🙏🏻 The Founder’s Extended Address to the All India Unorganized Priestly Workers Federation (R) 🙏🏻
My beloved office bearers and respected member brethren of the Federation,
It gives me immense pleasure to share my heartfelt thoughts with all of you through this platform. This organization of ours is not just a registered body; it is a movement carrying the emotions, hopes, and future dreams of millions of unorganized workers serving in the religious and culinary fields.
As the founder, I wish to elaborate on the formation of our sacred organization and the profound reasons behind it in a more detailed, clearer, and deeply impactful manner.
1. 🕌 The Divinity of Our Service vs. The Reality of Challenges
We are all people who should hold the highest respect in society. We infuse spiritual and cultural significance into people’s lives through worship, rituals, rites of passage, and cooking in temples, homes, and public ceremonies. We are the fundamental link to religion and heritage.
However, the reality is bitter:
Lack of Security: We are daily wage earners. Our work lacks a fixed salary. When we fall ill or grow old, we have no security of pension, retirement benefits, or insurance. If our service ends, our family faces the risk of destitution.
Inequality and Exploitation: Many times, temple committees or patrons exploit us, hiring us for less than minimum wage. Once a specific task is complete, we are no longer considered ‘workers.’ A strong legal and social platform was needed to break this cycle of exploitation.
Lack of Recognition: In government records, we were not officially recognized as a specific ‘worker’ class. Our very exi
stence was ambiguous.
These challenges led to the birth of our “All India Unorganized Priestly Workers Federation.” Our objective is clear: Respect for Service, Security for the Worker.
2. 🛡️ Achieved Milestones and The Path Ahead
Our organization has not remained merely on paper; it has achieved significant milestones in the past few years. Your continuous hard work is the power behind these achievements.
A. Official Recognition from the Government:
Following our persistent appeals and pressure, priests, archakas (temple workers), and cook assistants have been officially recognized as ‘Unorganized Workers.’
Consequently, our members are eligible to receive Labour Cards (Shram Card). This is not just an identity card; it is the sole legal gateway to accessing all government worker welfare schemes such as health insurance, accident insurance, and pension schemes (e.g., E-Shram or State Government Schemes).
The recent initiation of the Privilege Health Card distribution ceremonies is a major step in this direction.
B. Expansion and Strengthening the Organisation:
By opening branches across the state and nationally, we have succeeded in bringing our community—regardless of regional differences, whether in a village or a town—onto a single platform.
Office Bearers, your role here is most crucial. You do not hold mere titular posts. You are the ones providing information, guidance, and support to every member. It is your sacred duty to ensure that every government scheme and benefit reaches the doorstep of the deserving member.
3. 💪 The Founder’s Call: Courage and Responsibility
Member brethren, our struggle is far from over. We must first ensure economic and social security.
Enroll Everyone: Many unorganized priestly and culinary workers who are not yet part of our group remain outside. Your first responsibility is to identify them and bring them into the Federation. When our numbers grow exponentially, our demands will become a decisive force.
Share Information: Many village priests are unaware of these Labour Cards and insurance schemes. You must provide them with timely and accurate information and help them apply for government schemes. No one should be deprived due to ignorance.
Support Each Other: A federation is not just about fighting for rights. We must have a heart that provides humanitarian aid to the poor, widows, or the sick in our community. Mutual cooperation and trust are our greatest strengths.
🗝️ Final Summary
The All India Unorganized Priestly Workers Federation (R) is the symbol of our community’s dignity, security, and unity. We are committed to officially recognizing the service of each one of you and ensuring that all worker welfare benefits reach you.
Let us move forward with unity. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder and build a brighter future for our community.
My heartfelt respects for all your service and sacrifice
National Founder President Dr. MB Ananthamurthy