Advocate Prakash Salsingikar, who has been interested in social work since his student days, was active in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad during his college life. Initially working for the organisation in Bhusawal, his skills and potential were recognised, and he was given responsibilities in Mumbai. There, he worked in various colleges across Girgaon, Vile Parle, Santacruz, Khar, and other areas under the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. His inherent qualities of sincerity, collaboration, humility, positivity, and perseverance earned him the trust of students. During this time, he took the initiative in several constructive activities on campus. From his student days, he has continued working for society and the nation without ever looking back. He has furthered this mission by becoming a lawyer. He currently serves as the Vice President of the ‘Advocate Council’ of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the Konkan region. In doing so, he has played a crucial role in organising lawyers. With a law degree in hand, Advocate Salsingikar has not only committed himself to social and national service but has also inspired young lawyers to do the same selflessly. His efforts are unique not just in Maharashtra, but across the country. Let’s explore his inspirational work through this article.
Special Column
The sacrifice by the soldiers and generals for the Hindavi Swarajya as envisaged by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is supreme. Similarly, in the present times, many devout Hindus and patriotic citizens of this country have been striving to protect the Nation and Dharma. The ‘Warriors of Hindutva’ is a series of articles that sheds light on their life and their struggle to protect Hindu Dharma. We hope that it serves as a catalyst for the mission of establishing Hindu Rashtra and inspires many others. – Editor
1. Legal battle against obscenity in films
In 2022, Mahesh Manjrekar’s Marathi film ‘Nay Varanbhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha’ was released. The trailer contained scenes that were highly destructive to social values, depicting extreme violence and obscenity among students, along with vulgar dialogues. Advocate Prakash Salsingikar filed a case under the POCSO Act against the filmmakers. As a result, they were compelled to remove certain violent and obscene scenes and dialogues. The notice served on this film helped set a precedent against future depictions of vulgarity and violence.
2. Protecting Indian culture from misrepresentation in advertisements
An ad for a face cream by Dabur showed a Karva Chauth scene, where instead of a wife seeing her husband’s face after moonrise, a woman was shown seeing another woman’s face. This was seen as an affront to Indian cultural traditions. Advocate Salsingikar sent a legal notice in this regard, leading to the ad being pulled from various media channels. This action helped curb immorality and deviance.
3. Stopping defamation of RSS through films
The 2021 Hindi movie ‘Mumbai Saga’ portrayed a character associated with the RSS misusing influence over the Mumbai Police. Advocate Salsingikar, on behalf of RSS volunteer Mahesh Bhingarde, sent a legal notice to the filmmakers. As a result, the objectionable scenes were blurred. This legal effort to stop defamation of a patriotic organisation boosted the morale of the devout Hindus.
Wife (Adv) Sunita’s strong support
Advocate Prakash Salsingikar’s wife, Mrs Sunita, is also an advocate. She has been actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad since her student days. Since the inception of the organisation ‘Dard Se Hamdard Tak’, she has been a key contributor. She has dedicated herself to the organisation’s work—providing legal guidance in colleges, raising awareness among the youth to reduce crime in society, and conducting rehabilitation sessions for prison inmates. Due to Mrs Sunita’s unwavering support, Advocate Prakash Salsingikar has been able to make a significant contribution in his field. Balancing their professional responsibilities while selflessly working together for society and the nation is truly inspirational for all.
4. Legal battle prevents misrepresentation of Shriram and glorification of Ravan in film
In the Hindi film Ravan Leela, starring Pratik Gandhi, a scene based on the Ramayan depicted a backstage conversation between characters playing Shriram and Ravan. In this scene, the actor portraying Ravan tells the actor playing Shriram that ‘Shriram insulted and disrespected Sita’, thus portraying Ravan as superior and Shriram in the wrong. Instead of glorifying virtue, the film seemed to promote negative values. Advocate Prakash Salsingikar sent a legal notice to the film’s producers. As a result, the film’s title was changed from Ravan Leela to Bhavai, and the objectionable scenes were removed. This legal battle created public awareness against the wrongful glorification of Ravan, leading to audience rejection of the film, which eventually flopped. It sent a strong message to the film industry that disrespecting Hindu Deities can lead to public backlash and financial losses. This helped curb the trend of depicting inappropriate content.
5. Legal notice against advertisement defaming advocates
In an advertisement by KEI Wires, a short circuit occurs in an advocate’s house, causing him to sleep in the courtroom. Due to his sleeping, the accused he is representing gets convicted, and the accused later assaults the advocate. Though the ad promoted using KEI wires to prevent short-circuits, it tarnished the image of advocates. Advocate Prakash Salsingikar sent legal notice against this. Consequently, the company had to withdraw the advertisement.
Honoured by the Governor
Acknowledging his social contributions, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan recently felicitated Advocate Prakash Salsingikar. Many prominent personalities have praised his and the organisation Dard Se Hamdard Tak’s efforts. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari also appreciated Advocate Salsingikar and his team of fellow advocates.
6. Legal action against disrespecting Saints in TV series
In the series ‘Tharala Tar Mag’, a woman names her dog ‘Chinnu’, and a scene mentions that Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati and the dog share the same birthday. This comparison between the Saint and a dog was highly objectionable. Advocate Prakash Salsingikar sent a legal notice to the producers of the series. Chinmaya Mission also issued a warning of legal action. As a result, the objectionable content was removed from the series.
7. Promoting social harmony through Interfaith Marriage Coordination Committee
Recognising his social work, the Government of Maharashtra appointed Advocate Prakash Salsingikar as a member of the Interfaith Marriage Couples and Parents Coordination Committee. Through this platform, he helped re-establish broken family ties resulting from interfaith marriages. Many parents were reunited with their children, contributing to the promotion of social harmony.
8. Free legal defence for falsely accused in the Best Bakery case
In 2002, during the Best Bakery case in Gujarat, 21 innocent individuals were falsely accused of involvement in a mob attack that killed 14 people. Although acquitted by the Gujarat Court, the Supreme Court ordered a retrial in Maharashtra. Advocate Prakash Salsingikar and his team fought the case free of charge on behalf of the accused. After spending 18 years in jail, the accused were acquitted by the Mumbai Sessions Court due to the strong defence presented by Salsingikar and his colleagues.
9. Legal battle against the conspiracy to frame devout Hindus in Dr Dabholkar murder case
In the murder case of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (Anti-Superstition Committee) head Dr Narendra Dabholkar, investigating agencies repeatedly tried to implicate several devout Hindus. These agencies often presented contradictory evidence. Advocate Salsingikar exposed these inconsistencies in Court and played a key role in defending the accused. As a result, three of the accused were acquitted. He and his colleagues continue to fight for the acquittal of the remaining accused, revealing the conspiracy against devout Hindus.
10. Releasing over 600 inmates trapped due to financial constraints
Many prisoners remain incarcerated simply because they cannot afford good legal representation. This often leads to them being drawn into criminal activities inside jails. To prevent this and help them start afresh, the organisation Dard Se Hamdard Tak provided competent lawyers to such inmates. Over the past two years, the organisation has successfully helped release more than 600 inmates. Today, over 70 advocates are associated with this initiative, offering free legal aid to financially weak and underrepresented individuals. This also provides opportunities to talented young lawyers while helping the underprivileged rebuild their lives.
Advocate Prakash Salsingikar’s work – An inspiration to all lawyers
Young lawyers often focus on earning more after getting their law degrees. However, Advocate Prakash Salsingikar and his team of selfless associates are instilling a sense of social and national responsibility among them. Their work is truly inspirational for the legal community.
11. Thousands of citizens benefited across the State
Dard Se Hamdard Tak also conducts counseling for prisoners. Under the initiative Vakil Aaplya Dari (‘Lawyer at Your Doorstep’), the organisation operates a mobile Court van offering legal assistance to citizens in various parts of the State. This includes areas like Akola, Nagpur, Washim, and Buldhana in Vidarbha, as well as tribal communities like the Pardhi. A helpline number has also been made available. Elderly citizens facing family issues have especially benefited. The organisation also helps victims falsely accused under the POCSO Act.
12. Future expansion to other states across India
Dard Se Hamdard Tak is the first organisation of its kind to launch such innovative initiatives in India. It has received an excellent response in Maharashtra. Many advocates from other states have requested to start similar initiatives through the organisation. Plans are already underway to expand its activities across other Indian states. In the near future, Dard Se Hamdard Tak is expected to successfully operate beyond Maharashtra, providing significant help to countless common and needy individuals.
Tourists visit Goa to understand Indian culture through the work of Sanatan Sanstha : Dr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa
It is a matter of pride that Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav is happening in our college : GEC students share feedback
Vitamin D, E, and K function, its sources, and Treatment
Expressing gratitude to our Well-wishers for their support !
Islamist terror strikes again; Hindus singled out and slaughtered in Kashmir
The Waqf Debate and The Rule of Law