SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

1. FESTIVALS: Narada jayanti is associated with Devrishi Narad who is considered as universal divine messenger and primary source of information. It falls on Vaishakh Krishna Pratipada (May 1 this year). Narada can rightly be remembered as world’s first reporter.

Vishwa Samvad Kendras in Bharat celebrate the day by organizing programs for people in the media field felicitating accomplished ones among them. -GoTop

2. Historic! DRDO successfully test fires Brahmos supersonic cruise missile: Bharat has achieved a major milestone in strengthening its defense system after the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on March 22 successfully test-fired BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Rajasthan's Pokhran R test range. The BrahMos missile, which is the result of a Bharat-Russia joint venture, can fly almost three times the speed of sound at Mach 2.8 and has a range of 290 km. This test will strengthen army’s power, especially in cases of combat operations from stand-off ranges. Brahmos is capable of being launched from Land, Sea, and Air. The precision strike weapon with Bharatiya made seeker flew in its designated trajectory and hit the target with pin point accuracy." -GoTop

3. RSS SARSANGHCHALAKJI SPEAKS TO ORGANISER AND PANCHJANYA: Today the Sangh work has a growing acceptability. How do you view this?

The Sangh swayamsevaks are characterized by their approach, inclusivity, transparency, simplicity and selfless attitude, and this leaves an extraordinary impact on the society. The common people have started realizing that Sangh swayamsevaks are trustworthy and they would work for the society, for the welfare of all and being with them they can also do well.

The canvass of the Sangh inspired work in different fields is very wide. Is it going to expand further?

May be. Sangh inspires the swayamsevaks. It must be noted that Sangh doesn’t make any action plan, swayamsevaks initiate a work. If it turns out to be good, we encourage them. If needed, some support is provided. Sangh would only organize Shakhas, swayamsevaks will take care of the rest. If they find something important and worthwhile, they will certainly undertake it and the work will expand.

How does Sangh manage and coordinate with so many organisations?

This is not to be done, it just happens. The samskars, actions and goals of swayamsevaks are the only common things. If these three things are there, then coordination and complimentarity naturally take place. We just ensure that originality of the swayamsevaks remains intact. Rest of the things take care of themselves. Sangh coordinates even with those people who are not directly Sangh swayamsevaks, but share the same qualities.

Today’s Sangh is not limited to Shakhas and grounds, but is also present in the virtual world. You have experienced this changing time. How do you perceive this?

Whatever is necessary for the organizational work, we have been using that. First, we used to travel on foot, and then vehicles were provided with. We have seen the time when in the whole of Nagpur, Sangh had just one vehicle, which was kept for Sri Guruji’s use. With the changing social conditions, many swayamsevaks have vehicles now. This is a normal process. We make sure that we do not become slaves of these comforts and the side-effects of them are not entered the organization.

Earlier Shakhas, organization and related issues used to be the focus of Sangh, now even in Shakhas social issues are getting more prominence. Is the Sangh changing?

This is not a change, this is a natural expression. Thengadi ji used to call it “progressive unfoldment”. In ‘Sangh Prarthana’ when we say, ‘Samartha Bhavatva…”, it means increasing the evolutionary strength. Sangh is instrumental in that process. The swayamsevaks are one as a collective whole and at individual level they work as an element of the Sangh and work for the cause with sincerity, dedication and purity.

Tripura is another noteworthy development. Is there any special or political reason to make Tripura as a separate Prant for the Sangh functioning?

Nothing special. As the Government looks at the regions from administrative point of view, we look at them from actual Sangh work point of view, terrain, connectivity and the flow of interaction among the people. This is the basis of our Prant structure.

Bharat is the country of youth and largest number of young minds is getting attracted towards the Sangh. How do you see this flow of young and energetic human resource towards the Sangh?

Yes, youth are getting attracted and we would take them along and train them. As per their taste and ability, they will be encouraged to work in the national interest.

In the present political scenario, there is an attempt to portray two kinds of Hindutva narratives. One what is called as original Hndutva and the other is aggressive Hindutva. How do you see this kind of differentiation?

Hindutva is one. It cannot be different even if one looks at it with different prisms. I believe in Truth and non-violence, but somebody is attacking me, indirectly to kill the Truth and non-violence I believe in, then to protect those values I will have to fight. Whether to fight or not is not Hindutva, to live or to die for Truth and non-violence is Hindutva. To fight for and practice of Truth and non-violence is Hindutva.

The proponents of Hindutva are getting natural benefit of it. To deny that advantage, divisions are being created. As a Hindu, we do not consider anyone as our enemy, nor do we consider anyone as alien. But for the sake of same Hinduness we have to protect Hindu Dharma, Hindu Sanskriti and Hindu Society. In the process, we may have to explain, we may have to fight, if necessary. That is why in Meerut I said, “If Hindus become more kattar (fundamentalists), it actually means they will be more liberal.”

What would be your message for the swayamsevaks?

One has to raise the standards, ability, understanding and everything. We have to be more open and inclusive. We not only will have to maintain our standards, but also will have to raise them further in a flattering atmosphere. We should never forget our basic qualities because of which we have reached here. Keep all those fundamentals in mind, while moving forward is my only message. Interviewed by Prafulla Ketkar and Hitesh Shankar (Organiser 25 March, 2018). -GoTop

4. Power and tact needed in Kashmir: Mohan Bhagwat: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on March 15 called for using strength and tact to counter "forces seeking to divide the people" of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and said trouble-makers only understood the language of power. There was need for "shakti" (power) and "yukti" (tact) to ensure that "truth prevails", Bhagwat said. Bharatiya Army, with its "efforts, sacrifices and dedication", had maintained "shakti", which was needed because trouble-makers "only understand the language of power", he said. Shri Bhagwat was speaking at the inauguration of the 'Sapt-Sindhu Jammu Kashmir Ladakh Mahotsav' organised by the Jammu Kashmir Study Centre in Nagpur. -GoTop

5. INSPIRING STORIES OF 5 UNSUNG HEROES WHO WON THE PADMA AWARDS THIS YEAR: This year's edition of the Padma awards went beyond felicitating celebrities, and moved to becoming ‘people’s awards’ by honouring the silent heroes of Bharat.

Eighty-four people were recognized by the government for their contributions across the fields of literature, education, sports, healthcare, public affairs, science, engineering, trade, industry, social welfare, and development work, among others. Arvind Gupta, a student of IIT Kanpur, has spent his life creating toys for children. He has been making toys from garbage for over four decades to inspire children to be curious about science. In an attempt to inspire children to conduct scientific experiments using waste, he also made a movie Tarang. This movie has been translated into 18 languages and has been viewed at 3,000 schools across the country.

Hailed as a “Goddess of women empowerment” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sitavaa Jodatti has fought for the welfare of Devadasis and Dalit women in Belagavi. Sitavaa’s sufferings and experiences gave her the courage to do something for other women like her. She founded Mahila Abhivruddhi Matthu Samraksahna Samsthé (MASS) in 1997 to empower Devadasis and provide them with support.

From living in abject poverty to becoming an acclaimed artist and illustrator, Bhajju Shyam’s journey is inspiring. His book, London Jungle Book, has been published in five foreign languages and his paintings have been exhibited globally. He has exhibited his work in the Netherlands, Germany, England, and Italy.

Lakshmikutty, a woman from the forests of Kallar in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, is well known in the area for her proficiency in herbs and their medicinal powers. Her prowess attracts hundreds of people to her. Apart from being known as a healer who works with leaves, she is also famous for healing with her words.

Subhasini Mistry was 23 years old when she lost her husband — not to an incurable disease but because she could not afford the treatment. She started working as a domestic help and vowed to build a hospital to make sure that others who could not afford treatment were not helpless. Almost 50 years after she started her mission, in 1996, she built Humanity Hospital, in a village near Kolkata, brick by brick. -GoTop

6. Health for Humanity Yogathon 2018: SNY 2018 Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Inc. (HSS) concluded its Eleventh Annual Surya Namaskar Yajna or Health for Humanity Yogathon on February 3rd, 2018. During the two-week Yogathon, over 11,254 participants from over 350 locations from 27 states across the US. As a result, a lot of energy from community members and active participation from all age groups was observed. Several HSS centers across the nation conducted special yogathon event from six hours to 24 hours. Following are some highlights:

900 students from two elementary schools in San Antonio and 714 students from South Carolina elementary school actively participated in this year's SNY program.

During this 14 days event, 828,586 Surya Namaskars were performed by 11,254 participants across the US. HSS volunteers also conducted a Surya Namaskars workshop at 156 locations. -GoTop

7. Shanti and Shalom, from BHARAT to Israel. - Hindu-Jewish cross-cultural celebration: HSS USA Peoria Chapter and Jewish Federation of Peoria celebrated two of the oldest living religions of the world on Feb 10 at Hindu Temple of Central Illinois in Peoria. More than 80 members of the Jewish community graced the temple at the appointed hour. After mesmerizing chanting of shanti mantras by the priests, Dr. Mandar Pattekar, a member of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh National team and member of the Hindu Temple board, introduced the basics of Hindu Dharma and philosophy of the Hindu Temple sanctum, and rituals. This was followed the Havdalah celebration by Anshai Emeth Rabbi Bryna Milkow.

Members of both the communities sang the bitter sweet song of Hinu_Jew_IL2018-02Havdalah. The Jewish guests explored the sanctum and admired the beautiful Murtis. The sanctum service was followed by dinner in which members of each community tasted the delicacies from the other. After dinner, all the guests joined the students from Bradley Hillel house in the traditional Israeli dance. Later, the youth volunteers of HSS taught the guests the traditional Bharatiya dance of Lezim (yogchap) with rhythmic Dhol accompaniment. -GoTop

8. ISRO’S GSLV ROCKET SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES GSAT-6A COMMUNICATION SATELLITE: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT-6A, a communication satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on 29^th March.

“The GSAT 6A is a complement to GSAT 6 which is already in orbit. These two satellites combined provide a platform for development of advanced technologies such as unfurlable antenna, two-way, point to point satellite communication,” K Sivan, chairman ISRO, said. -GoTop

9. EDUCATION SHOULD NOURISH VALUES AND CULTURE: DATTATREYA HOSBALE: The newly constructed school building of Pasupati Shikha Mandir Vidyalaya was inaugurated on March 2018 in Katahari of Morang District of Nepal by the Mukhya Mantri of Province No. 1 Sherdhan Rai. Addressing the gathering Mukhya Mantri congratulated and praised the contribution of the business people in the education sector and elaborated that such schools would be a Model for others. Bharatiya rajdoot for Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said Pashupati Shiksha Mandirs were aiming human character building and urged students and people to take full advantage of it. Sammananeeya Athithi Dattatreya Hosbale, Sahsarkaryavah Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS), said education should be given with all modern facilities but it must be imparted in such a way that it would nourish values and culture. -GoTop

10. A CONFERENCE ON ‘CULTURAL HARMONY IS THE WAY FORWARD FOR GLOBAL PEACE’ was organized by International Center for Cultural Studies - ICCS Nagpur on 16-17 March. The conference was inaugurated by Ma. Shri Jayantrao Sahasrabuddhe (Vigyan Bharatee). Dr. A D N Bajpayee, former Vice Chancellor of Himachal University was the chief Guest. The function was presided over by Dr. Siddharthvinayak Kane, Vice Chancellor of RTM Nagpur University. Also present were RSS Sarkaryawah Ma. Shri Suresh (Bhayyaji) Joshi. Eminent speakers presented their papers and spoke on subjects like ‘Role of University Education in bringing Cultural Harmony & Global Peace’, ‘Philosophical Approach in bringing cultural harmony and global peace’ etc.

Two prestigious lectures – one by Prof. Virendra Malhotra and another by Shri Rajiv Malhotra were held during the conference. The valedictory function was chaired by ICCS President Dr. Vinayak Deshpande. Regional Director of Archaeological Survey of India (Eastern Region) Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya – Sahu was the Chief Guest. Vandaniya Shantakka - Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sewika Samiti was present in this event. -GoTop

11. Air India flight flies over Saudi airspace to Israel: Air India flight AI 139 from New Delhi to Tel Aviv landed at Ben Gurion Airport on 21^st March making Bharat and Israel come closer. This opens up a new chapter in the India-Israel friendship and also ending a decades-old overfly ban by Saudi Arabia. Meantime Bharat - Saudi relations are also positively evolving.

“This is really a historical moment. We are in a new era. I am sure that we will see many more Indian tourists coming to Israel…and Israelis would also come to India in much higher numbers,” Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said.

Saudi Arabia’s decision to permit Air India to use its airspace has enabled the airline to take a shorter route. It will cover the distance in 7.15 hours, 2.10 hours less than the time taken by the only other airline that flies between the two countries — Israel’s national carrier El Al. -GoTop

12. CHINA AGREES TO SHARE BRAHMAPUTRA DATA: Bharat and China agreed to share hydrological information to manage their trans-border rivers during times of crisis as the two countries finished with their two-day talks. The meeting held in the city of Hangzhou comes at a time when former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi requested PM Modi to raise the issue of China building a dam on the Brahmaputra. “On the basis of humanitarian spirit and our shared will to develop bilateral ties, we will continue with the cooperation on hydrological information cooperation,” told Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang.

China’s announcement to not to share the data came soon after the 73-day-long stand-off between Bharatiya and Chinese troops at Doklam over Chinese military’s plans to build a road close to Bharat’s Chicken Neck corridor connecting the northeastern states.-GoTop

13. PANCHWATI YOGA CENTER AT PYIN OO LWIN – MYANMAR: Sanatan Dharma Swayamsevaks Sangh Myanmar and Jan Kalyan Seva Samiti Myanmar started its new steps towards social work. Panchwati Yoga Centre is the latest of them. This centre is in Pyin Oo Lwin - a scenic hill town in Mandalay Region, Myanmar. 15 years ago SDSS Myanmar received 2.96 acres land from the committee of Neelkantheshwar Mahadev Temple as a donation to start social activities.

It was decided to establish a Yoga Centre for all mankind. The Bhumipujan program was held on 1st May 2016 in presence of RSS sah sarkaryavaha Ma Bhagaiah ji. In 2017 Patanjali Bhawan was constructed by the donation of Ma. Shri Ashok ji Khetrapal & family from Mandalay.

On the occasion of 7th day of Vasantik Navratilova’s, 24th March 2018, Patanjali Bhawan was formally opened with Havan-Yajna and ceremony. About 200 people gathered on the occasion. The program was attended by Shri Ashok Khetrapal and family and senior sangh pracharaks Subhash ji Ahuja and Dr Ramniwas ji. Many prominent Hindu leaders from Upper Burma attended the program. There are plans and preparations to start Yoga training and Naturopathy in near future. -GoTop

14. NEEMRANA BAOLI TO GET NATIONAL HERITAGE TAG: Fifteenth-century’s magnificent nine-step deep structure, Neemrana ki Baoli or baodi, and an adjacent fort with the similar name at a little-known village in Rajasthan’s Alwar are all set to get the national tag. The move will put this marvel of Rajasthan on the tourist map and ensure its protection.

The site was built by the rulers of Neemrana for famine relief as well as a stopover for the travelers to get some respite from the scorching heat of this desert land. One has to descend around 200 steps in order to reach the bottom of this step well, and to enjoy the cold air no matter it is scorching outside. There are passageways, chambers and steps which provide access to the well. -GoTop

15. RSS SahSarkaryah Suresh Soni attends 5th ‘Nadi Mahotsav’: Addressing the gathering on March 16, Suresh Soni said that the world of rivers and rivulets in the villages is altogether different and we need to understand it. Referring to the work of late Anil Madhav Dave, he said that Dave had done such works that inspires us to follow him. We need to move ahead with maintaining the balance of ecology. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recalled the work done by late Anil Dave in the field of cleaning Narmada River and preserving environment and ecology. Madhya Pradesh Mukhya Mantri Shivraj Singh Chauhan recalled the mission started by late Anil Dave and said that to accomplish his mission will be the real tribute to that great soul. -GoTop

16. Hindus commend Emory University for Ramayana exhibition curated by students: “Tell the Whole Story from Beginning to End:” The Ramayana in Indian Painting— exhibition has been launched at Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University (Carlos Museum), which will continue till May 20. Claimed to be first-of-its kind art exhibit which was curated, organized and researched exclusively by Emory students; uniting artwork and classwork; in the class “The Art of an Hindu Epic”; which was taught by professors Ellen Gough and Marko Geslani from Emory’s Department of Religion. -GoTop

17. BENGALURU AWARDED FOR BEST AIRPORT IN CENTRAL ASIA FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR: The Kempegowda International Airport was given the Skytrax Award for being voted as the best regional airport in Bharat and Central Asia by air travellers at the World Airport Awards in Stockholm in Sweden.As the country's third busiest airport after Mumbai and Delhi, the airport at Devanahalli on the city's northern outskirts won the award for the second consecutive year, and two times in 2015 and 2011. About 250 lakh passengers used the decade-old airport in calendar year 2017, up 13 per cent from 2016. Nearly 45 Bharatiya and international airlines operate services, connecting 62 cities across the country and overseas. -GoTop

18. ‘SANGH NAAD’ IN POKHRAN: The nuclear town of Bharat that received worldwide attention in 1998 following nuclear tests by Bharat, witnessed another show of strength on March 18 when thousands of RSS swayamsevaks in full uniform took out four pathsanchalans, which joined together at Jainarayan Vyas Circle at sharp 3.18 and 18 seconds. Swayamsevasks from all villages and Dhanis of Jaisalmer Districts joined the Jagrat Hindu Mahasangam. Everyone witnessing the confluence of the four pathsanchalans lauded the discipline and organizational skills of the swayamsevaks.

Addressing the Mahasangam RSS Akhil Bharatiya Pracharak Pramukh Shri Suresh Chandra said: “The Sangh is working to make the Hindu society stronger by eliminating all caste differences.” Major General (Retd) Shri GD Bakshi appealed to the local people to be vigilant, as Pakistan has been hatching different conspiracies to disturb Bharat. Pujya Parashuram Giri Maharaj from June Akhara Haridwar presided over the function. -GoTop

19. The second World Hindu Congress will be held in Lombard, Illinois, U.S. from September 7 – 9, 2018: Inspired by the Hindu principle, Sumantrite Suvikrante or THINK COLLECTIVELY, ACHIEVE VALIANTLY, the World Hindu Congress 2018 promises to be a movement not to be missed. On the eve of the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address to the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago, Hindus from around the world and of all backgrounds are invited to actively participate. For More Details: http://whc2018.worldhinducongress.org -GoTop

20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Saumitra Gokhale , samyojak Vishwa Vibhag will leave for USA. Visitors:

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Like the appearance of silver in mother of pearl, the world seems real until the Self, the underlying reality, is realized.

- Adi Shankaracarya -GoTop

JAI SHREE RAM

HINDU NEW YEAR - A GREAT TRIBUTE TO A CIVILIZATION AND HER PEOPLE

Tarun Vijay

With the dawn on 18th March, the world saw Hindus celebrating their New year with pujaris, archakas, worshiping rivers and chanting the holy names of their Shiva, Durga, praying for the well being and peace for every creation of the God- humans, animals and nature.

It might appear as an unbelievable, strange moment of celebration for those followers of abrahamic religions, who adhere to one book and one prophet, to see that here is still a great number of people who have preserved pre-Islamic and pre-Christian tradition, language and rituals alive in their homes without any change, without and dilution- a continuity of thousands of years which is something that is seen in our every day life- without any State help, in fact in-spite of a government apathy and hesitation to help them. Those who are intrinsically opposed and doubtful of anything that a Hindu may say about his past glory- would simply make fun, mock at all these calculations and go on social media describing these claims as a fun time joke.

So sad that still, we need Firangs to prove that we were great in arithmetic, geometry, architecture and calculating-interpreting time.

But that’s not the case with the common Indian. The calendar- devised by Hindu seers and scientists- still governs our life- and a billion plus Hindus across the world observe their most defining moments of life and death- taking help from this calendar and NOT going to the Gregorian one.

A large part of humanity, from Indian states like Andhra, Maharashtra, Punjab, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat- begin their new year under different names but on the same date and period- and also in Nepal (Vikramsamvat is their official calendar), Indonesia, Cambodia and specially Balinese Hindus celebrate their new year as Baisakh, Vesak, Baisakhi, on same dates. Inspite of the most cruel of efforts by the British colonizers, who were brutal and barbaric- to delete the memories and knowledge system of their subjects. Take for example the Indian Hindus. They use, for all practical purposes Gregorian calendar- which is a Christian era time division. Though till few centuries back the western Christians had hardly any knowledge of the scientific calendar system- and they practised a ten month year system, completely ignoring the three months of the winter. It goes to the credit of the Hindu scientists, who often are mocked by the illiterate or semi-literate English educated elite- who gave the most scientific time division in 3 BC ( seeAetereya Upanishad, Shatpath Brahmin and Rig Veda).

So deep are the roots of the Hindu calendar in the psyche of the common Hindu, even today, that inspite of the Gregorian calendar system being followed in the offices, every festival, birth ritual, post-death rites, marriages, new home warming time and date, children’s ‘shaving the head’ ( Mundan) ceremony, Ganga snan (holy bath), Kumbh (world’s biggest congregation of the Hindus- involving more than twenty million people gathering), take place only according to the Hindu calendar system- called Panchanga. Every single event in a Hindu home is governed by Hindu calendar and not by the Gregorian one, since last many millenniums.

Salutes to the tenacity, perseverance, flexible nature and deep-rooted belief in their ancient arithmetic, geometry, numeric system, cosmology and astronomy, that even the highly accomplished scientist, and a highest ranking chief of a multi national conglomerate would practice in his personal life only the Hindu calendar system.

The new Hindu year – Vikramsamvat- began 57 years before the Christian Era- established by the great king of Ujjain, who defeated the enemies of the country- the Shakas- and wore the title of Vikramaditya. It is to be remembered that no Hindu great king or the gods were ever remembered or respected for their passiveness. They all were essentially warriors who defeated and annihilated the wrong doers.

Pardoning an unrepentant wicked was never a part of the Hindu psyche. Ram is not adored because he signed a peace treaty with Ravana- but his Ayodhya return is celebrated as Diwali because he annihilated the wicked and restored the glory and grace of Sita.

When the western Christian world was busy in declaring women as witches who have no soul and Galileo was hanged for declaring scientific facts, Hindu scientists were solving the mysteries of the cosmos and mathematics- they gave zero, Hindu numerals- which were later called as Indian numerals, measured the circumference of the earth, gave astronomy, named galaxies, stars, months, and orbits, when there were no telescopes. Arybhatta refined the Hindu calendar as early as 5th Century.

A noted scientist and a student of Hindu calendar system R.K. Chopra, (B.Tech. Mining Engg) (http://www.astroworld.co.in/astrology/the-science-behind-indian-hindu-calendars/) writes-

In a highly scholarly article written by Sadhu Paramtattvadas on the official website of the Swaminarayan sampraday (BAPS) the flawless system of Vedic or Hindu calendar system is described which also mentioned about the several aspects of the Christian Era calendar system. Four of these points are mentioned below-

A. In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar authorized a reformed system of dating, which came to be known as the Julian Calendar. To compensate for errors that had accumulated over previous years, Caesar decided to allocate 445 days to the first year. Not surprisingly, 46 BCE later became infamous as ‘The Year of Confusion’.

B. In 1582, Pope Gregory VIII ordained a reformation to restore the calendar to its ‘correct’ schedule. However, he estimated only a 10-day adjustment.

C. Many Christians abhorred the new system. For one thing, New Year’s Day, which had until then been celebrated on 25 March, had to be moved to 1 January. The major issue of discussion, though, was Easter Sunday. The Christian ecclesiastical (church) calendar was originally bound by the belief that Jesus’ resurrection was on a Sunday, and so Easter should always fall on a Sunday. Later, it was decreed that the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox should be regarded as Easter Sunday.

D. Another interesting point is the year the present-day Gregorian calendar commences from, the ‘year of grace’, which signifies the year in which Jesus was born, and the beginning of the Christian Era. The year is followed by the initials ‘AD’ which stand for ‘Anno Domini’, Latin for ‘in the year of our Lord’. But the Bible clearly gives reference to Jesus being born during the reign of King Herod, who died in 4 BC!

No doubt that the western scientists and doctors gave the greatest gifts to mankind like electricity, aerodynamics, modern medical science and printing press. Still, to look down with contempt and make a fun of the Hindu ancient scientific advancement will be self defeating and shameful. Every country and society thrives on the glory of her people and ancestors and that must not be forgotten by the new modern, secular intellectuals of India.

Prof. BhaktiputraRohitam of the Benaras Hindu University has given a detailed explanation on the scientific aspects of the Hindu calendar which must be a matter of deep research in the other Indian universities. We must, necessarily include the Indian calendar system in our school curriculums also.

It’s a matter of pride for every Indian no matter what faith he or she belongs to. It is an Indian heritage after all. Ugadi, Durga Puja, Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Baisakhi, Onam, Pongal, Navaratra, Guru Nanak birthday, all the Indian special dates are not decided by Gregorian system but by Indian calendar system. Then why the apathy ?

The Hindu Vikram new year began on 18th March is 2076 Vikrami. May the new Vikrami year bring happiness, joy and prosperity to all. A very Happy New Year- the year of the Indians be auspicious and blissful to everyone on this Earth.

(Times Of India Blog, March 18 2018) -GoTop

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

SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

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