In a steadfast resistance against the imposition of pre-wedding and entry fees at Manjhi Temple, the Shyamji Manjhi Temple Save Struggle Committee, along with various religious organizations and the Department of Devasthan, conducted a collective intelligence initiative and launched a signature campaign. The protest has gained momentum over the past two years, with the local community expressing significant discontent over the persistent imposition of fees despite their objections.
### Workshop and Signature Campaign
In a unified effort to combat the challenges posed by the Department of Devasthan, a two-day workshop titled "Pre-Wedding and Entry Fee Opposition: Building Awareness and Readying for Action" was inaugurated on February 12, 2024. Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, addressed over 100 participants from approximately 30 institutions in the eastern region.
### Opposition and Community Involvement
The workshop, organized by the National Telecommunications Institute for Policy Research, Innovation, and Training (NTIPRIT), focused on fostering innovation in combating the imposition of fees at Manjhi Temple. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has undertaken the initiative to set up 100 5G Use Case Labs across India, with a special focus on the eastern region, where 30 institutions, including IIT Guwahati, are actively participating.
### Calls for Abolishing Fees
Shyamji Manjhi Temple Save Struggle Committee, in collaboration with the World Hindu Council, Udaipur, and Udaipur News, organized a sunrise event of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) as part of the ongoing protest. The committee emphasized the need for academic institutions to maximize the potential of the 5G Use Case Lab, creating new use cases to benefit society and contribute to India's development.
### Community Unity and Signature Campaign
Various religious and social organizations, including Chandpol Seva Samiti, Shri Ram Sena, Shri Kshatriya Kumawat Navayuvak Mandal, Chandpol, Gorwal Samaj, Chaubisa Samaj, joined the protest. The collective effort included a signature campaign, symbolizing widespread opposition to the imposition of pre-wedding and entry fees. The campaign involved a symbolic display of discontent, including a photo exhibition showcasing the alleged exploitation of the temple premises for pre-wedding photography.
### Intelligence Hawan and Collective Protest
As a part of the protest, an intelligence havan (fire ritual) was conducted at 5 a.m. to provide divine intervention and guidance in the fight against the imposed fees. Following the havan, a formal inauguration of the signature campaign took place, with participants from various social and religious groups contributing their signatures. In a show of solidarity, a collective recitation of Hanuman Chalisa, Shri Ram Stuti, and Aarti was performed.
### Illuminating the Protest: A Symbolic Gesture
As the day concluded, at 7 p.m., a symbolic diya was lit at the temple premises, signifying the collective intelligence initiative aimed at the Department of Devasthan. The gesture underscored the community's commitment to fighting against the fees imposed on Manjhi Temple by the Department of Devasthan.
In conclusion, the opposition against pre-wedding and entry fees at Manjhi Temple has gained considerable momentum, with a diverse group of stakeholders actively participating in the protest. The workshop, signature campaign, and symbolic gestures exemplify the unity and determination of the community in their quest to abolish the contested fees and preserve the sanctity of the temple.
