Author:
Publication: Rediff on Net
Date: April 16, 2001
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad's 'international'
general secretary, Pravin Togadia, said on Sunday that India and Bharat
have different connotations for the people of the country.
In a statement likely to trigger
a fresh row, Togadia said in Gangtok, Sikkim, that India was for the rich
and non-resident Indians while Bharat was for the poor and those who believe
in the Ram Janmabhoomi.
"India is for those who have an
eye on the wealth of the US or other rich countries. It is best suited
for non-resident Indians and people sitting in air-conditioned rooms in
Delhi," Togadia remarked.
"But Bharat is for those who feel
for the welfare of the poor, the farmers and breathe for Ram Janmabhoomi,"
he said.
Asked to characterise his organisation,
Togadia said the VHP was not a 'spiritual' or 'religious' organisation,
but a 'dharmik' body encompassing the people's lives in a different way.
Elaborating, he said the VHP was
not a 'spiritual' organisation because spirituality deals with the human
soul, while the VHP "looks after the mind and body of the people".
The VHP was not a 'religious' entity
either because it was not guided by 'dogma or rituals', he claimed.
PTI
