ERODE, INDIA, March 20, 2006: The fifth State Hindu Resurgence Conference organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Grama Koil Poojarigal Peravai has rejected varnashrama (system of four castes) and sought an end to the practice of untouchability. Addressing the conference at the CNC College grounds on Sunday, VHP international president Ashok Singhal said untouchability had no sanction in the Vedas and dharma sasthras. Ancient history and mythology had no record on it. Alien aggressions could have led to the practice. He also called upon the heads of mutts (ashrams and theological centers) to give manthra deeksha (mantra initiation) to all without discrimination. Mr. Singhal said the VHP was outrightly rejecting varnashrama dharma, supposedly written in Manusmrithi, in the interest of consolidating Hindu unity to fight conversions and “Jehadi” terror.
Expressing concern over the living conditions of grama temple pujaris, a resolution passed urged the State to give them US$22.72 a month. The families should continue to receive it after the pujaris’ death. It sought free power supply to rural temples. The State government should ensure financial assistance for temple festivals and at least one puja, worship service, daily.
The resolution included a “Hindu Agenda” in the form of an appeal to political parties. It sought exemption for temple land from all land reforms legislation, a statutory autonomous board and a State dharmic council for “better” administration of temples. It sought a ban on conversions and cow slaughter and decried demands for reservation to minorities (that is, extending affirmative action programs for Hindu untouchables and tribals to Christians and Muslims). It sought an end to discrimination on legal and constitutional lines in favor of minority institutions. It urged the Centre (India’s federal government) to facilitate reconstruction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya and the State (of Tamil Nadu) to withdraw all cases against the Kanchi Sankaracharya.
Expressing concern at the “declining Hindu population, which was growing at 22 per cent as against the growth of minority population at 35 per cent,” it urged the Centre to bring in a uniform civil code by implementing the directive principle under Article 44 of India’s Constitution.