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[GHHF] The Name of Rama Will Resonate: A Mic Set Donated to a Ramalayam in the Agency Area!

Namaskar! On behalf of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, as part of our efforts to protect Hindu Dharma and temples, we are providing mic sets to small temples. Upon a request from the villagers of Chintakarrapalem village, Y. Ramavaram Mandal, located in the agency area of Alluri Sitarama Raju district , we immediately responded and sent a mic set to the Ramalayam there.

25 Aug 2025

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[GHHF] The Name of Rama Will Resonate: A Mic Set Donated to a Ramalayam in the Agency Area!

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLL8YSiyapo Namaskar! On behalf of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, as part of our efforts to protect Hindu Dharma and temples, we are providing mic sets to small temples. Upon a request from the villagers of Chintakarrapalem village, Y. Ramavaram Mandal, located in the agency area of Alluri Sitarama Raju district , we immediately responded and sent a mic set to the Ramalayam there. The villagers were very happy with this initiative and extended their heartfelt thanks to our organization. On behalf of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, Sri Thota Ramakrishna garu, the Incharge for Uttarandhra and Godavari districts, and Sri Subbareddy garu, the Incharge for Alluri Sitarama Raju district, personally handed over the mic set. It brought us great joy to hear the villagers and temple committee members say that they would not only play devotional songs every day but would also organize a bhajan program once a week. This once again emphasizes the necessity of supporting such small temples for the protection of Hindu Dharma. Benefits of Mic Sets - Aiding Devotion: Promoting Dharma with Sound: During festivals and celebrations, the programs held at the temple will be clearly audible to everyone through the mic sets. Spreading Knowledge: Spiritual discourses and speeches will reach everyone and spread knowledge. Increasing Devotion: The sounds of daily bhajans and devotional songs will maintain a spiritual atmosphere in the village. This Great Yagna is Possible Only with Your Generosity! This program continues only with the support of donors like you. Currently, we have requests for mic sets from more than 20 small temples. If you come forward and donate a mic set, it will be handed over to a temple in your name. Utilize this great opportunity to participate in a divine work. Even your small help can spread devotion to thousands of devotees.  Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979
25 Aug 2025

[GHHF] First Steps in Odisha: GHHF's First Meeting in Konark (Day 3)

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQBkFAkSOmI As part of expanding our activities in Odisha, we held our first meeting in the Konark area, where the world-famous Sun Temple is located. Through the initiative of our National General Secretary, Sri Rajesh , Hindu brethren from the fishing colony attended this meeting. On this occasion, we informed them about the objectives of our GHHF. It was in this meeting that Rajesh learned about a great Hindu organization called Swadhyay Parivar . Founded by Sri Pandurang Shastri Athavale (Dadaji) , this organization is doing incredible work even among the most marginalized sections of society, using the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita given by Sri Krishna Paramatma as a weapon. Their selfless efforts are truly commendable. Generally, we often see incidents of severe religious conversions happening in fishing villages, taking advantage of their innocence. Additionally, many people are becoming slaves to addictions. However, the Swadhyay Parivar organization is effectively protecting the coastal fishing villages of Odisha from these problems. If not for their continuous efforts, many more conversions would have taken place there. Unfortunately, a conversion mafia from Andhra Pradesh has already entered those fishing areas, built churches, and is converting many people. It is with the resolve to put a stop to these illegal activities that GHHF is starting its work in this region. Those interested in participating in this Dharmic work can contact us. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979
24 Aug 2025

[GHHF] Odisha Tour: The Journey Continues (Day 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1h1vXvVms0 When we take steps toward a goal, our plans don't always go smoothly. We had the same experience on the first day of our Odisha tour. Due to the weather and local conditions, the two important meetings scheduled for the first day were canceled. Although we were initially a bit discouraged, we turned it into an opportunity. Since the meetings were canceled, we visited the Alluri Sitarama Raju Memorial Park in Krishnadevi Peta. Seeing that place and learning many unknown things about his life was a great experience. Remembering the sacrifices of that immortal hero, we continued our tour with his blessings. We shared those moments with all of you in the form of a video. From there, we continued our journey and reached Visakhapatnam at night. On the morning of the second day, we departed from Visakhapatnam and finally reached the holy site of Puri in Odisha, the divine abode of Lord Jagannath. This is not just a place; it is a center of Hindu culture and spirituality. This is a very important chapter in our journey. *New Goal, New Hopes* Now that we have reached Puri, our real work has begun. We are ready to expand GHHF activities in Odisha. In the coming days, we will inform you about the programs we are going to undertake and the people we are going to meet. Your help and cooperation are very essential for this sacred Dharmic work. Your encouragement is our strength. *Your donations are appreciated.* By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979
23 Aug 2025

[GHHF] Evil Forces Distorting the History of Freedom Fighters: GHHF's Anguish over the False Propaganda on Alluri Sitarama Raju

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sVMooGYQMc As part of the first day of the tour undertaken by our National General Secretary, Sri Thunuguntla Rajesh, to expand our activities in Odisha, our journey passed through historical sites in Andhra Pradesh. One of the most inspiring events on this tour was visiting the Alluri Sitarama Raju Memorial Forest in Krishnadevi Peta. Some forces that distort our history, Puranas, and the lives of freedom fighters for their own selfish gain, and present falsehoods as truths, have become like pests infesting society. They are ridiculing our great heritage for movie collections and other benefits. Alluri Sitarama Raju was a great soul who, after taking up sannyasa, fought against the British after seeing the suffering of the oppressed and downtrodden. To show that such a hero of Manyam had a lover is an insult to his sacrifice and his very life. By propagating such lies, they are not just telling a story or making a movie; they are providing a false history to our future generations. The current generation needs to put aside this world of colored glasses and grasp the realities. If we don't know the true history, these lies will become truths after a few generations. That would be the biggest betrayal to our heritage and our nation. That is why, on behalf of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF), we have initiated this effort. With the resolve to inform people of the true history, as part of this tour, we visited the Alluri Sitarama Raju Memorial Forest in Krishnadevi Peta. We are offering this small video as our floral tribute at the feet of Alluri garu. Through this video, we want to share his true sacrifice and life story.  Your Support is Our Strength! Under the auspices of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF), we have successfully conducted many Dharma programs with all your support. If you observe our performance, we are moving forward with innovative changes. Beyond just organizing programs, we are identifying local issues and designing our programs based on them. This is helping us achieve amazing results. To continue this effort, to start more new programs, and to expand into new areas like Odisha, your cooperation and support are very essential. We ask for your help and cooperation to continue such programs without any interruption. To give you an understanding of the hard work we do on the ground and our work process, we have been providing you with videos recently. Those who wish to join us on this journey of Dharma, please contact us. Your support will give our journey more strength.  Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979
22 Aug 2025

[GHHF] Odisha Tour: First Steps - New Hopes (Day 1)

  https://youtu.be/sH4pzH1sMaI?si=L6hBOgnLkDjfVlRG With the goal of expanding Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) activities in Odisha, a tour was commenced. Our National General Secretary, Sri Tunuguntla Rajesh, initiated this tour to protect Hindu Dharma and bring our heritage to new regions. Towards Uttarandhra from Guntur... It is not possible to reach Odisha in a single day, so a plan was devised to hold meetings in some parts of Andhra Pradesh on both the journey to and from Odisha. On this trip, he was accompanied by Sri Thota Ramakrishna, the GHHF Incharge for Uttarandhra & Godavari districts. According to the plan for the first day, a meeting was arranged in Narsipatnam, and another at night in Araku Valley. They stayed the night in Araku and will start for Odisha on the second day. Through these meetings, we intended to discuss how to expand GHHF activities with the local people. A Freedom Fighter's Blessings in Krishnadevi Peta As part of this tour, Rajesh and Ramakrishna visited the Alluri Sitarama Raju Memorial Forest in Krishnadevi Peta. This place holds great historical significance. This is where Alluri Sitarama Raju's last rites were performed. Remembering his sacrifices, the place instills a new spirit within us. There, they met Sri Prasad, the grandson of one of Alluri's followers. They learned many unknown facts about Alluri's life and his struggle from him. Expansion to New Areas: A Tough Journey Expanding GHHF activities to new areas like Odisha is not an easy task. When we go to each new area, we must understand the local conditions. Local cooperation and the selection of the right people are necessary. This requires continuous hard work. Still, we are ready for this struggle for the protection of Dharma. We will move forward by overcoming every obstacle we face on this journey. We will work harder to achieve this goal. Your Support is Our Strength! Under the auspices of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF), we have successfully conducted many Dharma programs with all your support. If you observe our performance, we are moving forward with innovative changes. Beyond just organizing programs, we are identifying local issues and designing our programs based on them. This is helping us achieve amazing results. To continue this effort, to start more new programs, and to expand into new areas like Odisha, your cooperation and support are very essential. To give you an understanding of the hard work we do on the ground and our work process, we have been providing you with videos recently. Those who wish to join us on this journey of Dharma, please contact us. Your support will give our journey more strength.  Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979
21 Aug 2025

[GHHF] A Divine Offering from Sangeetha and Arun Chandrakant : A Mic Set for D. Yaravaram Ramalayam!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n2A9Reh2KE Namaskar! As part of our efforts to protect Hindu Dharma and revive temples, we are breathing new life into small temples. Distributing mic sets is one such step forward. Some time ago, when we made a request for donations, Smt. Sangeetha and Arun Chandrakant provided the necessary funds for two mic sets as a divine offering. With their generous support, we handed over the second mic set to Sri Ramalayam in D. Yaravaram village, Nathavaram Mandal, Anakapalli district. With this mic set, the pujas, bhajans, and other spiritual programs held in the temple will now be heard clearly by more devotees. The divine chants and discourses will resonate throughout the area. Our heartfelt gratitude to Sangeetha and Arun Chandrakant for contributing to this sacred cause. The Necessity of Mic Sets - A Boon for Temples: These mic sets are not just devices; they are tools that bring spiritual programs to life. Share Devotion: By ensuring clear sound for temple pujas, Harikathas, discourses, and bhajans, devotees can immerse themselves more deeply and experience a greater spiritual feeling. Spread Knowledge : Scholars' speeches and religious discussions can reach even distant areas, spreading knowledge of Dharma. Protect Culture: These small temples in rural areas are bridges to our ancient culture. The programs held there, amplified by mic sets, constantly enlighten the people. Community Unity: During festivals and celebrations, the sounds from the mic sets bring people together, fostering social unity. This Great Yagna Must Continue with Your Support! Currently, over 20 small temple managements are approaching us for mic sets. Your help is essential to fulfill their requests. If you come forward and donate a mic set, it will be handed over to the temple in your name. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a divine work and a way to immortalize your charity. This great program moves forward only with your invaluable support. Please come forward, make a donation, and contribute to this sacred cause. Even your small help can light up a temple and spread devotion to thousands of devotees.  Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979
20 Aug 2025

[GHHF Assam] 12 Christians retuned to Hinduism appreciating our selfless service they received during floods in Assam.

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation in Assam is proud to announce that twelve members from three families who were converted from Christianity few years ago returned to Hinduism at a Ghar Wapsi ceremony conducted in Borkhola. The event was led by local GHHF team. It took place at Krishna Temple with poojas and ritual on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. After Puja, khichdi prasadam distributed amongst all. How they come back to Hinduism On 7.6.25 during flood Sri Samrat Dutt, the Board member of GHHF personally visited this village. Three families in the village were refused help by the local Church although they attend the Church regularly. They were desperate for some help as they did not eat for two days. Realizing that the Church refused to provide food, GHHF approached them and offered food and water. We stood beside the converted Dalit Christian families and provided significant support during this flood On 6.6.25 at around 12.30 am., Samratji received a call from one of our Adivasi workers that 25 Christian families badly affected by flood were converted to Christianity many years back. Now when they need their the most, Church refused to help them as they are from lower class community and did not allow them to stay at the church guest house. They had to take shelter elsewhere. The moment we got the call, Samratji informed the local team to arrange relief materials for these Christian families. The next day at 6 am Samratji along with along with his team members started their journey from Silchar to Rampur, Borkhola and after two hours of journey, they reached the spot, distributed relief materials like rice, dal, soyabean, potato, milk, biscuits etc. to them. He Talked to them, visited the nearby Church which was locked. He assured them to help, instructed local GHHF, HYM cadets to be in touch with them and try to make the Dalit Christians understand the fact that Christians are more interested in conversion and taking 10 percent of their income, not their personal welfare. In fact, Church or upper-class Christian community has no emotional attachment to Adivasis. They just used them. They should think about it and return to Hinduism. We must acknowledge that the efforts of Tejaswini (Ldies wing) team spent some talking to these Adivasis about Sanatan Dharma. They convinced these Christian women to start wearing red saree, put bindi, Sindoor on their forehead even before organizing Yagna, homa on Krishna Janmashtami Day. As we couldn't find any priest to do the rituals early, we waited for some time. Last week, we found one priest, who have performed the Homa and performed Shuddhi program by welcoming them back to Hinduism. In fact, our Tejaswini group convinced them to start living a Hindu way of life even before formal Homa ritual.  Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1440}}
19 Aug 2025

Why should I Donate to the Organizations like GHHF?

Why Do I Donate to the Organizations like GHHF? After the Mahabharata war ended, Krishna asked Arjuna to leave his chariot before He did. When Arjuna left the chariot, it turned into ashes within a moment. Arjuna wondered and asked Krishna how it happened. Krishna said that the mighty warriors like Bheeshma, Drona and Karna had thrown their divine weapons on this chariot with intensity so fierce that even after being celestial; it was destined to be destroyed on the first day of war itself. But because of His presence in it, it could survive the onslaught. Hence, Krishna played an invisible but the most important role in letting pandavas with the war. Similar to Krishna, there are many people and organizations that are playing a silent role in the survival of us Hindus and Hinduism. While we are asleep, they are fighting to save cows from butchers, save people from conversions and save temples from being desecration. One of such organizations is the Global Hindu Heritage foundation, which is working day and night to make sure that Hindus survive and thrive. I cannot go on the ground to participate in these activities carried out by the GHHF. It is unfortunate. But I am also fortunate to know that there is a way I can still contribute to the mission of GHHF, by donating a part of my hard earned to money to it to make it run like a well oiled clock! I have been following the GHHF for quite a while and for me, following are the reasons why they deserve to be funded by the common, yet awakened Hindu like myself. Bala Samskara Kendras of GHHF GHHF runs Bala Samskara Kendras for the young children in the areas not accessible to general people who want to help them. These centers make sure that the young generation is acquainted to the values of Indian tradition, especially when it comes to respecting elders and serving them in the old age. The present generation is drastically different from the previous. There has never been such a big generational gap earlier in the history of India. This is because of the corrupted education system of India, which though can provide a proper technical education, fails to raise children as Bharateeyas. Because of this, when these children get married, they expect the elderly people to let them stay separately. This is very much painful for the parents to stop receiving the much needed love & care of children, when the need it the most, in the old age.   Besides this, children in these centers learn to turn into a human being of character and integrity, which most of the youngsters of today are lacking. The young populace of today is mentally quite unstable, giving up on their goals easily, at the first site of failure. But the children programmed with the vedic philosophy and logic, mixed with the motivational stories of our ancestors and freedom fighters becomes immune to such weakness when they reach their teens. In my opinion, Bala Samskara Kendras are doing some incredible work for saving the present generation.   GHHF & Saving Temples Temples are out identities. They tell which culture we come from. Remove this identity from a child, it will become susceptible to the identity crisis, having no ideas whatsoever as to who he/she is. Such children and also elderly people lead a life filled with the inferiority complex, wondering why they were not born in the countries like USA. This is dangerous as the people tend to think that the best version of life is hedonistic life. Temples are the physical reminders telling us where we come from and how glorious our past has been, and if the past was glorious, the present can very well be. I used to think in the childhood as to why I was born in a country where the middle class doesn’t have access to what even the poor class has in the advanced countries like USA and European countries. But it was the scholars of traditional temples in temples, who mesmerized me with their intelligence and made me believe that we have the best philosophy and this, the way of life that anyone can have. The present situation is that everyday I feel blessed to be born in Bharat, that teaches us about inquiring into who we are. It is a luxury, not available in any other country. Unfortunately these temples are not in the hands of the original inheritors, the Hindus like myself. To deal with this problem, GHHF is making their hands dirty for me. They are fighting the cases for freeing temples from the clutches of those who having nothing to do with it, while I just sit and enjoy. So I can at least help the GHHF to make sure that their work becomes though not easier, but less difficult. Hence, we and I need help them financially. Temple Renovations Many of the Hindu temples are not old enough that they direly need renovations. Without that, they may not see another decade. This is a kind of issue that is very elusive, yet it does exist. Renovation is a very costly affair and can cost lakhs to crores. Hence, there is a need that these renovations are funded by someone. Again, GHHF barges in to solve this problem.   Gaushalas Cows are central to the survival of Hinduism and universe. Bhagavan has descended multiple times for the protection of cows. Under the present circumstances, cows are facing an existential crisis. Mostly they are used for the milk and the old cows are being sent to the slaughterhouses. Even if there are stringent laws to prevent this, the financial crisis forces many poor farmers to give up on their old cows, which are ultimately and illegally sent to the slaughterhouses.   To address this issue, we have gaushalas. But these gaushalas cannot run without money, especially when most of the cows are old and unproductive. The GHHF is helping these gaushalas to make sure that these cows survive, hence dharma. This is the strongest reason why I prefer to donate my hard earned money to the organizations like the GHHF, which is directly working towards stopping the slaughtering of my mother cow. Rejecting a Myopic Perspective Towards Life In my coaching career, I have come across many shrewd businessmen who are extremely practical and knowledgeable when it becomes to investing money and turning 1 rupee into 100. The avenues they find out for multiplying money are simply unimaginable. But, unfortunately, they are successful only with the short term investments and fail miserably when it comes to long term. Because they don’t think about the possibility of getting benefited by their present wealth after they leave this mortal body. For such people, donating to the causes like that of the GHHF is a sure way to earn incredible amount of punya that accompanies everyone even after death. I learnt a beautiful Sanskrit verse in my childhood regarding the importance of daana. दानं भोगो नाशः तिस्रो गतयो भवन्ति वित्तस्य। यो न ददाति न भुङ्क्ते तस्य तृतीया गतिः भवति॥ There are three fates that wealth faces: Donation, consumption and destruction. Wealth of the one who neither gives his wealth for charity nor uses it for appropriate self consumption has a third destination, destruction! If I don’t donate a part of wealth to the causes and earn punya, according to me, the money means nothing for me even after it goes to the children. Because it cannot help me after death. There is nothing wrong with leaving your wealth for children to be inherited, to make their lives comfortable. But why not be little selfish and earn a little punya for ourselves by donating some money to the dharmik causes that are being promoted by the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation? Our life is not limited to the 70-80 years we are going to spend in the present body. There were many others previously and there will be many hereafter. बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप The Blessed Lord said Many births of Mine have passed as well as of thine, O Arjuna; I know them all but thou knowest not, O Parantapa (scorcher of foes). I have decided to reject my myopic perspective towards life and chosen to contribute to the cause of GHHF, that is helping the our Hindu people and Hindu temples, to make sure that I invest enough to lead multiple comfortable lives after this one, ultimately leading to moksha.
18 Aug 2025

GHHF Influenced Andhra Pradesh to declare Krishna Janmashtami as “Gopuja Dinotsavam” Day in 2015; Why did GHHF request?

In 2015, Global Hindu Heritage Foundation requested the then Honorable Sri Manikyala Rao, the Minister for Endowments of Andhra Pradesh Government to declare Krishna Janmashtami as Gopuja Dinotsavam. That letter was submitted to the Minister at his house in November 2015. Padma Purana states. “The person who touches the cow after having bath daily, frees himself from all kinds of sins. The dust that arises from the cow’s hooves is so pure that the person who applies it on his head, is considered to have bathed in the sacred waters of different pilgrim places and freed from all sins.” Why did we request Krishna Janmashtami to be declared as Gopuja Dinotsava Day where all Hindu Temples are required to perform Gopuja ever year? Our scriptures reveal that Krishna and cows are always together. One cannot be separated from the other. Lord Krishna tended the cows, fed them, protected them, and used to drink cow’s milk and eat her butter. He is called Govinda that means “one brings satisfaction to cows,” and also Gopala to mean “the protector of cows.” In Bhagavad Purana, Lord Krishna says, “I can be worshiped within the Cows by offerings of grass and other suitable grains and paraphernalia for the pleasure and health of the Cows, and one may worship Me within the Vaishnavas by offering loving friendship to them and honoring them in all respects.” Mere presence of cow fulfills the desires of the individuals. Cow is considered as Kamadhenu because it fulfills the desires. All her products such as milk, ghee, urine, cow dung and curd have numerous health and spiritual benefits. Scriptures say, “Gavo Vishwasya Matharaha” -Cow is the mother of the universe. She is recognized for her contribution in agriculture, transportation, food, medicine, religious functions, emotional stability, and economy. Bhishmacharya in Mahabharata says, Cows “represent sacrifice itself. Without them, there can be no sacrifice. With their milk and the Havi produced therefrom, they uphold all creatures by diverse acts. Cows are guileless in their behavior. From them flow sacrifices and Havya and Kavya, and milk and curds and ghee. Therefore, cows are regarded as sacred.  “Mahatma Gandhi also believed that the “Cow protection is the gift of Hinduism to the world. And Hinduism will live so long as there are Hindus to protect the cow…… Hindus will be judged not by their TILAKS, not by the correct chanting of MANTRAS, not by their pilgrimages, not by their most punctilious observances of caste rules, but their ability to protect the cow. (Young Indian, 6-10-1921, p. 36). Recognizing our efforts of GHHF to protect Gomata, AP Government issued GO to that effect on April 1, 2016, directing all the Hindu Temples to perform Gopuja recognizing the importance and significance Gomata. Since that time, Gopuja has been performed in all the Temples in Andhra Pradesh. Letter requesting Krishna Janmashtami to be declared as Gopuja Dinotsavam was presented to Sri. Manikyala Rao, the Minister for Endowments of Andhra Pradesh by Prakasarao and Nandini Velagapudi in November 2015. Fourth person from the left is Ramakrishna Velagapudi, MLA from Visakhapatnam who also supported our request. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. It is tax-deductible. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979  {{album_1439}}
17 Aug 2025

[GHHF] Independence Day Celebration Speech – The Journey Still Incomplete

Namaste. (NOTE: I was fortunate to attend two flag hoisting ceremonies on August 15, and also on August 16. Summary of this speech was delivered in these celebrations)  Today, we proudly gather to celebrate the 78th anniversary of India’s Independence. August 15, 1947, marked the end of 200 years of colonial rule—a moment of immense pride and sacrifice. Our tricolor unfurled against the sky was not just a flag, but a symbol of our hard-won dignity and self-respect. Many freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It is our duty to remember them and work hard for our country’s progress. Let us promise to be good citizens and make our nation proud. Let us salute the heroes, honor the martyrs, commit to preserve our Sanatana dharma, and pledge to protect our motherland with unshakable resolve. We remember with gratitude the tireless efforts of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Khudiram Bose, Sukhdev Thapar, Shivram Rajguru, Udham Singh, Veer Savarkar, Nathuram Godse, Rani Lakshmibai, and countless unsung heroes. They gave their lives so that we could stand here today as free people. Their dedication, courage, and love for the country should forever inspire us. Please remember that our freedom fighters faced inhuman conditions, imprisonment, torture, and even death so that future generations could breathe in free air.  But my dear friends, freedom is not a single moment, it is a continuous journey. India got Independence, Hindus lost freedom; Minorities have more freedom Political Freedom Achieved – But for Hindus, freedom is incomplete? Yes, in 1947 we achieved political independence. We gained the right to elect our leaders, frame our Constitution, and decide our future. Yet, in one vital sphere of life—religion and cultural heritage—our freedom remains incomplete. For Hindus, the majority community of this ancient land, the right to manage our own temples and religious institutions remains restricted. This is not a well-known fact, but it is one we must acknowledge if we are to complete the vision of true independence. The British Policy That Continued After Independence During colonial times, the British often took over Hindu temples under the pretext of ‘mismanagement’ or to control revenues. Instead of restoring them to Hindu society after independence, many state governments retained or even expanded this control through laws such as the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Acts. This means that in several states—Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala—Hindu temples are run not by Hindu devotees, but by government-appointed officials. Unequal Treatment Under the Law Let us pause to consider this: - Mosques are managed by autonomous Wakf Boards under Muslim control. - Churches are managed by independent Christian trusts. - But Hindu temples, despite being places of worship for millions, are subject to direct government control. Article 26 of our Constitution guarantees every religious denomination the right to manage its own affairs. Yet, in practice, this right has been denied to the Hindu community. Consequences of State Control Under government management: - Temple revenues are sometimes diverted to non-Hindu purposes. - Ancient traditions and customs face interference from political appointees. - Many temples suffer from poor upkeep, while their funds lie unused or misused. - Devotees have less say in how their own sacred spaces are maintained. This is not what our freedom fighters fought for. They did not envision a free India where Hindus, in their own motherland, would be less free in managing their religious institutions than other communities. A Call to Complete the Journey of Independence Independence Day is not only about looking back—it is about looking forward. If we wish to honor the sacrifices of our martyrs, we must work towards complete freedom—political, economic, cultural, and religious. The movement to free Hindu temples from government control is not about politics—it is about justice, equality, and the preservation of our heritage. It is about trusting Hindu society to care for its own sacred institutions, as every other community is allowed to do. Our Duty as Citizens Let us pledge today that: - We will educate our fellow citizens about this unfinished chapter of independence. - We will support lawful and peaceful efforts to restore temple administration to devotees. - We will ensure that India’s promise of freedom is equal for all faiths. Conclusion In conclusion, let us remember the words of Swami Vivekananda: “Freedom is the first condition of growth. Without freedom, no progress is possible.” {{album_1438}}
16 Aug 2025