Do so-called progressives have right to accept ‘live’ idols as donations ? : Ramesh Shinde

Press conference held by HJS at Kolhapur in the background of Shri Ganesh Chaturthi

Kolhapur : Indian culture and law considers worshipped idol as ‘live’; therefore, at any Devasthan shrine, trustees carry out activities on behalf of that Deity. Do progressive activists have right to accept such ‘live’ idols as donations ? Hindus are so sentimental about such ‘live’ and worshipped idols of Shri Ganesh but such idols are thrown in garbage vans by environmentalists and others. It is hurting religious sentiments of Hindus. Pollution taking place through Shri Ganesh idols is negligible. Drives like donation of idols are undertaken only to deprive Hindus from getting joy out of celebration of their religious festivals and it should be stopped, was the frank opinion expressed by Shri. Ramesh Shinde, national spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) during press conference held at Shahu Smarak.

Shri. Sambhaji Bhokare, Dy. District Chief of Shiv Sena, Shri. Ranajit Ayarekar, District-Coordinator of Yuva Sena, Shri. Shivajirao Sase of ‘Hindu Ekata Andolan’, advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, national President of ‘Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad’ and Shri. Kiran Duse of HJS were present on the occasion.

Other points presented by Shri. Ramesh Shinde

1. On one hand, progressive factions do not believe in existence of God but on the other hand, they ask for His donation, is it not their two-faced hypocrisy ?

2. Pollution caused due to ‘Ganeshotsava’ is not even 1 %; still fear is created amongst people in the name of pollution and their joy in celebrating festivals is taken away.

3.In Mumbai alone, 30 lakh litres of water gets contaminated at Deonar slaughter-house on the day of Bakri Eid; so how much contaminated water must be created all over Maharashtra ? Nobody, however, says anything about the same and talks only about pollution created at the time of Ganesh festival. It is wrong. Recently, Mumbai High Court passed a verdict on illegal loudspeakers fitted on mosques. Who is going to take action on that order ? How many notices have so far been issued by police department to mosques which have illegal loudspeakers ?

4. Basically, all Hindus’ festivals are complementary to environment. We treat nature as God; therefore, we worship even sea. In fact, Hindus are more alert towards not creating pollution of any kind.

Advocate Virendra Ichalkaranjikar said

1. Alibaug Town Council has realized the truth in HJS appeal and this year, decided to cancel erection of artificial water tanks and immerse idols in natural water sources. If Alibaug Town Council can do it, why can’t Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) take such decision ?

2. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued notice to KMC on number of occasions for not processing sewage water. Bank guarantee of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakhs of KMC was withdrawn and further, power supply of KMC was disconnected twice. There are 3 criminal cases filed against the then Commissioner of KMC, water-engineer responsible for pollution of water of River Panchganga. Why are these things being ignored ?

3. An average Hindu is a tolerant person is the reason for such things to happen. It is therefore, necessary to stop drives like donation of idols which are against Hindus’ religious traditions.

Where are these environmentalists at the time of festivals of non-Hindus ? – Ramesh Shinde

A reporter asked Shri. Ramesh Shinde that what HJS did to prevent pollution throughout the year. Shri. Shinde informed that HJS has been undertaking drive to protect Khadakvasala water reservoir at Pune for past several years. We are working to prevent pollution caused due to bursting of crackers. HJS works not only for one day but throughout the year to prevent pollution; whereas the so-called environmentalists and progressive people become active only when Hindus’ religious festivals approach. Where do they vanish when festivals are celebrated by non-Hindus ?