Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was established on August 29, 1964, on the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, with the blessings of the Sant Shakti of Bharat. VHP is a socio-religious and cultural organization dedicated to the unification, consolidation, and empowerment of Hindu society while preserving and propagating Hindu values and traditions on a global scale. With its structured approach, VHP has emerged as an influential force in Hindu socio-cultural resurgence, addressing contemporary challenges while upholding civilizational continuity.
Core Objectives and Mission
VHP operates on the fundamental principles of Dharma Raksha (protection of Dharma), Samaj Sangathan (societal consolidation), and Seva (selfless service). These objectives are reflected in its vast array of initiatives, which include social service, cultural preservation, and humanitarian outreach. The core areas of focus for VHP include:
- Social Cohesion and Hindu Unity: Organizing Hindu society across sects, castes, and regions to foster unity and collective strength.
- Protection of Hindu Dharma and Traditions: Advocating for issues concerning Hindu sacred sites, pilgrimage routes, and traditional institutions.
- Eradication of Social Evils: Eliminating discriminatory practices such as untouchability while promoting an inclusive and unified Hindu society.
- Educational and Healthcare Initiatives: Establishing schools, literacy programs, hospitals, and healthcare centers to uplift marginalized communities.
- Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response: Providing relief during wars, riots, and natural calamities, ensuring communities receive timely assistance.
- Prevention of Religious Conversions and Cultural Dilution: Countering coercive religious conversions and ensuring the protection of indigenous Hindu beliefs.
Institutional Framework and Projects
VHP operates through a well-organized framework that ensures its presence is felt across villages, towns, and cities, both in Bharat and globally. With over 4,277 service projects, VHP’s impact spans multiple sectors:
- Education: Schools, Gram Shiksha Mandirs, literacy drives, and scholarships for economically weaker sections.
- Healthcare: Hospitals, mobile health units, nursing homes, and community health programs.
- Self-Empowerment Initiatives: Vocational training, skill development programs, and entrepreneurship support for rural and urban communities.
- Religious and Cultural Preservation: Efforts to protect and restore temples, sacred sites, and pilgrimage circuits such as Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, Shri Amarnath Yatra, Shri Ram Setu, and the Ganga conservation movement.
- Protection of Hindu Rights and Identity: Advocacy against illegal infiltration, religious extremism, and conversion activities that threaten Hindu cultural identity.
Impact and Achievements
The work of VHP has had a profound impact on Hindu society, reinforcing a sense of unity and pride. Key achievements include:
- Mobilization of Hindu Dharmacharyas: Bringing together religious leaders across various sampradayas to collectively safeguard Hindu interests.
- Successful Social Reform Efforts: Significant strides in reducing social disparities and promoting harmony among different sections of Hindu society.
- Increased Hindu Cultural Awareness: Strengthening Hindu identity globally through temples, festivals, and cultural outreach programs.
- Resurgence of Indigenous Hindu Traditions: Facilitating the return of lakhs of individuals to ancestral faith through the ‘Ghar Wapsi’ movement.
Vishva Hindu Parishad continues to play a vital role in the revival and sustenance of Hindu traditions, social service, and global Hindu unity. Its structured approach, unwavering commitment to Dharma, and extensive outreach programs ensure that Hindu society remains strong, self-reliant, and resilient in the face of contemporary challenges. By integrating tradition with modern needs, VHP remains a formidable institution dedicated to the welfare of Hindus worldwide, reinforcing cultural confidence and societal well-being for future generations.
