Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1964 in Mumbai, India. The organization's main objective is to promote the unity and solidarity of Hindus around the world and to advocate for the protection of Hindu culture and values. The VHP's activities include organizing religious and cultural events, promoting Hindu religious education, and advocating for policies that promote Hindu interests.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has several frontal organizations that operate independently, but share the same ideological goals and objectives. These organizations work towards the promotion and protection of Hindu culture, values, and interests. Here are some of the prominent frontal organizations of VHP:
Bajrang Dal: Bajrang Dal is a youth wing of the VHP. It is known for its aggressive campaigns.
Durga Vahini: Durga Vahini is a women's wing of the VHP that promotes the empowerment of Hindu women and their participation in social and political issues.
Vishva Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA): VHPA is the American branch of the VHP. It works towards promoting Hindu culture, values, and interests in the United States.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS): HSS is a cultural and educational organization that promotes Hindu culture and values. It also runs several educational programs and camps for children and youth.
These frontal organizations of VHP operate independently, but work towards promoting the same ideological goals and objectives of the parent organization.
The ideology and philosophy of the VHP are based on the principles of Hindutva, which seeks to establish a Hindu Rashtra or a Hindu nation in India. The VHP believes that India is a land of Hindus and that Hinduism is the cultural and spiritual foundation of the country.
The VHP's ideology and philosophy are based on the following principles:
Hindu unity: The VHP believes that Hindus should unite to protect their culture, values, and interests. The organization believes that Hindu unity is essential to counter the perceived threat posed by religious minorities, particularly Muslims.
Protection of Hindu culture and traditions: The VHP believes that Hindu culture and traditions are under threat from external influences and should be protected and preserved. The organization is opposed to westernization and globalization, which it sees as a threat to traditional Hindu values.
Hindutva: The VHP's ideology is based on the concept of Hindutva, which seeks to establish a Hindu Rashtra or a Hindu nation in India. The organization believes that India is a land of Hindus and that Hindus should have a dominant role in the country's politics and culture.
Religious nationalism: The VHP's philosophy is based on the concept of religious nationalism, which holds that the nation and the religion are inseparable. The organization believes that Hinduism is the cultural and spiritual foundation of India and that the country's political and cultural identity should be based on Hinduism.
Communal harmony: The VHP claims to promote communal harmony and respect for all religions. However, critics accuse the organization of promoting intolerance and hatred towards religious minorities, particularly Muslims.
The organization seeks to promote the unity and solidarity of Hindus around the world and to protect Hindu culture and values from perceived threats.
