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Udupi : The three day historic Dharma  Sansad organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad was inaugurated with thousands of Hindu religious leaders at Royal Garden here on Friday, 24^th November, 2017.

In his inaugural address, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of Siddaganga Muth, Tumkur said that we have assembled here on a historic event and time, where the issues pertaining to the world’s most profound religion Hinduism – are discussed, debated and contemplated by those who have dedicated their lives for it. The world would be looking at the outcome of this event, as it would define the future course of humanity and its existence. It is heartening that the VHP has been organizing this event for several decades and this year it is being held in Udupi during the historic fifth Paryaya of Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swami of Pajawar Mutt. It is a coincidence for us as our predecessor Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rejendra Maha Swamiji took part in Dharma Samsad in 1985 during the one of the paryayas of Vishwesha Theetha Swamiji. It is yet another coincidence that Padmabhushan Dr. Veerendra Heggade was instrumental in the success of 1985 Dharma Samsad and he equally instrumental in the success of 2017 Dharma Samsad.

It is needless to emphasize the uniqueness of Hinduism in confronting today’s global crises. India is a land of religions, cradle of human race, birthplace of human speech, grandmother of legend, great grandmother of tradition. The land that all men desire to see and having seen once even by a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the globe combined. She had the first civilization, she had the first accumulation of material wealth, she was populous with deep thinkers and subtle intellects, she had mines, and woods, and a fruitful soul. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India.

India has given birth to a galaxy of saints and philosophers who in their unique way, have enunciated in simplest forms the profound truth of Hindu Philosophy. The wisdom lying hidden in the scriptures finds expression through many saints in many languages covering different regions. Such saint philosophers are found in every age and region.

He said what religion is that which has no compassion. Compassion is required for all the living creatures. Compassion is ultimately the basis of religion. God will not approve it its not so.

Today, societies across the globe are facing unprecedented crisis and hatred, with piled up nuclear weapons. Besides, accumulation of wealth, advanced technology, religious intolerance, environment degradation and erosion of human values have made human existence critical. The irony is that the religion which should have been the panacea for all the ails of human society itself has become the source of all problems. The values societies built and cherished over centuries are crumbling down on their own weight. At this juncture the Dharma Samsad is discussing very pertinent questions which are causing concern for the future of Hinduism, such as untouchability, casteism, forcible conversion, cow protection and counstruction of Rama Mandir in a peaceful atmosphere.

He said multiplicity of the problems faced today by Hinduism requires a realistic approach with little soul searching and self introspection. Religion ceases to progress when unity is reached, said Vivekananda and went further to say the Hindu must not give up his religion, but must keep religion within its proper limits and give freedom to society to grow.

Today, the Dharma Samsad has to initiate a process of reclaiming the past glory of Hinduism that gave the ideals. With plenty of hollow ideologies, and misinterpretation of Indian values, the young minds are being misdirected through social and other media. We feel that the Samsad must make efforts towards achieving certain goals. The innumerable religious sects must sink their differences and come together for purposes of unity, yet retaining their individual identity. Casteism has eroded the vitals of Hindu religion. Immediate action from all fronts is required to negate this, ensuring the inclusion of the untouchables, within its brotherly fold. Corruption in all its forms must be met with zero toklerance. The status of women needs to be improved, their safety and honour unscathed. The most dangerous threat is from some pseudo-religious groups, who in the name of Hinduism, indulge in lumpen activities and cause irreparable damage to the relgion; such as cow vigilantes, moral policing, heralding pseudo-sanyasis etc., shall not be tolerated.

The Samsad has to aim at realizing the ideals of Mahatma Gandhiji that there is no higher goal than the search of truth. The search for truth, it its pristine purity, as ordained in our ancient scripts and needs to be put into practice.

The venerable saints, sanths, reformers, religious leaders and swamijis from different parts of the country are here not only to deliberate on these crucial issues facing Hindu Society today, but also to find concrete solutions for them.

The experience and knowledge of Sri Mohan Bhagavathji would certainly provide a definite direction for the Samsad in its future course of action. The ambience and atmosphere here are truly charged with devotion and spirituality. The participants evoke deep respect for their eagerness to sacrifice anything for protecting Hinduism. We are enormously pleased to be part of this unique event. Our prayers and good wishes will always be with the organization, he said.

Nirmalandanth Swami of Adichunchagiri Mutt released the souvenir Paatheya written by Sandhya Pai. Earlier Dr. Veerendra Heggde working president of Dharma Samsad Reception Committee welcomed the gatherings.

Pravin Bhai Togadia, Working President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad said in his keynote address said that every individual is divine. The one who untouchability also being a precious divine. The secular Constitution cannot be a Hinduism. The people of India to follow the national constitution and practice secularism. The true secularism as preached is not being practiced. Temples and Mutts should not be managed by the government which is now going totally unconstitutional.

The Cows support agriculture as their dung can be used as fertilizer and products obtained from it are use for people. Agriculture based on cattle and I do not know why cows are being slaughtered.

Today there is no Ram Mandir for us at Sri Ram’s birthplace at Ayoudya. We need to construct Sri Ram temple at Ayoudya. Under the leadership of Pejawar Mutt, we will complete the temple at Ayoudya.

The Hindu families should educate their children, so that the hunger to be driven away from India. Poor families should be struggling for good. There should be Ram Rajya an India free of any debt.

In his presiding over address, Pejawar Mutt Swamiji Sri Vishwesha Theertha said that the work on Ram Mandir will begin within a year and should be completed by 2019. After the upcoming Paryaya, I will relentless towards this goal and will not be at peace till until the goal has been achieved.

 The effort of Dharm Samsad is not only for the purpose of religion but it is an effort to make the Hinduism stronger. We need  to get rid of untouchability and discrimination. We should also give respect to other castes and creeds like Dalits. All religions are equal in sense of God. Lingayats and Veerashiavas are part of the Hindu Community, Hindu religion has many faces, but one heart.

The government created the majority and minority in religions. Likewise minorities, majorities Hindus should get the benefits from the government. It is government made divide in the society. As on the anti cow slaughter debate, he said that every state should get united against the cow slaughtering in India, then no problems arises in the country.

Prior to the inauguration of the Dharm Samsad, the procession of all saints and sadhus held from the Rajangana to the Royal garden near Kalsanka. More than 2000 saints, Mutt heads, VHP leaders were participated in the Samsad. Prof M.B. Puranik and other office bearers of VHP were present on the dais.