WORLD HINDU CONFERENCE II 1979
(WHC – II)
This Sammelan was consummated by the Vishva Hindu Parishad on the confluence of Ganga, the symbol of Karma (action), Yamuna, the epitome of Utsaha (enthusiasm) and Saraswati the sign of Buddhi-Vivek (knowledge and discretion) in the specially erected Maharshi Vedavyas Mahanagar at Prayag on 25, 26 and 27 January 1979.
A mammoth congregation was organised as Vishwa Sanskrit Sammelan as a part of centenary celebrations of Shri. Mother (of Pondecherry) on 24 January 1979 under the auspices of the Vishva Hindu Parishad only.
Representation
More than one lakh delegates both from Bharat and foreign countries participated in these Sammelans. Over three lakh people heard and witnessed various sessions and programmes arranged by the Parishad on these occasions.
Residential accommodation for more than 50,000 delegates attending the Sammelan was provided on the spot of the Sammelan.19 tent townships were erected on the sprawling area of about 120 acres of land. Every township provided accommodation for about 3,000 delegates. Every township was allotted to different provinces and was named after noted saints and great personalities of those provinces. Each township was decorated according to the taste and traditional style of the respective province. The entire campus was named as
Vedvyas Mahanagar.
In all 18 countries were represented in this Sammelan. This mammoth Sammelan was an amazing event, not only for the residents of Prayag, but also for the entire world. Although the Pandal was erected for one lakh delegates to sit at a time, but in actuality their number remained constantly more than one lakh. Pin-drop silence was the hallmark of the sessions; so much so, the outsiders never felt the presence of such a huge public gathering inside. That was known only when the entire pandal was reverberating with the sky-rending slogans like Omkar, Har Har Mahadeo or Vishwa ka Kalyan ho. etc.
It was indeed a Kumbh Parva by itself for the residents of Prayag, Prayag Mela administration and the bathing aspirants attending the Kumbh. This Sammelan kindled a sense of self-confidence among the workers of the Parishad that they can manage such a mammoth programme. It was in this Sammelan, that the Vishva Hindu Parishad earned the approbation as the real representative body of the entire Hindu society.
Buddhist countries of the world were specially contacted by giving them an important place in the entire scheme of things right from the inception of the Vishva Hindu Parishad; and more so while making preparations for this congregation. Shri. S. S. Apte had already discussed at great length with the Tibetan ruler and religious master Pujya Dalai Lama earlier, who was in total accord with the idea of formation of Vishva Hindu Parishad. Fortunately he was in the city of Dharmashala (in Bharat) itself during the days of this Sammelan. Hence he was requested to inaugurate this Second Vishwa Hindu Sammelan, which he readily agreed to with great delight.
Media
Special arrangements were made for journalists and media persons. A Patrakar Nagar was provided for them just close to the platform. Total number of the media persons was over 250 including those from the periodicals and journals of various Bharatiya Bhashas. The representatives of Akashwani, Doordarshan, Films Division and Public Instruction Department prepared their respective reports, which were duly relayed for the public viewing later.
Inauguration
After inaugurating the Sammelan H. E. Dalai Lama in his address said, Some one may feel my presence in this Sammelan awkward. But when seen liberally, it is not impertinence. Because, the Hindus and adherents of all those Bharat-originated religions are participating in this Sammelan. The Buddhism evolved in Tibet is, in fact, a Bharatiya religion originally propounded by Lord Buddha himself. It could not remain secure in the land of its birth. We have not only kept it secure till today, but developed it further. After having a discussions with the intellectuals of Bharat, I felt that there is no difference, whatsoever, between them and us either on the basis of philosophy or practice. The entire treasure accumulated with us for past millenia originally belongs to Bharat only. The principal aim of all religions is to rid the living beings from their grief, misery and sorrow. Their paths may be different; but their goal is to bestow peace and happiness upon all. Hence, if all adherents of Bharat-based religions come together with the aspiration for working to attain happiness and welfare of all; then it is absolutely relevant and necessary too. Thats why I heartily feel a sense of delight while participating in this Sammelan.
This Vishwa Hindu Sammelan is a historic event by itself. The significance of this step would further enhance, if a bold step is taken to remove all the irrelevancies that have crept into all the Bharat-based religions; when all the adherents of religions would organise on the basis of mutual good-will; and pave the way of peace and happiness for all the beings by repelling the sorrows like world-gripping fear, inequality, slavery and exploitation etc. I pray the Triratnas for the success of this cause
After the inaugural address by H. E. Dalai Lama, Shri. Raghavlal, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Prayag released the specially printed postal cover on the occasion of this Sammelan.
Blessings by the Dharmacharyas
After the release of the special postal cover, the Dharmacharyas blessed the Sammelan. While blessing the delegates present in the Sammelan, Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Badrikashram Shri. Shantanand Maharaj said that the main aim of the Vishva Hindu Parishad has been consolidation of all Hindus. Organising the Hindus is the call of the time. Hindu Sammelan is an important step in the right direction. There are four goals before us viz. protection of Hindu, Hindi, Sanskriti and Gow-Mata. These are our four basic pillars. If we are organised to protect these four articls of Hindu honour, needless to say that Hindutva of the Hindus would remain unaffected for ever. By wishing all success for the Sammelan, he said that there should be mutual contacts between the Hindus in Bharat and Hindus living in foreign countries. Let them wake up and say, We are Hindus. We belong to Bharat. Thereafter Madhwa Jagadguru Swami Vishveshtirth Maharaj (Udupi), Jagadguru Prathamesh Ranchhodacharya Maharaj (Mumbai), Shri. Ramanandacharya Shivaramacharya (Varanasi), Shri. Ramanand Deo Goswami (Assam) and Pujya Devraha Baba also blessed the Sammelan.
After the blessings by Dharmacharyas, the messages of greetings wishing all success for the Sammelan received from within Bharat and without were read aloud to the delegates. In his greeting message, the Prime Minister Shri. Moraraji Desai said, The customs and traditions of the Hindu religion, that are against equality and justice should be eradicated at the earliest possible; so that mutual goodwill and brotherhood could be established in the society. Let us treat the entire humanity as one family and be partners in the happiness and sorrow of each other.
In his message sent to the Sammelan, the Defence Minister Shri. Jagjivan Ram said, I am Hindu by birth; and I am proud of it. Hindu Dharma does not consider other religions as inferior to it. It believes in Secularism i.e. equal respect for all the religions.
In his greeting message Nepal Naresh Vir Virendra Vikram Shah had said, The second Vishwa Hindu Sammelan should usher in a spiritual awakening for happiness and peace of entire mankind.
The message by the Prime Minister of Mauritius Shivsagar Ramagulam said, The Hindu society living outside Bharat shall always be expecting dynamic guidance from Bharat and Bharat alone for their social recognitions, religious faith and cultural commitments.
Mahant Avaidyanath had said, An international organisation of Hindu community is an imperative necessity of the time today. And I am confident that this Sammelan would accomplish this sacred cause.
Acharya Shri Tulasi in his message said, Consolidation of various streams of Hindu culture is the absolute need of the day.
After completion of reading the greeting messages, the former General Secretary of the VHP Shri. Shankar Shivaram (Dadasaheb) Apte, who had dedicated whole of his life for the Parishad work, came to the dias and proclaimed Now the work of the Parishad has become world-wide. Delegates from London to Shrilanka have come here. Dadasaheb further declared, There was no danger to Hindu Dharma any longer. It is time for others to be worried about their own dangers.
Thereafter the then General Secretary Shri. Degwekar gave information about the activities and work done in the last 12 years by the VHP. He also declared a 16-point programme to achieve the goal.
There were in all 6 sessions in this Sammelan. Thirteen resolutions were passed regarding the topics like eradication of castism and untouchability, protection of the Mutt-Mandirs, protection of cow and its progeny, awakening of Mother Power, protection of the interests of the Hindus in such areas where they have gone in minority etc. Speaker after speakers presented his inspiring and stirring thoughts before the mammoth gathering choked with emotions and feelings on protection, conservation and glory of Hindu culture. The Adhishthatas, Prerakas, Acharyas, Jagadgurus, Mahamandaleshwar etc. of various creeds-sects of Hindu Dharma really enhanced the sheen of this Sammelan by their benign presence; blessed the delegates and resolved to devote all their energies for consolidation of Hindu society.
Different Sammelans
Several Upa-Sammelans were also arranged within the ambit of the Sammelan like Vishwa Sanskrit Sammelan (24 January); Matru Sammelan (26 January, during day time); Sant Sammelan (26 January, during night); Non-Resident Hindus Sammelan (27 January). During the course of this Sammelan, NRH students studying in various Bharatiya Universities founded an organisation named Overseas Students Council under the patronage of Vishva Hindu Parishad.
Minimum Code of Religious Conduct
On 27 January, Shri. Shantibhai Somayya presented the following plan of minimum Code of Religious Coduct before the international Hindu community :
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The Sun is the eternal god. Do him Vandan every day.
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OM is a universally accepted symbol of divinity. Hence all the Hindus should wear a signia of OM around their neck. Say OM prior to any kind of work e.g. write it on book, note-book,diary, vehicle etc.
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Shrimad Bhagavadgita is a non-sectarian scripture of the Hindu society. It contains the essence of Hindu Philosophy of life. Hence every Hindu family must keep a copy of Gita in their home.
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A picture or symbol of ones Ishta Devata (personal god) must be kept in every Hindu family and to the extent possible recite prayers every day.
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Tulsi is a well-known medicinal plant. Hence every Hindu Home must have a Tulsi plant as a symbol of purity and sanctity.
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As far as possible regularly attend the Dharma Kendra (centre of our faith) with enthusiasm for Darshan and prayers.
Concluding Session
Pujya Prabhudatt Brahmachari came to dias to bless the last session of the Sammelan. He glanced everywhere and with the throat chocked with emotions said, On the occasion of the last Kumbh, Vishva Hindu Parishad had organised a similar massive Sammelan. In comparison with that Sammelan, we have one glaring shortage this time, that is Shri Guruji is not amidst us today. Everybody knows and knows it well that the todays mammoth form of the Parishad by bringing all the Sants, Mahatmas, Acharyas and thinkers of all the creeds-sects together is the result of the inspiration and untiring efforts of Guruji only. On listening to the most touching speech of the Brahmachari, the hearts of all the listeners were filled with emotions and their eyes with unceasing tears. Everyone in the audience paid a silent tribute to the memories of Shri. Guruji.
While delivering his concluding lecture in the valedictory function after completion various programmes between 25-27 January 1979, the then President of the VHP Shri. Bhagwat Sing of Mewad, who was also presiding over the Second Vishwa Hindu Sammelan said in his lecture that he was having a virtual Darshan of Almighty and experiencing the presence of divine power in the Sammelan. What else could be said other than the very form and presence of the divine presence from the way the Sammelan got through all its diurnals with its minutest details peacefully, smoothly and successfully without any problems and obstacles? Not a single police-man was there to look after any matters pertaining to the smooth and orderly conduction of this Sammelan and its sprawling Mahanagar. He further said that they all had a realisation of their actual strength and power; a sense of awakening and got a direction through the thoughts expressed, lectures delivered and resolutions passed here. But this Sammelan could not be considered as really successful until and unless these benefits get stabilised and the work does not progress further.
After the successful accomplishment of various programmes from 25-27 January 1979, while delivering his concluding speech, the President of the VHP Shri. Bhagwat Sing of Mewad, who was presiding over the Vishwa Hindu Sammelan, said, I am envisioning the actual morph of the Almighty Lord and his divine powers in this Sammelan. What else should I say, if not call it as the very incarnation of the Almighty Lord and a form of His own power while describing the entire gamut of these programmes that went on here for the last three days with such a peace, equi-poise of mind, civilisised way and order in a perfectly natural fashion, without any type of inhibitions or hindrances? I have not seen a single police-man anywhere near here to take off this Mahanagar. We have realised our own inner strength, secured knowledge and wisdom and got a definite direction through the thoughts, addresses, speeches and resolutions presented by various Acharyas, Sants, thinkers and the delegates. But it could not be treated as successful till such time as this does not get consolidated further and expand all over.