Organisation’s Symbol of Banyan Tree Represents Worldwide Reach, Says Arun Singh
Key Points:
- VHP celebrates 62nd foundation day in Jugsalai, Jamshedpur
- Kirti Gaurav calls for unity and end to religious conversion
- VHP was founded in 1964 at Mumbai’s Sandipani Ashram
JAMSHEDPUR – Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Singhbhum department minister Arun Singh described the organisation as a worldwide body during a foundation day event on Sunday.
Speaking at the programme in Jugsalai, Singh said VHP’s symbol is a massive banyan tree. Its branches, he said, spread in all four directions, much like the organisation’s global work.
“Dharmo rakshati rakshitah,” Singh said, quoting the principle that dharma protects those who protect it. He added that Lord Krishna had once taken up the Sudarshan Chakra for the same purpose.
According to Singh, the then government adopted policies of appeasement after independence. He said this concern led the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to establish VHP in 1964.
The organisation was founded at Sandipani Ashram in Mumbai. Singh noted that the date coincided with the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.
Meanwhile, VHP Jharkhand’s Durga Vahini coordinator, Kirti Gaurav, was the event’s main speaker. She said VHP’s 62nd foundation day is being observed at multiple locations across every district of Jharkhand.
Gaurav said the organisation’s core objective is to unite Hindu society. She added that all Hindus are brothers and that none among them is inferior.
A resolution was taken during the event affirming that all Hindus are one. Gaurav compared this to how Hanuman needed reminding of his own strength.
“An organised society can accomplish even the most difficult tasks,” Gaurav said, drawing the comparison. She said Hindu society similarly needs to be reminded of its collective power.
She further said conversions are currently taking place among Hindus. Communities that society labels as “untouchable,” she said, are leaving their religion as a result.
Gaurav said social harmony is essential to prevent this trend. She noted that Sanatan Dharma was once followed across the world.
However, she said only India now remains predominantly Sanatan due to widespread conversions elsewhere. She also said casteism has been used to divide Hindu society internally.
According to Gaurav, VHP’s task is to awaken Hindus against such divisions. She said the organisation aims to stop the atrocities and conversions occurring around it.
She added that this goal can only be achieved by working directly within communities. Gaurav also invoked the example of Lord Ram, who united all beings of nature to defeat Ravana.
In the same way, she said, Hindu society must bring together people from all sections. Only then, she added, can Hindu and Sanatan traditions be preserved.
The programme was attended by VHP Jamshedpur Mahanagar district president Ajay Gupta and district minister Chandrika Bhagat. Matrishakti Jamshedpur Mahanagar chief M. Bhawani and other respected members of society were also present.
The event in Jugsalai adds to a series of religious and community gatherings recently held across Jamshedpur. Similar large-scale devotional events have drawn crowds in the city, including preparations for the Janmashtami festival at Suryadham. Community organisations elsewhere in the city have also held felicitation and awareness programmes, such as a recent teachers’ honour event and an anniversary school event in Golmuri. Separately, cultural gatherings have continued across the city, including celebrations at the Kerala Samajam Onam festival.
