KOCHI: Encouraged by the overwhelming response to its reconversion drive in some North Indian States, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is all set to attempt a similar movement in Kerala.
'Dharma Prasar,' a VHP outfit which spearheaded the drive in selected states, will chalk out its Kerala strategies at its three-day national meet slated to begin here on August 29.
A communiqué detailing the project has been sent to NSS, SNDP and Devaswom Boards. Sources said the initial feedback from the Devaswom Board has been quite encouraging.
Meanwhile, the Dharma Prasar has made elaborate groundwork in Kerala as a prelude to its drive in line with the modus operandi of Christian missionaries.
Its "missionaries" have already begun their works in Idukki district, one of the most potential areas identified by its research team.
According to Dr Puthezhathu Ramachandran, the VHP's national vice-president, they have already deputed six missionaries in the interiors of Idukki who regularly hold Sunday gatherings at Pampanar Sri Subramania Temple in Peermedu.
"We have also plans to open "Ekal Vidyalayas" in selected districts in the State, in addition to launching several social service projects, including opening of orphanages across the State," he said.
Maintaining that the movement was not aimed at reconversion but to facilitate "home coming" of the "transgressed sect," Dr Ramachandran said "there is a demand for self-preservation of the Hindu society from the grassroots. The Kochi meet will prepare a blueprint of Kerala operations."
According to him, the Dharma Prasar's mission has proved a great success in the Christian-dominated Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, and a few districts in Rajasthan.
The VHP has already opened its missionary training centre at Peermedu.
"Our idea is to train at least 10 missionaries every six months. We know our mission requires large resources. But going by the initial response we feel that funds would not be a constraint to carry out the agenda. Several religious institutions, including all Devaswom Boards, have offered their total co-operation to our historic venture," said another top VHP leader.
"Like any other State in India, a major section of Dalit Christians in Kerala feels that it is being discriminated by the Church. The promises given to it by the Churches have not been fulfilled. The Dalits feel cheated. The Kochi meet will chalk out strategies that would enable them to embrace their ancestral tradition," said Mohan Joshi, VHP's central secretary who is here to attend the meet.
Over 100 top leaders of VHP from various states, including Acharya Giriraj Kishore, R Vedantham, and Mohan Joshi will attend the three-day meet.