[GHHF] How, why, and when we started Global Hindu Heritage Foundation; Selected activities and accomplishments conducted over the last 18 years.

23 Aug 2024 168 Views

After a study of some forty years and more of the great religions of the world, I find none so perfect, none so scientific, none so philosophical and none so spiritual that the great religion known by the name of Hinduism. Make no mistake, without Hinduism, India has no future. Hinduism is the soil into which India's roots are stuck and torn out of that she will inevitably wither as a tree torn out from its place. And if Hindus do not maintain Hinduism who shall save it? If India's own children do not cling to her faith, who shall guard it? India alone can save India and India and Hinduism are one. - Anne Besant

Man proposes, God disposes. We heard of this adage several times. This is what happened in my lifetime regarding the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation. I came to the USA in 1965 to pursue my studies, got my MA and PhD, and worked for 36 years as a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Sociology and Criminology. In 2006 I retired and felt relieved of major responsibility as if something heavy was unloaded. I was feeling happy and joyful thinking that I do not have to do anything, simply enjoy life the way I wanted, go around places and visit as many religious places as possible. My wife also retired two years ago. We both went to Bharat visiting our family members in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and other places.

August 23, 2006, at 7:23 am. Seed for GHHF was sown I was sitting on the veranda of my younger brother’s house in Vijayawada drinking coffee and chatting with my brother. Newspaper boy came by and delivered the Eenadu Telugu paper. It was August 23rd, 2006, at 7:23 am, I opened the paper and saw a news item at the bottom on the right side that Andhra Pradesh Government issued G.O (Government Order) 21 allowing crores of government to allocate crores of rupees for the construction of new Churches and renovation of old Churches. When I was reading that news item, it shook me up. I could not believe that a government could do something like that promoting Christianity using public money. I became numb, started perspiring, and my eyes blurred. I was in shock as to what to do. I could not understand that G.O. For three days I was thinking about what to do. Called few new people I know to express my astonishment. Nobody expressed any concern. In fact, they said that is how the governments function and you can’t do much.

After about three days I contacted an attorney in Hyderabad and filed a case against this G.O. and obtained a STAY ORDER. I could not get rid of that shock from my mind, and it kept reeling. I returned to the USA after about two months, contacted about nine of our friends with similar ideology and started Global Hindu Heritage Foundation in 2006 to free Hindu Temples from the government, protect Hindu Temples and protect and preserve Sanatana Dharma.

Date August 23 and time 7:23 am are imprinted permanently on my mind. They are still fresh in my mind. The Board of Directors have been putting up with me for all these years. The passion to protect Bharat Mata is as strong as ever. GHHF is grateful to thousands of people who are supporting our activities in Bharat. We all need to remember Lord Rama's message to Lakshmana, “Mother and motherland are greater than heaven.” Mother is our Sanatana Dharma and motherland is Bharat Mata. Let us all join in this mission to protect Sanatana Dharma and Bharat Mata.

What is the Mission of GHHF?

· Take the necessary and appropriate legal, non-violent actions against all laws, policies, activities undertaken by any government, individuals and/or any organizations that adversely affect the Hindu religion, Hindu Temples and other Hindu institutions.

· Establishment of a ‘Hindu temple Governing body’: To take necessary legal steps to abolish the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Acts across India and ensure all the Hindu Temples and other Hindu institutions become independent of state government control.

· Revive and renovate old, dilapidated temples to restore glory and take necessary action to eliminate discriminatory practices.

· Raise awareness among Hindus about the status of Sanatana dharma.

· Preventing illegal activities, encroachment or takeover of temple property by Government or individuals

Activities and Accomplishments

· Organized demonstration against the Endowment Act during AP Chief Minister's visit (Sri Y S Rajasekhar Reddy) in Chicago on May 6, 2007. It was covered by more than 12 newspapers highlighting the plight of Hindu Temples.

· A Public Forum was organized in June 2007 in Hyderabad at Satya Sai Nigamagamam where opinions were presented by more than 15 speakers including endowments commissioner and urged the government to release the Temples back to Hindus. Speakers included Hindu Saints, AP Endowments Commissioner. Covered widely by the media.

· Padayatra 1: Four-month Maha Pada Yatra under the leadership of Sri M. Kamal Kumar started on September 16, 2007, to January 24, 2008. It covered more than 300 villages in 13 districts of AP and reached Tirupati on January 24, 2008. Mainly undertaken to awaken the Hindus about the plight of the Temples and why they should be released from government control. Meeting held in Tirupati on January 25, 2008.

· Padayatra 2: Six-month Maha Pada Yatra by Sri M. Kamal Kumar Swami from Aug 16th 2008 to Feb 16, 2009. It covers about 700 villages in districts of SriKakulam, Vijayanagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Khammam, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore, Chittor.

· Christians' plan to build a Church on Hindu Trust Lands in Lalpuram, Guntur District Foiled. Seven acres of Endowment land was occupied by Christians and started erecting a tall Cross. GHHF approached Sri K. V. Ramana Chary, who is the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department (Endowments). He said he would call the District Collector and Joint Collector to take appropriate action. Then we also called Sri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao, Member of Parliament, who immediately called Mr. Moses Paul, Circle Inspector, and got the construction stopped in November 2011.

· In 2012, we took up the cause of building Vakulamatha Temple which has been in dilapidated condition for more than 200 years. The Peruru villagers feel that Vakulamata was the mother of Lord Venkateswara and feel it should be built to honor the mother of Balaji. GHHF has taken up this cause in association with Sri Paripoornananda Swami and Dr. Ghazal Srinivas. In fact, we have written a letter to the TTD Chairman to give permission to GHHF to build it if TTD refuses. The High Court stepped in and ordered TTD to construct.

· Organized "On Spot Drawing Competition" in 20 different schools at Hyderabad on 25.09.2012. Around 2500 children (below 12 years) participated in the competition from different schools. The drawings are awesome and memorable. Looking at each picture, it reminds me how we participated in drawing competitions in our school days. Once these young kids are reinforced with a stronger feel to visualize a temple, associate this as a pride picture, it will go a long way in their lives.

 

 

· International Symposium on Save Hindu Temples with A.P. Endowments Minister Sri C. Ramachandraiah was organized in Dallas on August 11, 2012; submitted 100 recommendations to protect Hindu Temples and lands; to stop looting Hindu Temple money, provide basic amenities for the devotees attending the Temple.

· Punya Nadula Arthi Day (Offering Arthi to Sacred Rivers):
GHHF influenced the Andhra Pradesh government to issue G. O. declare Karthik Purnima as Punya Nadula Arthi day for three sacred rivers – Krishna, Godavari and Tunga Bhadra – November 28, 2012

· Nitya (Daily) Nadula Arthi is being done to Godavari River and Krishna River like the way Ganga Arthi is done for Ganga River.

· Gou Dinotsavam on Krishna Janmashtami day- Government of Andhra Pradesh accepted our request and issued a Government Order on April 1, 2016. On this day all the Temples are required to perform Puja to Gau Mata.

· Islamic University near TTD – GHHF is the first one to its existence which was being built illegally on September 13, 2013, with pictures. The whole state was surprised. The District Collector ordered the demolition in November. They went to the High Court and obtained a Stay order which is still in existence.

 

 

 

 

· The First International Short Film Festival was held on August 22-24 in Prasad Labs in Hyderabad and it was a great success. More than 120 Films were submitted for competition. Forty of them were selected and shown in Prasad Labs. The three-day program was meticulously planned and executed by Dr. Ghazal Srinivas and the staff at Savetemples Office. These films were produced by independent individuals addressing topics such as Temple architectures, dilapidation of Temples, problems facing Priest, neglect of the Temples by the government, Gaumata, Hindu Community’s indifference, Political leaders’ apathy and so on.

· Supported more than 20 Gaushalas in Bharat and continue to support Gaushala in Memphis Tennessee USA that houses more than 250 Gir cows.

· Performing Maha kumbabishekam, and performing Homams/Yagas at many temples

· Sri Kurmam temple (Tortoise Avatar of Vishnu) was in nature surrounded by Tortoises. Greenpeace wanted to move them away as they were not nurtured by the authorities. GHHF influenced establishing land, house and pond for the sustenance, protection and maintenance of the tortoises around the temple.

· Sacred Katrenapalem Rock (Hindus believe that the spring of water coming out due to Lord Rama’s arrow): Stopped desecration through Cross installation

· Sri Mahankali temple in Old Hyderabad: Postponed the auction of seven acres of land by Endowment Department through protests

· Annadanam: During Pandemic Continuous Nithya Annadanam was served to over 1.5 lakh people all over Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2020

· Four Christian leaders discussed and criticized our Ghar Wapasi program. Christians Criticize GHAR WAPSI Plans in Visakhapatnam; Alleged Police came to find out about Ghar Wapsi; Swami Saidatta writes a letter to the Police Commissioner. July 17, 2020

· Distribution of more than 1000 Pooja kits to Temples in SC/BC Communities to celebrate Karthika Masa by lighting the lamps as well as on the need basis.

· 12 Ventilators to five locations in India: Mysore SGS Hospital, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Kurnool Govt. Hospitals

· 8 Oxygen Generators to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

· 2 weeks supply of dry goods to more than 700 priests in Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala was provided.

· Selected 150 poor priests in Vijayawada and gave 5000 Rs each and one saree for the housewife during Pandemic.

· Waterline built to prevent conversions: To prevent Villagers to become Christians, we arranged 1.5 Kilometers Waterline from the Hilltop near Visakhapatnam March 20, 2021

· Spoke at 24th Annual Conference on the Frontiers in Yoga Research at S-Vyasa International University of Dr. Y. R. Nagendra. Met Chief Minister Sri Basavaraj Bommai in 2021.

· TUDA Vice Chairman Orders to stop Operations of Churches at Tirupati: “Demolish the unlawful construction and immediate stoppage of the unlawful operations” in July 2022.

* In Visakhapatnam, more than 10,000 Ganesh Vigrahas made with clay are distributed free of cost.

· Attended World Hindu Council and organized a session on Active Hinduism in Bangkok, Taiwan in November 2023.

· Several distinguished guests addressed either in Person or Zoom call highlighting the need to preserve our culture: Dr. Subramanian Swamy, Swami Paripoornananda, Sri Iyer, Dr. Ramesh Rao, P V R Narasimha Rao, Sri Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, T H Chowdary, Esther Dhanraj, Stephen Knapp, Dr. Medasani Mohan,

· On August 10, 2024, Protest Rally in Frisco was organized in support of Global Voice for Bangladesh Hindus was a grand success with 400+ in attendance. It was organized to highlight the atrocities committed against minorities, especially Hindus. Also to demand justice and enforce law and order to protect Hindu houses, business, Hindu Temples and protect Hindu women.

 

 

 

 

· To nourish the roots of Sanatana Dharma, nurture our culture and traditions, preserve our ancient heritage, enrich the Hindu way of life, and encounter adharma, GHHF started ground-level activities in eight States in Bharat: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, as well as Bangladesh.

1. Ghar Wapasi—to protect our Hindus from conversion and welcome back to Hinduism those who were converted to Christianity. Twenty-two Pracharaks work in six different states, educating our Hindus about the difference between Hinduism and Christianity, giving tips on how to encounter missionaries, and preparing Hindus to act like Hindus with pride. 22 Pracharaks work daily to make Hindus, Hindus and encounter deception.

2. Bala Samskar Kendras—200 schools started in nine different states and Bangladesh to educate our children about the richness and greatness of Sanatana Dharma. A Syllabus was developed to teach about our customs, celebrate our festivals, learn about the sacrifices of our national heroes, hear about the great Maharishis, the richness of Ramayana and Mahabharat, moral stories, and perform Surya Namaskaras. Approximately 4500 students are enrolled.


 

 

 

3. Grama Devata Temples are being renovated to revive the culture of village Gods and Goddesses to ensure the safety of the villages. More than 45 Grama Devatas were renovated to ensure the continuity of ancient culture. About 45 Grama Devatas are constructed or renovated.

4. Annadanam—It is a regular feature that provides annadanam to deserving people. During COVID-19, GHHF provided annadanam to more than 2 lakh people. Also provided dry goods sufficient for one month for more than 1000 Priest families and gave $5,000 to more than 150 poor priests. In the USA, we provided meals for one month to the First Respondents in appreciation of their dedicated service to the community.

5. Sponsor a Priest—Employing unemployed Priests to open Temples that were closed due to financial difficulties. Visit each family in the village, invite them to the Temple, organize Bhajans, and teach mantras to chant.

6. Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam – Providing necessary puja items to village Temples that could not light the lamps in the villages. More than 1000 Temples received Puja items

7. “Intinta Shiva Abhishekam” (Shiva Abhishekam in Every House) was initiated to be performed in the houses of the poor, Dalit, and tribal communities to create appreciation for our rituals and also bring the communities together.


 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Cow Puja and Protection – prevented the transportation of and slaughtering of cows; intercepted the vehicles carrying cows and cow meat; supported more than 25 gaushalas, sponsoring and maintaining the cows in the largest Gaushala in Memphis, TN, USA.

9. Animal Welfare: In summer, many animals are not provided with food and water. To ensure the basic needs of the cows, monkeys, dogs, birds, etc., GHHF made water Tubs specially for this purpose, placed them in different villages, and filled them with water every day for more than two months each year.

 

 

 

 

10. Water Pandals (Chalivendras) opened in about 30 centers to provide water and buttermilk in the Summertime. We rented Water tanks and brought water from the nearby wells, and the pandals were filled every nearly three months.

11. Imprint “Jai Sri Ram” in villages to create a sense of identity among Hindus – more than 2 lakh houses, walls, electrical poles, autos, etc. in more than 300 villages. More than 200 volunteers have signed up to help with this project.

12. Flood Relief—GHHF provided food, baby food, water bottles, and fodder for animals for the flood victims in Assam and Andhra Pradesh. Recently, in Assam, we provided 67,000 meals, baby food for 134 children, and fodder for 65 cows, covering 77 villages.

13. Environmental Protection Summer heat waves are causing health problems through dehydration, exhaustion, and loss of electrolytes. We can address the issue by planting more trees. We have been planting many trees in Assam and Andhra Pradesh for the last four years. In Anantapur, more than 1000 trees were planted, and in Assam, 750 saplings were planted. 3000 environmentally friendly Ganesh Vigrahas were distributed. Also, GHHF celebrates World Environmental Day every year.


 

 

 

14. Help Hindus in Bangladesh. Hindus in Bangladesh are facing severe violence, including attacks on homes, temples, and businesses. Thousands are struggling for survival with critical needs for food, shelter, and protection. The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) is working to provide aid, including meals for the homeless, protection for temples, and support for those in hiding. Donations are urgently needed to help those affected.

DONATIONS

How to Help: Your Donations are appreciated to continue our activities on the ground level.

*Zelle:* ghhfusaorg@gmail.com
- *PayPal:* savetemples.org
- *Contact for more information or any clarification. * 601-918-7111 / +91 83096 43979

 

 

 

 

 

 

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