Indian
Express, New Delhi
December 6, 1987
Agnivesh
leads anti-sati march to Deorala
NEW
DELHI: Carrying
banners reading "sati is for burning", 101 sanyasis, mostly
from the Arya Samaj, led by Swami Agnivesh, began their padyatra
to Deorala at noon from the Arya Samaj Diwan Hall in Chandni Chowk
on Saturday.
The
18-day padyatra will culminate in a rally on December 23 at the
village where 18-year-old Roop Kanwar was consigned to the flames
in September. The padyatris will campaign against sati, and also
focus on other social evils such as dowry, child marriage and
the persecution of widows.
Addressing
the padyatris and a group of about 300 arya Samaj workers and
school children, Swami Agnivesh said that he had received threats
"from those who sought to glorify sati".
"They
said they will not allow us to enter Rajasthan", Swami Agnivesh
said, but we will not be put off by them. we are not going
with naked swords but with love - to clear misconceptions about
our religion, culture and civilisation. In fact, we invite them
to share our platform.
The
gathering was also addressed by Swami Anand Bodh Saraswati,
President, Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha. Acharya Prabakhar,
president, Vishwa Dharma Parishad. Goswami Girdhari Lal, general
secretary. All-India Sanatan Dharam Sabha and several Arya Samaj
leaders.
They
pointed out that the practice of sati had been opposed by Swami
Dayanand, founder of the Arya Samaj, who had categorically
stated that it enjoyed no sanction in Hindu scriptures.
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