where trishuls were distributed to nearly 350 youths from different coastal districts. They were also administered oath to work for the protection of the Hindu religion.
The event was organised at the end of a week-long training session of VHP-Bajrang Dal volunteers.
Last year too, an attempt was made to hold such an event in the presence of VHP heavyweight Praveen Togadia which had to be cancelled due to resistance from the state administration as well as a few non-BJP political parties.
Sunday’s programme was a low-key affair. The only Central leader present at the function was Rajendra Prasad Pankaj, an all-India secretary of the VHP.However, several leaders of the Orissa units were present. They included Subash Chouhan, the state coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, and Gouri Prasad Rath, a secretary of the VHP’s Orissa unit. Significantly, the controversial event was held the day RSS chief K S Sudarshan arrived in the state. Mr Sudarshan, however, visited the state to attend a different programme — a two-day training camp of the RSS cadres at Talcher in Angul district.
May 06, 2005
Karnataka: Bajrang Dal to train workers in arms usage
(Deccan Herald - May 6, 2005)
Bajrang Dal to train workers in arms usage
DH News Service Chikmagalur:
The list of selected workers of Bajrang Dal who will receive training on usage of arms for the protection of the country will be prepared on May 8.
In a statement, Bajrang Dal said the trainees would be selected in presence of Bajrang Dal’s South India Convener Pramod Muthalik and State Convener Mahendra Kumar. Prominent workers from various taluks of the district will take part in the selection rally.
He said Muthalik will take part in the Saamoohika Satyanarayana Pooja to be held in Moodigere and address a public meeting before finalising the formalities for Bajrang Dal Bharthi campaign to be started from this month in the State.
Hindu Jagrutha Tarun Samavesh will be held at 2 pm at Kadabagere in Chikmagalur taluk.
‘Be accountable’ campaign leader Girish Mattannavar will the chief guest, he explained.
Bajrang Dal to train workers in arms usage
DH News Service Chikmagalur:
The list of selected workers of Bajrang Dal who will receive training on usage of arms for the protection of the country will be prepared on May 8.
In a statement, Bajrang Dal said the trainees would be selected in presence of Bajrang Dal’s South India Convener Pramod Muthalik and State Convener Mahendra Kumar. Prominent workers from various taluks of the district will take part in the selection rally.
He said Muthalik will take part in the Saamoohika Satyanarayana Pooja to be held in Moodigere and address a public meeting before finalising the formalities for Bajrang Dal Bharthi campaign to be started from this month in the State.
Hindu Jagrutha Tarun Samavesh will be held at 2 pm at Kadabagere in Chikmagalur taluk.
‘Be accountable’ campaign leader Girish Mattannavar will the chief guest, he explained.
April 22, 2005
VHP summer camp for Gujarati kids in US
(Indian Express, April 22, 2005)
VHP summer camp for Gujarati kids in US
Parents request Parishad to keep issues like Ayodhya, Gujarat and 9/11 out of summer camp agenda
RUPAM JAIN NAIR Posted online: Friday, April 22, 2005 at 0200 hours IST
AHMEDABAD, APRIL 21: Summer vacation is round the corner. And this time, non-resident Gujaratis aren’t packing off their children for a holiday in the motherland. Instead, they will be sent to summer camps organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s American wing. The objective is simple: to teach them ‘‘the way of life’’ — Hinduism.
The maximum number of applications for the VHP’s summer camps in Atlanta, Houston and Medford are from the Gujarati community. While requesting the VHP to train their children to recite shlokas and read Bhagwad Gita, the Gujaratis have also made a humble appeal: ‘‘Please do not discuss or encourage issues like Ram Janambhoomi, Godhra train carnage and 9/11 attacks.’’
‘‘Over 1,500 parents have applied for their children, some aged below eight,’’ says Shushila Bhagat, member-secretary of VHP (America). ‘‘The children learn and practice Hindu values and Hindu philosophy here. They also learn skills like applying mehendi and tying a turban. Kabaddi and gulli-danda are the games they play.’’
‘‘We are not trying to impose Hinduism, nor asking anyone to convert. Our aim is to tell Hindus living abroad that they should be aware of their roots and accept Hinduism as a way of life,’’ says Abhijit Desai, a camp co-ordinator who has been living in New York for over three decades now.
The VHP also organises Bal Vihar — a weekly two-hour programme for children in the age group of 5-12. They are trained to perform surya namaskar, chant gayatri mantra and hanuman chalisa.
Sunita Verma, who runs a restaurant in Houston, has enrolled her two children for the Bal Vihar programme. ‘‘I am aware of the VHP’s stand on the Ram Mandir issue and the allegations levelled against them during the Gujarat communal disturbances. As a Hindu, I do not want my children to grow up as hardliners, but I do want them to know about the Vedas and learn the traditional values.’’
Organisers of the summer camp admit that parents do enquire if they will be speaking on the Ayodhya or the Gujarat issues.
‘‘The unanimous feedback from parents has always been that no discussion on terrorism, 9/11 attacks or Godhra train carnage should be encouraged as they do not want their children to form an opinion,’’ says Maithili, a story-teller at the camp.
‘‘It’s tough to choose between right and wrong. Sometimes, I feel that the VHP agenda is justified. But I cannot ask my children to follow it as they have the right to decide. My aim is to help them understand our culture,’’ says Prof G Raaj, a teacher in Texas.
Raaj sends his three daughters for Sanskrit classes at the VHP community centre. ‘‘America is very big, I do not want them to be lost. They should know the basics of life.’’
VHP summer camp for Gujarati kids in US
Parents request Parishad to keep issues like Ayodhya, Gujarat and 9/11 out of summer camp agenda
RUPAM JAIN NAIR Posted online: Friday, April 22, 2005 at 0200 hours IST
AHMEDABAD, APRIL 21: Summer vacation is round the corner. And this time, non-resident Gujaratis aren’t packing off their children for a holiday in the motherland. Instead, they will be sent to summer camps organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s American wing. The objective is simple: to teach them ‘‘the way of life’’ — Hinduism.
The maximum number of applications for the VHP’s summer camps in Atlanta, Houston and Medford are from the Gujarati community. While requesting the VHP to train their children to recite shlokas and read Bhagwad Gita, the Gujaratis have also made a humble appeal: ‘‘Please do not discuss or encourage issues like Ram Janambhoomi, Godhra train carnage and 9/11 attacks.’’
‘‘Over 1,500 parents have applied for their children, some aged below eight,’’ says Shushila Bhagat, member-secretary of VHP (America). ‘‘The children learn and practice Hindu values and Hindu philosophy here. They also learn skills like applying mehendi and tying a turban. Kabaddi and gulli-danda are the games they play.’’
‘‘We are not trying to impose Hinduism, nor asking anyone to convert. Our aim is to tell Hindus living abroad that they should be aware of their roots and accept Hinduism as a way of life,’’ says Abhijit Desai, a camp co-ordinator who has been living in New York for over three decades now.
The VHP also organises Bal Vihar — a weekly two-hour programme for children in the age group of 5-12. They are trained to perform surya namaskar, chant gayatri mantra and hanuman chalisa.
Sunita Verma, who runs a restaurant in Houston, has enrolled her two children for the Bal Vihar programme. ‘‘I am aware of the VHP’s stand on the Ram Mandir issue and the allegations levelled against them during the Gujarat communal disturbances. As a Hindu, I do not want my children to grow up as hardliners, but I do want them to know about the Vedas and learn the traditional values.’’
Organisers of the summer camp admit that parents do enquire if they will be speaking on the Ayodhya or the Gujarat issues.
‘‘The unanimous feedback from parents has always been that no discussion on terrorism, 9/11 attacks or Godhra train carnage should be encouraged as they do not want their children to form an opinion,’’ says Maithili, a story-teller at the camp.
‘‘It’s tough to choose between right and wrong. Sometimes, I feel that the VHP agenda is justified. But I cannot ask my children to follow it as they have the right to decide. My aim is to help them understand our culture,’’ says Prof G Raaj, a teacher in Texas.
Raaj sends his three daughters for Sanskrit classes at the VHP community centre. ‘‘America is very big, I do not want them to be lost. They should know the basics of life.’’
February 14, 2005
Bajrang Dal upsets V-Day celebrations
Bajrang Dal upsets V-Day celebrations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDTV Correspondent
Monday, February 14, 2005 (Bhopal):
While the entire world is going crazy celebrating love, love birds in Bhopal are having a tough time because of the Bajrang Dal threat.
Since the saffron government came to power, the self-appointed moral police are more visible and menacing.
Saffron threat
Their latest fatwa is that any couple caught celebrating Valentine's Day will suffer public humiliation and get their faces blackened.
It's a diktat that has not only kept couples in hiding but also affected the floral business. Earlier, Valentine's Day meant florists making between Rs 15-50 for a dozen roses. But this time, there are hardly any takers even at Rs 10.
"Last Valentine we did brisk business. A flower was sold at fifteen, twenty and sometimes even at RS 45! But this year even at ten rupees, nobody is buying because of the Bajrang Dal. As a result of the terror created by them, we are not getting any customers," said Ashok, a florist.
Business hit
Hotels too are deserted. This year there are no theme parties, no Valentine Balls and no incentives to celebrate romance.
"What if we go out somewhere and the Bajrang Dal attacks us. I am scared whether to celebrate or not," said Rahul Singh, a local.
The land that gave Khajuraho to the world – an ultimate symbol of eroticism – now love is a forbidden word here courtesy the self-appointed Custodians of Indian culture.
According to the saffron brigade, love is only permitted after a couple is married.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NDTV Correspondent
Monday, February 14, 2005 (Bhopal):
While the entire world is going crazy celebrating love, love birds in Bhopal are having a tough time because of the Bajrang Dal threat.
Since the saffron government came to power, the self-appointed moral police are more visible and menacing.
Saffron threat
Their latest fatwa is that any couple caught celebrating Valentine's Day will suffer public humiliation and get their faces blackened.
It's a diktat that has not only kept couples in hiding but also affected the floral business. Earlier, Valentine's Day meant florists making between Rs 15-50 for a dozen roses. But this time, there are hardly any takers even at Rs 10.
"Last Valentine we did brisk business. A flower was sold at fifteen, twenty and sometimes even at RS 45! But this year even at ten rupees, nobody is buying because of the Bajrang Dal. As a result of the terror created by them, we are not getting any customers," said Ashok, a florist.
Business hit
Hotels too are deserted. This year there are no theme parties, no Valentine Balls and no incentives to celebrate romance.
"What if we go out somewhere and the Bajrang Dal attacks us. I am scared whether to celebrate or not," said Rahul Singh, a local.
The land that gave Khajuraho to the world – an ultimate symbol of eroticism – now love is a forbidden word here courtesy the self-appointed Custodians of Indian culture.
According to the saffron brigade, love is only permitted after a couple is married.
Hindu Hardliners Burn Valentine Cards
World - AP Asia
Hindu Hardliners Burn Valentine Cards
Mon Feb 14, 5:50 AM ET
NEW DELHI, India - Nearly 50 Hindu hardliners burned Valentine's Day (news - web sites) cards and posters in the Indian capital on Monday, protesting the international day of love that they say imposes Western values on India's youth.
Reuters Photo
There was no violence as policemen cordoned off the area and prevented the Shiv Sena activists from marching through the sprawling Delhi University campus.
In the past, Hindu nationalists have ransacked shops selling cards and harassed young lovers seen holding hands in public.
On Monday, the protesters dispersed after chanting slogans.
Jai Bhagwan Goyal, New Delhi chief of the Bombay-based Shiv Sena, said multinational companies were promoting Valentine's Day to earn money through the sale of cards and posters.
"This is against Hindu culture and corrupts India's youth," he said.
The protest didn't have any impact on the university campus, as young students continued to move around exchanging flowers and cards.
The Shiv Sena organizes protests every year on Feb. 14 to demand a ban on Valentine's Day celebrations, but gets little response from the government.
Shiv Sena wants India to be a Hindu nation, rather than a secular, multi-religious one.
Valentine's Day has gained popularity in India despite being a cultural flashpoint. Conservative traditions have been buffeted by growing permissiveness among high school and colleges students and young adults.
Hindu Hardliners Burn Valentine Cards
Mon Feb 14, 5:50 AM ET
NEW DELHI, India - Nearly 50 Hindu hardliners burned Valentine's Day (news - web sites) cards and posters in the Indian capital on Monday, protesting the international day of love that they say imposes Western values on India's youth.
Reuters Photo
There was no violence as policemen cordoned off the area and prevented the Shiv Sena activists from marching through the sprawling Delhi University campus.
In the past, Hindu nationalists have ransacked shops selling cards and harassed young lovers seen holding hands in public.
On Monday, the protesters dispersed after chanting slogans.
Jai Bhagwan Goyal, New Delhi chief of the Bombay-based Shiv Sena, said multinational companies were promoting Valentine's Day to earn money through the sale of cards and posters.
"This is against Hindu culture and corrupts India's youth," he said.
The protest didn't have any impact on the university campus, as young students continued to move around exchanging flowers and cards.
The Shiv Sena organizes protests every year on Feb. 14 to demand a ban on Valentine's Day celebrations, but gets little response from the government.
Shiv Sena wants India to be a Hindu nation, rather than a secular, multi-religious one.
Valentine's Day has gained popularity in India despite being a cultural flashpoint. Conservative traditions have been buffeted by growing permissiveness among high school and colleges students and young adults.
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