JAMMU, Jul 19: An important executive committee meeting of the Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha (SSDS) Jammu & Kashmir was held today at Geeta Bhawan, Parade, Jammu. The meeting was chaired by President of Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Shri Parshotam Dadhichi. The proceedings were conducted by Working President of Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha, Prabhat Singh Jamwal. RSS Prant Sanghchalak Dr. Gautam Mengi, Arun Gupta, Shakti Dutt Sharma, along with other executive committee members, were present on the occasion.
The meeting commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. This was followed by a condolence prayer for the departed souls of members’ family members who had recently passed away.
During the meeting, three distinguished personalities were also honoured for their outstanding and commendable contributions in different fields. Dr. Vikas Gupta, an orthopaedician by profession and an author, was honoured for his contribution to the medical and literary fields. Dr. Naseeb Singh Manhas, former Director of Doordarshan, was honoured for his efforts towards the promotion and preservation of the Dogri language. Keshav Chopra, social activist and Chairman of Samvedna Society, was honoured for his contribution to social service, organising free health camps and continuously working towards creating awareness against drug abuse. The executive committee appreciated their dedicated services and said that their contributions serve as an inspiration and are exemplary for society.
During the meeting, Parshotam Dadhichi reviewed the work carried out by the Sabha during the past three months, and a detailed strategy was chalked out for programmes and activities to be undertaken over the next three months. It was decided that a programme would be organised on July 23, on the anniversary of the ‘Bam-Bam Bhole’ Amarnath agitation, to pay tribute to those who were martyred during the agitation. Discussions were also held on the arrangements to observe August 5, the day of the foundation stone laying and Bhoomi Pujan of the Shri Ram Temple, in all temples with devotion and religious fervour. A strategy was also prepared for flag hoisting at Geeta Bhawan on Independence Day, August 15, and for taking out a grand tableau on the occasion of Janmashtami.
On the occasion, Shakti Dutt Sharma, while expressing his views, spoke in detail about the ‘Five Transformations’ and appealed to all Sanatanis to remain united and work together for strengthening Sanatan Dharma.
Expressing his views, Arun Gupta offered valuable suggestions for making the functioning and activities of the Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha more effective and better organised. He also called upon all Sanatanis to remain united and work collectively for the strengthening and interests of Sanatan Dharma.
During the executive committee meeting, the incident of theft of offerings at the Shri Ram Temple was termed extremely unfortunate. The committee welcomed the SIT investigation initiated by the government and demanded strict action against those found responsible.
The meeting also expressed concern over the alleged insult to Sanatan Dharma during the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. The executive committee stated that any insult to Sanatan Dharma is unacceptable and urged the Central Government to ensure strict action in such matters.
The executive committee strongly demanded that the government establish a strong and effective ‘Sanatan Dharma Board’ to safeguard the interests and rights of Sanatan Dharma. The committee said that such a board would provide an effective platform to represent the interests of religious places, institutions and the Sanatan community, while also protecting the rights and interests of Sanatan Dharma. The government should take immediate necessary steps in this direction and establish a Sanatan Dharma Board.
The issue of cow smuggling was also discussed in detail during the meeting. The executive committee urged the government to formulate strict laws to effectively curb cow smuggling. It also demanded restrictions on the transportation of milch animals from one place to another without proper permission or registration, along with strict action against those violating the law.
The executive committee appealed to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, to continue and further strengthen the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign, so that effective action and public awareness initiatives against drug abuse continue on a sustained basis.
On the occasion, Dr. Gautam Mengi said that Sanatan Dharma works to unite all Hindus. Society is divided on the basis of caste, community and various sects, but Sanatan Dharma provides a broad platform where all Hindus can come together. He said that the efforts of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to organise and unite society are continuing and will continue in the future as well.
Anil Mangotra, Dalip Gupta, Atma Ram Sagar, Anchal Sharma, Shilpi Verma, Anu Gupta, Anita Sharma, along with other dignitaries, were also present at the meeting.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha reiterated its commitment to continuously work towards strengthening religious and cultural values in society, connecting the youth with Sanatan culture, and increasing public awareness against social evils and drug abuse.