New Delhi, Oct 22 (PTI) The 6th Sanskriti Sansad, scheduled to be held in Varanasi from November 3 to 5, will focus on a proposed Hindu code of conduct, efforts to collect Manusmriti manuscripts from across the world and concerns over protests linked to calls for “regime change” during Hindu festivals, organisers said on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference here, Swami Jitendranand Saraswati said a Hindu Achar Sanhita (code of conduct) would be announced at the event, clarifying that it would be voluntary and not imposed on anyone.
“In Sanatan Hindu Dharma, nothing is imposed on anyone. If you wish to accept these rules, you may do so; if you do not, you do not have to,” he said.
Saraswati said the event would deliberate on establishing the original form of the Manusmriti, alleging that manuscripts of the ancient text were taken out of India and sent abroad. He said a committee will be announced to collect manuscripts from across the world and establish the text’s original form.
He claimed that the Manusmriti was published in English under the British and questioned the authenticity of the versions circulated subsequently.
The Sanskriti Sansad will also discuss the ongoing protests against the government, with Saraswati accusing those advocating “regime change” of attempting to disrupt the country’s economy by organising demonstrations during Hindu festivals.
“If you want to change the government, go to the people, hold public meetings and make speeches. This country is a democracy and functions under the Constitution,” he said.
Saraswati claimed that purchases of gold, silver and vehicles during festivals last year amounted to Rs 6.05 lakh crore, which he compared with the country’s defence budget of around Rs 6 lakh crore.
He alleged that protests were being planned to disrupt festive purchases and questioned why similar demonstrations were not organised around Eid or Christmas.
The religious leader warned political parties against holding protests during Hindu festivals and said the livelihoods of small traders dependent on festive sales should not be affected.
“Hindus will not sit back if their festivals are repeatedly targeted and disrupted,” Saraswati said.
He also accused the Congress of attempting to divide Hindu society and alleged that rallies were being planned in November to weaken Sanatan Dharma.
“If Hindu festivals are disrupted, the Congress will be buried so deep that nobody will be left to speak its name,” he said.
Saraswati said around 2,000 saints are expected to attend the three-day event in Varanasi, which will be organised under the guidance of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti and the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, with the participation of the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s central leadership.
Sunil Deodhar, president of the organising committee of this year’s event, said 7,000 young people will be invited to participate, describing their presence as a message that India’s youth remain connected with Hindutva and nationalism.
“The biggest attraction for me is the participation of 7,000 young people,” he said, adding that the gathering will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the interest of young Indians in Hindu traditions and cultural identity.
Rejecting the categorisation of young people into Gen Z and millennials, Deodhar called such distinctions meaningless and argued that the term “youth” better represented the country’s younger generation.
He also defended the RSS against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on its approach towards women, citing the establishment of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and the contributions of women in Hindu religious traditions.
The organisers said discussions during the Sanskriti Sansad will include participation by university vice-chancellors, experts and other prominent personalities. PTI ADI RHL
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