Magsaysay winner to check trishul with Gita

‘‘By doing so, we will be appealing to the silent majority to give a befitting reply to forces (read VHP) which are bent upon vitiating communal harmony in society. In the beginning, 1,000 copies will be distributed,’’ said Pande. The funds, according to Pande, have been raised through donations from members of the minority community.

‘‘Now people should themselves decide what signifies Hinduism, trident or the Gita which spreads the message of universal brotherhood.’’ Though Pande claimed he would go ahead with his programme, there is doubt that he would be allowed to hold such a programme as the local administration might ban it fearing communal trouble.

Pande was arrested in Faizabad a few months ago when he and other members of his group had decided to hold a photo exhibition and take out a procession aimed at promoting communal amity. The Faizabad administration had banned the programme following fears that it might lead to trouble.

‘‘We will begin with Sultanpur and the same exercise will also be taken out in other districts also, especially at places where the VHP had performed the trishul diksha,’’ he said.