Ashwin Shuddha Dwitiya, Kaliyug Varsha 5112
Question: The condition prevailing in Maharashtra as regards the temples is not similar to Goa. Few Christians also visit temples in Goa; therefore, money collected in temples should be used for only Hindus sounds wrong. The State Government of Goa has erected pandals for temples under its rural development program. Once money is donated to God, we have no say in the matter. What does HJS feel about it?
Answer:
1. When our Government claims that it is secular, all religions should be treated equally by the Government; but it is a fact that the money donated by devotees in temples taken over by the Government, is used for Christians and Muslims rather than Hindus.
2. If the Government takes over management of Hindu temples and distributes that money to Christians and Muslims, why can it not take over management of churches and mosques and give that money to Hindus?
3. Muslims are extended grants of millions of rupees for their Haj pilgrimage. Why then tax is levied on the tickets purchased by Hindus for going on Amarnath pilgrimage?
4. As per the recommendations of Sachhar Committee, Muslims are extended facilities of the best quality. The recommendations of the Committee are implemented keeping Hindus in dark about squandering money to provide facilities to Muslims. If the Government is secular, why it is not extending similar facilities to all?
5. Even if the Government has built pandals for few temples, it does not grant persmission to use them for activities of ‘Dharmajagruti’. HJS had organized ‘Dharmajagruti Sabha’ in a pandal in a temple in Kankon. On the day of the ‘sabha’ the Government did not allow holding of the ‘sabha’ under the excuse that it was built under Government Scheme. Today, Hindus are prohibited from holding meetings in Hindu temples. Is this secularism? Will the Government think about doing such things in respect of other religions?
6. Only Hindus call themselves secular; therefore, their condition has become pitiable. HJS is not against any other religions. We respect all religions; but we firmly believe that the money donated by Hindus with so much of devotion in the temples, should be used for Hindus. Hindus must get their rights and HJS is engaged in acquiring such rights for Hindus and will continue to do so.
