News floating around about the Vishwa Hindu Parishad planning a massive outreach program before the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has been denied by the body. Instead, the VHP has undertaken a resolution to strengthen the family structure.
Some media outlets have falsely reported that a ‘Shaurya Yatra’ (loosely a procession of valour) shall be undertaken between September 30th and October 14th, with deepotsavs being held at various places around the country to encourage people to have a darshan of Ram Lalla.
Though there will be a yatra on the specified dates, it will not be for the purpose mentioned. Instead, it will be a nationwide awareness campaign against religious conversion and love jihad.
Sharad Sharma, VHP spokesperson said, “The decision was taken at a meeting of 237 representatives of the parishad. It was a unanimous decision that there was an all-round attack on the Hindu family structure”.
The yatra will be organized by the Bajrang Dal, with a special focus on connecting with the youth.
According to the proposal agreed upon at the above-mentioned meeting (which took place in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on June 25), a lack of values in children and a growing distance between the old and the new generation were the main reasons for the breakdown in the family structure”.
The VHP has also decided to urge the government to keep the above factors in mind while formulating the education policy and the Uniform Civil Code.
The VHP’s call for action reads, ‘The greatest attack on the family structure seems to be happening from the entertainment industry….films, web series, various serials…are glorifying self-centered liberty and mocking the family system’. It also blames advertisements which show disrespect to culture, values and traditions and blames it on an ‘international conspiracy’.
It also contains an appeal to the entertainment industry to produce such content which strengthens society and families. An appeal is also made to the judiciary to keep in mind such values in its judgments and observations.
An important component of the campaign will be to organize such activities which shall enable the participation of all family members and thus bring them together.