Resolved to engage with core group, emphasizes need for widespread community movement
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: DD, A joint delegation representing the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, the Sanatan Dharma Sabha, and the Jammu Kashmir Sanatan Samaj Nyas convened today to formulate a unified strategy against recent policy decisions of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
The meeting culminated in a strong public statement expressing deep concern over the alleged disregard for Sanatan Dharma principles and the purported misuse of devotee funds in the institutions managed by the Board, particularly its medical college.
The leaders unanimously resolved to escalate their ongoing movement until the Shrine Board’s policies are fully aligned with the spiritual and cultural sentiments of the Hindu community.
As per the official statement, the delegation highlighted severe grievances, focusing on the administration of institutions under the SMVDSB.
They expressed disregard for Sanatan Dharma Principles: The core concern is the perceived failure of SMVDSB-run institutions, including the medical college, to operate in accordance with the tenets of Sanatan Dharma, thereby hurting the religious sentiments (Aastha) of devotees across India.
While expressing their concern, Mahant Rameshwar Dass addressed the media that: “The sanctity of the Shrine Board’s institutions must reflect the faith that funds them. When the conduct within these educational bodies deviates from the principles of Sanatan Dharma, it represents a deep failure and betrayal of trust. We demand an immediate course correction to uphold the religious integrity of these establishments.”
He said that the misappropriation of Devotee Offerings (Chadhava): The bodies voiced strong objection to the alleged use of the temple’s sacred offerings to fund institutions where students are reportedly involved in undesirable activities, raising questions about accountability and transparency.
Meanwhile, Mahant Rajesh Bittoo stated that: “The offerings (Chadhava) of devotees are consecrated funds meant for pious purposes. It is unacceptable that these resources are allegedly being utilized to sustain an environment where activities contrary to our values are reported. Every devotee has the right to know why their offering is being used in a manner that causes distress rather than promoting virtue.”
Demand for Policy Review and Mobilization:
The leaders called for immediate engagement with the core group established to address these issues and emphasized the need for a widespread community movement (Andolan).
Col Sukhvir Singh Mankotia summarized the forward strategy:
“We are concerned that a decision of this magnitude, which impacts the faith of millions, was taken without adequate consultation. We seek an immediate meeting with the Core Group to discuss the way forward, the next strategy, so that the Aastha of the people is protected. We call for a popular movement, signaling our resolve with a bell in every temple, affirming that ‘If we are not for Ram, we are not for any use.'”
Future Course of Action
The allied bodies pledged their full support and commitment to the ongoing struggle initiated by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti.
Future steps include:
Consultation with Spiritual Leaders: Community leaders plan to meet with influential spiritual figures, including those presiding over religious platforms (Vyaspeeth), to integrate these concerns into religious discourses (Bhagavath, Devi Bhagavath, Ram Katha) and determine a collective way forward.
Unified Approach:
The delegation, which included Mahant Shri Ramnarayan Das Shastri Ji (Vice President) and Mahamantri Shri Mohan Bharti Ji, and Swami Somanand Ji Maharaj Ji, resolved to continue their struggle until the Shrine Board’s policies are realigned with community sentiments.
Media Transparency:
The speakers assured the media that full details of the future strategies, including consultations with Mahants and Sadhus across Jammu and Kashmir to form a unified approach, will be shared immediately upon finalization.
The media was addressed by Col Sukhbir Singh Mankotia, Parshotam Dadhichi, Mahant Rameshwar Dass, and Mahant Rajesh Bittoo. Shilpi Verma, Deepak Gupta, Parbhat Singh, Sanjay Gupta, Abhishek Gupta, R.K Chibber, Baldev Singh, and others were also there.DD