Mangaluru, Jan 29, 2015: A Bruhat Hindu Samajotsava will be organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on March 1, to commemorate the silver jubilee of the VHP.
This was informed to reporters here by Ganesh Rao, Founder Chairman of Karavali Group of Colleges. The most interesting aspect of all is the information provided by Rao that Vijaynath Vittal Shetty, an entrepreneur will preside over the Hindu Sangama. The point to be noted here is that Shetty is a Congressman.
Rao said the Samajotsava will commence with a procession from Dr Ambedkar Circle to Nehru Maidan at 2.30 pm.
He said the VHP expects the participation of nearly 2 lakh people for the Samajotsava and added that Sadhwi Balika Saraswati Mishra will be the key note speaker at the event which will also be attended by several seers and priests.
“Will participate in any Hindu programme”: Vijaynath Vittal Shetty who was also present, said he agreed to preside over the event when VHP leaders requested him mainly because he respected Hinduism. He also stated that he was proud to be part of the event. “I am first a Hindu and then a Cognressman,” he asserted. “ The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is striving towards protecting Hinduism and as a Hindu I will support the cause,”Shetty further added.
To a question if he would participate in a programme organised by the Bharatiya Hindu Parishad launched in Puttur, Shetty said he was ready to participate in any Hindu programme.
On his joining the Congress a couple of years ago, Shetty said he joined the Congress as it was the first party which invited him.
MB Puranik, senior VHP leader said the Samajotsav was organised to unite Hindus and also to promote the culture and heritage of the nation. He also made it a point when he said people of all caste and creed can be part of this event.
He further made it clear that the Samajotsav is not organised to hurt the religious sentiments of others.