Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Apr 5: Arya Samaj here, which had in the past been linked with some controversies, organized Gayatri Yajna for social equality by dalits on Monday April 4. This is a fresh initiative undertaken by the Samaj to abolish dalit-higher caste divide. Arya Samaj had undertaken this initiative at Kochchigudde. About 20 dalits participated in the Yajna.

Arya Samaj said that the oblation had been undertaken with the specific motive of driving away from among the dalits a feeling that they are not part of the society’s mainstream.

Sri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Kemar Muitt, who participated in the ‘Poornahuti’ of the Yajna, felt that untouchability in the society is no less dangerous than internal terrorism. He said that those who are corrupt, become robbers, and those who get swayed by vices, should be treated as untouchables, and not a section of the society.

He added that the programme had been undertaken with the aim of driving home the point that everyone has the right to worship the Lord, and caste and creed affiliations have nothing do with the same. He said that there is a plan to perform Yajnas by setting up 108 Yajna Kundas at a time, for which even Poornahuti will be performed by the dalits.