New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will take beginning Thursday 8,000 students from ‘deprived classes’ to Kumbha Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj to familiarise them with Hindu traditions to them stop from ‘falling prey’ to religious conversions, The Indian Express reported.
The RSS’ education wing Vidya Bharti would arrange ‘Kumbh Darshan’ for students mostly belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.
It is reported that all students taking part in the trip are above the age of 10 and should be accompanied by their parents.
Ramji Singh, instructor of Seva Bharti schools in Awadh region, said that ‘Kumbh darshan’ for students is aimed at making them aware of India’s rich traditions and culture alongside familiarising them with the spiritual aspect of Maha Kumbha Mela.
‘This will help when (Christian) missionaries reach their localities and try to convert them claiming they are not Hindus,’ Ramji Singh added.
A RSS functionary involved in arranging the trip told the outlet that students are mostly from Dalit communities known as “vanchit samaj (deprived classes)” in the Sangh.
Around 2,100 children studying in Sanskar Kendras of 14 districts in UP’s Awadh region will stay at the Maha Kumbh venue between January 16 and 18 alongside visiting ashram of saints, akharas and the Sangam Ghat.
The organization will set up camps for the students at Sector 9 of Kumbha Mela venue. The Vidya Bharti runs Sanskar Kendras across the country for educating poor children mostly from slums.
Ramji Singh was quoted as saying: ‘Children in Sanskar Kendras are taught songs of Bharat Mata, nationalism and patriotism. They are also made aware of our culture and taught how to greet elders, worship gods and chanting slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ apart from regular school subjects. The cultural education and religious practices improves the atmosphere in their localities.’