PNS | Vijayawada
Milind Parande, secretary general of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), has shared updates on the construction of the Ayodhya Temple, stating that it is progressing rapidly. He announced that the consecration of the sacred Bala Ram idols is scheduled to take place during Makar Sankranti in 2024, marking a significant event for Hindus worldwide.
During a press conference held in Vijayawada on Tuesday, Parande, a prominent VHP leader, also unveiled plans for the nationwide Bajrangdal Sourya Jagaran Yatra. This ambitious initiative will cover 80% of villages in Andhra Pradesh, he revealed. In addition, Parande highlighted the VHP’s intention to commemorate its 60th anniversary with numerous programmes throughout the country.
“Our programmes are designed to strengthen the organisation. We aim to increase the number of committees from 60,000 to 100,000 and boost membership from 7.2 million to 10 million. In Andhra Pradesh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad has been actively involved in 27 service activities for 40 years in Dalit and Girijan areas. Currently, our schools in Andhra Pradesh have 950 students, with 520 residing in our hostels, a number we plan to double in the near future,” he stated.
Parande also emphasised that the dharmakaya would embark on a nationwide tour to raise awareness about Hindu Jagaran, combat religious conversions, promote Kutumba Prabodhan (family awakening), and advocate for equality. He expressed concerns about the large-scale religious conversions occurring in Andhra Pradesh and called upon the State government to urgently introduce an Anti-Conversion Bill to address this issue. Additionally, he urged the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to ensure the safety and uninterrupted ‘Darshan’ (worship) of Lord Venkateswara for devotees.
Regarding the governance of Hindu temples, Parande argued for their release from government control. He advocated for the proper utilisation of temple properties and income exclusively for the benefit of Hindus and the propagation of Hindu dharma. He insisted that jobs and shops within temples should be allocated exclusively to Hindus.
Furthermore, he accused the Andhra Pradesh government of appointing corrupt individuals and economic offenders to the TTD trust board. In response to comments made by Tamil Nadu Minister Udayanidhi, the son of CM Stalin, concerning Sanatana Dharma, Parande voiced vehement opposition and demanded an unconditional apology.
VHP members, including Y Raghavulu (VHP Central member), V Sri Venkateswarlu (State president), T Ravi Kumar (Secretary), V Durga Prasad Raju (treasurer), Sana Srinivas (Vijayawada Mahanagar president), and others were present.
