In an interview with Express Newsline, Aseemanand said his job in the Dangs was complete. ``I have awakened the Hindus (here) and now it is time to move on. I'm getting a good response from the tribals in the adjoining Navapur (Maharashtra) district and have decided to spend more time there.''He, however, emphasised that he had no plans to relinquish his base at Waghai, where he has set up the Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh front for tribals.

Hailed as a ``model'' by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad for his ``reconversion drive'' in the Dangs, Aseemanand said that he wanted to build a temple at Subir, 30 km from the district headquarters at Ahwa. ``There is already a small temple there, but I want to build a big one to Sabri Mata, who is worshiped by the tribals. For the moment, that will be my principal activity in the Dangs.''

Incidentally, the Swami, who resurfaced recently after almost a month, denied that he had gone underground on warnings from the authorities. ``There was no reason for me to flee Dangs. I had gone to the Andamans, but the plans for the trip had been made six months ago (not after the attacks on Christian institutions)'', he said.

Interestingly, after the Swami's disappearance, Dangs District Collector J P Gupta had told Express Newsline, ``I had it conveyed to Aseemanand that his activities would not be tolerated and that he'd better keep away from the Dangs.''

The Swami, however, appears to have put all the controversy behind him. ``Despite the bad press, the Hindu awakening is on in full swing in the Dangs. In fact, more and more Vanvasis have been joining the Hindu fold after the December 25 incidents. There has been an upsurge of Hindu awareness, which was my sole mission'', he said.