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People in large number wearing saffron walked through the avenues of Udupi from Jodukatte to the venue of Dharma Sansad. Ladies dwarfed men in the parade. The parade included tableaux portraying the nation’s custom and way of life.
The Virat Hindu Samajotsava marks the climax of the three-day Dharma Sansad.
Addressing the gathering, VHP International working president Pravin Togadia alluded to the Mumbai 26/11 attack that occurred nine years ago, and said that while Kasab who was associated with the assaults was hanged, his ‘father’ (Hafiz Saeed) still roams freely in Pakistan. He recalled the brave police officer like Tukaram, who sacrificed their lives fighting against terrorists.
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“There is an idol of Lord Rama in Ramjanmabhoomi. Does anyone has the power or guts to remove that idol or build anything other than temple there?” he asked, to which the crowd responded with a loud ‘no!’
“Hindu Samaj used to live with unity and dignity, but then over the years it decreased. One crore Hindus have no place to live. Crores of youths in the nation are unemployed, lacs of farmers are committing suicide as they are unable to pay back loans. Farmers are not asking for money, but what they deserve for their hardwork.
“We want Ram Mandir and Ram Rajya,” he declared.
He called upon the people to build a nation where Hindu youths have jobs, farmers are free of loans and a nation free of untouchability. He also spoke of the Parivar Mitra plan where every Hindu of upper caste will make friendship with a person from a schedule caste.
He asked the crowd to take a pledge to become a true, enlightened, active and devout Hindu.
Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji in his address spoke about the importance of harmony and peace in society and said, “Sri Krishna’s message was that one does not become great because of caste or creed, but through devotion and righteous character. India shoud become an untouchability-free nation where everyone is treated equally.
“I initiated a movement to end untouchability and it has now spread everywhere. Every individual’s mantra should be to live with harmony and foster equality. Being born as Hindus on this soil, we should respond to another person’s woes,” he added.
Seeking to clarify his earlier comment on the Constitution which led to protests, he said, “The privilege availbale for minorities should be accessible to the majority to. I do not say we should end reservation, but some people have twisted my words out of context. Some of the educational facilities available for minorities are deprived to Dalits. The government should ensure that Dalits too have access to them. That is why I said the Constitution should be amended, but only if Dalits and minorities are in agreement of the amendment and get equal privileges.”
He said that just as churches and mosques have freedom, the government should give keep away from controlling temples and mutts.
He also questioned CM Siddaramaiah on the delay in passing anti-cow slaughter bill. “If the CM is a follower of Basavanna, he should pass the bill without any delay,” he said.
“I will not have peace till Ram Mandir is built. Within one year we will start the construction and by 2019 it should be ready,” he said.