Hindu Helpline

Hindu Helpline is a call centre service launched by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on 4 April 2010, with the initiative of VHP international president Praveen Togadia.[1] It was initially launched in Pune but had opened similar centres in 50 cities by August 2014.

Organisation

The Hindu Helpline provides services for Hindu callers on a range of issues, including religious questions, social and safety issues, especially in relation to religious minority communities. The Economic Times comments that it "provides a platform for those Hindus who perceive themselves to be harassed or victimised" and makes them in get in touch with the VHP.[2] According to Togadia, "the attempt is to make the Hindu feel proud of being part of a network of over 100 crore Hindus."[3] The service has handled about 85,000 calls in two years. It is run by 40 volunteers and boasts of a nearly 30,000-strong network ready to respond to calls for help. It is said to have eminent retired civil servants, doctors and lawyers on its advisory board.[3]

The call centre in Mumbai is handled by Paras Rajput[4] and that in Delhi is handled by Deepak Kumar.[3]

Activities

The range of issues handled by the call centres include:[3]

Calls related to "forced conversions" receive urgent attention. The helpline in Kerala particularly offers help against "love jihad."[5]

Notes

  1. ↑ "VHP to launch 'Hindu Helpline'". Indian Express. 24 Jan 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-31.
  2. ↑ "Praise be upon the new Hindu Helpline: Very local rates apply". The Economic Times. 9 Aug 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-31.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "For 'distressed' Hindus, VHP helpline is just a call away". The Economic Times. 9 Aug 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-31.
  4. ↑ "Be prepared to deal with terror, Hindus urged". Times of India. 24 Jun 2014. Retrieved 2014-08-31.
  5. ↑ "VHP launches Hindu Helpline in Kerala". rediff.com. 27 May 2010. Retrieved 2014-08-31.

See also

External links