Bharat Rakshaya Mancha holds Shastra Pujan at Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar
Youths showcase martial arts and self-defence skills; leaders stress cultural pride
By Sudam Patra
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 16: Bharat Rakshaya Mancha (BRM), a prominent forum of intellectuals, saints, and social activists dedicated to safeguarding the rights of Hindus, on Friday organised a Shastra Pujan ceremony at Ram Mandir Square here, coinciding with Sasthi Puja of Goddess Durga, followed by martial arts demonstrations and a rally highlighting self-defence, cultural heritage and national unity.
Thousands of youths, dressed in traditional attire and carrying traditional weapons such as lathis and swords, participated in the programme. The ceremony was followed by demonstrations of martial arts and self-defence techniques by participants and local cultural groups.
The participants subsequently took out a Sanatan Sankruti Raksha Yatra through the streets of Bhubaneswar.
The programme was led by BRM founder and national coordinator Suryakant Kelkar, while its national general secretary, Dr Ashok Acharya, and other senior functionaries attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Kelkar emphasised the need to preserve India’s martial heritage and promote self-defence. He called upon the community to remain conscious of challenges to national unity and carry forward the legacy of courage and valour.
Dr Acharya said the tradition of Shastra Pujan was associated with self-defence and served as a reminder of the valour of ancestors who upheld self-respect and dignity.
Other speakers stressed the importance of vigilance against anti-national and anti-social elements, expressing concern over their potential impact on the country’s social and political fabric.
Among those present were BRM Odisha general secretary Puranjan Padhi, state president Subrat Mishra, former Bargarh MP Dr Prabhas Kumar Singh, Dr Gourav Nayak, Dr Alekha Padhiary, Sriram Dash, Dr Arun Nayak, Manoj Patnaik, Anil Kumar Mahalik, Manoj Kumar Acharya, Er Manoj Pattanaik, advocate Sudam Satpathy and youth relations representative Rajesh Prusty.
Representatives of the organisation’s women’s and students’ wings, Pravasini Prusty and Smarak Panda, also attended the programme.
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Photograph: A photograph collage of Bharat Raksha Manch performing Shastra Pujan and displaying martial arts on the occasion of Goddess Durga’s Sasthi Puja.
