Date:30/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/30/stories/2008113057050300.htm

Karnataka - Shimoga

Hindus told to remain united

Special Correspondent

Procession: Minister for Energy K.S. Eshwarappa leading a ‘shobha yatra’ taken out in Shimoga on Saturday.

SHIMOGA: Convener of the State unit of the Hindu Jagarana Samiti Jagdish Karanth said here on Saturday that there was no need for Hindus to be afraid of forcible conversions as such incidents could be averted if they stood united and faced challenge with determination.

He was addressing a rally organised as part of the Hindu Shobha Yatra to protest against forcible conversions. He said that the only way for Hindus to face the threat of conversions was to show their unity and integrity.

Maheshwar Shivacharya Swamiji of the Keladi Rajaguru Hiremath said that Hindus remained united in the past and there should be no doubt whatsoever that they would remain so in future too without giving any scope for being divided.

The seer said that only by remaining united Hindus could foster integrity among themselves. Vice-president of the State unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) T.V. Ramachandra presided over the function.

President of the district unit of the VHP Shivaswamy and councillor S.N. Channabasappa were present. Earlier, Hindu Shobha Yatra was taken out from Ramanna Shetty Park to the venue of the function to protest against forcible conversions. Minister for Energy K.S. Eshwarappa was among those who led the procession.