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
 --
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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