Dera Sacha Sauda followers hold ‘naam charcha’

ROHTAK: Almost a week after Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is lodged in Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail, decided to withdraw his parole application, Dera Sacha Sauda devotees on Sunday held ‘naam charcha’ in Rohtak and several other districts to conduct social welfare activities.
The sect head, who is serving jail terms for the rape of two female devotees and murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, had applied for 42-day parole for agriculture work, but decided to withdraw it after it was met with a lot of resistance from the public. He did not give jail superintendent any specific reason for withdrawing.
Sources said that last week, a meeting was conducted at Sirsa dera headquarters where it was decided to conduct social welfare activities to better the image of the dera, which could probably help convict Ram Rahim in future when he applies for parole again.
The devotees, who were gathered on Sunday at Rohtak, conducted an awareness campaign and were given 200 bowls to keep it on rooftops of the houses for the birds.
Shobha Insan, senior vice-chairperson of dera, said every year during summer season, they launch campaigns where hundreds of devotees and volunteers engage in social welfare activities.
A devotee said by engaging in social welfare activities, they help spread their guru’s message to the world. According to him, in mid July, a blood donation camp will be organised. August, the month guru Ram Rahim was born, will also see many activities, he added.
Followers of dera had also gathered at Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Bhiwani, Ambala and Kurukshetra.