Dera Sacha Sauda (colloquially known as DSS) is an Indian non-governmental organization that combines religious teachings with social welfare activities. Here are some key points about Dera Sacha Sauda:
Founding and History:
Dera Sacha Sauda was established on April 29, 1948, by Mastana Balochistani, an ascetic follower of Baba Sawan Singh, the second Satguru of Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB).Initially, it served as a center for religious learning.After Mastana Balochistani’s death, the movement split into four groups. One of these groups was led by Mastana Balochistani himself.Later, Satnam Singh took over the leadership of the Sirsa group within Dera Sacha Sauda.
Teachings and Principles:
Under Mastana Balochistani’s leadership, Dera Sacha Sauda established 25 ashrams in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
The followers accepted three principles for life,No consumption of meat, eggs, or gelatin.No consumption of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.No adultery or illicit sex.The expression “Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera Hi Asra” (Blessed are you, the true guru; you are my shelter) became widely associated with the Dera.
Leadership Succession:
After Satnam Singh, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh took over as the leader in 1990.Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh expanded Dera Sacha Sauda, adding more than a dozen ashrams and making it a more visible organization.He claims to have over 60 million followers worldwide.
Controversies and Legal Issues:
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been a controversial figure in India.He has been convicted for murder and rape:In 2017, a special CBI court found him guilty of raping two Dera sadhvis (female followers).He was sentenced to a 20-year prison term for rape.In 2019, he was also sentenced to life in prison for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapatti.
Current Status:
Dera Sacha Sauda’s main center is located in Sirsa, Haryana, India.The organization has 46 ashrams (divisions) across India and other countries.
What are the social welfare activities carried out by Dera Sacha Sauda?
Dera Sacha Sauda is an Indian non-governmental organization that combines spiritual teachings with extensive social welfare initiatives. Under the leadership of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera has undertaken numerous welfare programs, benefiting various segments of society. Here are some of the key social welfare activities carried out by Dera Sacha Sauda:
1.Drug Rehabilitation:
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- The Dera actively works to rehabilitate individuals struggling with drug addiction. Their efforts include awareness campaigns, counseling, and support for those seeking recovery.
- Environmental Conservation:
- Dera Sacha Sauda emphasizes environmental stewardship. They engage in tree planting drives, cleanliness campaigns, and other initiatives to protect the environment.
- Blood Donation Camps:
- The organization conducts regular blood donation camps to address the critical need for blood in hospitals. These camps encourage voluntary blood donation.
- Integration of Marginalized Groups:
- Dera Sacha Sauda strives to integrate marginalized groups into mainstream society. This includes efforts to support sex workers, transgender individuals (Hijras/Kinnars), and other vulnerable populations.
- For instance, they have adopted eunuchs (Hijras/Kinnars) and renamed them as the “Sukh Dua Samaj,” working to improve their social status and well-being.
- Protection of Daughters:
- The Dera actively opposes female feticide and works to protect daughters. They promote noble values and encourage families to celebrate the birth of a girl child.
- Rehabilitation of Sex Workers:
- Through their initiative called “Shubhdevi,” Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh adopts girls who were previously trapped in prostitution. He provides medical treatment, rehabilitation, and arranges their marriages, thereby creating a movement against prostitution.
- Support for Acid Attack Victims:
- The Dera arranges free treatment and marriages for girls who have suffered acid attacks. This compassionate effort helps victims recover physically and emotionally.
- Matrilineal Inheritance:
- The Dera promotes matrilineal inheritance alongside the usual patrilineal system. They encourage boys (if they have another male sibling) to relocate to their wife’s parental home and care for her parents as their own responsibility.
- Empowering Independent Women:
- The Dera motivates independent women to marry handicapped individuals of marriageable age, fostering inclusivity and compassion.
- Beyond Imagination:
- The Dera reaches out to victims of rape and gang rape, supporting them and their families to end isolation and social ostracism.