Haridwar sadhus say they are confident that Ram Mandir will be built soon

HARIDWAR: A congregation of prominent sadhus led by Juna Akhara

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Awadheshanand Giri

said on Thursday that they were confident that "Ram Mandir at Ayodhya will be built soon and cow protection ensured in the country."

"We are confident that

Hindu interests

will in no way be harmed," Giri said. The sadhus had assembled to pay homage to ex-VHP chief

Ashok Singhal

on his first death anniversary.

For the sadhus feeling "better off" under the present dispensation, credit goes to Ashok Singhal who fought ceaselessly all his life to safeguard Hindus, Hinduism and Hindu interests, Giri remarked adding that the present government was formed with the blessings of the religious community. It was due to Singhal that "a better communication on a larger scale was made possible among the seers," he said.

According to him, "it is not in the RSS tradition to hold such meetings to pay tribute to its leaders. But one such meeting has been held due to the love the religious community has for Ashok Singhal."

Swami Govindanand Giri referred to the setting up of an Ashok Singhal Foundation and its objectives. A programme under its auspices will be organised in Delhi each year and three awards, one each to the best Veda student, best Veda teacher and best Veda school, commemorative of the Hindu leader will be given on the occasion. He pointed out that Veda schools under his inspiration have been set up in different states. RSS joint general secretary (sah sarkaryawah), Krishna Gopal referred to Singhal's contribution in awakening and unifying the Hindu society through "Sri Ram's power." BJP joint general secretary Shiv Prakash, former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh Babu Lal Gaur, VHP organising general secretary Dinesh Chandra, general secretary Champat Rai and central secretary Rajendra Pankaj were also present besides a host of eminent seers from all over the country.