Shun V-Day, opt for ‘Prem Diwas’
The Hindustan Times
Smriti Malaviya
Allahabad, February 1
SANT SHREE Asaram Bapu said that Valentine culture should be banned in thecountry. Speaking to HT at his Satsang Shivir in the Ardh Kumbh Mela area onThursday, he said that Valentine culture, imported from the West, haddegenerated Indian cultural values.
He said, "In the name of Valentine celebrations, young girls and boys go infor short-term relations and sometimes indulge in unprotected sex. Thiscauses HIV and other serious diseases in the youths who are suppose to workfor the country's development."
He suggested that instead of Valentine's Day, the GenNow should celebrate'Prem Diwas' and offer flowers and gifts to their parents and relatives. "Bycelebrating Prem Diwas, every child should thank his parents for gifting himthe most precious life," he said.
On the issue of female foeticide, he said that the killing of unborn baby,be it a boy or a girl, was a sin. He said that even the Vedas did not permitkilling of unborn babies. "This is strictly against ancient Indian culture.We need to promote the purity of Indian culture and stay away from Westerninfluence," he said.
Asaram Bapu said that casteism and muscle power were the two main reasonsfor increasing incidences of violence in society. "But condition of peoplein western countries is worse because people there lack moral principles. Asa result, every year 12.5 lakh young girls become pregnant and at least fivelakh unwed mothers go in for abortion," he added.
Expressing concern over high consumption of tobacco by Allahabad residentsespecially youths, Bapu said it was the most unfortunate thing. He said,"There are some home preparations that can be used as substitute for panmasala."
Govt turns to Sant Asaram Bapu for girl child
NEW DELHI: Concerned by the diminishing number of girl child to foeticide, the government has turned to spiritual gurus. The union ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has written to
Sant Asaram Bapu and even other popular gurus to spearhead a campaign to save the girl child.
“Since religious gurus have a huge following, a campaign by them will surely help people change their mindset about having daughters,” said an official of MWCD.
The ministry will go all out to help these spiritual gurus and will provide data of boy-girl sex ratio and the population girls/women in India that can be used during the discourses.
The MWCD will also have a number of special campaigns and schemes in the Eleventh Five Year Plan. Under the schemes, poor parents who do not resort to foeticide but have no money to bring up their daughters, will be given special financial assistance.
The government would provide crèches where these girl children can be looked after and nurtured. The health of the girl child will be monitored by regular health check ups.