SAMVAD

Margshirsha S. 13, Vik.Samvat 2074, Yugabda 5119: December 1, 2017


1. FESTIVALS: Makar Sankranti 2. BRAHMOS MISSILE SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED FROM SUKHOI JET
3. RASHTRAPATI lauds VKVs as source of inspiration for people 4. RASHTRAPATIJI INAUGURATES Gita Mahotsav
5. ONLY MANDIR WILL BE BUILT AT RAM JANMABHOOMI SITE IN AYODHYA:  MOHAN BHAGWAT 6. Muslims not against Ram temple: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
7. 'Terrorism has become global scourge', Pradhan mantri in man ki baa 8.  Only Hindu Buddhist ideology can ensure peace in this world: Suresh Soni
9. Greater London Sammileet Shakha, Bushy Academy 10. BHARAT IS A VIEW OF LIFE BASED ON SPIRITUALITY: DR MANMOHAN VAIDYA, RSS
11. Sewa International receives major disaster relief grant in US 12. After 14 yrs, Moody’s ups bharat’s rating to highest since '91 reforms
13. IIT Kanpur Announces Scripture Website 14. Going to America: Indian students’ dream of a US education serves both countries well
15. Saragarhi Film Receives Applause in UK Parliament 16. These grads are designing a better world
17. Mumbai girl chosen brand ambassador for Rwanda 18. UN environment awards for late mantri Anil Madhav Dave, 3 others
19. Chennai-born Shefali now Seattle deputy mayor 20. Shaheed Jyoti Prakash Nirala, a rare example of 'One Man Army'; Eliminated 5 terrorists in Kashmir
21. Musical play based on Ramayana enthralls leaders at ASEAN opening ceremony 22. Nilekanis pledge half of wealth for philanthropy
23. TDB APPOINTS NON BRAHMIN PRIESTS IN KERAL 24. Samskrita Ganga in Bengaluru
25. OBITUARY - Former Delhi Prant Sanghachalak of RSS, Ramesh Prakash Sharma, passed away 26. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN  & FOOD FOR THOUGHT

1. FESTIVALS: Makar Sankranti marks the commencement of the Sun's northern course, the Uttarayan Path when it enters the sign of Makar or Capricorn. Sankranti, signifying change for betterment gives the message of intellectual illumination. The birth of Swami Vivekanand on the Sankranti day in 1863 is an inspiring indication of the passing of the long night of self-oblivion and birth of an effulgent era of resurgent Hinduism. The day is auspiciously celebrated on all Sangh shakhas to give message of transformation in Hindu society and Til-Gur is distributed to the swayamsevaks at the function.-GoTop

 

2. BRAHMOS MISSILE SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED FROM SUKHOI JET: Rated as the world's fastest supersonic missile, the aerial version of BrahMos was tested in the Bay of Bengal on November 22. The missile was fired from Indian Air Force (IAF) frontline fighter jet Su-30 MKI, which took off from the Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal, against a sea-based target in the Bay of Bengal. The missile was gravity-dropped from the jet from fuselage and the two-stage missile's engine fired up and straightway propelled towards the intended target. The successful test-firing of Brahmos Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) will significantly bolster the IAF’s air combat operations capability from stand-off ranges. Brahmos ALCM weighing 2.5 tonne is the heaviest weapon to be deployed on Su-30 aircraft modified by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to carry weapons.

Capable of flying at more than 700 kms per minute and capable of covering a range of 2,000 km, the SU-30 can quickly launch BrahMos. Since the BrahMos weighs 2.5 tonne, the SU-30s can carry one missile at a time and fire it from a distance, escaping the surface-to-air missiles and enemy aircraft since time is very crucial in such missions. -GoTop

 

3. RASHTRAPATI lauds VKVs as source of inspiration for people:  Rashtrapati Ram Nath Kovind on 19 Nov lauded the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKV) for their yeoman services in Arunachal Pradesh for rendering quality education by establishing schools in the land-locked State over the past 40 years. Rashtrapatiji arrived in Itanagar to grace the valedictory function at Indira Gandhi Park to mark the 40 years of Vivekananda Kendra in the State.

"Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) have become the source of inspiration for the people for their moto and philosophy of 'Service to humanity is service to Nation'," Rashtrpatiji said while addressing the function. Kovind said the VKVs, while keeping the tribal culture and traditions intact, have been imparting quality education to the tribal students of the State along with other co-curricular activities.

Kovind said, "Arunachal is known as the land of rising sun. The State with lush green vegetation, enchanting sceneries and snow clad mountains attract everyone.If Northeast is the crown of the country, Arunachal Pradesh is the jewel in the crown."

"Arunachal Pradesh has a special mention in the epics and history of the country," he said while referring to historical places like Vismaknagar from where Lord Krishna married Rukmini, Tawang for the world famous monastery and Malinithan for the historically important temple.

Speaking on the occasion Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra appreciated the role of VKVs in development of human resources in the country. -GoTop

 

4. RASHTRAPATIJI INAUGURATES Gita Mahotsav: An International seminar on Gita was organized on November 25 as part of International Gita Mahotsav celebrated from 17 November to 3 December in Kurukshetra. Quoting the examples of Kendriya Videsh Mantri Sushma Swaraj, astronaut Kalpana Chawla, mountaineer Santosh Yadav, international wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Geeta, Babita and Vinesh Phogat, he said that all had proved their mettle in different fields.

He further said, "Manushi Chhillar, who hails from Jhajjar district, has also kept the flag of Bharat flying high at the global level in the Miss World event. The success of Haryana's daughters underscores Gita's message on karmayoga."

"The eternal message of Gita transcends the barriers of age and time and the boundaries of countries. All people should celebrate Gita Mahotsav every day in their mind as well as at their homes. This International Gita Mahotsav is a celebration of the moral, spiritual and cultural renaissance not only in Haryana and the country, but in the entire world," Kovind said.

Mukhya Mantri Khattar said, "Gita is the gist of life and it was Lord Krishna who delivered the celestial message of Bhagwad Gita on the sacred land of Kurukshetra.".

Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki said that with a view to fully implement the concept of live and let live to ensure peace and prosperity in the world, there was a need to spread the message of Gita.

David Frawley from American Institute of Vedic Studies said that the teaching of Gita is being followed worldwide by scholars, litterateurs and people from all walks of life. -GoTop

 

5. ONLY MANDIR WILL BE BUILT AT RAM JANMABHOOMI SITE IN AYODHYA:  MOHAN BHAGWAT: Addressing the "Dharma Sansad", a congregation of 2,000 Hindu saints, mutt heads and VHP leaders from across the country in Udupi, Karnataka, RSS Sarasanghalak Mohan Bhagwat said there should be no ambiguity that Ram Temple will be built in Ayodhya."We will construct it. It is not a populist declaration but a matter of our faith. It will not change," Bhagwat said."Only Ram Mandir will be constructed and nothing else. It will be constructed there only" (at the site that is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram), Bhagwat said. -GoTop

 

6. Muslims not against Ram temple: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: After a day-long effort to facilitate a consensus between Hindu and Muslim communities on the contentious Ayodhya issue, Art of Living founder and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar said on November 16: "By and large, Muslims aren't opposing Ram Mandir, but both sides need to come on the same page. I have received very positive signs from both the communities, who feel that we should come together and find a solution. Both communities have goodwill and resolve to solve the issue amicably." -GoTop

 

7. 'Terrorism has become global scourge', Pradhan mantri in man ki baat: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi recalled the victims of 26/11 Mumbai Attacks saying that "Nobody should forget that 26/11 was the day when, 9 years ago, terrorists attacked Mumbai. Nobody can forget the sacrifice of civilians and brave soldiers". He also highlighted the significance of 'Constitution Day' saying that "the Constitution is the soul of Bharat."

Appreciating the children's involvement into the current happenings, PM Modi said that "Newspaper had urged students to write letters to the Pradhan Mantri, and he was excited to know that young kids are also aware of all the happenings around them. They are socially aware."

Throwing light on the adverse effects of 'Terrorism', PM Modi said that for over 4 decades, Bharat has been raising the issue of terror. Initially, the world did not take us seriously but now the world is realizing the destructive aspects of terrorism. -GoTop

 

8.  Only Hindu Buddhist ideology can ensure peace in this world: Suresh Soni: "The world today is suffering from terrorism, economic break downs, climatic changes and many more. Only Hindu Budhist ideology is relevant in resolving the problems and ensure peace and happiness in this world," said Surtesh soni, Sahasarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He was addressing the Hindu Chetana Sangam organised by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Thailand at Minder Pattana School, Bangkok on 25th November. He added that, Wherever Europeans went; they colonized the people and made them their slaves. In same way, wherever Arabs went, they tried to enforce their religion by terror. But Bharatiya saints and Buddhist Monks approached the world with the message of peace.

Bhisma Phramon Rangsikul, the Royal priest of Thailand said on the occasion that the most significant cultural contribution of Bharat, for which Thailand is greatly indebted to Bharat, is 'Buddhism’. Mahesh Kumar, Karyavah of HSS Thailand briefed about the important activities organised by HSS Thailand. About 500 swayamsevaks from various shakhas participated. -GoTop

 

9. Greater London Sammileet Shakha, Bushy Academy: In his bauddhik in the in Sammileet Shakha, Dattatreya Hosabale, Sah Sarkaryawah of RSS summed up the Sangh's working in just two words - "Samooheek Karmayog!"  This is what the Sangh has been doing since 1925!

This "Samooheek Karmayog" is organised and done in the Shakha for the last 92 years through personality and character building.  Four aspects of human being viz. body, mind, emotions and spirit are developed by discipline, games (expense less, instrument less - limbs are the instruments for the games), drill and parade, physical exercises and lectures (bouddhik parting the knowledge) and "samata".  Late Doctorji's time tested model of creating and constructing abilities, capabilities and capacities in a swayamsevak is being practised in Shakha to do "Samooheek Karmayog".

Dattatreyaji elaborated and explained the Sangh ideology so eloquently that every present swayamsevak went home with clearer picture of the Sangh work. 216 swayamsevaks attended the shakha. -GoTop

 

10. BHARAT IS A VIEW OF LIFE BASED ON SPIRITUALITY: DR MANMOHAN VAIDYA, RSS: Speaking at a symposium 'Emerging Bharat and the rise of Bharat's influence around the World' organised by the HSS NZ at the Balmoral Temple, Auckland on November 19, Dr Manmohan Vaidya asserted "Bharata is not just a country; rather it is a way of life-based on spirituality." Dr Vaidya was sharing his thoughts about the idea of Bharat (India), which he argued was much broader in scope and essence, than what many tend to relate with contemporary Bharat. "Bharat is a Jeevan ka vichar that views and practices the inclusive vision of oneness in the world.The history of Bharat giving refuge to Parsis, Jews, Syrian Christians is a telling testimony of a worldview that has spirituality as its foundation," Dr Vaidya said. "We don't say all are one; rather we say all is one". "Bharat is not a culture of diverse cultures, but Bharat has a culture that celebrates diversity," Dr Vaidya emphasised.

Shri Saumitra Gokhle, the international coordinator of HSS accompanied Dr Vaidya.

Sardar Prithipal Singh (of Kolmar Gurudwara, Papatoetoe) was the chief guest of the event, which was also attended by local MPs - Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Dr Parmjet Parmar - along with former MP Mahesh Bindra. -GoTop

 

11. Sewa International receives major disaster relief grant in US: Sewa International, a Bharatiya- American non-governmental organisation has been awarded with grant money of USD 397,590 in recognition of the relief work it carried out in recent Hurricane Harvey. Sewa International has received the grant from Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) in its second round of grants announced on November 15. GHCF raised more than USD 80 million for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. As part of the grant, Sewa International Team will identify and assist 600 persons in assessing their "individual/family needs resulting from a specific disaster event, help them develop a recovery plan, and screen for duplication of benefits and provide them access to resources for their unmet needs," the statement said.

The grant money that Sewa received will have to be spent over the next four months. As per the grant guidelines, Sewa has to begin providing disaster case management services within 30 days or less of receiving funding. -GoTop

 

12. After 14 yrs, Moody’s ups bharat’s rating to highest since ’91 reforms: Global ratings agency Moody's on November 17 revised the country's sovereign ranking to Baa2 from Baa3 - its first upgrade in almost 14 years - citing implementation of a string of economic reforms, including demonetization and rollout of the goods and services tax. The new rating, Bharat's highest since the 1991 reforms, comes as a huge boost for the government. The action looks beyond the present slowdown in economic growth and a surge in bank bad loans, and bets on Bharat's medium- and longterm growth potential.The ratings upgrade by Moody's could position Bharat as an attractive investment destination, apart from making it easier for companies to raise resources abroad. -GoTop

 

13. IIT Kanpur Announces Scripture Website: IIT Kanpur has developed a website (https://www.gitasupersite.iitk.ac.in/) on our treasures of Vedas, Shastras etc. Each shloka is rendered in various languages and scripts, often with commentary and even audio rendering. Currently the site has Srimad Bhagavad Gita and other gitas, Valmiki Ramayanam, Brahma Sutra, Ramacharitmanas, Yoga Sutra, Shri Ram Mangal Dasji, Upanishads and more. -GoTop

 

14. Going to America: Indian students’ dream of a US education serves both countries well: Many call Indians in America the model minority. Their success is most visible in the tech field where Indians have both ascended to the top of the biggest firms and have founded an estimated 10-20% of Silicon Valley startups. Belonging to communities that encourage education strongly is a key explanation for their out performance. But there are troubling signs that unfair barriers are being raised against the entry of Indian students into America. The latest Open Doors survey, conducted by the Institute of International Education, shows that though US universities still remain a much favoured destination, the percentage of increase in fresh enrolments by Indians halved in 2016-2017 to 12.3% from almost 25% the previous year.

Although a mix of global and local economic conditions lies behind this slowing, there is also growing evidence that US universities are pursuing racial balancing and campus diversity expressly at the expense of Indians and other Asians. For example the US Department of Justice is now following up a complaint by a coalition of 64 Asian-American organisations, that Asian applicants to Harvard need 140, 270 and 450 more SAT points than whites, Hispanics and blacks respectively. Likewise, high-scoring applicants from India face far higher cutoffs than students from less populous countries.

According to the Open Doors survey, while India's rate of growth outpaces China's, it is China that sends the most students to the US. . In 2016-17 Indian students numbered 1.86 lakh compared to 3.5 lakh Chinese students. Obviously India is yet to make the most of its English-speaking advantage.

On the American side, other than the many social contributions of the 'model minority', another consideration should be how Indians contribute 17% of total earnings from overseas students in US universities; they could happily contribute much more.

Free cross-border flow of intelligent and hard-working people makes the world a better place. Promising as America's strategic handshake with India is, one of the goods it must deliver is smoothening this flow of human capital. On India's part the need is to make this point with the Americans while constructing even more fecund bridges with its diaspora. From how American-educated children of the governing class helped push India's liberalisation in 1991 to the indispensable role of the Indian-American community in the civilian nuclear agreement, the diaspora has played a key role in India's rise. (Editorial, Times of India, November 16, 2018) -GoTop

 

15. Saragarhi Film Receives Applause in UK Parliament: On 14th November, the British Parliament resounded to a thunderous round of applause in honour of 21 native Bharatiya soldiers who fought to defend British Bharat on the unruly North West frontier in 1897. Parliamentarians, leading members of the British Bharatiya community and representatives of Her Majesty's Armed Forces gathered for a special Parliamentary launch and screening of the new docu-drama "Saragarhi: The True Story", hosted by former Justice and Work and Pensions Minister Shailesh Vara MP.

The film, made in honour of the Sikhs who fought at Saragarhi to mark the battle’s 120th anniversary, comes after more than seven years of research and production by Captain J. Singh-Sohal, a British Army reservist and filmmaker.

"Saragarhi: The True Story" narrates, for the first time on film, the fate of the 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment of Bengal Infantry who on 12th September 1897 found themselves surrounded by 10,000 enemy tribesmen during an uprising on the NorthWest Frontier between colonial Bharat and Afghanistan.The brave 21 fought to the last man despite the odds, in an engagement lasting nearly seven hours and with only limited ammunition. The battle is a significant one which was commemorated by the British with memorials in Bharat, a battle honour for the 36th Sikh regiment that fought (now the 4th Sikh Regiment in the Bharatiya Army) and the issue of the Bharatiya Order of Merit class III, the highest award of gallantry at that time given to native Bharatiyas on par with the Victoria Cross, which was awarded posthumously to the 21 men.

The documentary filmed in Bharat, Pakistan and the UK; tells the story with unique access to private archives, never-before-seen images, stunning visual graphics, effects and re-enactment scenes. -GoTop

 

16. These grads are designing a better world: At Dubai's Global Grad Show which features the cream of young design talent from across the world, you sort of expect the driverless pram (hold on moms, it hasn't hit the market yet) and the cute but gimmicky mirror that will turn on only when you smile. What you don't expect is a low-tech contraption like a shovel that will let thousands of Bharatiya women scoop up cow dung without getting their hands dirty.

Anmol Gupta, a student of Delhi's Pearl Academy, says she got the idea while living in a village in Rajasthan. "It's always the woman's job to pick up dung and doing it by hand is not just yucky, it exposes them to bacteria," says Gupta, who modeled her Gomi shovel on a dustpan and broom. It's an open source project and she hopes that fabricators will soon manufacture the low-cost device.

Three designs from IIT Bombay's Industrial Design Centre made it to the grad show tent which has become one of the highlights of the annual Dubai Design Week. Nishith Parikh focused his energy on a portable solar lamp that kids can use to study and adults can use to cook, light up the bathroom, or carry like a torch when they go out. "In a bathroom or in front of a stove I realised that people need a light with a stand. Everyone has disposable PET bottles lying around and these double up as a stand for my lamp," says Nishith who tested the prototype in a village in Maharash- tra where there are frequent power cuts. Assembly is also Do It Yourself so that villagers don’t need to rely on external help.

After extensive interviews with CRPF jawans, Devanshi Saksena set out to fix the problem they have getting clean water on the move. Her bottle, which she's named Jiva (alive), is lightweight and comes attached with a removable filter. Arun Shah fashioned a portable dental chair that can be used in dental camps where patients are usually just made to plonk on plastic chairs with no way of leaning back. McGetrick says he was intrigued by the local response to a local issue. "A lot of the projects in the show try to use design as a kind of relatively simple, small intervention in someone’s life that could open up more possibilities than they had before," he says. -GoTop

 

17. Mumbai girl chosen brand ambassador for Rwanda: A 17-year-old Mumbai student has been named Rwanda's brand ambassador in Bharat by that country's high commission, for her work among its refugees and genocide survivors over the past one year.

Neysa Sanghavi, a Class XII student of Singapore International School, Dahisar, visited Rwanda twice since September 2016, working with global non-profits and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. "We were studying the book 'Things Fall Apart' in an English class. It introduced us to the communities of Africa. I was intrigued and wanted to do something. To begin with, I wanted to know more about the region and its people," she said.

With help from her mother, who had visited Rwanda in her role as a doctor, Neysa sent emails to non-profits she could connect with. "After some research, I made my first trip which lasted seven days. I tagged along with volunteers from NGOs and met survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. I also visited refugee camps and chronicled my trip," she said.She went back in June this year, this time around accompanied by her mother as she was not an adult.

"The refuge camps were near large swamps and hence malaria was rampant. I did observational research to find out the effectiveness of awareness campaigns. I also realised there were skilled and trained talent which was getting wasted," she said.

She has since then submitted six projects to the Rwandan government on avenues near the camps which could employ the refugees. Neysa will meet the country's authorities after her exams to discuss her duties as a brand ambassador. -GoTop

 

18. UN environment awards for late mantri Anil Madhav Dave, 3 others: Four Bharatiyas, including late environment minister Anil Madhav Dave, deputy director of the Centre for Science and Environment, Chandra Bhushan and IIT Delhi Prof R S Agarwal, were honoured with 'Ozone Awards' by the United Nations Environment Programme at the 30th anniversary function of Montreal Protocol in Canada on November 23.

Dave, who died in May, was posthumously awarded in the 'Political Leadership' category while Bhushan and Agarwal were awarded in 'Partnership' and 'Technical Leadership' categories, respectively, for their roles in amendment to the Protocol.-GoTop

 

19. Chennai-born Shefali now Seattle deputy mayor: Having already gained kudos as a policy wonk in the field of transportation, 38-year-old Shefali Ranganathan of Chennai has now achieved another distinction. She has been named deputy mayor of the US city of Seattle.Ranganathan was selected by mayor-elect Jenny Durkan to head her transition team, along with two others. She is the executive director of Transportation Choices Coalition, a nonprofit that lobbies for transit, walking and biking infrastructure in Seattle.

"She was always ahead of her peers, be it in school or in college. This is a recognition of her work in the area of transportation and we hope it acts as an inspiration for young girls in the country and abroad," said Pradeep Ranganathan, her father, who resides in the city with her mother Cheryl Ranganathan. Ranganathan did her schooling at Good Shepherd Convent, Nungambakkam, and went on to pursue a BSc in zoology at Stella Maris. She also studied environmental science at Anna University where she was a gold medallist. Ranganathan moved to the US in 2001 and went on to study at an American University. -GoTop

 

20. Shaheed Jyoti Prakash Nirala, a rare example of 'One Man Army'; Eliminated 5 terrorists in Kashmir: 31-year old Jyoti Prakash Nirala, a Garud Commando of Indian Air Force gave a supreme sacrifice on November 18 during a gunfight with a group of terrorists Hajin area of Bandipora district in North Kashmir. Garud Commando Jyoti Prakash Nirala was equal to 'one many army' as he alone killed five terrorists who were sheltered in a house that was located at Chandergeer in Hajin area of Bandipora district in North Kashmir. Commando Jyoti Prakash Nirala led from the front showcased his bravery and valour at the highest level and killed five terrorists along with the nephew of Zaikur-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. Nirala had joined the IAF in 2005. -GoTop

 

21. Musical play based on Ramayana enthralls leaders at ASEAN opening ceremony: A musical performance based on the epic Ramayana on November 13 drew loud applause from several world leaders and delegates at a grand opening ceremony of the two- day ASEAN summit.The play reflected Bharat's cultural linkages with the Philippines and several member countries of the 10-member powerful bloc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and several other leaders from ASEAN s partner countries attended the glitzy opening ceremony at the highly fortified Cultural Centre in Manila, the bustling metropolis.

The Ramayana in the Philippines is called 'Maharadia Lawana' which means king Ravana. The Philippines' famous dance is called 'Singkil' which is based on the Ramayana.

"You would be happy to know that the @ASEAN opening ceremony included excerpts from the musical Rama Hari, based on the Ramayana. Various parts of the Ramayana were beautifully highlighted in the Rama Hari. This shows our deep historical bonds and shared heritage," he tweeted.

The musical performance was choreographed by Alice Reyes of Ballet Philippines, a leading ballet company in the country founded in 1969.

The prime minister said the Ramayana is widely popular among ASEAN nations and he complimented the cast and crew of the play for their "stupendous performance". -GoTop

 

22. Nilekanis pledge half of wealth for philanthropy: Infosys co-founder and tech billionaire Nandan Nilekani and his wife Rohini Nilekani have joined 'The Giving Pledge', an elite network of the world's wealthiest individuals committing half their wealth to philanthropy. The Giving Pledge website uploaded Nilekanis' letter signing up for the cause.The letter said, "We thank Bill and Melinda for creating this unique opportunity to realise a moral aspiration inspired by the Bhagwad Gita - Karmanyeva-dhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma karma phalaheturbhur ma Te Sango-stvakarmani." "We have a right to do our duty, but no automatic right to the fruits from the doing. It is critical that we do not slip into inaction fearing that we may not be able to reap direct reward. It is to this ideal that we pledge," it added. Later Bill Gates tweeted on his handle about Nilekanis' pledge on his Twitter handle. "I'm amazed by how @NandanNilekani has lent his entrepreneurial passion to philanthropy. I'm delighted to welcome him and his wife Rohini to the Giving Pledge," Gates tweeted. -GoTop

 

23. TDB APPOINTS NON BRAHMIN PRIESTS IN KERAL: On 9th October 2017, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in Kerala decided to appoint 36 non-Brahmin priests, including six Dalits (from different Dalit castes), to the Brahminical temples of Travancore. The majority among the 36 priests are Ezhavas (belonging to the Other Backward Classes [OBCs] group). The TDB has decided to introduce a reservation policy in the recruitment of temple priests, a decision that has garnered attention across Bharat for its "radical" nature. It is being celebrated as a revolutionary decision taken by the Kerala government and an indication of the progressive nature of Malayali society. -GoTop

 

24. Samskrita Ganga in Bengaluru: As part of the Samskrita Bharati's plan to organise Janapada Sammelans in almost 500 districts of Bharat, 'Samskrita Ganga' sammelan was organised on November 19 at Bengaluru. The day-long celebrations were planned with focus on creating awareness amongst the public regarding the treasure chest of knowledge that lies hidden in the Samskrit literature.

Many cultural events and an exhibition on 'Science in Samskrit' were also organised. The event attracted thousands of people from all walks of life including children from many nearby schools. A procession, organised as part of the Sammelan, was flagged off by Sri Swami Harshanandaji Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Math, Shri Shridharaha, proprietor of Hospitality India, Shri MD Kiran, MD of iSol Softech and Dr Priyadarshini Iyer, Sumpreme court advocate, inaugurating the event.

The exhibition was the cynosure of Samskrita Ganga. It exhibited ancient Bharatiya science, science and Samskrit and showcased the use of Samskrit for daily use items. Unique competitions in understanding Samskrit were held for both adults and kids at the even. A workshop on Vedic Mathematics for teachers and parents was also conducted. -GoTop

 

25. OBITUARY - Former Delhi Prant Sanghachalak of RSS, Ramesh Prakash Sharma, passed away on November 21. He was 84. He is survived by his wife Smt Asha Sharma who has been Akhil Bharatiya Sahkaryavahika of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and now is Uttar Kshetra Palak Adhikari, two daughters and a son. He was cremated at Nigam Bodh Ghat on November 23. Prominent among those who paid tribtue included Union Ministers Shri Arun Jaitley and Dr Harsh Vardhan, Gujarat Governor Prof OP Kohli, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Dr Manmohan Vaidya, and others.

Swargiya Ramesh Prakash ji was born on November 2, 1933 at Amritsar. His family belonged to Shekhupura in West Pakistan and migrated to Bharat after the Partition. He became a Sangh swayamsevak in his early childhood and held the responsibility of Haryana Prant organising secretary of Bharatiya Jansangh for some time. Then, he rose to become Uttar Kshetra Karyavah and then Delhi Prant Sanghachalak. He was an expert in resolving even the complicated issues through his simple nature and influenced countless workers through his personal conduct. -GoTop

 

26. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Ma Suresh ji Soni sahsarkaryavaha, RSS will continue his tour to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia. Ma Dattatreya ji - sahsarkarayavaha will return Bharat after concluding his tour to UK, Switzerland, Germany and Netherlands. Shri Saumitra Gokhale, samyojak Vishwa Vibhag will reach Bharat via Jakarta from Australia. Shri Ravikumar, sah samyojak will tour Singapore and Malaysia. Visitors:

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Some act till they meet obstacles, others act inspite of obstacles and conquer them; but some act not fearing the possibility of some obstacles that might arise enroute. - Swami Chinmayananda -GoTop

 JAI SHREE RAM


SHRI VISHW NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in www.shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com