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NT Bureau
Chennai, July 29:
 

A priest from Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt presenting Hindu Jana Seva Rathna title to VHP international president S Vedantam at a function in Chennai yesterday. Also seen are VHP leader Praveen Tagodia, former IPS officer Sripal and BJP former president Jana Krishnamurthy.

        Vishwa Hindu Parishad has called upon the Hindus to come forward and support the movement for the protection of Ramar Sethu (Adam's bridge as mentioned by NASA) which was facing threat from the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project in the Palk Straits.

        At a function got up to felicitate S Vedantam who was elected as international executive president of VHP, Hindu leaders stressed on the need for unity among the community to accomplish major tasks like building of Ram temple in Ayodhya and the protection of Ramar Sethu that links Rameswaram with Sri Lanka through a centuries-old bridge.

        'At a place like Tamilnadu where the opposition to Hinduism is strong, Vedantam has strived hard to build our movement. Now as an international leader, VHP is set to achieve many goals,' said Praveen Tagodia, international general secretary, VHP, who presided over the felicitation as the chief guest.

        He recalled the organisation's pledge to construct Ram temple in Ayodhya and now the movement to be kicked off for the protection of Ramar Sethu, adding both the tasks would be achieved under the leadership of Vedantam.

        In his acceptance speech, Vedantam said the feelings of Hindus have been hurt with the Centre expressing its determination to go ahead and complete the Sethu canal project. Stating the canal project would incur heavy loss to the government, he questioned the motive of the Centre which was trying to disturb the strong faith Hindus have over Lord Ram by trying to demolish Ramar Sethu.

        On his rise to current position in VHP, he said unflinching devotion to God and hard work had contributed to his elevation within the organisation.

        He said a three-phase agitation to save Ramar Sethu was planned by the VHP — a one-day fast would be observed on 12 August in Chennai, followed by a rally to Rameswaram as part of the campaign. In the final leg, a protest march would taken in Delhi towards Red Fort on 20 December.

        Vedantam called upon Hindus to unite and lend their wholehearted support to the protection movement for Ramar Sethu being organised by the VHP.

        On behalf of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, a title called Jana Seva Rathna was presented to Vedantam who was also felicitated by Udipi Pejawar Mutt and Vanamamalai Mutt in Nanguneri. Former IPS officer Sripal, RSS leader

        K Suryanarayana Rao, VHP State executive president R Srihari, its general secretary R S Narayanswamy, BJP former president Jana Krishnamurthy, Tamilnadu BJP president L Ganesan and NEPC chairman Ravi Prakash Khemka spoke on the occasion.