SAMVAD  श्री विश्व निकेतन SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN
Pratham Jyestha Shukla 1, Vik.Samvat 2074, Yugabda 5119: 16 MAY 2018
Article:

1. FESTIVALS: Gayatri jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of goddess Gayatri, the goddess of Veda. Being the goddess of all Vedas, goddess gayatri is also known as veda mata. Gayatri Jayanti is observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi (23rd June this year), -GoTop
usually observed on the next day of Ganga Dussehra. Some also observe Gayatri Jayanti it on Shravana Purnima.

2. KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA TO RESUME VIA NATHU LA ROUTE: Bharat and China have agreed to resume the Holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Natha Lu route in Sikkim. The decision was taken during Videsh Mantri Sushma Swaraj talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing last month. The pilgrimage was stopped through the route ten months ago following the face-off between the Bharatiya and Chinese militaries in Doka La Plateau in Bhutan. -GoTop
The pilgrims opting to undertake the pilgrimage through  Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand were allowed. Videsh Mantralaya organizes the yatra from June to September each year through two different routes – Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). The yatra, which holds religious value, cultural significance, is undertaken by hundreds of people every year.

3. Rashtrapatiji steps on land of Siachen:  Rashtrapati Ram Nath Kovind proudly shook hands with our soldiers who stay in such a situation where living a normal life is next to impossible that is Siachen. While addressing soldiers posted at Siachen Base Camp on May 10, Rashtrapatiji said, “Every Bharatiya is grateful to you and stands by you and your families.”
Rashtrapatiji further said that as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and as Bharat ka Rashtrapati, he has come among them carrying the gratitude of the entire country. Siachen is the world’s highest battlefield and it is difficult to live even a normal life in the extreme climate. In such a situation, it is extraordinary for soldiers to stay in a state of constant mobilization and combat readiness. Their determination and dedication are worthy of the highest praise – and their allegiance to the defense of Bharat is an ideal for all our fellow citizens.
The bravery and valor of soldiers deployed in Siachen over the past 34 years, Rashtrapatiji said, has given every Bharatiya the confidence that our borders are safe and secure. He said that he had come to Siachen to iterate to the troops posted here that all citizens of Bharat and Bharat Sarkar are always with them and supportive of their families.
Rashtrapatiji also paid his respects at the Siachen War Memorial, which is a symbol of the sacrifice of 11,000 soldiers and officers who have been martyred since the Bharatiya Army began Operation Meghdoot on the Siachen Glacier on April 13, 1984. He also visited the Kumar Post. Kovind is the second Bharatiya Rashtrapati to visit Siachen. The previous visit was undertaken by Rashtrapati A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in April 2004. -GoTop

4. RAMAYAN CIRCUIT’S DIRECT BUS SERVICE LINKS RAM, SITA’S CRADLES:Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli on May 11 jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya, the two sacred cities for Hindus, as part of a ‘Ramayan Circuit’ to promote religious tourism in Nepal and Bharat. “Janakpur and Ayodhya are being connected. This is a historic moment,” Pradhan Mantri said while inaugurating the bus service, connecting Bhagwan Ram’s birthplace Ayodhya with goddess Sita’s birthplace Janakpur. Modi flagged off the bus after visiting the famed 20th century Janaki temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita, where he offered special prayers.
Bharat Sarkar has identified 15 destinations in Bharat for development under the Ramayana Circuit theme namely Ayodhya, Nandigram, Shringverpur & Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), Sitamarhi, Buxar & Darbhanga (Bihar), Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh), Mahendragiri (Odisha), Jagdalpur (Chattisgarh), Nashik & Nagpur (Maharashtra), Bhadrachalam (Telangana), Hampi (Karnataka) and Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu). -GoTop

5.  Vanvasis Must Get Opportunity to Make Progress: Sarsanghachalak: “Vanvasis never supported the demonic forces, rather they fought against them. They have protected and preserved the Sanatan Hindu values and Vedic traditions. They are our own brethren and we should acquaint our children with them. It is our cultural legacy, which has to be transferred to the next generation,” said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing a Hindu Sammelan at Aasave village in Dahanu on April 15. About 60,000 people from remote areas of Palgarh district participated in the Sammelan. A book, Van Jan Gatha, published by Hindusthan Prakashan was also released on the occasion. -GoTop
After the function, the Sarsanghachalak visited Talasari project. This project was started 50 years ago by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to curb the conversion activities by Christian missionaries in the region. Addressing the Hindu Sammelan, Shri Mohan Bhagwat further said the Vanvasis must get the opportunity to make progress. “If we provide one-third of our income and some part of our life for the progress of these people, the shops being run by some vested interests in such regions will be shut down permanently. Talasari project has produced the dedicated and committed workers who are always vigilant,” he added.

6. SANGH SHIKSHA VARG – TRUTIYA VARSHA INAUGURATED AT NAGPUR: ‘’Sangh Shiksha Varg – Trutiya Varsh is an important milestone in a Swaymsevak’s life. However it is not like a University Degree or Certificate. We are always in the process of learning and this journey never ends. ” said Shri Dattatrey Ji Hosabale, Sah SarKarywah of RSS. He was speaking at the inaugural function of Sangh Shiksha Varg – Trutiya Varsh at Nagpur on 14th May at Dr. Hedgewar Smriti Mandir premises at Reshimbag, Nagpur. 708 swaymsevaks from across Bharat are participating in this Varg.
In his inaugural address, Shri Dattatrey ji Hosabale said, “It is a dream of every swaymsevak to participate in this varg. This varg has special significance because it is held at a place where the founder of RSS Dr. Hedgewar Ji, the second RSS Sarsanghchalak Shri  Guruji have actually worked with thousands of Swaymsevaks making this place divine. We get a true national perspective in this varg as we live with participants from across the nation. “



In his address Shri. Mukund Ji, the Palak Adhikari of the Varg said, “There are various types of organizations in the society. Some are money based while some are publicity oriented. RSS is a cadre based organization. Our base is our Karyakarta and we are in the man making process. This process has no limit. Those who are involved in the process are learning it continuously.”
Ma. Shri. Bhagayyaji (Akhil Bhartiya Sah Sarkarywah) welcomed all the participants. Adv. Sardar Gajendrasingh Ji (Prant Sanghchalak, Uttarakhand) is the Sarvadhikari of this Varg. The varg will conclude on 7th June 2018.-GoTop

7. DONALD TRUMP HAILS KALPANA CHAWLA AS AMERICAN HERO: US President Donald Trump has hailed Bharatiya -origin Kalpana Chawla as an American hero for devoting her life to the space programme and inspiring millions of girls to become astronauts. Trump's remarks came as he issued a proclamation on 30th April declaring May as 'Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month'. The US Congress has also designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month."
Chawla, 40, was the first woman of Bharatiya -origin in space. She was one of the seven crew members who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003 when the spacecraft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. -GoTop

8. Upa-Rashtrapati Naidu’s words gave Bharatiya Community a smell of their soil in Guatemala: Upa-Rashtrapati M Venkaiah Naidu addressed the Bharatiya diaspora in Guatemala on May 7. Mother, motherland, mother tongue, native village and the teacher who taught us, should never be forgotten, said Shri Naidu. He said that the Bharatiya Diaspora is spread in various parts of the world and have contributed to the country they live as well as to the world. Equal opportunity for all, reaching the unreached, banking the unbanked, funded the unfunded is the need of the hour, he added. -GoTop

9. GURUVANDANA UTSAVS AT NORTH CAROLINA USA: Adishankaracharya Shakha (Apex, NC) of HSS USA held its first Guruvandana Utsav at its shakhasthan APA Academy, Apex, NC on May 5. 15 teachers and 54 shakha members attended the utsav. The teachers invited included teachers from the local schools, one Area Superintendent from Wake County Public schools and a couple of teachers from Samskrita Bharathi Cary chapter. After introduction of the teachers to the audience, a Geet was recited by kishores, Bharatnatyam, by a Shishu, Vaishnavi followed by chanting of the Gurustotram by Bala and Shishu ganas. Venu ji gave a bauddhik supported by a nice powerpoint presentation explaining the origins of the Guru parampara, and what the significance of a Guru is. Then the Guru pooja followed, with very enthusiastic participation from both the teachers and the students. A coffee mug with HSS logo in a gift bag was given to each teacher. Then the teachers expressed their favorite moments, and thoughts on what they had just witnessed.



Vivekananda Shakha, Carolina Bibhag, SE Sambhag similarly conducted Guruvandana Utsav on 6th May at Cary, North Carolina. The event started with Ganesh Stuti followed by Bharathanatyam Dance, the actual event, Guru Pooja was conducted in batches. 5 teachers were worshipped in one batch by 5 students with tilak, arati, touching the feet and presenting a bag containing a coffee mug with HSS logo on it, a greeting card and a rose. Guest of Honor Dr. Lloyd Gardner and 2 Principals (Davis Drive Elementary and Middle School) addressed the audience. There were 25 teachers including 1 Wake County Superintendent and 2 Principals from various schools and cultural organizations. Total participants were 85 members. -GoTop

10. Media should be unbiased and objective – Dr. Umesh Upadhyaya: Four senior journalists, Ashtakala Rammohana Rao, Usha Thuraga Revalli, Govinda Raju Pendam and Devika Rani were felicitated with Shri Vadlamudi Rammohana Rao Memorial Award, Bhandaru Sadashiva Rao Memorial Award, Samachar Bharati Best Photo and Video Journalist Award and Samachar Bharati Ujwala Yuva Award respectively at a function organized by the Samachar Bharati Cultural Association at Osmania University Hyderabad on  the occasion of Narad Jayanti on May 4. Umesh Upadhyaya, Director Media- Reliance Group of Industries, speaking on the topic ‘The Future of Media’ said, “In the present fast changing scenario of news media only those organizations and media houses who have social values, trustworthiness and commitment will be given importance in the future.” -GoTop


The role of a journalist was to remove the evils in the society by his pen, like a surgeon who precisely cuts off the organ which is spoilt, he added.

11. REBUILDING TRUST: PM’s Nepal visit showcases special ties, but New Delhi must fulfil promises -In a sturdy charm offensive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his state visit to Nepal last week to highlight deep people to people ties between the two countries. After a visit to Janakpur’s temple dedicated to Goddess Sita he continued with the Ramayana theme by flagging off a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya, linking two of the most significant places in Hindu mythology. The message was clear – India and Nepal are irrevocably tied through faith and culture but need to improve modern connectivity.
The religious diplomacy was also directed at the current Leftist Nepali leadership and their supporters in China. Modi demonstrated that the bond between Indian and Nepali people transcends government to government relations and is something that China simply can’t replace. Add to this the open border between the two countries and the fact that Nepali citizens are free to work and stay in India. Indeed, the reality of approximately 50,000 Nepali citizens serving in the Indian armed forces and paramilitary services should leave no one in doubt that the two countries share a special relationship.
Politically, Modi’s visit reaffirmed that bilateral ties are back on even keel with the bitterness of the 2015-16 Madhesi blockade behind us. Prime Minister KP Oli too has belied apprehensions that he would take a decisive pro-China turn. And as mentioned in their latest joint statement, the two sides will now focus on boosting connectivity – air, land and waterways – and fast track the plethora of bilateral projects hanging fire. In this regard, Modi and Oli jointly laid the foundation stone for the 900 MW Arun III hydroelectric project. But more needs to be done to establish India as Nepal’s development partner for the 21st century. The reality is India became complacent about its special ties with Nepal and it also has a poor track record of project completion there. China has used this opportunity to market itself as an attractive alternative, even as Nepal is trying to diversify its trade and transit.
Trying to force Kathmandu to eschew Beijing will attract charges of subverting Nepali sovereignty. Instead, India should deliver on its promises. Facilitating the exchange of high-value demonetised Indian currency in Nepal would be a good start. The future of this partnership rests on the Indian efficacy in catalysing Nepal’s development. (Editorial, Times of India 14th May 2018 ) -GoTop

12. Isro develops desi atomic clock, to be used in navigation satellites: Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has developed an atomic clock that will be used in navigation satellites to measure precise location data. The space agency currently imports atomic clocks from European aerospace manufacturer Astrium for its navigation satellites. Tapan Misra, director of Ahmedabad-based Space Applications Centre (SAC), said, “With the development of the desi atomic clock, ISRO has become one of the few space organizations in the world which have gained the capability to develop this highly sophisticated technology. We are hopeful that it will easily work for more than five years.” -GoTop

13. MEA SUSHMA SWARAJ’S VISIT TO MYANMAR ENVELOPS LANDMARK DEAL: MEA Sushma Swaraj’s two-day visit to Myanmar concluded on 11th May with a range of bilateral issues discussions and signing seven agreements. During the visit, Swaraj called on H.E U Win Myint, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and met H.E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
During the bilateral meetings, boundary, and border-related issues, peace & security matters, developments in the Rakhine State, including the return of displaced persons, Bharat’s development assistance to Myanmar, ongoing projects, and other issues of mutual interest were discussed. The Minister also met the Commander in Chief of the Myanmar Defense Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, during the visit. 
Seven Agreements/MOUs were signed during the visit. The Agreement on Land Border Crossing is a landmark in bilateral relations between the two countries as it will enable people from both countries to cross the land border with passport and visa, including for accessing health and education services, pilgrimage and tourism. The MoU on the restoration of pagodas at Bagan underlines the enduring cultural and historical links between the two countries. -GoTop

14. Bharatiya-American woman appointed interim civil court judge in US: 41-year old Bharatiya-American Deepa Ambekar has been appointed as the interim judge to a US civil court of New York City. She has become the second Bharatiya-American woman judge in the city after Chennai-born Raja Rajeswari. Ms Ambekar previously worked for three years with the New York City Council. -GoTop

15. Bharat doing extremely well on electrification: World Bank: Bharat is doing "extremely well" on electrification with nearly 85 per cent of the country's population having access to electricity, the World Bank has said. Between 2010 and 2016, Bharat provided electricity to 30 million people each year, more than any other country, the World Bank said in a recent report.
"In absolute terms, India is doing more on electrification than any other countries. Thirty million a year, is really an astounding performance and it stands out from the crowd," said Foster, lead World Bank author of the latest report on Energy Progress. -GoTop

16. BHARAT TO GROW AT 7.4% IN FY 2018/19, SAYS IMF: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reaffirmed on May 9 that Bharat will be the fastest growing major economy in 2018, with a growth rate of 7.4 per cent that rises to 7.8 per cent in 2019 with medium-term prospects remaining positive. The IMF's Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook report said that Bharat was recovering from the effects of demonetization and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax and "the recovery is expected to be underpinned by a rebound from transitory shocks as well as robust private consumption." -GoTop

17. Aadhaar technology foolproof with Zero privacy issues—Bill Gates: “Aadhar does not pose any privacy issue because it is just a bio ID verification scheme and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have funded the World Bank to take this approach,” said Microsoft chief Bill Gates on May 3 in Washington after being asked about the concerns about privacy issues raised by certain quarters in Bharat. On being asked about if Bharat's Aadhaar technology is worth emulating by other countries, Bill Gates immediately replied saying ‘Yes’ adding that the benefits of Aadhar ID are very high. Replying to another question, the Microsoft founder said, "Yes, countries should adopt that approach because the quality of governance has a lot to do with how quickly countries are able to grow their economy and empower their people." -GoTop

18. BHARATIYAS AMONG FAVOURED MIGRANTS IN UK: SURVEY: The YouGov poll, conducted during April 2018 among 1,668 British citizens, asked a series of questions about the kind of contribution immigrants from various parts of the world make to British life. Immigrants from Bharat received a strong figure of +25 on the question about making a positive contribution to British life. In comparison, other South Asian counterparts were in negative territory.
Pakistanis scored a negative figure of -4 and Bangladeshis -3.
Net figures are calculated by taking away the figure for “negative contribution” from the figure for “positive contribution”. -GoTop

19. WORLD HINDU CONGRESS 2018 is being held from September 7 to 9 to commemorate 125 years of Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago address on September 11, 1893. The event is being organized by World Hindu Foundation headed by former IITian Swami Vigyananand. The purpose is to “ignite” the global Hindu community for its political and economic empowerment, Swami Vigyananand told a Washington audience on May 5 on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Washington DC Chapter of the World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF). He said the purpose of the World Hindu Economic Forum is to make Hindus visible and respectable across the globe.

“Hindus should be the dominant force in the world economy,” Swami Vigyananand said. “The day Hindus – who constitute 16 per cent of the world population — become 16 per cent of the world economy, people would start listening to them (Hindus).” he said.
Held once every four years, World Hindu Congress is a global platform for Hindus to connect, share ideas, inspire one another and impact the common good. The theme of the World Hindu Congress 2018 is ‘Sumantrite Suvikrante’ — think collectively, achieve valiantly.-GoTop

20. APPEAL: Hindus have today reached more than 90 countries of the world. We in 'Samvad' have been trying to bring the news of the happenings in the life of our brethren spread globally. All of you are most humbly requested to send us reports of the social, cultural, spiritual and alike events taking place in Hindu community in your area, in your province or in your country of residence. The events may be collective celebration of festivals, special occasions, congregations to welcome spiritual personalities etc. We are also eager to reach every Hindu residing in nook and corner of the world. To help us to achieve it, kindly send us e-mails or postal addresses of your acquaintances whom you want 'Samvad' to be sent. Our postal address and e-mail ID are given at top of this newsletter. -GoTop

21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Deepak Jaguesser – Mauritius, Anil Sinha - Switzerland. -GoTop


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Sit quietly and let the mind wander where it wants to go. Keep a strong faith that you are watching your mind drifting in all random directions. The mind is not you or I. Now try connecting with God but not with any worldly thing or relationship. After some time you will see that your mind is calming down like a serene lake. This will slow down the wandering of mind. Each day practice this and identify yourself. With time your mind will be under your control. – Swami Vivekananda -GoTop
JAI SHREE RAM
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A Communist Reflection on Guruji
Ashok Mitra
How a veteran Communist saw Guruji Golwalkar? CPM leader and former Finance Minister of West Bengal Ashok Mitra, who passed away on May 1, 2018, wrote a pen portrait of the second Sarsanghchalak of RSS, Guruji Golwalkar in Bengali newspaper 'Aajkal' on June 9, 1991. Paying tribute to Ashok Mitra, Organiser reproduces the English translation of his original article in Bengali.
 The year 1966 was almost over. The condition of the country was deteriorating day by day. It was Smt. Gandhi’s first year in prime minister’s office. The very beginning of her regime witnessed a serious crisis. Peoples’ anger was turning severe. An anxiety came up concerning the peoples’ anger forming the shape of a popular agitation. The sannyasins who were worried about the cow protection were trying to make use of the situation. It looked like the protests of the starving population was increasing in every nook and corner of the country. One of those days, a large crowd of sannyasins took to the streets of New Delhi during mid-day. Their eyes were flaring with anger. They were about 2000 strong. They carried tridents. Their hairs were long and tufty. They attacked the parliament house. At last, police had to resort to tear gas for dispersing the crowd. The whole surroundings of the parliament house were infested with gas. I had to suffer it even sitting in my room in Krishi Bhavan.
 The country was in the midst of a famine; prices were excessively hiked; the first Indira Gandhi government was in a shaking state. The reason for the anger of the sannyasins was the failure of the weak government in giving deserving respect to the Gaumata and for insulting the Bharatiya tradition. Even the country’s constitution was abused. The Article 48 of the Constitution reads lock, stock and barrel that cow and calf should not be killed. Still, this thankless government does not do anything to protect the cows. Cows are slaughtered in large scale in West Bengal, Keralam, Goa and two other states of South India; beef is sold in public. To tolerate this sort of corruption was beyond the tolerance of the sannyasins. So, they had no other alternative than attacking the parliament house.
Gulsari Lal Nanda was the home minister in the shaking government of Indira Gandhi. He was the chief patron of Bharat Sadhu Samaj too. Two – three sannyasins were beaten on their back with police batons. Several sannyasins sustained injuries in the confusions arose from tear gas.
"The moment he met me he hugged me so tight. Golwalkar was an embodiment of modesty. I was younger to him. The love and affection he showered on me were several times warmer than what we can expect from an elderly person in our society." 
The situation in New Delhi was too serious. The young workers of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) encouraged the sannyasins. Suddenly Rashtriya Goraksha Samiti, an organization of Sangh workers, created troubles in Delhi. Indira was very much perplexed, she was shaken. Since she was a novice in the hot seat she did not have a grip on the administration. She had not attained the capacity or efficiency to run the government. Some sort of conspiracies and secret moves had taken place against her here and there. General elections were expected to take place in two to three months. A compromise at any cost with the trident-wielding sannyasins was a must. Prime Minister declared a high power committee to discuss the demands of the sannyasins. The committee would advise government what steps it should take for cow protection and increase in the cow population, in view of the agitation unleashed by the Rashtriya Cow Protection Samiti, after adequate discussion. Justice Amalkumar Sarkar, the veteran legal expert who retired from the service recently was appointed the chairman of the committee. Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Puri, Justice Rema Prasad Mukhopadhyaya and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Guru Golwalkar were also in the committee as the representatives of Cow Protection Samiti. Other four members were the agriculture & animal husbandry ministers of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Keralam. Priyavratha Bhattacharya, the then Animal Protection Commissioner of the GOI, famous Verghese Kurien of Anand and me as an economist were the expert members.
This rare sort of committee had to have strange and diverse experiences. Justice Sarkar, Amal da for Bag Bazar Mohalla natives like us, was at the helm of the committee. He was a rendezvous of simplicity, humbleness, sweet behaviour, nice mannerism suiting the dignity of a supreme court judge, etc. He tried his level best to keep all in good humour during the discussions. But, he did not succeed in this endeavour, thanks to Puri Sankaracharya. He did not miss any chance to create an impression that he was sitting with inferior people like us only because of his ardent wish to fulfil the holy and divine goal of cow protection; otherwise, it would have been detrimental to his dignity and position! He expressed aversion, hatred, sympathy and anger towards the committee. There was a specific reason for his anger. The committee used to meet at Krishi Bhavan. By the time he reaches Krishi Bhavan lot of devotees used to congregate at the entrance and in the corridors. Most of the people used to prostrate, at the Krishi Bhavan itself, to pay their respects. He used to enter the room showering blessing by raising the hand. But, ‘arrogant and naughty’ people like us used to hold fast to the chairs. He would look at us with anger. His disciple would spread the tiger skin on the ‘unholy’ chair. It looked like sitting on his seat Acharya was blessing all. He did not give deserving consideration or respect to the gentleman who used to be the chief justice of the supreme court. “I am great; since the matter is of cow protection things must move according to my will and pleasure” was his stand. But, it was impossible.
I have to admit, Golwalkar’s behaviour did really conquer me like anything. But, how could I know at that time that a lot of things were yet to happen for tempting me? 
Rema Prasad Mukhopadyaya, the son of Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee and elder brother of Dr Shyamaprasad Mookerjee, the representative of the Cow Protection Samiti, used to ask several questions. But, he never crossed the limit of humbleness and modesty. He never hurt others with harsh words. Whenever he had a difference of opinion (we could hardly have unity in opinions), he used to express it with a smile and gesture of a gentle shake of his neck. But the most surprising presence was of the third member in the committee – the most talked about member – Guru Golwalkar. A lot of stories had been doing the rounds regarding his adamant and sharp character. ‘Blind respect as the undisputed leader of RSS and fear about the leader of the ultra-extremists’ was the impression we had in mind regarding him. But, as the most silent member of the committee, Guru Golwalkar decimated our prejudices. He talked only when it was absolutely essential. When it was necessary he talked in a humble manner. Even though he did not like other’s opinion it did not reflect in his behaviour. He knew almost all Indian languages. Most of the times he spoke to me in Bengali. My words and opinions might have been unacceptable to him like poison. Still his behaviour to me remained unchanged. Whenever he participated in the committee’s proceedings his words did not turn harsh. His character was diametrically opposite to that of Jagadguru. I have to admit, Golwalkar’s behaviour did really conquer me like anything. But, how could I know at that time that a lot of things were yet to happen for tempting me?
Two years were over since the dissolution of the committee. Once I caught a train from Delhi, probably for going to Bhopal. After a while my co-traveler came in – none other than Guru Golwalkar. I think, he was heading to Jhansi. The moment he met me he hugged me so tight. I enquired about his health. Then we discussed the incomplete procedures of the committee and general matters prevailed in the country. Golwalkar was an embodiment of modesty. I was younger to him. The love and affection he showered on me were several times warmer than what we can expect from an elderly person in our society. The train started. It was getting dark. I took a reading material from the bag and started to read. Golwalkar started reading too. I thought that RSS chief, the vanguard of Dharma, would pick up a religious text or a hardcore Vedantha text. But, I got one more surprise: He was reading an American novel, the latest one by Henry Miller. I do not hide, that moment my respects to Golwalkar increased manyfold. Perhaps a die-hard swayamsevak might take me to killing field for revealing this.
(Ashok Mitra was Former MP (RS), former Finance Minister of West Bengal, former Economic Advisor to GOI, former GOI representative to Cow Protection Council & CPM leader.) Translation by T Satisan, Keralam--10-May-2018, www.organiser.org  -GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in www.shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com
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SAMVAD  श्री विश्व निकेतन SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN
Pr. Jyestha Krishna 1, Vik. Samvat 2075, Yugabda 5120: 1 May 2018
1. FESTIVALS: Purushottam Maas 2. SINGAPORE PM LEADS 40K DEVOTEES IN HINDU TEMPLE RECONSECRATION CEREMONY
3. Include ancient BHARATIYA traditions in education system, says Dalai Lama 4. DR MOHAN BHAGWAT AT BOMBAY STOCK EXCHANGE
5. VAATSALYA MANDIR, A HOME FOR ORPHANS IN KANPUR 6. Rashtra Sevika Samiti’s new website launched
7. SRI ITAMAR OMAR AKA NARAD MUNI: THE LIFE OF A JEW WHO BECAME HINDU SANYASI” 8. ‘SERVE MANKIND LIKE LORD BUDDHA’  - PM MODI
9. BHARAT HELPS TRANSLATE ANCIENT INSCRIPTIONS IN MY SON SANCTUARY 10. ALL BHARATIYA VILLAGES NOW HAVE ACCESS TO POWER SUPPLY
11. Bharat received $69 billion remittances in 2017, retains top slot 12. THREE WHEELS AND A DREAM TO PULL OFF 3,000 KILOMETRES
13. IAF FLIES 11,000 SORTIES IN MEGA GAGANSHAKTI DRILL 14. MIT’s Parag Pathak Honored with Clark Medal
15. ABVP ORGANIZES 'TECHNOTSAV 2K18' 16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Articles:
1. FESTIVALS: Purushottam Maas: Bharatiya rishis developed a unique calendar system. Our calendar is primarily a lunar system but there is a provision of synchronizing it with the solar system. There is a provision of Adhik Maas or an extra month every three years and this month is dedicated to "Purushottam", i.e., Bhagwan Vishnu.

The position of Adhik Maas amongst the other months is variable, re-occurring about every 32.5 months. This year there will be an additional Jyeshtha month, starting from Amavasya, the May 16 and ending on June 13. No activities like weddings or moving into a new house are conducted in this month. It is a time for prayer, fasting, charity, and self-improvement. Since this is a special month which does not come every year, there are no specific festivals like Dasara, Diwali in this month. Rather this month is treated as special and holy month and many people perform the adhik mass vrat. People perform extra mala japas, pradakshinas, pilgrimages, scriptural reading and parayans. -GoTop

2. SINGAPORE PM LEADS 40K DEVOTEES IN HINDU TEMPLE RECONSECRATION CEREMONY: For the first time since assuming office in 2004, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong led some 40,000 devotees and four Ministers at a 164-year-old Hindu temple’s reconsecration ceremony in Singapore, following the completion of its SGD 4.5 million restoration work.“This 164-year-old temple has been undergoing renovations for the last one and half years to prepare for its re-consecration, which takes place every 12 years,” the Prime Minister tweeted on April 22 night from  the iconic Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in the Little India precinct.
After attending ceremony, minister of trade and industry S Iswaran said the occasion reflected the diversity in Singapore community. The temple — one of the oldest in Singapore - was re-sanctified in a consecration ceremony called the “MahaSamprokshanam”, which would be followed by a period of 45 days of cultural programmes known as the “mandalabishegam”. -GoTop

3. Include ancient BHARATIYA traditions in education system, says Dalai Lama: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama called for the revival of the ancient Bharatiya traditions and for integrating them with the modern education system, saying doing so would help fight issues such as war and global warming.
The monk, 82, was delivering a lecture on ‘Role of Ethics and Culture in Promoting Global Peace and Harmony’ on 22nd April at New Delhi. The programme was organized by Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, which aims to preserve the history of the Indian independence movement, and Antar-Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad - ARSP, a non-political society founded in 1978 with an aim to keep close interaction with people of Bharatiya origin all over the world.
“Serious discussions on how to include the ancient Indian traditions in educational system should begin. India has the capability to combine modern education with its ancient traditions to help solve problems in the world,” the Dalai Lama said. -GoTop

4. DR MOHAN BHAGWAT AT BOMBAY STOCK EXCHANGE: “We need to formulate our economic policy keeping in view our vision, values and the national needs. Different economic thoughts have been developed in the world, but we should imbibe from them only whatever is useful,” said RSS Sarsanghachalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat while addressing a gathering of eminent people associated with the business on April 16. The function was jointly organized by Vivek group, Gokhale Institute of Economics and Bombay Stock Exchange.  The Sarsanghachalak spoke on the topic of ‘Indian economy and Economic Policy: Broad Perspective’.

Shri Bhagwat released a book, ‘Socio economic dynamics of Indian society – Historical Overview’. He also launched the website of Udyog Vivek. The audience comprised of the people active in banking, fund management, foreign portfolio management, mutual fund brokers, industrialists etc. He said no policy or system is eternal. It has to be altered with the changing time and needs. “There is much discussion about ‘ism’ in our country. ‘ism’ basically limits us. Since human thinking never stops, our life too cannot be limited. Therefore the discussion on ‘ism’ should stop forthwith. Since ‘ism’ provides answers to only limited questions and many questions remain unanswered, our economic policy should not be based on any ‘ism’. The policy which ensures benefits to the last person of the society has to be adopted.
Vice Chairmen of NITI aayog Dr Rajiv Kumar said the Indian economy is ready to move on faster pace. Today the growth rate is 7.3 percent, while next year it is expected to be 7.5 percent. It is expected to be around 8.5 to 9.0 around 2022. President of Bombay Stock Exchange Shri S Ravi and coordinator of the book project Dr Sanjay Panse and Vivek group editor Dilip Karambelkar were also present for the program. -GoTop

5. VAATSALYA MANDIR, A HOME FOR ORPHANS IN KANPUR: To give the personal touch of his divine presence in everybody’s life God created- Parents. But in their case destiny seems to be bit unjust as they were pulled away from God’s biological avtar The Parents and tagged them as Orphans. Sad…. Isn’t it? Yes , but it’s not necessary that every sad story has the sad end too, some do have a happy side also, as the case of children of Vaatsalya Mandir-an orphanage- located in Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh.
In his quest to give orphan children, especially from tribal areas, a home filled with all the love and care that a child needs, one of the dedicated RSS Swaymsevaks late Yatinder Singh ji established ‘Vaatsalya Mandir in 2004. Though Yatinder ji is not among us today but his love towards orphans is still alive in the shape of Vaatsalya Mandir that currently houses some of the very brilliant minds such as Brijesh Tharoo, who got 320 all Bharat ranking in prestigious IIT entrance and a tribal boy Pawan Pal, who is preparing for NDA. Both these young talents came to Vaatsalya Mandir, when they were at the age of just 4 years.
Located in the premises of Pandit Deendayal Sanatan Inter College, housing 28 children, Vaatsalya Mandir ensures the overall growth of a student. Whether it is computer education, music, kathak dance, sports or various vocational training all are available to these children. “All the expenses to run this Prakalp that is between 70,000 to 1 lakh rupees per month are borne by the Yatinder ji ‘s father Sh. Virendrjeet ji, who is also the Kshetra Sanghchalak of Purvi Uttar Pradesh”, tells Sh. Naval Kishor ji, Sewa Pramukh of Purvi Uttar Pradesh, adding after the untimely demise of Yatinder ji, his wife Neeta ji look after all the affairs of Vatsalya Mandir.
Most of the children here are from most backward tribal regions of Balrampur, Lakheempur, Baharaich and Manikpur. Children from tribal sections such Gaud, Thor and Kol, which are on the verge of extinction, were brought here by the volunteers of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram. Sonam, who currently works as an office staff at Pandit Deendayal Sanatan Inter College, is one of the early lots of children landed here. She even hardly remembers how her parents succumbed to the injuries inflicted by a wild bear and that tragic incident led her to land here with two siblings.
Suresh Agnihotri, who once used to be a Sangh Pracharak, and his wife Meena Ji have looked after the children at Vaatsalya Mandir from the day one as their parents. They give all the affection to the children but simultaneously teach them discipline. At Vaatsalya Mandir day starts at 4:30 in the morning with Yoga session. Besides responsibilities such as cleaning, daily purchasing, kitchen operation and others are performed by the children themselves. Recently adding more glory to the name of Vaatsalya Mandir, Jai, Pawan and Sandhya bagged medal in 2000 meter race. (www.sewagatha.org) -GoTop

6. Rashtra Sevika Samiti’s new website launched: On the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya day, April 18, Rashtra Sevika Samiti’s new website sevikasamiti.org was launched by Va. Pramukh Sanchalika, Ma.V. Shanta Kumari at their Kendra karyalaya, Devi Ahalya Mandir, Nagpur. Pramukh Karyavahika, Ma. Sita Gayatri performed Ganesh puja. Purva Pramukh Sanchalika, Ma. Pramila Medhe, and other karyakarthas were present during this launch. Shantakka during her address said, we are launching our new website with new functionalities. -GoTop
The website is primed to showcase the main activities in Shakha & Sevaprakalpas. The language bar helps one to view the website in his own Matrubhasha.

7. SRI ITAMAR OMAR AKA NARAD MUNI: THE LIFE OF A JEW WHO BECAME HINDU SANYASI”: A unique event in Gonikoppa, Kodagu district, has brought a new dimension to Bharat-Israel ties. It was the punyatithi of Sri Itamar Omar, a Jew who took deeksha as a Hindu Sanyasi. Omar, was born as a Jew in 1945. He visited Bharat and was impressed by its culture and traditions. Consequently he took Deeksha from Swami Muktanand of Ganeshpuri near Vashind on Mumbai Nasik Road. Omar’s Hindu name was ‘Narad muni’. He returned to Israel but led the life of a Sanyasi. He breathed his last on 24 April, 2012. However, he is popular amongst Israelis even today for forging the everlasting ties between the two countries.
He spent several years propagating ‘Soham Yoga’ among Jews in Israel. Though he breathed his last in Israel, he wished to be buried as per Hindu rituals ordained for a sanyasi. Sri Kuppanda Rajappa and Smt. Chaya Nanjappa have graciously given the required land to construct his Samaadhi in their coffee estate in Attur village near Gonikoppa in Kodagu district of Karnataka.
The event commemorating the life and contribution of Sri Itamar Omar was held on 25th April and was attended by more than 500 people, including around 50 from Israel. Several renowned writers and leaders of various organizations were part of the event and addressed the gathering.
RSS Pracharak Shri Ravikumar, Shivaram Malavalli of Swami Rama Himalayan University, Surendra Jain, joint general secretary of VHP, and many other dignitaries were part of the event. -GoTop

8. ‘SERVE MANKIND LIKE LORD BUDDHA’  - PM MODI: Urging people to spread the message preached by Lord Buddha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on disseminating the message of peace and equality in society. The PM took part in Buddha Jayanti celebrations on 30th April.
Addressing the celebration, he stressed on carrying forward the principles of compassion, truthfulness ahead. Evils like casteism, terrorism, injustice, differentiation- the factors inhibiting the human’s growth must be left behind.
Lauding Bharat’s ideologies, PM Modi said “we are proud that whatever ideology originated from India kept moving forward in view of the interests of the whole mankind. Service of mankind was the basis of all the ideologies served in Bharat. Our tradition, culture & history are evidence that we have never been the aggressors. We have never attacked any country." -GoTop

9. BHARAT HELPS TRANSLATE ANCIENT INSCRIPTIONS IN MY SON SANCTUARY: The Sanskrit inscriptions on stone columns at the UNESCO world heritage My Son Sanctuary in central Quang Nam province will be translated into Vietnamese and English as part of a joint project between Vietnam and Bharat. Under the project, which started on April 3, specialists from Bharat will study the columns and help Vietnam translate the epitaphs from Sanskrit, the ancient liturgical language of Hinduism, to Vietnamese and English. The move aims to aid the preservation of the sanctuary and shed light on its cultural, historical, religious and architectural values hidden in the towers there for thousands years.
Once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom, My Son Sanctuary is located in a hilly landscape in Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, about 43 miles southwest of central Da Nang city and 25 miles from Hoi An city. It comprises eight groups of 71 monuments built throughout the 7th to 13th centuries. The first construction of My Son dated back to the 4th century under the reign of Bhadravarman for the worship of God Shiva-Bhadresvara. But later on, the temple was destroyed. At the beginning of the 7th century, King Sambhuvarman had it rebuilt and re-baptised Sambhu-Bhadresvara. -GoTop

10. ALL BHARATIYA VILLAGES NOW HAVE ACCESS TO POWER SUPPLY: Manipur's Leisang village became the last non-electrified inhabited village to join Bharat's mainline supply network at 5.30pm on 28th April, an important milestone in the country's journey towards universal electricity access.
This means that all 597,464 inhabited villages in the country now have access to power, fulfilling a promise the PM had made on August 15, 2015, when he announced that all unelectrified villages would get power over the next 1,000 days.
The last inhabited village to be powered through the off-grid system — isolated supply networks, mostly with solar power plants — was Pakol, also in Manipur. While basic infrastructure such as distribution transformer and lines need to be set up in inhabited localities, including Dalit hamlets, a village is considered electrified if 10 per cent of its households and public places such as schools, panchayat office and health centre have access to electricity. At the time of announcement in August 2015, data showed 18,452 villages without power.-GoTop

11. Bharat received $69 billion remittances in 2017, retains top slot: Bharat has retained its position as the top remittances receiving country with its diaspora sending about $69 billion back home in 2017, the World Bank said on April 23. Remittances to Bharat picked up sharply by 9.9% to $69 billion in 2017, reversing the previous year’s dip, but were still short of $70.4 billion received in 2014. Payments from immigrants back to their home countries rebounded to reach a new record in 2017 but the costs of transferring funds also increased, the World Bank said in a report. -GoTop

12. THREE WHEELS AND A DREAM TO PULL OFF 3,000 KILOMETRES: The wanderlust of a rickshaw puller from Kolkata, which took him on a 3,000 km journey to Ladakh, has been recognized at the 65th National Awards. Ladakh Chale Rickshawala, a documentary by Kolkata-based filmmaker Indrani Chakraborty, has been awarded the Best Exploration/Adventure Film at the National Film Awards this year.
The 64-minute documentary tells the story of Satyen Das (44), who lives at Naktala in South Kolkata and realized his dream of travelling to Ladakh in his cycle rickshaw. “I started on June 11, 2014, reached Ladakh on August 14, and returned by October 20. After crossing Punjab and reaching hilly areas, I could not pull the rickshaw and pushed it instead,” Mr. Das said. -GoTop

13. IAF FLIES 11,000 SORTIES IN MEGA GAGANSHAKTI DRILL: The Indian Air Force IAF flew as many as 11,000 sorties during the recent massive Gagan Shakti exercise, which saw the force testing its war-fighting drills on both the western front with Pakistan and Northern one with China, with even CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) attack scenarios coming into play.
“Of the 11,000 sorties during the pan-India exercise from April 8-22, around 9,000 were of fighters like Sukhoi-30MKIs, Mirage-2000s, Jaguars, MiG-29s, MiG-21s, MiG-27s, Tejas and the Hawk advanced jet trainers (in a combat support role),” said an officer.  
“Tejas was able to match other fighters with six sorties each day. Overall, we ensured 80% serviceability (operational availability) of different aircraft during the exercise, with 97% for radars and missile systems. During actual war, we would also take calculated risks to generate even more sorties,” said the officer.
The first phase of the high-voltage exercise saw a staggering 5,000 sorties by fighters during a three-day “surge” in air combat operations on the western front, with the IAF then switching its forces in 48 hours to the northern borders with China from Ladakh to Arunachal. -GoTop

14. MIT’s Parag Pathak Honored with Clark Medal: The American Economic Association recently honored a Nepalese American Professor of economics and microeconomics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT ,  Parag A. Pathak, with a Clark Medal. The association said in an April news release that Pathak is “clearly the researcher under age forty who has contributed most both to the general field of market design, and, in addition, to what has been its most important application in the last decade or so, that of education policy.” -GoTop

15. ABVP ORGANIZES 'TECHNOTSAV 2K18': Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad Jammu and Kashmir organized a Technotsav for the engineering students from across Jammu and Kashmir on 20th April. The Chief Guest of the occasion was All India Council for Technical Education – AICTE Chairman Dr Anil D. Sahasrabuddhe who mentioned about the various initiatives taken by the AICTE in the field of engineering students like SWAYAM which somewhere promotes the hidden talent in an engineer and allows one showcase that on a platform. -GoTop
ABVP joint organizing secretary Sriniwas said that ABVP has been organizing such type of programme from last 30 years in Mumbai in the name of DIPEX which is a Engineering fest of 3-4 days. He further appreciated this initiative of ABVP JK as this type of programme is first of its kind in North Bharat. Guest of Honor Dr. Ankur Gupta thanked ABVP for making him be the part of this event and shared his valuable experience with the AICTE Chairman.

16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Govind Sovale – Switzerland, Hariom Bhat – UK
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Let nothing short of Perfection be your ideal in work and you are sure to become a true instrument of the Divine. – Shree Maa -GoTop
JAI SHREE RAM
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Hinduness and Hinduism X-rayed
Ranga Hari 

Hinduism, as it is termed, is not Hinduness (Hindutva). Hinduness is the identity of the land and the people whereas Hinduism is the spiritual belief-system of the individual. Hinduness is always collective whereas Hinduism is ultimately personal…’
Hindutva, a word that draws very much attention these days, can rightly be termed as Hinduness. Hinduism is a word that has come down to us since the advent of the British. Both these words are twins as it were, yet they distinctly differ from each other.
Each one has its own different connotation and is conceptually different. Still, due to lack of understanding inherent or created, confusion at thought level does prevail. Here is a humble attempt to clear it.
Hinduness connotes the identity of a people residing in Hindoostan as it was known till the period of Clive and Warren Hastings. Since the collective life of the people in this part of the globe was millenniums old and the land stretching southwards was well-walled by The Himalayas in the north, an identity unique and abiding got evolved all along. Vedas, the first recorded thoughts of humankind moulded the life, vision and perception of the inhabitants. Their men of wisdom, Rishis as they were called, spelled out to them their revelations which were basically humanistic and universal. In due course, that became the legacy of the populace as a whole and passed on from generation to generation. That came down to them as their Dharma which in essence included the entire gamut of all the human pursuits, mundane as well as ultra mundane. Resultantly that gave them a solid Value System beyond the limits of climes and times.
To cite a few of such values:-
Readiness to accept noble thoughts from any quarter.
Truth is one but termed differently by the different as per their inner light.
The pursuits of the wise are as infinite as the tracks of birds flying in the skies and fishes swimming in the seas.
The earth belongs to all whom it bears and rears.
The entire creation has within the self same energy though in varying degrees.
To visualise unity in multiplicity is true knowledge.
Man can make or mar himself as he alone is his final master.
All such dicta were called Mantras. Mark them they never warranted any special type of worship. There was nothing dogmatic about them.
It is this value system that resulted in the evolution of a distinct culture, civilization and social life in Hindoostan. It was quite natural that it got manifested in all the endeavours of the people. When it reached the realities of the relationship between man and his maker it took the shape of religious belief. All these things put together gave to this huge chunk of humanity its own identity, its own Selfhood - National Persona. Verily that is termed as Hinduness. Actually, it is not a product of human effort. Rather it is an unconscious organic consummation. It operates more at the psychic level than physical. Subtly but surely it influences all the pursuits of the people of Hindoostan, be it philosophy, religion, literature, art, politics, economics, even sports. Directly connected with the ever flowing life of generations, it is never static. It can never be. It has to be ever blossoming and so ever renewing.
History stands testimony to the fact that Hinduness is a movement and a growing tradition truly reflecting the uninterrupted life of this nation. It is the raison-deter of Bharat. In short, Hinduness is the selfhood of Hindoostan evolved and developed through centuries. It is the vital force that keeps the nation going and doing. It belongs to all the children of soil without any discrimination. It enters one's inner being as a legacy and not as a choice.
It creates in every child born in this land a sense of belonging to the nation. In other words, an individual develops into a national by inheriting Hinduness. The singular becomes the collective.
Hinduism, on the other hand, is a part of Hinduness in the field of religious belief. The spiritual craving of man is also an innate quality. In that direction when Hinduness guides and goads Hinduism comes up. In fact, Vedas of Hindus do not advocate any fixed form of external worship. The king among Mantras, the Gayatri is a prayer to the life-giving Supreme Energy to develop the human intellect to a sublime stage of enlightenment. Here no particular deity is invoked. Anybody belonging to any religion, even an agnostic need have no objection to such a prayer. It should be notified that there are hundreds of such Mantras in the Vedas. But as years rolled on Brahmanas, the procedural manuals were composed and Hinduness applied to religious impulses gave rise to very many forms of beliefs, rituals, functions and festivals. Eventually, Hinduism, as we see today, got stratified.
When the western colonialists landed on the shores of Hindoostan it is this Hinduism that they saw. For them virtually it was a forest of creeds with no elements of religion according to their yardstick that identified and defined Semitic religions. It was almost impossible for them to name it. So prudently they pushed these incomprehensible faiths and creeds under one single umbrella ‘Hindu,’ the name of the people and the land, and straitjacketed it as ‘Hinduism,’ all the while maintaining that it was no true religion at all. In fact, none in India said he was a Hindu when questioned about his religion. He always replied he was a Vaishnava, Saiva, Sakteya or the like. Truly, Hinduism is a misnomer. If at all one is insistent about the word Hindu, he may call it Hindu Religions, ever plural as in the case of some constellations like Saptarshis. That would be more sound and true. To be scientifically precise it should be called ‘Dharmic tradition.’ Anyway, right or wrong, Hinduism has come to stay well anchored in European Dictionaries.
Hinduism, as it is termed, is not Hinduness. Hinduness is the identity of the land and the people whereas Hinduism is the spiritual belief-system of the individual.
Hinduness is always collective whereas Hinduism is ultimately personal. Hinduness is a legacy, a tradition whereas Hinduism is a matter of choice or as of today a patrimony. The mould of Hinduness is nature, history and tradition; the mould of Hinduism is individual family and society. Hinduness has been always inclusive right from Vedic times. But to say so of Hinduism can only be partially true. In the sense that Hinduism accommodates all the newborn religions or modes of worships it is inclusive.
But when we think of it entering its worship rooms, it is as exclusive as the Semitic faiths even though not that intolerant. To dilate, in the Vaishnava Sanctum no Saiva is welcome and in a Tantric ritual, no Vedantist is admitted. Each one of the Hindu religions fastidiously keeps up its purity to the exclusion of the rest. Yet they all religiously hold on to the eternal values embedded in Hinduness.
Any individual belonging to any nation has the right to choose his religion. So anyone can become a Hindu from any corner of the world by choosing Hinduism. But his Hinduism as time passes by will be influenced to a certain extent by the National Identity of the chooser. In that sense, American Hinduism or Indonesian Hinduism need not be cent per cent identical with Bharatheeya Hinduism.
It shall develop its own special features in tune with its national identity. Similarly, Christianity and Islam that have entered India from the land of their origin are bound to be different to the extent influenced by Hinduness. In fact, it is already so. Islam in India has to a certain extent accepted worshipping symbols and monuments as seen in the dargah worship all over. In Kerala, Islam has regular religious festivals exactly on the lines of Hindu temples. They have their own special names like Urus and Chandanakkudam. Caparisoned elephants are an inevitable item of those functions. The mosque on the way to the famous Sabarimala pilgrimage distributes Bhasmam (sanctified ashes) as prasadam to the devotees. As far as Christianity is concerned, one is liable to mistake it for a new sect within Hinduism.
The flag masts of the church, the music, the gallantry, even the theological vocabulary so closely resemble Hinduism. Both the Semitic religions are influenced by the Hindoostan’s Hinduness. Without any fear of contradiction, one can say Indian Christianity and Indian Islam have upon them the indelible impress of Hinduness. This is not to say that they have changed their fundamentals regarding their philosophy and theology.
In short, Hinduness and Hinduism are not mathematically identical with each other. At best, you may say they are twins. Exactly because of that, a casual observer gets confused but not a keen one. And a true seeker is not expected to be simply casual. (The writer is former Akhil Bharatiya Boudhik Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak  Sangh,  Organiser Weekly 13 April 2018) -GoTop
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THE MAN WHO TAUGHT 'ABHINAYA' TO MALAYSIA
Aradhana Takhtani 
From inquisitions to shows being banned, Ramli Ibrahim, 65, has faced all kinds of problems in his home country for promoting Indian classical dance as well as other indigenous art forms of Malay origin. The Malaysian, who was honoured this year with one of India's top civilian awards, the Padma Shri, recalls how the wave of fundamentalism in the early 90s changed the freethinking so pervasive in the society those days, and branded him an 'apostate.'
Today, the dancer-choreographer stands as a fearless symbol of artistic creativity in an increasingly conservative Malaysia.
His affinity to Indian classical dance goes back to the sixties, when the Malaya peninsula was a more liberal place famed for its rich music, art and dance traditions. Ramli Ibrahim, born to Muslim parents, is a product of that age.
While he did, what most boys did in an economically forward and culturally rich Malaysia of that decade; — studying in the Royal Military College and moving out to University abroad, the lure of dance kept him in a state of quest. So much so that he began learning ballet from the Australian Ballet School while doing his Bachelor of Engineering from University of Western Australia.
His search got another beautiful twist when, in Sydney, Ramli met Adyar K Lakshman, who got training and exposure under the famous artist Rukmini Devi Arundale. It was here that Ramli began studying Bharatnatyam seriously.
The Australian Arts Council also sponsored Ramli's Odissi training in Odisha, under the well-known exponent Debaprasad Das.
In 1983, he made his debut in Malaysia. "I performed to a packed audience, which included some ministers of the present-day government too. My solo dance included both Bharatnatyam and Odissi. Every abhinaya and movement was applauded," he tells TOI.
But soon fundamentalist elements hit back. There were times when his dance performances were stopped.
Once Ramli had to face an inquisition by the Jakim (the government Islamic body formed as per the Shariah) on his salutations to Hindu gods such as Ganesha and Shiva during his dances. He recalls a room full of stern faces and grilling questions, which he faced without a lawyer. "I countered that everything in art is metaphorical," he says.
Today, however, his Sutra Dance Theatre is attended by hundreds of wannabe dancers, cutting across race and religion. Ibrahim says the universality of his work has muted the 'apostate' tag.
Ramli was conferred by the Datukship by 'The Agong', the Malaysian equivalent of King. The Sangeet Natak Academy award, the Chausath Yogini Pitha Award, and many other awards in India has added to his worldwide recognition. Recently, on his Padma Shri, he received a congratulatory message from Malaysian PM Najib.
Yet Ibrahim Ramli believes it is the audience that has sustained his art and passion through the decades. "A lot of the Indian Malaysian cultural heritage has remained vibrant over the centuries because of this human connection nurtured by individual artists." (Excerpts from article in Times of India 30th April 2018) -GoTop
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