Sunday, November 24, 2013

 

Kartik Poornima Vik Samvat 2070. Yugabda 5115: November 16, 2013

1.   FESTIVALS:  Datta Jayanti, also known as Dattatreya Jayanti, commemorating the birth day Dattatreya (Datta), a combined form of the Hindu male divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It is celebrated on Margashirsh Poornima (16 December this year) throughout the country, especially Western Bharat.
Dattatreya was the son of the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya. Though Dattatreya is considered a form of all the three deities, he is especially considered an avatar of Vishnu, while his siblings the moon-god Chandra and the sage Durvasa are regarded forms of Brahma and Shiva respectively.
On Datta Jayanti, people take bath early in the morning in holy rivers or streams, and observe fast. A puja is performed with flowers, incense, lamps and camphor, read the sacred books Avadhuta Gita and Jivanmukta Gita, which contain the god's discourse etc. Other sacred texts like the Datta Prabodh (1860) by Kavadi Baba and the Datta Mahatmya by Vasudevananda Saraswati, both of which are based on Dattatreya's life, as well as the Guru-charita based on the life of Narasimha Saraswati (1378−1458), considered an avatar of Dattatreya, are read by devotees.Bhajans (devotional songs) are also sung on this day.
The temples dedicated to Dattatreya are located throughout Bharat ; the most important places of his worship are in Maharashtra and Gujarat like Gangapur near Solapur, Narasimha Wadi in the Kolhapur district, Audumbar in Sangli district and Girnar in Saurashtra.

2. LET’S CELEBRATE, AND NOT NEEDLESSLY CRIB: The successful launch of India's first spacecraft to Mars, Mangalyaan, is a huge achievement for the Indian Space Research Organisation and a matter of tremendous pride for the country. It ushers India into an elite club of deep-space pioneers — the US, Russia and the European Union — who have tasted a measure of success in sending out probes to the Red Planet. As the 44.4m Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C25 carrying the Mars orbiter in its head, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Tuesday, it marked the beginning of a 300-day, 780 million kilometre long journey to orbit Mars, where, if all goes according to plan, the craft will survey the planet's geology and atmosphere. The lift-off was just the first of three phases — next month, the orbiter is expected to break out of Earth's orbit, and then somewhere in September 2014, it should enter the Martian orbit. Undoubtedly, the road ahead is a challenging one, especially when one considers that no other country has succeeded in its mission to Mars in the first attempt. We hope that Mangalyaan is able to fulfil its mandate this time itself, but the fact that even technologically-advanced countries like China (in 2011) and Japan (in 2009) have failed, is a sobering thought. We must keep our fingers crossed.
One of the criticisms of Mangalyaan is that it was launched on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle instead of the more advanced Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. The latter has failed twice in previous launch tests in 2010 and many believe that ISRO has made a mistake by rushing into the mission with the PSLV. But the space organisation has strongly defended its decision to not wait for a new batch of rockets as that would have delayed the project by three years. Others from the scientific community, including some senior people previously associated with ISRO, have also disapproved of the project's overall aims, saying that they are vague and will not in anyway further national priorities.
But while informed criticisms cannot be wished away, what deserves to be summarily rubbished is the argument that a nation which has failed to provide even basic amentities to its people, cannot afford to spend enormous amounts of money on exploring space. Such an assertion is flawed on many counts. First, just because some departments have failed to do their job does not mean that others should be penalised. Second, contrary to what rhetorical critics have claimed, the Mangalyaan does not carry a huge price tag. At just Rs 4.5 billion, it is a budget programme. Not only is it a fraction of the money that other countries spend on space exploration, it is also far less than what some of the Government's flagship and shoddily implemented poverty alleviation schemes cost the national exchequer. Second, the ‘space programme versus social welfare’ debate is a rehash of the old ‘guns and butter’ debate that has long been junked. Finally, the assumption that space exploration does not deliver benefits to the common man, is incorrect. Space research has given us technologies that have improved everyday life — predicting weather and natural calamities. These were, for instance, used to save lives during cyclone Phailin. (Editorial Daily Pioneer, 7 November 2013)

3. RSS NOT IN FAVOUR OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN RETAIL: DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: RSS believes that the foreign direct investment in the retail sector should not be allowed in Bharat.
During a panel discussion on his Vijayadashmi Speech in the capital Delhi with prominent citizens, RSS Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat answered many questions and clarified RSS’s approach on various issues. The tradition of holding a seminar of this kind began last year in Delhi. He says that the RSS has always believed that the quintessential knowledge and new technology, which helps in sustaining a good lifestyle, that we lack in can be borrowed from other countries on our own terms.
Shri Bhagwat added on further. Mr. Bhagwat said that the country’s economic policies require a balanced and tactical approach , which ensures ordinary citizens to have food , clothing, housing, health, education and hospitality as daily amenities , with a result of which they would not be forced to commit suicide. He said, that the economic policies should be such that there should not be any decrease in the country’s monitory fund as well.
While addressing a question, Shri Bhagwat said that the acceptance and credibility of the RSS is not declining, but growing. On calling nationalism irrelevant to the state, Shri.Bhagwat explained that we all need to understand a fact that other countries are benefitting merely by chanting slogans of globalization. He explained further that he does not feel any need of change in the RSS’ Doctrine and its point of view, but if required they will not refrain from reviewing it. “We are not concerned about ism, we are only concerned about the truth” says Shri Bhagwat. The RSS chief also pointed out that their work is constantly expanding and the number of branches and the presence of new volunteers is increasing as well.

4. ABHINANDAN TO DENVER SEWA CHAPTER: Colorado was severely affected by the devastating flood which started on Sep 11th and 12th. Colorado HSS and Sewa Team decided to help the people who were badly affected. They visitied evacuation centers and flood relief camps held in Silver Creek and Niwot High Schools and helped people to serve the food and their staying arrangements. They also visited  Twin Peaks Mall (FEMA Flood relief center) Mountain View and 9th Ave area Houses to clean up thier basement, remove mud etc and spent around 10 to 12 days to serve the needy people.The efforts of HSS and Sewa teams were appreciated by those who were helped by them and others.

5. CITATION FOR SV 150 AT NSW PARLIAMAENT AUSTRALIA: A house motion moved by MLC David Clarke at NSW Parliament, acknowledging the services of  HIndu Council of Australia mentioned about Swami Vivekananda in the words ‘Swami Vivekanada, a major figure within the Hindu faith, recognised not only for his enunciation of Hindu values but also for his promotion of interfaith dialogue and harmony and his message that there is universal goodness found within all the major faith traditions…..’. The motion also lauded the efforts by Hindu Council of Australia in commemorating the anniversary and commended the Australian Hindu community for its ongoing contribution in promoting interfaith harmony in Australia and particularly in the State of New South Wales.

6.  ‘MANGALYAAN SYMBOLIC COUP OVER CHINA’: Accounts in the American media view the successful launch of Bharat’s Mars mission not only as a technological leap for the country, but also one with a distinct potential for a “symbolic coup” over China in the space arena.
“A successful mission by India’s Mars orbiter would make the country the first Asian nation to reach the Red Planet — and provide a symbolic coup as neighbouring China steps up its ambitions in space,” CNN reported.
“If it succeeds, India’s Mars mission would represent a technological leap for the South Asia nation, pushing it ahead of space rivals China and Japan in the field of interplanetary exploration,” wrote The Wall Street Journal.
Dr James Clay Moltz, a professor at US Naval Postgraduate School who closely follows space security issues, suggests Bharat’s focus on Mars is a product of an increasing Asian space race.
“I believe India’s leadership sees China’s recent accomplishments in space science as a threat to its status in Asia, and feels the need to respond,” Moltz told CNN, which at the same time referred to ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan’s categorical comment that Bharat is not in a race with anyone.

7. US SAYS READY TO WORK WITH MODI IF HE BECOMES PM, BLAMES MEDIA FOR VISA ROW: The US would be willing to work with BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, if the party is voted to power in the next general elections, senior Obama administration officials have said asserting that the enduring bilateral relationship is to continue irrespective of the poll results.
"We will work with the leader of the world's largest democracy. There is no question about that," a senior US official said when asked about the prospects of working with an Bharatiya government led by Bharatiya Janata Party's PM nominee Narendra Modi.
Dismissing visa as a non-issue, the official said it was largely a creation of the Bharatiya media and not at all an issue in the US government.
According to another US official "there is not a lot of angst about him (Modi)" in the US government, but it is believed that the Administration has decided to maintain the status quo on this issue for the very reason that it might be seen as an interference in the internal domestic polity of Bharat.

8. SV 150 AT ATLANTA: The United States Hindu Alliance ( USHA ) paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary recently at the Sumant Cultural Center within Shree Shakti Mandir. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was the guest of honor.
Gabbard, who delivered the keynote address at the event, spoke of acceptance of diversity in the Congress, where- just five years ago- a Hindu Priest was booed during opening prayers. She said when she took oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita during her swearing-in ceremony, she had no idea how much of an impact that would have. She cited the Bhagawat Gita as a source of inspiration for whatever she has done in life. Following the path of Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga with sincerity created a balance in life even while she was in the war zone in Iraq, where everyday was a reminder that life is temporary and precious, she said.
 “The festival of Diwali reminds us of the true meaning and purpose of our lives, which is to be of service to others and to positively impact those around us.”She added.
Consul General of Bharat in Atlanta, Hon. Ajit Kumar inaugurated the event. Gokul Kunnath, President of USHA, Dr. Basant Tariyal - a member of the USHA Board of Governors, Ravi Jaishankar, national President of Hindu Students Council were some of the other speakers. More than 30 Hindu organizations of Atlanta supported USHA to make the event a great success.

9. TOP GLOBAL IT FIRMS HAVE MORE STAFF IN BHARAT THAN HOME NATIONS: It's a measure of Bharat's strength in software services and the number of engineers it produces, that some of the world's largest IT companies have more employees in Bharat now than in their home countries. And increasingly, these foreign companies are shifting their consulting base to Bharat, thanks to the talent coming out of the country's business schools.
IBM, the biggest in the business does not officially break up its employee numbers by geography, but the IBM employee organization Alliance@IBM puts the US figure for 2012 at 91,000, down from 127,000 in 2006. The last time IBM provided figures for Bharat was in 2007, when it said it had 73,000 employees here. Since then, all estimates suggest that the company has added another 50,000 to 60,000 employees, taking the total count to about 1.3 lakh.
That puts the Bharat number at more than 40% of the US figure. It also means — given IBM's global headcount of 4.3 lakh — that one in almost every three IBM employee is in Bharat.
Accenture's strength in Bharat, at over 90,000, is more than double that in the US (its traditional home), at about 43,000. The company has a total strength of 2.75 lakh, which means Bharat  accounts for a third of its workforce. French IT major Capgemini has over 44,000 of its 1.25 lakh employees in Bharat; its staff strength in Bharat  grew by 50% in just the past two-and-a-half years. It has just 20,000 staffers in its home country, France. Most of the IT services companies are also now building strong consulting strengths in Bharat — consultants that are used not just for Bharat, but also for global engagements.

10. 3 OF BHARATIYA ORIGIN AMONG AFRICA'S 50 RICHEST: FORBES: Three persons of Bharatiya-origin are among the 50 richest people in Africa, according to a list released by Forbes magazine which said rising stock prices and new business deals are creating more billionaires in the continent.
Vimal Shah, Sudhir Ruparelia and Naushad Merali figure in the list which has been topped by Aliko Dangote who has a networth of USD 20.8 billion and is the largest cement manufacturer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Shah is a newcomer on the list and ranks 18 with a networth of USD 1.6 billion as of November 2013.
The 53-year-old Asian-Kenyan is the CEO of Bidco Oil Refineries, the largest manufacturer of edible oils in East and Central Africa, and manufactures detergents, soaps, baking powder and canola, as well as other edible oils.
Ruparelia ranks 24 on the list and has a networth of USD 1.1 billion. The 57-year-old chairs the Ruparelia Group, a Ugandan property and banking conglomerate that owns hundreds of Ugandan properties, hotels, a chain of foreign exchange bureaus, a business that grows and exports roses and Crane Bank, the country's third-largest commercial bank.
On the 48th spot is Merali with a networth of USD 430 million. The 62-year-old Asian-Kenyan tycoon is the founder of the Sameer Group, a conglomerate with activities in construction, agriculture, information technology, telecom etc.

11. FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA CELEBRATES DIWALI AT THE WHITE HOUSE: On November 5, First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed guests to the White House for a Diwali celebration. The celebration started with the First Lady surprising local students at a Bollywood dance clinic and trying out some moves herself.
Then the First Lady spoke during a reception in the East Room: "We've celebrated this holiday here at the White House every year since Barack took office. And there's a reason why we've done that. When we say that we want to make the White House the 'people's house,' we mean all people. We mean that we want to honor and embrace all of the many cultures and faith traditions that make us who we are as Americans. And Diwali is very much one of those traditions.
Diwali is celebrated by members of some of the world's oldest religions not just here in America but across the globe. "It's a time to come together with friends and family, often with dancing and good food," the First Lady said. "But Diwali is also a time for contemplation and reflection. It's a time for us to think about our obligations to our fellow human beings, particularly those who are less fortunate than we are. And as we light the diya -- the lamp -- we recommit ourselves to the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil. I am so proud and so honored to be celebrating this beautiful holiday at the White House with all of you. And I wish you all and all your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak."

12. DAVID CAMERON KEEN TO SEE BRITISH BHARATIYAS AT TOP POSTS IN UK: Admiring British Bharatiyas for their contributions, Prime Minister David Cameron has said that he wants to see more people from the community at the top in the country's armed forces, judiciary and politics.
Speaking at a Diwali reception he hosted at 10, Downing Street,  Cameron noted that increasingly young British Bharatiyas can look at any part of our national endeavour and can see people like them getting to the very top. "We want to see British Hindus, British Bharatiyas in the top of our judiciary, we want to see them at the top of our armed forces and we also want to see them at the top of our politics," he said.
"I think we have made some big steps forward in recent years, and it's great to see here tonight people like Shailesh Vara (Justice Minister) Alok Sharma, MP (Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party), Priti Patel, MP and Keith Vaz, MP, Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee.

13. BHARAT  STEPS UP MILITARY AID TO MYANMAR TO OFFSET CHINA’S MIGHT:  From rocket launchers to Islander maritime patrol aircraft, wargaming software to counter-insurgency training, Bharat  is steadily stepping up military aid to Myanmar to counterbalance the deep strategic inroads made by China into that country.
During his recent visit to Myanmar, Army chief General Bikram Singh has held talks with President U Thein Sein, foreign minister U Wunna Maung Lwin, commander-in-chief of the defence services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, among others, to discuss measures to further bolster bilateral defence cooperation.
Bharat is providing rocket launchers, mortars, rifles, radars, night-vision devices, Gypsies, bailey bridges, communication and Inmarsat sets as well as road construction equipment like dozers, tippers and soil compacters to the Myanmarese armed forces.
"India has also offered the Myanmarese armed forces special training packages in the Indian Army's counter-insurgency and jungle warfare school at Vairengte in Mizoram. The Army alone already provides them over 100 vacancies every year in its different training establishments. The Navy and IAF, too, are chipping in with training," said the official.
14. SENSEX ENDS SAMVAT 2069 AT NEW HIGH:  Trading in Samvat year 2069, the Diwali-to-Diwali year of the trading community on Dalal Street at Mumbai, ended on a high with the sensex scaling a new record at 21,294 in intra-day trades and closing at 21,197 — also a new closing peak. During the current Samvat year, the index added nearly 14% but investors were richer by just Rs 2.35 lakh crore, with the BSE's market capitalization now at Rs 68.1 lakh crore. On Friday, the index gained 32 points on the back of signs of a revival in the economic fundamentals, market players said.
"It took nearly five years and 10 months for the sensex to regain this magical figure. The major sentiment booster was the data on core sector industries, which recorded 8% growth in September — the highest in the past 11 months. Also, the government has announced strong possibility of meeting the fiscal deficit target of 4.8% of GDP for the current financial year, which further added to the enthusiasm," said Jayant Manglik, president (retail distribution), Religare Securities.

15. SCIENCE CONFIRMS TURMERIC AS EFFECTIVE AS 14 DRUGS: Turmeric is one the most thoroughly researched plants in existence today.  Its medicinal properties and components (primarily curcumin) have been the subject of over 5600 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies. A five-year long research project on this sacred plant has revealed over 600 potential preventive and therapeutic applications, as well as 175 distinct beneficial physiological effects. Given the sheer density of research performed on this remarkable spice, it is no wonder that a growing number of studies have concluded that it compares favorably to a variety of conventional medications, including cholesterol medication, steroid medications, antidepressants, blood thinner,     Anti-inflammatory Drugs, chemotherapy drug etc.     Another way in which turmeric and its components reveal their remarkable therapeutic properties is in research on drug resistant- and multi-drug resistant cancers. 
Considering how strong a track record turmeric (curcumin) has, having been used as both food and medicine in a wide range of cultures, for thousands of years, a strong argument can be made for using curcumin as a drug alternative or adjuvant in cancer treatment. Or, better yet, use certified organic (non-irradiated) turmeric in lower culinary doses on a daily basis so that heroic doses won’t be necessary later in life after a serious disease sets in.  Nourishing yourself, rather than self-medicating with ‘nutraceuticals,’ should be the goal of a healthy diet. http://csglobe.com/science-confirms-turmeric-as-effective-as-14-drugs/

16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN:Pravas: Shri Ravikumar sahsamyojak Vishwa Vibhag is on a tour to Malaysia, HongKong and Singapore. Dr.Sadanand Sapre, sahsamyojak will be touring Mauritius and South Africa in Dec. Visitors: Ma Dr.Ved Nanda, Khanderao Kand, Aparna and Darshan Soni, Brahmanand and Avani – USA.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Knowing that I am different from the body, I need not neglect the body. It is a vehicle that I use to transact with the world. It is the temple which houses the Pure Self within. – Adi Shankaracharya

JAI SHREE RAM

THE RSS & POLITICS
 M G Vaidya

THE learned author, Vidya Subramaniam in her article ‘The Forgotten  Promise of 1949’,  alleges that the RSS is not following a promise that the organisation gave to the Government in 1949. The fact is that no promise as such was given. No power in the country can stop an individual or a group from entering politics. It is not necessary for anyone to seek the permission of the Government to form a political party. It is true that the article 4 (b) of the RSS Constitution avers that “The Sangh as such has no politics.” It is simply its assertion about its commitment. The same article allows the Swayamsevaks to join any political party. In the same article Sangh has affirmed that the Sangh will work ‘in consonance with the cultural heritage of the Hindu Samaj. What is cultural heritage? or the question can be drafted as what is culture? Is culture restricted to the fine arts like Music, Dancing, Painting, Sculpture etc? No! Culture, in essence, means a value system. Hindu Samaj as well as Hindu Dharma has a certain value system. Because of this value system, Hindus not only tolerate, but appreciate plurality of faiths, beliefs and opinions.
What is a Nation?
Also, culture is the basis of our nationhood. I will dare to say that culture is the basis of all nationhood. What is a nation, after all? Is it simply geography or a political system? No! People are the nation. I will not dilate here on what the essential conditions are for the people to constitute a nation. I will just quote, famous French intellectual Ernest Renan, who in his work ‘What is a nation’ observes:
“The soil provides the substratum, the field for struggle and labour, man provides the soul. Man is everything in the formation of this sacred thing that we call a people. ….”
He adds: “Two things which are really one go to make this soul or spiritual principle. One of these lies in the past, the other in the present.”
Meaning of Hindu
Sangh believes in the concept of a Hindu Rashtra. In Sangh-thought Hindu is not a religious term. In essence it connotes the culture. Possibly, the title ‘Hindu’ of the paper in which Vidya Subramaniam’s article is published connotes the same meaning. The very first word in the name of the Sangh is ‘Rashtriya’, which means national’ and as referred above the people are the nation; i.e. Hindu Samaj is the nation; and Sangh is engaged in the work of organising this Samaj since last 88 years. I will repeat organising the entire Samaj. It is an organisation of the Samaj and not an organisation in the Samaj, i.e. it aims at consolidating the entire Samaj and not at forming an organised group or sect or tribe.
Now Samaj or nation is a complex existence i.e. It works and functions in various spheres. Politics is one such sphere; not the only one. There are other spheres of social activity also, like Dharma, education, trade, industry, agriculture etc. The meaning of organising the entire Samaj means organising all these sectors. For that purpose, Sangh has sometimes directed, sometimes inspired, sometimes allowed its workers to work in these various spheres of social life. When Dr S P Mukherjee wanted to form a new party, he approached the Sangh and asked for a few workers to help him establish a party, Sangh had given some workers. In the sphere of dharma, Shri M S Golwalkar, then Sarasanghachalak himself took the lead and formed Vishwa Hindu Parishad. But he did not become its president or any other office bearer.  In the area of education, Shishu Mandirs were started first in U. P. Now Vidya Bharati, the umbrella organisation runs thousands of educational institutions. In the tribal sector there is Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. In the tribal area, the Sangh workers run, thousands of one-teacher schools. In Jharkhand alone there are about eight thousand one teacher schools. In the labour field Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) came up. At present there are about 32 fields, where RSS workers are involved.
All these institutions are independent and autonomous. They have their own Constitutions; they have their own methods of collecting funds. The only condition is that they must work for national interest. No parochial interest should harm the integrity of the entire nation. It is the duty of the RSS, to see that all activities, whatever may be their field, must have national interest as a beacon light. As stated earlier, politics is one such sphere. It is an important area, and the RSS will always want, that the workers in that area too, as in other areas, never obviate the basic goal of the organisation.
State and Nation
In our country, unfortunately there is much confusion about the concepts of a nation and a state. We just don’t mind saying that on  August 15, 1947, a new nation was born. My question is “What were we on August 14 ?” Actually on that fateful day a new state was born. “A State is a legal association, a Juridically organised nation. It exists in and through law: we may even say that is exists as law..... The essence of the State is a living body of effective rules; and in that sense, the State is law.” (Ernest Barker: Principles of Social & Political theory, page 89) State is essential for the safety of the people. The Mahabharat says that where there is no state, the Dharma perishes.
Sangh - Method
All the Sangh workers who work in various fields of social activity come to the RSS functionaries for discussion and guidance also. The Sangh fulfills that obligation. What sanctions does Sangh possess to hoist its command on all these affiliates? Sangh has no disciplinary mechanism. Have you ever heard of Sangh taking disciplinary action against any individual? Is it possible that in the career of 88 years, no Swayamsevak might have violated discipline? But the method of Sangh is unique. It explains, counsels, consoles, makes one understand and leaves the matter there.
As regards Narendrabhai Modi’s choice, the proposal must have come from the BJP quarters and Sangh would have given its consent. If there is difference of opinion about a certain decision Sangh’s help is sought. That’s all. Sangh does not dictate as to who should be made MP or MLA or Minister or Chief Minister or PM Sangh’s only concern is that the state must function for the nation’s interest. Nation is above the state, above every field of people’s activity.
RSS is like, the soul or the spirit, in a human being. The Ishopanishad describes this ‘aatmatattva’ as follows:- “It moves, it does not move also. It is far away and it is near also. It is inside everything, it is outside also”.
The Ban on the RSS
Here, a legitimate question can be asked as to why the Government lifted the ban on the RSS. The best time to lift the ban could have been, when the real culprits in the Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination were apprehended, when even more than twenty thousand homes of the RSS workers were searched and not an iota of evidence was found. The other occasion was immediately after the written Constitution of the RSS was submitted. Shri Guruji, the then Sarasanghachalak was against giving the written Constitution to the Government. Shri Venkataram Shastri, the ex-Advocate General of the Madras Presidency came forth as a mediator and he suggested to Shri Guruji, that if written Constitution is given, the ban may be lifted. Shri Guruji countered “was the ban on the RSS imposed because it had no written Constitution?” But respecting the wish of the learned advocate, the Constitution was sent on April 11, 1949. The Government instead of lifting the ban, tried to point out the defects in the Constitution. The Government also took objection to the language used by Shri Guruji. Shri HVR Iyengar, secretary to the GOI, in his letter dated May 24, 1949, said, “The GOI regret that you have used in your reply phrases like ‘meaningless expression’ and charged the Government with indulging in unbecoming behavior and lack of respect for truth, justice and due process of law.” Shri Iyengar was obviously irritated. He further wrote, “Such language constitutes a complete disregard of the ordinary rules of courtesy and propriety, more particularly in reply to the Government.”
Shri Guruji replied on 1-6-1949 saying, “I am sorry that my language has offended the Government. I am a plain man brought up in an organisation wherein the sense of high or low does not predominate and wherein, there is no occasion to study and use a style of language suitable for addressing rulers and masters.” At the end of this letter he wrote, “Since my direct and truthful words seem to be unpalatable to the Goverment, I think it best to desist from writing any further for the present.” 
This put the Government in a fix. It believed that Shri Golwalkar was caving in. Therefore it tried to browbeat him by suggesting superfluous amendments to the Constitution. But that did not work. But for whatever the reason, the Goverment wanted to lift the ban, but wanted a figleaf to do that. So it found a mediator in Shri Moulichandra Sharma. He met the RSS leaders who were not in jail. They plainly told Shri Sharma, neither Shri Guruji nor Sangh will write to Government. Shri Sharma returned to Delhi empty-handed, but then came with a new proposal that Shri Guruji need not write to the Government; but should explain to Shri Sharma, about certain issues that he will refer to. This was agreed to Shri Sharma went to Seoni(Madhya Pradesh) jail, met Shri Guruji and Shri Guruji in a letter addressed to Sharma, explained the points raised by him. The letter, dated  July 10, 1949, starts with the appellation “My dear Pandit Moulichandraji”. Whatever appeared in this letter was almost a copy of Shri Guruji’s statement, issued to the press in Delhi on  December  3, 1948. Shri Sharma took that letter to Delhi and on July 12, 1949 ban on the RSS was lifted. The intelligent people can draw their inferences about the reasons for the ban, the reasons for continuing it and then abruptly lifting it. (Organiser Weekly, November10, 2013)

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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

 

Kartik Krishna 13 Vik Samvat 2070. Yugabda 5115: November 1, 2013


1. FESTIVALS:  Prabodhini Ekadashi, also known as Devotthan Ekadashi, the 11th day of Kartik Shukla Paksha falls on November 13 this year. It is believed that Vishnu sleeps on Shayani Ekadashi and wakes on Prabodhini Ekadashi, thus giving this day the name "Prabodhini Ekadashi" ("awakening eleventh"). The end of Chaturmas, when marriages are prohibited, signifies the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. A fast is observed on Prabodhini Ekadashi and the ritual marriage of the Tulsi plant is performed with god Vishnu, who is regarded as the husband of Tulsi. In Maharashtra, Prabodhini Ekadashi is linked with the god Vithoba - a form of Vishnu. Varkari pilgrims throng the Pandharpur temple of Vithoba on this day. In Gujarat, more than 800,000 pilgrims perform the 32-km Parikrama of Mount Girnar over a two-day period. This is performed as a gesture of thanksgiving to the gods, who are believed to have assembled on the mountain. In Pushkar, Rajasthan, the Pushkar Fair or Pushkar mela commences on this day and continues till Kartik Poornima). This fair is held in the honour of Brahma, whose temple stands at Pushkar.

2. RSS ABKM MEETS IN KOCHI: The annual baithak of Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was held at the Bhaskareeyam Convention Centre adjacent to Madhav Niwas, the Kerala RSS headquarters, at Elamakkara in Kochi on 25, 26 and 27 October. The baithak was inaugurated by Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. This was the first time the meet was held in Kerala.
The ABKM passed 2 resolutions and also discussed the Madhava Gadgil panel report in detail, environmental issues in general and eco-system of Western Ghats in particular. It felt that this generation does have the responsibility to reverse the current unhealthy trend of ostentatious lifestyle and follow the Bharatiya model of environmental friendly development, so that future generations can live in peace.
On Communal and Targeted Violence Bill, the ABKM felt that the introduction of this bill in Parliament should be opposed by all right thinking people. It is biased and anti-Hindu. It divides the society into majority and minority and it is anti-constitutional. It will damage the social fabric of the country. Instead of preventing communal violence, it will lead to further division.
RSS has expanded its organisational growth since the ABKM biathak of October, 2012. Shakha activities have started in 2500 new places. Now, 6000 places are having either weekly or monthly shakhas. More than 50,000 villages are having RSS presence in the forms daily, weekly or occasional shakhas. Total number of contact places is 75,000.  Answering a question about RSS’s involvement in electoral politics, Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that RSS is not a political party but it believes that every voter is responsible and should to vote. RSS will like to have 100 % polling. RSS will actively campaign for the enrollment of voters in the voters’ list. Answering a question on government’s reported move to use the wealth of temples to face the economic crisis, Bhaiyyaji said that RSS does not endorse it; government should not do it.
The meet strongly condemned the serial bomb blasts in Patna on 27th October. It saw it as a blatant attempt to terrorise and scare nationalist forces. ABKM expressed the confidence that the spirit and resolve of nationalist forces will remain undaunted despite such cowardly terrorising acts.

Resolution 1: Growing Jehadi Radicalization in Southern States of Bharat
The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal expresses grave concern over the growing radicalization of Jehadi forces especially in the Southern states of Bharat.  Although separatist and secessionist activities exist all over Bharat, its  menacing portents in recent times especially in Southern Bharat in terms of their penetration among Muslim youth; terror training and export modules; attacks on Hindu activists; and active connivance with anti national Maoists and international Jehadi elements pose an unprecedented challenge to the national security.  The lackadaisical attitude of successive state governments turning a blind eye to these nefarious forces has become more worrying factor to all patriotic minds.
The emergence of ‘Popular Front of India' (PFI) and its front organizations in Kerala consequent to the ban on SIMI should be seen in this context. It’s formation as a coordinated effort between organizations like 'Karnataka for Dignity'(KFD), 'Manitha Neethi Pasarai' ( MNP ) in Tamilnadu and 'Natioanal Development Front' ( NDF ) in Kerala, under the purported aim of 'promotion of democracy and social justice' is nothing but a camouflage to perpetuate hard-line ideologies.  Large scale brainwashing and weapon’s training of Muslim youth; export of such terror elements in other parts of Bharat as revealed by recent designated NIA court's verdict in the 'Kashmir recruitment case'; the penetration in Police and govt machinery; admission by Kerala Government to the state High Court about the links with Hizb ul Mujahideen, Lashkar- e Tyaba and Al-Qaida clearly reveal the real face and agenda of these outfits. Their attempts to develop a political face with a pan Indian presence should be nipped in bud.
These radical forces are turning Kerala into a hotbed of anti social and anti national activities. While the Northern Kerala is becoming safe hideout and training ground for terror elements, the coastal and other areas of strategic importance are witnessing mass purchases of lands by these elements at an exorbitant price supported by rackets of counterfeit currency and gold smuggling. Planned allurement of Hindu boys and girls, rampant distribution of hate literature proclaiming Jehad, poisonous propaganda through certain media elements and disproportionate growth of Muslim population especially in North Kerala are putting the state on a ticking time bomb.
The blatant support from political elements as evident from the presence of political leaders including Ministers in the family function of Abdul Naseer Madani, a notorious criminal accused in many terrorist acts including 1998 Coimbatore bomb blast case; refusal by Kerala government to hand over Marad massacre investigation to CBI etc., have emboldened these forces to such an extent as to hatch plans to assassinate nationalist Hindu leaders in Kerala.  The present U.D.F. government in Kerala remains a mute spectator to all such anti-national activities.
These tentacles of terror have engulfed the adjoining states of Tamilnadu and Karnataka too.  In Tamilnadu, attacks on Hindu activists and their offices, vandalizing of Hindu festivals, violent demonstration on American Consulate, recent gruesome killings of state level functionaries of Hindu Munnani and BJP and armed encounter with the Police at Puttur in Andhra Pradesh, are the testimonies of their increasing grip over the State. Unfortunately, they are being completely overlooked as a result of the competitive minority appeasement by both the ruling and opposition political parties of the state.  Areas of coastal Karnataka like Bhatkal town have become a storehouse of weapons, bomb training and terror export. These forces are planning to target Hindu religious places like Tirupati, Madurai, Shabarimalai in many parts of Southern Bharat.    
The ABKM demands that the Union and the concerned state governments undertake extensive investigation by the Central agencies about the nature of clandestine activities of these radical groups, their links and source of funding both within and outside the country and take firm measures including a ban on organization like PFI, to put an end to these forces. It also appeals to all patriotic forces including media to be vigilant about such elements and prevail upon the political parties and governments to act firmly against these antinational activities.

Resolution 2: Need for Effective Management of Our Land Borders
The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal wishes to draw the attention of the nation to the conditions prevailing along Bharat's land borders and the conditions of the people living in villages along the borders. Bharat shares borders with 8 countries. It is a matter of regret that Bharat faces border disputes with most of these countries.
The ABKM underscores the need for strengthening border infrastructure along all the land borders. Studies have revealed that border infrastructure is utterly inadequate in many border areas.
The ABKM regrets to note that the 4057 km long most sensitive Bharat-Tibet border happens to be the most neglected one. In many sectors, carpeted roads end 50-60 km short of the borders, causing immense difficulties to the people living in border villages. Transport facilities are meagre; several villages have a bus service once a week only. Schools have no proper buildings; hospitals don't exist; electricity is erratic or non-existent; telecommunications facility too is unavailable for many villages. Market places are far off, forcing villagers to crossover to the other side for their shopping needs.
The ABKM emphasises that people living in the border villages are also our border guards just like the soldiers guarding our borders. Apathy of the Governments to the plight of these people is dangerous to border security.
Lack of infrastructure in these areas is leading to lack of employment opportunities and creating livelihood problems, resulting in migration. Occupation of pasture lands by China in these areas is further aggravating the problems of the villagers.
People living in villages along Indo-Pak border and the LoC have been facing constant threat to their lives from continuous shelling from Pakistan army. Loss of property, livestock and occasionally the lives of people is a norm there. They receive meagre or no compensation for these losses. At many places people of the border villages are compelled to live in camps for years on. Even those in villages face severe problems. Their movements to their agricultural lands are restricted due to fencing, land mines, etc.
Bharat-Nepal, Bharat-Myanmar and Bharat-Bangladesh borders have become safe havens for illegal trade, fake currency, smuggling of weapons, trafficking in human and drugs etc. Terrorists and anti-national forces use these borders to slip over into neighbouring countries. Bharat-Bangladesh border has remained porous leading to continued large scale infiltration and smuggling of live stock, including cows and its progeny. Mushrooming of illegal Madrasas, Mosques and settlements on both sides of Bharat-Nepal Border has emerged as a serious threat to both the country.
In view of the prevailing situation, the ABKM calls upon the Government of Bharat to:
1. Give top priority to building basic infrastructure like roads, rail network, electricity, water supply, schools, hospitals etc. along the borders.
2. In border areas constitute Village Defence Committees and give appropriate training and incentives to people in border villages and make them stake holders in border security and management
3. Constitute an independent border management authority to manage the affairs of all borders.
4. Complete the fencing along Bharat-Bangladesh border and strengthen border security by effective deployment of forces along all other borders.
5.  Provide proper compensation to the people who have lost access to their lands due to fencing, land mining, etc.
6. Develop ancient religious and other potential tourist sites along the borders. Encourage border tourism which will benefit the people living in border areas, while at the same time countrymen at large develop emotional attachment with the borders.
7. Create a mechanism for effective operational coordination between military and para-military forces engaged in border security. 
8. Develop a mechanism for dialogue and co-operation between the people on the borders and the armed forces.
The ABKM opines that the greatest challenge is the defeatist mindset of the Government of Bharat. It is unfortunate that our leadership fails to display its firm commitment to protecting every inch of our territory. The ABKM demands that the Government and its officials stop parroting that our borders are "not demarcated fully". It is untrue.  Bharat's boundaries are well defined. Tragically, our leadership lacks courage to assert this historic truth.
The ABKM cautions the countrymen to not assume that the border security is the responsibility of the Government and the armed forces alone. Patriotic countrymen should constantly keep a vigil on the situation along our borders and be ready at anytime to safeguard them.

3.   SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED IN SEOUL: The Vedanta Society of Korea celebrated Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary on October 20th. The function showcased various facets of Bharatiya culture, including dance, music, yoga, tourism and food.
The event, 'Vivek 150', included Vivekananda Yoga Olympiad, a speech contest, and an exhibition on Swami Vivekananda's life and message, which were organised at Sookmyung University. The event was supported by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Seoul, the Indian Chamber of Commerce of Korea (ICCK) and Sookmyung Women's University of Korea. The programme started with ceremonial lighting of lamp and offering floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda, followed by a documentary on his teachings and message to the world.
In his address, Swami Medhasananda, chairman of the Vedanta Society of Japan, said that Swami Vivekananda had taught the world that in essence all religions advocated service to mankind which is the most effective form of worship.

4. THE CLEANEST VILLAGE OF ASIA: Do you know the cleanest village in Asia is in Bharat? It is at a distance of around 90 km from Shillong, and the road leading up to it has some of the most panoramic and breathtaking views in the country. Till over a decade ago Mawlynnog was practically unknown to tourists until *Discover India* Magazine accorded it the cleanest village status in 2005. Nestled in the pristine East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya the residents of this picturesque village along the Indo-Bangla border have learnt to live at harmony with mother Nature and might very well become an example that urban folk should emulate. As one walks around the narrow zig-zagging paths of the village one is astounded by the clean well maintained black tarmac and the spotless frontyards and sidewalks of the bamboo stilt houses. There are stylish bamboo dustbins everywhere and separate compost pits in various pockets of the village for organic and inorganic wastes. Polythene use is completely banned and so is smoking. There are public toilets which the villagers themselves maintain and everyone takes part in the ritual weeding, sweeping and cleaning of the gardens and roads which happens every evening. Even the children are taught from an early age to keep their surroundings clean and they don’t hesitate to pick up the odd piece of garbage on the road and put it in the bin.
The village is well supplied with an efficient localized water supply and sanitation system. Just outside the village on the passing river the amazing living roots bridge is situated which speaks out for the ingenuity of the people. It is over 200 years old and was constructed by tying the roots of two banyan trees and maneuvering them to get entangled in such a way as to create a passage over the stream. The sky view tower on the eastern side of the village is a tall structure built on the support of a tree with bamboos and gives a wonderful view of the Bangladesh plains. For the discerning traveler there are many unmapped trails that one can explore around the village full of little waterfalls and sacred forests abounding in flora and fauna. The guest houses in the village are basic tree houses built on top of stilts that almost jut out into the adjacent forest, staying in them is an experience in itself. There is a lot that urban society could learn from Mawlynnong and its environmentally conscious citizens.
The self sustaining models though rudimentary have very strong foundations and have more to do with behaviour and customs that the peoples have adhered to and upheld. With the increasing influx of tourists the challenge for Mawlynnog is to maintain its culture and also educate outsiders with their ways. Do you think modern cities in Bharat can replicate what the citizens of Mawlynnong have done? With better technology and infrastructural support Bharatiya cities can certainly take Mawlunnong’s concepts forward and create self-sustaining environment systems with minimal damage to the eco systems. All we need are more responsible and conscientious citizens who will take up the cause of the environment.
Mawlynnong can be reached by road and it is roughly a three hour drive from Meghalaya’s capital, Shillong.

5. 'MADHAV NETRA PEDHI': a pioneer organisation of Nagpur, started in early 90’s  in memory of second Sarsanghchalak of RSS,  Madhav S. Golwalkar popularly known as Guruji, has within short time set a good example of Eye Bank with technological expertises, compassion and public education. Various social service organisations came together and formed an umbrella organisation ' Saksham ' which will work with handicapped people like blind, deaf and mute, slow learners, cerebral pulsey victims and lame persons. Sewa International, US supports such service to needy people.

6. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK MEETS JUSTICE KRISHNA IYER: RSS Sarsanghchalak Sri Mohan Bhagwat visited on October 21st, Justice VR Krishna Iyer at his residence in Kochi - Kerala. This was the outcome of the correspondence they had couple of months before. Sri Bhagwat, in his letter, had expressed his wish to meet Justice Krishna Iyer when he visits Kochi.
Sri Krishna Iyer told Bhagwat that he had invited the wrath of some people due the support he extended to Narendra Modi. But, he does not care. He likes to see and support honest people. Sri Modi came to see him some time back. Sri Bhagwat told Sri Krishna Iyer that honesty is a precious commodity these days. We, in Sangh, keep on meeting honest people. It is they who influence the social consciousness.
Dr. Bhagwat said that, he has been wishing to meet Sri Krishna Iyer since long time; but, it is materialised only now. He added that Sri Krishna Iyer is a fatherly figure for all, a true Judge in Words and spirit. He embodies all the noble values in social life, which is fast diminishing. I found him very honest, committed to truth, fearless, sincere and well intentioned.
When it was mentioned that Justice Krishna Iyer turns 99 next month, Mohan Bhagwat told that according to Bharatiya tradition complete life is 120 years. He wished Sri Krishna Iyer such a long life. Sri Bhagwat told Krishna Iyer that coming years would witness good happenings. Society is undergoing lot of changes. He sought Sri Krishna Iyer’s blessings for all good happenings.  Sri Krishna Iyer said that Bhagwat’s visit was a great experience. 

7. VOLUNTEERS SWUNG INTO ACTION IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CYCLONE HIT ODISHA, ANDHRA: As the cyclone Phaline struck the coast of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh on the evening of October 12, it was Sangh Volunteers who under the banner of Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti (UBSS) spontaneously came out of their homes to extend a hand of support and love to the people in distress. The cyclone with a gale speed of 200 km per hour and heavy rains ravaged Ganjam and affected 11 districts—bringing distruction everywhere. At places like Paikabasa in Mayurbhanj district, 5,000 people were evacuated saving them from devastating flood. In rescue, relief or cleaning up of roads for communication, the Sangh Volunteers were on the forefront.
Spread over 5 critically affected districts, the Volunteers served cooked food to more than 4,000 people. Durgadevi and Dhabasila in Balasore district, Aryapalli, Gopalpur of Ganjam district were the places where swayamsevaks really did outstanding work. The Sangh Volunteers managed to take more than 5,000 people to safety before the deadly cyclone could strike. They also provided shelter to about 7,000 people. More than 16 roads were cleared by these volunteers in these localities.

8.  SEWA LASER SHOW IN COLUMBUS, OH: Sewa International USA successfully hosted laser documentary “Laser Light Magic” on life of Swami Vivekananda at Columbus, which was very well received by audience including kids and teens.
This also introduced the SEWA to the Columbus Community with a bang. Around 500 people witnessed the show in the Grand Capitol theatre at Riffe center in heart of Columbus downtown.  Sewa got whole hearted support from Jain Temple, Gurudwara, other temples and also from cultural associations like Gujrati mandal, Maharastra Mandal, Malayalee Association etc. Many established individuals, Vedanta scholars also supported the event.

9.  HINDU COUPLES CELEBRATE KARWA CHAUTH IN PAKISTAN: Dozens of Hindus celebrated the Bharatiya festival of Karwa Chauth in Pakistan's largest city Karachi with traditional fervour and gaiety. Hindu couples gathered at the Laxmi Narayan Mandir near the Netty Jetty bridge to celebrate the occasion on 22nd October.
Rani, who broke her fast on the footsteps of the mandir which overlooks the Netty Jetty waters said: "Given the sort of situation we are facing in Karachi these days basically everyday is Karwa Chauth for us women no matter which religion they belong too. Things are so uncertain we just keep on praying that our husbands return home safely after work," Rani said.

10.   BHARAT'S TOP 4 IT FIRMS BUILD RS. 56,000 CRORE CASH CHEST, INFOSYS LEADS: TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies -- have seen their combined cash chest swell to a whopping $9 billion (Rs. 56,000 crore) as their businesses continue to generate profitable growth despite turbulent macroeconomic scenario. This marks an increase of about $1 billion since the beginning of current fiscal in the four companies' cumulative cash position, which includes cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and disposable financial investments.

11. ANDAMAN & NICOBAR, LAKSHADWEEP DECLARED NEW ‘HOPE SPOT’: Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands have been named as the new "hope spots" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and oceanographer Sylvia Earle of Mission Blue, an organization involved in the study of oceans. A hope spot is an area of ocean that merits special protection because of its wildlife and significant underwater habitats. The two islands are the first spots in Bharat and part of 31 new hope spots across the world added to the existing 19 spots. "What we've done here is identify a number of critical areas that represent a real hope to restore the health of our imperilled ocean," IUCN quoted Sylvia as saying.
Andaman & Nicobar have 556 islets with unique flora and fauna. There are around 270 species and sub-species of birds in these two islands of which around 106 have been declared endemic. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk and Dugong have been declared the state bird, the state tree and the state animal respectively.

12.  CHAMUNDESHWARI RATHOTSAVA DRAWS LARGE CROWDS: Chamundi Hills, which witnessed a large crowd during the Dasara festivities, came alive again as the Chamundeshwari Rathotsava was held on October 17. Witnessed by thousands of devotees from Mysore and surrounding areas, the hill shrine was packed with people since the crack of dawn. The archaks built up the momentum by chanting hymns and conducting special pujas. The scion of the royal family Srikantadutta Narasimharaja Wadiyar and his wife, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, participated in the chariot festival. The idol of the Goddess, which was adorned with jewels and flowers, was placed inside the ratha pulled by devotees around the temple.

13.  BHARATIYAS ARE OUT-EDUCATING AMERICANS: BARACK OBAMA — Billions of people from countries like Bharat and China are striving hard to "out-educate" Americans in mathematics and technology, President Barack Obama has said while stressing on education reforms to prepare Americans for a global economy where "jobs can go anywhere."
"Now you have got billions of people from Beijing to Bangalore to Moscow, all of whom are competing with you directly. And they are — those countries are working every day to out-educate and out-compete us," Obama said in his remarks to students at the Pathways in Technology Early College High School in Brooklyn on October 25.
"And every year brings more research showing them pulling ahead, especially in some of the subject matter that this school specialises in — math and science and technology. So we have got a choice to make," he said. He said if the workforce is not educated enough, it will be left behind and find it hard to get a job that pays a living wage.

14.  BHARATIYA-AMERICAN APPOINTED TO TOP DIPLOMATIC POST: The US Senate has confirmed Bharatiya-American woman administrator Nisha Desai Biswal as the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, making her the first person from the community to hold the top diplomatic position. Biswal, who is currently the assistant administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will replace incumbent Robert Blake to head the key bureau in the state department. President Barack Obama nominated her for the position on July 18.

15. BHARAT TO LAY 14 STRATEGIC RAILWAY LINES NEAR CHINA, PAK BORDER: As part of preparations to meet challenges from China and Pakistan, Bharat is planning to lay 14 strategic railway lines close to borders with these two countries to help in easier and faster movement of troops. The railway lines are besides 73 roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, sources said in Delhi. Out of the 14 planned railway lines, survey has been completed for 12, they said.
The railway lines have been planned in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Of the 73 roads with a total length of 3812 km, laying of 61 roads covering 3,404 km have been assigned to Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the sources said.
The infrastructure development is being carried out as China has made strides in this regard and Bharat is lagging much behind.

16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Ravikumar, sah samyojak Vishwa Vibhag will start his tour to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore after Diwali. Visitors: Shri Sukdeo – New Zealand. Shri Suhanthan, Gopakumar – Sri Lanka.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing and dance and write poems and suffer, and understand, for all that is life. – J Krishnamurthy

JAI SHREE RAM

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS COLOURFUL

Divya Kaushik

Australia-born photographer Robyn Beeche is known across London and England for her iconic fashion pictures. She gave up everything to spend her life in Vrindavan, documenting its living culture. She tells Divya Kaushik that she is working on a book on the raas lila tradition
For someone working as per the catwalk calenders, coordinating schedules with the world-known makeup artistes and fashion photographers, the decision of leading life in a small Indian town might be not be an easy one. But for Robyn Beeche it was simple. She knew her aim is not to get lost in the “snap snap” of the “money-making” world but to add value to her photography. Her idea of photography is not just clicking images but it is reflecting the culture of the place and an experience through her photographs.
The first visit to Vrindavan in 1985 was the life-changing event for this Autsralia-born photographer, who became famous in London for her iconic 80s images. “I had met Rajeev Sethi in England in 1982 during the Festival of India. When I came here he suggested that I should not go anywhere else but Vrindavan since it was the occasion of Holi.
So there I was in the middle of Barsana, colours splashing in the air like a toddler throwing paint randomly on a white sheet of paper. For me that is what photography is, an experience narrated through colours against the white backdrop,” shared Robyn, who since 1985 has been based in Vrindavan, chronicling life and Indian culture through her images, books and other documentaries. Documentary film, A life Exposed, by Australian director Lesley Branagan and award-winning cinematographer Bonnie Elliot, shows how India’s rich visual content paradoxically provides Robyn the chance to nourish her main themes (illusion, transformation) in a culture where they occur spontaneously as religious expression and are not constructed. “My journey has been surprisingly positive and it is a daunting thing to have your life up on the screen. Leslie has done a great job by sharing my life and it has been an enriching experience for me. The documentary will help sharing my life with people and inspire them positively to value their own culture and history. India is changing fast and since I have been based here for long now even I have noticed that change. I believe that change is good but that change should not make us forget about our cultural practices and traditions. Generation ahead should have documents and archives to look up to and I am contributing towards that. Through my photographs, books and films I want to reach out to larger people so that traditions do not become history with no reference to it. Also I liked the way the director has portrayed my life and the way she has captured the intensity and depth of my work. Many people who saw the documentary said that they never knew how my world changed while shifting between the two contrasting worlds and cultures,” said Robyn.
Her journey as a photographer started when she was 27, as an assistant to a photographer. Within two and a half years she learnt the tricks of the trade and then moved to England to work with the photographer who used to work extensively with countries like Japan and India.
“It was very interesting, the way he used to convey the essence of the country through his pictures. I learnt a lot from him and after he left I was on my own doing several collaborations and busy in the world of fashion photography,” said Robyn. Even while she was in England, doing a job which many would envy, she never really enjoyed the materialistic world and that can be one of the reasons that today she is liking her quite life in Vrindavan. She has an opportunity to be a part of festivities like Gopa Ashtami, Holi and Phool Lila.
“I have never been bored. There are so many things to keep me motivated here. I keep doing pilgrimages for documenting and photography and have been to Kumbh. To record the living culture that exists in Vrindavan is a fulfilling experience. I have no diary dates to follow, whenever I want I can rush to the temples and capture the most vivid things. Apart from exhibiting my works at festivals and galleries like IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts) I also write books. I wrote a book Celebrating Krishna and I am doing a book on raaslila tradition,” she informed. – The Pioneer, October 28, 2013.

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