Over 40,000 attend Hindu Samajotsava

MANGALORE: The Hindu Samajotsava, a mammoth campaign to strengthen the Hindu religion and culture, attended by over 40,000 people, was organized by the Hindu Dharma Raksha Vedike here on Sunday.
Delivering the keynote address, Surendra Kumar Jain, secretary, central committee of the Vishwa Hindu Parishat, condemned the appeasement policies of political parties.
He said Mangalore had sent a strong message against conversion activities and denigration of Hindu religion and culture by other religious groups.
He also alleged that the previous state government was providing Haj subsidy to pilgrims using temple funds. "VHP would demand a comprehensive probe in this regard," he added.
Sri Gurudevananda Swami of Odiyoor Mutt stressed the need for creating awareness against conversion and terrorism, which were main cause for unrest in the country.
Presiding over the programme, Vedike honorary president Pejavar Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Teertha called to put an end to conversion activities that are a threat to the national integrity. "Hindus should also shun evil practices of social discrimination and untouchability.'' He urged the government to give facilities like reservation only to dalits.