Hindu spiritual leaders from across India gathered at a religious congregation in Ahmedabad and made several demands, including the government’s withdrawal from managing Hindu temples and the implementation of a mandatory ethical code. The event was attended by Union Minister for Home and Co-operation Amit Shah and RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.
The leaders discussed challenges facing the Hindu community, including the spread of distorted information about Sanatan Dharma through social media, OTT platforms, and films, which they believe leads to crimes against women. They emphasized the need to educate the youth about the true meaning and practices of Sanatana Dharma. They also called for money from Hindu temples to be used exclusively for Hindu causes.
The congregation expressed concern about the government’s takeover of ancient temples with significant properties, which they believe are being misused. They want the government to relinquish control and allow communities to manage them, as has been done for centuries.
They also highlighted the gradual erosion of fundamental rights under the Constitution and the extension of similar rights to minorities, specifically for establishing and managing charitable and educational institutions.
The Hindu leaders urged the government to expedite the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and claimed that only Hindu social practices have been reformed and codified under laws, with punishment under the IPC. They believe that allowing discriminatory laws among different communities is anti-constitution and anti-woman’s rights.
The congregation recommended educating parents to provide quality time for their children and restrict their screen time. Over 65 heads of religious sects more than 200 years old attended the biennial event, which concluded on Monday. The Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, established in 2002, is the apex body to voice the concerns of Hindus and provide leadership to Hindus worldwide. Swami Paramatmananda Saraswati is the managing trustee of the sabha.
