Prayagraj: Senior VHP functionary Sapan Kumar Mukherjee on Sunday asserted that Hindu society would not tolerate religious conversions carried out in the name of tolerance and alleged that continuous efforts were being made to disconnect Hindus from their cultural roots.Citing examples such as restrictions on wearing the sacred thread (Kalava) and applying Tilak in schools, he stressed that spirituality and science are complementary rather than contradictory.Addressing volunteers at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Kashi Prant Parishad Shiksha Varg, he explained that individual character is reflected in a person’s moral values, honesty, and personal conduct. In contrast, national character is manifested through the collective consciousness of a society — specifically its patriotism and civic duty.He said: “We must rise above self-interest to work for the national interest, ‘Dharma’, and culture. Regular spiritual practice and the pursuit of knowledge bring positive changes to the functioning of our minds and the quest for truth in the physical universe involves our consciousness moving towards the truth through spiritual knowledge and introspection.”Mukherjee said the festivals, rituals and observances of Sanatan Dharma carry scientific relevance alongside their spiritual significance. He noted that interest in and awareness of Sanatan culture are steadily growing across the world, with people increasingly seeking to understand its traditions and values. Emphasising the need for greater outreach, he said it is the responsibility of volunteers to take this message to as many people as possible.Nitin Bharat, the organization secretary for VHP (Kashi Prant), said that organizational meetings serve as a solid strategy for character building, instilling physical and mental discipline, fostering patriotism and social harmony, and creating an organized, empowered Hindu society.
