Jyestha Shukla 12 Vik Samvat 2069. Yugabda 5114: June 1, 2012


1. FESTIVALS: The Snana Yatra, a bathing festival celebrated on the Jyeshtha Purnima (June 4 this year) is an important festival Bhagwan Jagannath.  This is the first occasion in the year when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, and Madanmohan are brought out from the Jagannath Temple (Puri) and taken in a procession to the Snana Bedi. There they are ceremonially bathed and decorated for a public audience with the devotees. It is a believed that by doing a pilgrimage to see the deity on this day, one is cleansed of all sins. Hundreds of thousands of devotees visit the temple on the occasion. The Skanda Purana mentions that King Indradyumna arranged this ceremony for the first time when the idols were first installed.
2. SANGH IN ACTION - CLEANING DRIVE BY SWAYAMSEVAKS IN A GOVT. HOSPITAL: RSS, South Chennai coordinators approached 100 years old Government hospital at Royapettah in Chennai for taking up a cleaning drive in the premises. On 13 May, 2012 over 180 volunteers of various teams like sports group, IT professionals, auditors, teachers and students assembled in the morning at the hospital from different parts of Chennai.
A brief inaugural session was presided by Ma. Sanghachalak Durai Shankar ji, famous actor Damu, Hospital Sergeants Thirumal and Khaleelullah Rahman. Shri Durai Shankar said that sangha inculcates spirit of Sewa through Shakha. Actor Damu was highly impressed by the young disciplined crowd assembled there and exhorted the volunteers to continue serving the society.
Six groups were formed to clean a huge sump of 48,000 litres capacity, 5 Over head tanks, 2 wards, open space around the hospital and a little temple.
Among the other areas planned for cleaning was abandoned godown in the old hospital premises, area which was filled with food packets probably dumped many weeks was also cleared.
At the end of the programme Sewa Pramukh Raman ji briefly spoke appreciating the effort of swayamsewaks and asked them to take the efforts to Shakha level. The RMO who went round the hospital to survey the work carried out was very impressed and said “Only RSS can do such a work with a cohesive team of people from different walks of life”.
3. BHARATIYA PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES THE PLIGHT OF HINDUS IN PAKISTAN: Recently, in separate incidents, three Hindu girls in Sindh province were reportedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and married off against their will to Muslim men. The BJP Parliamentary Party discussed the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and decided to demand a debate on the issue in both Houses to impress upon the government to take up the matter seriously.
On May 2 during zero hour Dr Murli Manohar Joshi raised the issue and spoke about the reported violation of Human Rights in respect of Hindus in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh. Same issue was taken up in Rajya Sabha. Minister of External Affairs Shri Krishna said that he will personally convey the concerns of the house and the people of Bharat on the attacks. Others MP’s who spoke on the issue were Shri Avinash Rai Khanna and Shri Balbir K Punj. (www.organiser.org June 3.2012)
4. HINDUS’ VOICE OF THEIR OWN IN AUSTRALIA: Hindu Council of Australia has started Radio Mangalam. Radio Mangalam has started broadcasts on Digital radio 2000 FM.The program will be broadcasted every Sunday A/N from 1 pm to 2 pm Australian Eastern Time GMT +10
Please use the following link:
Radio Mangalam will be broadcasting on Hindu culture, Hindu wisdom, scriptures, literature, traditions, Teej Tyonhar (festivals), Hindu news from around the world, community activities, issues, discussions etc.
5. HC QUASHES CENTRE'S 4.5 PER CENT SUB-QUOTA FOR MINORITIES: Holding that the Centre acted in a "casual manner", the Andhra Pradesh High Court on May 28 quashed the 4.5 per cent sub-quota to minorities carved out of 27 per cent OBC reservation-a verdict that may affect admissions already made in central educational institutions such as IITs.
In a setback to the Centre over the sub-quota issue, the Court said the Office Memorandum (OM) creating the sub-quota was based on religious grounds and not on any other intelligible consideration.
Setting aside the OM, a division bench consisting Chief Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Sanjay Kumar said, "In fact, we must express our anguish at the rather casual manner in which the entire issue has been taken up by the central government.""No evidence has been shown to us by the learned Assistant Solicitor General to justify the classification of these minorities as a homogeneous group or as more backward classes deserving some special treatment.
6. HAF DEMANDS FORMAL STATUS FOR HINDU REFUGEES FROM PAKISTAN: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has urged the Bharatiya government this week to provide formal legal status to Hindu refugees fleeing religious persecution in Pakistan. According to several human rights organizations, thousands of Pakistani Hindus have sought refuge in Bharat in recent years, but the Bharatiya government has refused to officially recognize them as refugees. As a result, most Pakistani Hindus live on the margins of society in Bharat, without legal documents and unable to access government benefits.
Although there has been a steady flow of Hindus crossing the border since the 1990s, rapidly deteriorating conditions in Pakistan have caused a significant increase in migration over the last few years. The upsurge in kidnappings and forced conversions of Hindu girls, in particular, has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity amongst Pakistan's Hindu community.
7. SIKHS IN TURBANS CAN NOW SERVE WASHINGTON POLICE: Sikh police officers in the American capital will be allowed to wear turbans, beards and other religious items while on the job.
The new uniform policy announced by Washington DC police Chief Cathy Lanier makes it the first major metropolitan police department in the US to permit Sikhs to maintain their articles of faith.
Developed with the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), the new police policy states that Sikh officers can wear turbans that are the same colour as the uniform that they would otherwise be required to wear, with the department badge that is normally on hats pinned to the front of the turban. 
8. FOUR NAVY SHIPS IN SOUTH CHINA SEA TO MARK BHARAT’s PRESENCE:  Despite getting out of oil exploration blocks in the South China Sea, Bharat is keen to maintain a strong role for itself in the region.
Four Bharatiya Navy ships, INS Rana, Shakti, Shivalik and Kurmak are currently scudding across the South China Sea on their way to Shanghai, where they will arrive for a goodwill visit in a couple of weeks. Two of the four ships -- INS Rana and Shakti -- have been saying hello to the Philippines navy in Subic Bay. Two others, Shivalik and Kurmak, are calling at Haifong in Vietnam. Philippines and China have been on a faceoff in the past few weeks over territorial rights over Scarborough Shoal, in an area that is believed to be energy-rich.
Sources said Bharat continues to have a strong interest in South China Sea, because this is key to Bharat's Look East policy. In July, Bharatiya and US officials will hold discussions on a key project in southeast Asia -- an East-West Mekong connectivity corridor. Envisaged as a trilateral project with Japan, this project intends to set up a multi-modal transport and trade corridor from Bharat , traversing Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, ending in Vietnam. Japan has recently stepped up its funding commitments to this corridor.
9. ENGINEERS, DOCTORS AMONG THOSE ATTENDING SANGH SHIKSHA VARGA: Among those attending the annual camp for the third-year training course of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, known as Tritiya Varsh, currently underway at Reshimbagh grounds are doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers and students from every nook and corner of the country.
 The total number of participants this time is 1013. They include 5 qualified doctors, 12 engineers, 10 lawyers, 192 teachers, 224 employees, 119 self-employed, 90 farmers, 7 journalists, one chartered accountant and 213 students. From Jammu and Kashmir, north-eastern states, south Bharat virtually every part of Bharat is represented at the camp.
The valedictory function on June 11 evening will be marked by special address by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Director of 'Punjab Kesri' Ashwin Kumar will be the chief guest.
10. HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA: On Sunday 27th May Hindu Religios & Service Centre under the auspices of Hindu Council of Kenya planted 2190 trees at The Children's Village in Naivasha. The event was sponsored by various donors. 3 Buses left Dendayal Bhavan with 140 participants for this noble exercise.
11. BIHAR FARMER’S 12-YEAR-OLD SON CRACKS IIT-JEE: A child prodigy from Bhojpur district in Bihar has created history by cracking the IIT-JEE 2012 at the age of 12 years and nine months. Satyam Kumar of Bakhorapur village under Barahara block in Bhojpur district got all-Bharat  rank (AIR) 8,137 in the prestigious competition. He qualified from Mumbai zone, and is still awaiting his plus two results.
Born on July 20, 1999, in an illiterate farmer's family, he showed his talent from childhood itself. His father Sidhnath Singh and mother Pramila Singh recognized his talent and he was admitted to Central Public School, Patna, in Standard IX at a tender age. But he left his study there midway and went to Kota in Rajasthan to join a coaching institute there. The institute's director, R K Verma, himself took his test and found latent genius in him. Verma helped finance his studies from Standard 9 to class 12 that resulted in his success in the one of the toughest examinations in the country at such a tender age. Satyam had passed class X board examination from a Kota school.
Sidhnath Singh said his family members, Satyam's teachers and he himself always marvelled at his talent and they felt that the boy would do something extraordinary in his life one day. The success of his son had brought laurels to the family, which was till now in oblivion.
12. ZUMA LAUDS HINDUS’ ROLE IN SOUTH AFRICAN STRUGGLE:  South African President Jacob Zuma has praised Hindus in the country for their role in the freedom struggle.
"Many South Africans of Indian origin and specifically Hindus, played a prominent part in our struggle for freedom and are still playing a meaningful role in the social, economic and political reconstruction of this country," he said at the centenary gala dinner of the Hindu Maha Sabha in Durban on May 26.
South African Bharatiyas constitute 1.28 million of the country's total population, of which over 60 percent are Hindus, the state-run BuaNews reported.
He said he was inspired by the strong values, which include accountability, selfless service, fairness, respect and unity that guided the activities of the Hindu Maha Sabha. "Let us encourage the Hindu youth for example to learn Indian languages so as to be in touch with their culture and traditions.
13. YOGA STRESS RELIEF FOR SOLDIERS: Faced with the highest army suicide rates in at least 30 years, U.S. military officials are examining ways to help treat psychologically wounded soldiers. A study published in the March issue of the journal Injury Prevention found the number of U.S. military suicides rose by 80 percent from 2004 to 2008. The increased risk of suicide is linked to combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan and mental health problems like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may occur after exposure to a traumatic event such as military combat, violence or a natural calamity. Research reports that yoga practice can help relieve PTSD symptoms like psychological distress, anxiety and sadness. According to the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research, approximately 18.5 percent of returning soldiers from Iraq or Afghanistan have PTSD.
Now the U.S. military is turning to yoga to help manage combat stress and decrease the risk of PTSD and suicide.
14. YOGA, A NEW SOUTH AMERICAN PASSION, SPREADS PEACE IN BRAZIL:  Inspired by the idea that one can change the world through personal transformation, a large event called Yoga pela Paz (Yoga for Peace) will happen in Brazil, from August 13 to August 19, 2012. The event's goal is to provide the tools needed to bring about inner change. 
The brainchild of yoga teacher Marcia de Luca and publicist Fran Abreu, the non-profit event focuses on educating the local population to live a life of higher consciouness and increased awareness. The program includes classes, lectures and art events. More than 300 different activities will happen across the nation of Brazil. During the Yoga pela Paz, yoga schools in more than 10 cities will open doors to students and newcomers during free classes. Yoga pela Paz has become the largest yoga event in South America, a huge success in previous years. For more info www.yogapelapaz.org 
15. ANNUAL DR, BAKHALE MEMORIAL LECTURE IN NAGPUR: Rajyasabha sadasya, thinker Ma. Tarun Vijay delevered Dr. S. W. Bakhle Memorial Lecture on 27th May at Devi Ahalya Mandir Sabhagrih on the topic “BHARAT AUR POORVI DESH". He appealed the audience to focus on learning Chinese language as well as try to visit China. While describing centuries old cultural harmony with China he also touched upon the cultural and emotional bonds with Tibet and Nepal. He raised the question in his speech about the need for permission of another country to visit the most esteemed and holy place for Indians i.e. Kailash and Maan Sarovar!
The programme organized by International Center for Cultural Studies was presided by Shri Arun Chinchmalatpure and was attended by noted dignitaries viz Basantlalji Shaw, Swamiji from RK Math, President of Butibori Industries Association shri Hemant Ambaselkar and others.
16. SCHOLARSHIP FOR DIASPORA CHILDREN.  The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs launched a scheme called the  “Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC) in 2006-07, to assist children/wards of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indian (NRIs) in pursuing under graduate courses in several disciplines in Bharat. For SDPC 2012-13;
100 scholarships are being offered for undergraduate courses in several disciplines including Engineering/Architecture/Technology, Humanities/Liberal Arts, Commerce, Management – BBA/BBM, Journalism, Hotel Managemen etc.         The programme is open only to PIOs/NRIs from the specified 40 countries having a larger concentration of Bharatiya Diaspora. For more info www.edcilindia.co.in.
17. DRDO RELEASES AWAC ADD-ON: Bangalore defence laboratory, the Centre for Air-Borne Systems (CABS), on May 23 released an indigenously-developed suite, which is one of the major components of the airborne early warning & control (AWAC) system. The Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) was released by DRDO chief VK Saraswat, who said it was a crucial and critical input in AWAC. He added, “It will be mounted on land systems, fighters and civil planes, aerostats, unmanned air vehicles and medium and long range surface-to-air missiles.”
18. UK POLICE BRAVERY AWARD FOR NRI BUILDER: Sukhwinder Singh, a London-based NRI builder who was stabbed to death while he was confronting two muggers who had snatched a woman's bag in London in 2010, has been given a police public bravery award posthumously. The ACPO Police Public Bravery Awards that were presented in Manchester yesterday recognise outstanding acts of courage. The awardees are nominated by the Metropolitan Police Service. Singh, 31, chased the muggers after witnessing the attack on a 28-year-old woman in Barking, East London. When he caught up with them he was fatally injured by a single stab wound. Acting Detective Chief Inspector, Andrew Kelly, who is leading the investigation, said: "Sukhwinder's family remain devastated by his loss but are very proud that he has been nominated for this award and of his courageous actions in helping a vulnerable victim of street robbery".
19. RUSSIA NOT TO SEEK BAN ON BHAGVAD GITA: After strong protest of Hindus in Russia, Russian prosecutors have decided to withdraw their demand seeking ban on a translated version of Bhagvad Gita.
State prosecutors in the Siberian city of Tomsk will not challenge a lower court decision to refuse to declare the translation of the Hindu scripture as "extremist", RAPSI legal news agency reported.
Vasily Voykin, a regional prosecutor, was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti that the Prosecutor's Office will not appeal the court's decision.
20. BRISTOL AUTHORITIES TO ALLOW HINDUS TO SCATTER ASHES IN THE AVON: Authorities in Bristol are considering allowing the Hindu community in the city to use the River Avon to scatter the ashes of loved ones rather than travelling to the River Ganges in Bharat. Bristol’s new Mayor Peter Main said providing an appropriate site for the ritual was a priority. Mr Main said: "It's their tradition to scatter ashes on water and quite often now they're flown back to India to do that.
"They're Bristolian, most are born and bred in Bristol, why shouldn't they have somewhere in Bristol to scatter their ashes?"
A community spokesperson said there were currently about 10,000 Hindus in Bristol and the surrounding area.Parag Bhatt, from the Bristol Hindu Temple, said it would be welcomed by other communities as well: "It's not just the  Hindu community that's going to benefit, it will be other communities like the Sikh and Buddhist as well.
21.   ANAND IS WORLD CHESS CHAMPION FOR FIFTH TIME: Bharatiya Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand showed immense resilience to beat challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel in a tense rapid chess tie-breaker to win the World Championship crown for the fifth time and fourth in a row here on May 30. Anand won the second game and drew the other three to win the title at the State Tretyakov Gallery here.
Luck played a major part in the final game, favouring the Bharatiya chess wizard when it mattered the most.
The hallmark of Anand's success was his speed. Often, Gelfand was seen down to his last few seconds when Anand still had a few minutes left on his clock.
22. KASARAGOD: SEVA BHARATI ORGANISED BLOOD DONATION CAMP: Seva Bharati, the RSS outfit for social service projects had organised a Blood Donation camp at Bayaru, a small village of  Kasaragod on May 27th. The event was organised by Seva Bharati Bayaru Unit at Kasaragod.
The blood donation camp was inaugurated by well known physician Dr. Ramakrishna Bhat.  Dr. Rashmi, KMC Mangalore and Sri Ramakrishna Bhat, Manager, Heddari AUP School, Bayaru were the chief guests. Sri Muralidhara Yadav, VHP Manjeshwara Mandala President was present during the occasion.
A total of 57 donors participated in this event.
23. SEMINAR ON DATTOPANT THENGADI’S THOUGHTS:  A two-day national seminar was organised by ‘Dattopant Thengadi Smriti Pratishthan, Nagpur, at Amravati in Vidarbha. ‘The ‘Third Way’ written by late Shri Thengadi formed the basic theme of this seminar in which a good number of scholars participated and interacted with the audience. The topic of the seminar was “India in search of an alternative economic order” and “Changing context of the trade union movement in India”.
Vice-Chancellor of Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University Dr Mohan Khedkar said in his inaugural address that Thengadiji’s prophesy came true when in the 90s Communist empire collapsed with the disintegration of the Russian Empire and collapse of the Berlin Wall.  
Senior RSS pracharak Sadashivrao Deodhar in his address threw light on the various facets of the late Thengadi’s life and mission. He said that Thengadi was more interested in man-making mission. Noted economist and Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Sampark Pramukh of RSS Prof. Aniruddha Deshpande gave the keynote address.
24. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Devendra Sharma – Mauritius,
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way. –  Swami Vivekananda

JAI SHREE RAM

SANSKRIT MAKES A MINI-COMEBACK IN THE U.S.
Visi Tilak
As you pull into the driveway of the Sri Lakshmi Hindu Temple in the Boston suburb of Ashland, Sanskrit chants reverberate from a building across the way where free classes are being held. From seven-year-olds to 70-year-olds, people in Boston, New York, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and other cities over the U.S. are attending Sanskrit classes, not just to chant shlokas but also to learn to speak, read and write this ancient language. A revival is brewing.
This endeavor is being led by Samskrita Bharathi, a non-profit organization that is working to bring Sanskrit back into the mainstream. Sanskrit, traditionally a classical and liturgical language, has a position in India and South Asia similar to that of Latin and Greek in Europe, and it is a central part of Hindu tradition.
Samskrita Bharathi runs weekly Sanskrit classes and camps for children and adults. Weekend and vacation classes and camps are one thing, but a full-fledged, well-structured three-year high school language program is another, particularly when it’s being driven by an organization primarily run by volunteers.
SAFL (Sanskrit as a Foreign Language) was created in 2008 as a resource for high school students, who wished to continue their Sanskrit studies without interruption after their summer camps and weekend classes. “The idea for such a course came about after discussions with several parents of teenagers who had attended our classes and camps,” says Giri Bharathan, a volunteer who is the director of the SAFL program.
“An online course to meet the requirements of a foreign language study was created similar to normal high school courses. At $700 per student per year, SAFL runs through the year and has continuous evaluation in the way of homework, projects and exams. Grades and transcripts are issued and students will potentially be able to get credits as a foreign language course or as an independent study.”
The curriculum for the three years, (six semesters and three direct contact programs, or residential camps) was designed by Sowmya Joisa, who also teaches in the program with another teacher, Vrunda Thakrar, and some university level Sanskrit professors.
The number of students signing up for this program has risen steadily. In the first year (2009-2010) there were 17 students from seven different states. The next year, there were 30 students from 11 different states, and this year there are 48 from 13 states.  For the 2012-2013 year, the number is expected to increase to 75. The first group of eight students completed the third year course in 2011.
Giridhar Anand, a junior at Newton High School in Newton, Massachusetts, finds that the sound of the spoken language itself is so different from any other he has encountered: “The language is phonetic, and so it rolls off the tongue. There is little slurring, and there are no accents, as there are in English and Spanish,” he says. “I’ve also found the Sanskrit community to be very inviting. Every camp and every Samskrita Bharati event I have attended has been a fun, informal experience, and I have learned a lot in the process.” His siblings Aneesh and Suma (they are triplets) say they feel the same way about the program.
“While some refer to Samskritam as a ‘dead language,’ learning Samskritam has proven to be one of the most challenging and rewarding endeavors. It has taken me on a journey of self-discovery and helped me identify with my Indian roots,” adds Swathi Krishnan, a freshman at the University of Chicago who completed the SAFL program at Rye Country Day School in New York. Last summer, she attended a two-week immersion camp in Bangalore, an experience she describes as “one of the most intellectually stimulating” of her life.
Nandita Kumar a Senior at Westview High School in Portland, Oregon echoes that view. “I am an American of Indian origin, and I don’t want to lose that Indian part of me. Learning Samskritam directly lets me understand my culture and religion in the language it was written: it keeps me grounded.”
This ancient language that has served as the backbone of Hinduism is evolving into a resource for those who want to learn more about their roots, culture and tradition. ( Visi Tilak is freelance writer and can be reached via email visitilak@gmail.com or visitilak.com. http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/05/20/sanskrit-makes-a-mini-comeback-in-the-u-s/))

RSS MISSION IS A TRIBUTE TO SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S VISION
Dr S Kalyanaraman
In this 150th centenary year of Swami Vivekananda, a tribute is being paid by RSS which is just following the spiritual-nationalist, patriot-saint’s call for action.
The best account of RSS in action is provided by K. Suryanarayana Rao, a Senior Pracharak of RSS who has edited a veritable tour de force. Recollecting the writings and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda for national regeneration, is but a reaffirmation of the mission of RSS.
The mission carrying out Swamiji’s vision, is spelt out by another great Hindu nationalist, MS Golwalkar: “Let our workers keep their minds free and work for our people, our Dharma, in the right spirit, lend a helping hand to all our brethren who need help and strive to relieve distress wherever we see it. In this service no distinction should be made between man and woman. We have to serve all, be he a Christian or a Muslim or a human being of any other persuasion: for, calamities, distress and misfortunes make no such distinction but affect all alike. And in serving to relieve the sufferings of man let it not be in a spirit of condescension or mere compassion but as devoted worship of Lord abiding the hearts of all beings, in the true spirit of our Dharma of surrendering our all in the humble service of Him who is Father, Mother, Brother, Friend and everything to us all. And may our actions succeed bringing out the glory and effulgence of our Sanathan-Eternal-Dharma.”
Suryanarayana Rao is eminently qualified to select the compilation of Vivekananda's inspiring call for national regeneration because Suryanarayana Rao joined the RSS in 1942 at Bangalore, and has been a swayamsewak for 70 years. He has been a witness to the growth of the RSS from the days of the inception setting forth the mission of the organisation which has no parallel anywhere on the globe in terms of its membership and range of socio-cultural activities in multi-disciplinary domains.
Starting with a review of the life-sketch of Swami Vivekananda and his mentor, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the editor shows how the institution-builders Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji Golwalkar,  followed the shankha-naada (the clarion call) of the young patriot-saint, who has inspired a very large number of citizens of the world. The editor also underscores the evolving role of RSS, in the process, creating a garland of tributes, which brings forth the effulgence of the resurgent Hindu Nation.
The compilation is also a reminder to every citizen of the nation that the unfinished task has to be completed with dedication. The editor recalls the words of Swamiji’s ardent disciple, Sister Nivedita in her book, The Master as I saw him: “Swamiji’s main mission in his life as expressed often by himself, was to make Hinduism aggressive and uplift the country to its ancient glory finding out the common bases of Hinduism.” The editor cites Swami Vivekananda: “I am proud to call myself a Hindu, through the grace of the Lord, may you my countrymen, have the same pride, may that faith in your ancestors come into your blood, may it become a part and parcel of your lives, may it work towards the salvation of the world.”
I can do no better than recount the observations of many savants about the importance of the compilation to guide the activities of swayamsevaks of RSS. (K. Suryanarayana Rao, Ed., 2012, National Regeneration, The Vision of Swami Vivekananda and The Mission of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Chennai, Vijaya Bharatham Pathippagam, 12 MV Naidu Street, Chetpet, Chennai 600031. Rs. 100).
* A brilliant compilation. It is indeed a fitting tribute to Swami Vivekananda when the nation is in the midst of celebrating his 150th Birth Anniversary – Swami Gautamananda, Adhyaksha, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, and Chennai.
* While providing enlightening information and new insights for general readers the book becomes a 'must-read' for swayamsewaks working in any field of activity including the sangh work. It is an excellent and sustaining recharge for their missionary zeal—Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Paramapujaniya Sarsanghachalak, RSS.
* This compilation shows that the working of the RSS is a divine dispensation and is sure to enthuse, inspire, awaken and arouse all those who are working for the vision and mission of RSS and not to stop till the goal is achieved. - Justice Dr. M. Rama Jois, Retd. Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Former Governor of Bihar and Jharkhand, MP, Rajya Sabha.
* RSS is in fact, the vision of Swami Vivekananda in action. This is a book with a difference. It is a treasure-house of practical wisdom and also guidance. Shri Suryanarayana Rao has generously bestowed on us a priceless gift. - Padmashri Shri P Parameswaran, president, Bharateeya Vichara Kendram, Thiruvananthapuram, President, Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari.
* This compilation is a brilliant effort, a must read for all nationalist, social activists. Also a must on your bookshelves – Organiser, English Weekly, New Delhi.
The call for a resurgent Hindu Nation is also a gentle reminder to RSS on the tasks ahead. Citing Aurobindo (Vol. 17, p. 332), the compilation notes: “Vivekananda was a soul of puissance if ever there was one, a very lion among men, but the definite work he has left behind is quite incommensurate with our impression of his creative might and energy. We perceive his influence still working gigantically. We know ot well how, we know not well where, in something not yet formed, something that is genuine, grand, intuitive upheaving that has entered that soul of India and we say “Behold Vivekananda still lives in the soul of his Mother and the souls of his children.”
Highlighting the work of RSS in Tamil Nadu in the context of Swami  Vivekananda’s vision, Swami Chidbhavananda of Shri Ramakrishna Tapovanam told an annual meet of Sanghachalaks of Tamil Nadu: “...it is the desire of God Almighty that Hindu Dharma and Society should be saved and developed and hence he has created this organisation (RSS). This work is God's work!”
The editor of the compilation cites the views of Shri Bhupendranath Datta, the youngest brother and biographer of Swamiji: “The primary object of Swami Vivekananda was nationalism. To arouse the sleeping lion of India and to put it on its proper pedestal was his life's mission. His national ideal was the ideal of Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya as depicted in the revolutionary novel Ananda Math, (in which the present national song Vande Mataram first appeared in full)...while Swamiji was guest of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, it was agreed that 'while Tilak would work for nationalism in the political field, Swami Vivekananda would work for nationalism in the religious field.” (Swami Vivekananda – Patriot – Prophet, 1954, Calcutta, Nav Bharat Publishers, p. 201).
The book has to be essential reading for every student of the nation to clearly understand what the life-mission of Swami Vivekananda was. Within a very short span of life, he breathed life into the nation. As Sister Nivedita exclaimed: “He was the embodiment of India in flesh and blood. He was India. He was Bharat.” This patriot shall live on in the minds and hearts of everyone in this youngest nation on the globe, with 35 per cent of the population less than 15 years of age. That is, every third person we meet in India, that is Bharat is a child and the elders have an enormous responsibility to educate the youth about the Sanatana Dharma of the Hindu Nation. Guruji said: “From experience I have realised that what I am doing in Sangh (RSS) is in consonance with Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy, guidance and method of work. No other great personality’s life and teaching has influenced me so much. I believe by doing the Sangh work, I shall be carrying out only Swamiji’s work.”
The range and expanse of this work has been begun beautifully and eloquently summarised by Suryanarayana Rao in his compilation which should be cherished by everyone who lives to protect Dharma. This should be a reference-guide to take the citizens of the Indian Nation on their destined path of contributing to the welfare of all while reaching out to unite with the Paramaatman. (Organizer Weekly May 6, 2012 www.organiser.org )