\SAMVAD  श्री विश्व निकेतन SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

Phalgun Shukla 10, Vik. Samvat 2075 Yugabda 5120: 16 March 2019


1. FESTIVALS: BHARATIYA NAVAVARSH

2. Kumbh Mela concludes; over 24 crore devotees took holy dip

3. AKHIL BHARATIYA PRATINIDHI SABHA 2019

4. RSS’ NEW INITIATIVE TO FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION

5. Hindu Dalit woman chairs Pak Senate session on Women's Day

6. SC picks Ayodhya mediators

7. PINAKA GUIDED WEAPONS SYSTEM SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED

8. Nine bharatiya American Women Awarded ‘Ratna Honors’ for Philanthropic Work

9. Experts discover Harappan trove

10. Classical Dancers set World Record

11. bharatiya American Organization AAPI-New Jersey Raises $50K for Families of Pulwama Soldiers

12. REMEMBERING NANAJI

13. 'JAI HIND' AFTER EVERY INFLIGHT AI ANNOUNCEMENT

14. IITS, DU, JNU IN TOP 100 GLOBAL SCHOOLS LIST: QS RANKINGS

15. BHARATIYA DOCTORS, TECHIES, STUDENTS GOT MAJORITY OF UK VISAS IN ’18

16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT


1. FESTIVALS: BHARATIYA NAVAVARSH, Vikram Samvat 2076 falls on April 6 this year, the first Navaratra. The day is observed as Varsh Pratipada, Gudi Padwa, and Ugadi etc. in different parts of Bharat. In some parts of Bharat, the tender leaves of neem mixed with jaggery are distributed on the occasion. As a happy and meaningful coincidence, first Sarasanghachalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was born on this day in 1889. The day is the first of the six festivals observed by RSS and Adya Sarasanghachalak Pranam is offered before unfurling the Bhagwadhwaj. -GoTop

 

2. Kumbh Mela concludes; over 24 crore devotees took holy dip: In Uttar Pradesh, Kumbh 2019, the 49 days long biggest religious congregation on earth at Prayagraj formally concluded on March 4 with 1 crore devotees taking a dip on Sangam on that day. Branded as Divya Kumbh Bhavya Kumbh, the mela concluded with a grand cultural performance on March 4 evening by various artists who showcased the hues of cultural diversity of Bharat. 3 Guinness world records, the largest traffic and crowd management plan, the biggest painting exercise of public sites under ‘Paint My City’ scheme and biggest sanitation and waste disposal mechanism were made during the kumbh with more than 20 thousand security personnel deployed for the arrangements. 

 -GoTop

 

3. AKHIL BHARATIYA PRATINIDHI SABHA 2019: The annual meeting of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidi Sabha of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) concluded on 10th March 2019 at Kedardham, Kedarpur, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Attended by about 1500 delegates, it deliberated on various organizational aspects, resolutions and future programs.

Sarkaryavaha Bhayya ji Joshi presented the annual report for 2018-19. It contained,

Status of the work:

At present, there are 59, 266 shakhas in 37,011 places and 17,229 saptahik milans and  8,382 Masik Milans. The total participation in Sangh Shiksha Vargas during 2018-19 is 15,639 in Pratham Varsh Samanya and 2,490 in Pratham Varsh Visheah  (Over 40 years ),  3,365 in Dwitiya Varsh Samanya and 2064 – Dwitiya Varsh Vishesh  and 646 in Tritiya Varsh Samanya and 703 in Tritiya Varsh Vishesh.

Tour of P.P. Sarsanghachalak ji in 2018-19: In Kshetra-wise tour, organizational baithaks and interactions with prominent people from various walks of life were arranged. In Vishakhapattanam, Bhuvaneshwar, Siligudi, Tirupr Vibhag and Chennai, the Baithaks were attended by karyakartas representing Bastis and Mandals. He attended the Vidarbha Prant karyakarta Shibir, Merath Prant Pravasi karyakarta and Sangh Shiksha Varg Shikshit Swayamsevak Shibir, family get-together of karyakartas at Junagarh Vibhag, Bhagalpur and Dehradun. The three day lecture series in Delhi “Bharat of future - the viewpoint of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh” and the World Hindu Congress held at Chicago deserve special mention in this year’s program.

Sarsanghachalak ji had personal meetings with many dignitaries. He received blessings from Pujya Hira Singh ji Maharaj, P.P. Devrah baba, P.P. Narendracharyamaharaj of nanijdham, P.P. Nimbarkacharya Swami ji Maharaj, P.P. Shankaracharya Vijayerndra Sarasvati of Kanchi Kamkoti math, Thakur Ashok da of Satsang Ashram, Deoghar.

Personal meetings with senior bureaucrats, authors, sports persons, professionals, educationists and media persons were arranged. The names include veteran scientist Bharat ratna Shri  CNR Rao, Chairman of ISRO Shri K Sivan, Ex Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Advocate S K Mukharjee, Shri. Pratap Kumar Reddy of Appollo hospital, Shri S K Lakhani of Lakhani shoes and Shri Ajay Piramal of Piramal group.

Some important achievements in prants:

This year an Akhil Bharatiya survey of Sewakarya was planned. 1,16,12 karyakartas surveyed 1,30,069 Sewakaryas. The estimated beneficiaries of all these Sewa Karya are 80 lakh.

 ‘Yuva Gram Vikas Sangam’, a gathering of youth karyakartas was organized in Devgiri Prant. 712 youth from selected 71 villagess participated. In the concluding session, 100 youth pledged to dedicate 1 year for the Gram Vikas activity.

Uttar Tamilnadu- basti Sangam, Chennai

On the occasion of Sarsanghachalak tour, ‘Basti Sangam’ was organized in January. A target was set that 5 Swasyamsevaks and 5 other citizens from each Basti should be present. A list of 5,170 people from 880 bastis was made out of which 2,918 people from 816 bastis attended the ‘Basti Sangam’. 93% Bastis were represented in the program. More than 50 Saptahik Milans have started and the aim is to have a shakha in each Basti by March 2021.

Pashicm Maharashtra – late Bapurao Date birth centenary special Ghosh program

On the occasion of late Bapurao Date birth centenary who composed many Ghosh tunes, a special Ghosh vadan program was organised in April 2018 in the presence of many national and international dignitaries. 100 experts and prominent persons from music & art industry attended the program including retired Police officers. 97 Swayamsevaks, those who have have rehearsed for almost 350 Hours, participated in the program.

‘Hari Vandana’, A special tune composed in Rupaktal to commemorate Bapurao Date, was played in this program. P.P. Sarsdanghachalak ji attended the program.

Jodhpur – route march and ‘Jagrut Hindu Maha Sangam’

On Varsh Pratipada 2018 district ‘Maha Sangam’ was organized in Jaisalmer district which turned out to be the biggest program in Prant. Families of the martyrs were honoured in this program in the presence of ex-defence personnel G. D. Bakshi as chief guest. Total 12,570 people representing all mandals and 370 out of 426 villages attended the program.

Haryana – mandal wise Ekatrikaran on a single day in Prant

496 Mandals out of total 843 have shakhas in Haryana Prant. The plan was to have an Ekatrikaran in all Mandals. In 456 Shakhayukta mandals Ekatrikarans were organized. In 9 districts and in 35 Khand all Mandals had Ekatrikarans.

Mukhya Shikshak Shibir – a 3 day Shibir was organized for Shakha teams. Quality shakha team, Varshikotsav and important initiatives at Shakha level programs were the criteria for attending the shibir. 767 karyakartas from 471 Shakhas attended the shibir. National flag hoisting ceremony was held as part of the shibir on 26 January.

Mahakoshal – Bal Path Sanchalan

On 12th January, on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti route marches of bal swayamsevaks were organized at district and nagar level. 2063 Bal swayamsevaks from 35 nagar and 22 districts attended the programs. On January 26, Ghosh route marches were held at 31 places in which 839 Ghosh vadak participated. At 8 places a public Ghosh was played in public programs to honour the national flag.

Jammu Kashmir

The border areas of Jammu region suffer from indiscriminate firings across the border. As a consequence the people suffer from migration, disruption in education and health services and a general feeling of insecurity. As a primary step 457 villages out of total 701 were surveyed. A core committee has been formed with the help of various likeminded organizations. As a part of Sarkaryavaha tourm, a baithak of karyakartas working on these issues was arranged. 90 karyakartas attended the baithak. Schools,  Hostels, single teacher schools, health centers, a drive for self sufficiency initiatives have been launched in 360 villages.

Uttarakhand

A Mallakhamb training cmap was organized by the Sharirik Vibhag in which 140 Bal Swayamsevaks from 6th to 8th standard were trained. After the training regular malkhab practice has started in 8 Vidyarthi shakhas. A regular competition is also being held at various levels.

As a part of Sarsanghachalak tour a family get together ‘Pariwar Sammelan’ was held. From a prepared list of invitees, it was attended by 1218 people.

Jharkhand

Birsa Naad Ghosh Shibir – Ghosh Shibir was organized at Bokaro in the period 29 November to 2 December 2018. 365 Ghosh Vadaks from 76 places participated in the shibir attended by Akhil Bharatiya Sha-Sharirik Pramukh Shri Jagadish ji.

Uttar Bang

Ramnavami Shobha Yatra – In spite of heavy obstacles at Government and administrative level, Ramnavami was celebrated by grand processions at 32 places. A total 5.3 lakh people participated in the processions including 1.5 lakh women, 600 saints and 11500 bike riders. It is notable that even as the West Bengal Governments’ anti Hindu policies continue, people responded in large numbers.

Uttar Assam

Women meets were organized at Basti level in the Prant. In one such Sammelan at Guwahati organized in the Sarkaryavah tour, 3, 157 women from 152 bastis participated. On 26th January, national flag hoisting ceremony was also held. An exhibition dedicated to the subjects like Bharatiya culture, brave women warriors was displayed on the occasion.

There were 2 resolutions passed by ABPS and Sarkaryavaja issued 3 startememts related to contemporary issues. Below are some excerpts from these resolutions and statements.

Bharatiya Family System: A Unique Contribution to humanity

Family system is the precious contribution of our society to the humanity. Due to its uniqueness, Hindu family functions as the basic unit which connects individual to the nation taking the journey towards Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Along with being a complete system of social and economic security, family also is the important medium of inculcating samskars and imparting values in the new generation. The multi-centred character of the Hindu society is the main reason for its eternal existence and the family system is one of the effective and important centres.

These days, our family system that epitomises the sacred cultural heritage seems to be disintegrating. The principle reasons for the breakup of the family system are the increasing influence of materialist mindset and self-centeredness. Due to the materialistic thinking, the problems of self-centered and acrid behavior, unchecked desires and greed, stress, divorce etc are on the rise. The ABPS is of the firm opinion that there is a need for comprehensive and immense efforts to sustain the lively and value-based nature of our family system. Through our day to day behavior and conduct, we should ensure that our family life works for building character, enriching life-values and strengthening mutual relationships. The mother is the pivot in our family system. Habit to respect Matrushakti should be inculcated in each and every family member.

With the passage of time, some distortions and rigidity have crept in our society. Ill-practices like dowry, untouchability and discrimination, ostentatious and extravagant spending, superstitions etc are creating obstacles in the all round development of the society. The ABPS calls upon the entire society, starting from our own families, to make efforts in uprooting these evils and shortcomings and work towards establishing a value based and harmonious society.

Revered saints and, social, religious, educational and intellectual organisations have always played an important role in the social development. Pratinidhi Sabha urges them to take into account the seriousness of the situation and make every possible effort to strengthen the family institution. Various platforms of media can be an effective tool in imparting values to the society. The Sabha appeals to the eminent personalities in this field to make films and various programs with a positive message to strengthen the roots of the family system and contribute towards the bright future of the new generation.

Resolution 2 - Need to Protect the Traditions and Beliefs of Hindu Society

It is the considered opinion of the ABPS that there has been a systematic design to insult and hurt Hindu beliefs and traditions on the basis of non-Bhartiya perspective by vested interests. The case of Sabarimala temple is a recent example of this design.

Hindu society has always welcomed timely and necessary reforms in its customs and traditions but any such effort has been led by social, religious and spiritual leaders and the route of consensus is given the foremost priority. It is not just the legal processes but local traditions and acceptance do play a crucial role in the societal behavior.

Entire Hindu society has been facing an unfortunate situation where the ruling Left Front Government in Kerala is trampling upon the sentiments of Hindu society under the pretext of implementing the verdict of the Constitution Bench of the Honourable Supreme Court allowing women of all ages to enter the holy Sabarimala temple.

The actions of the CPM-led Government in Kerala have created severe emotional disturbance amongst the Ayyappa devotees. The attempts of the State Government to sneak in the atheist, ultra-left women activists from the backdoor have hurt the sensitivities of the devotees. This is being done to further CPM’s petty political gains and open another front of ideological battle against the Hindus. This is the reason why devotees, more so the women devotees, spontaneously took to agitation on an unprecedented scale to safeguard their religious beliefs and freedoms.

The ABPS places on record its deep respect for the collective sentiments expressed by all the devotees and appeals them to continue the struggle to protect the temple traditions with utmost restraint and sobriety. The Pratinidhi Sabha urges the Kerala Government to honour the beliefs, sentiments and democratic rights of the devotees and not perpetrate violence upon its own people. The Pratinidhi Sabha hopes that the Honorable Court will comprehensively consider all these concerns in the review and other petitions. The ABPS also calls upon the people of the country to support the ‘Save Shabarimala Movement’ in every respect.

Statement: 550th Prakash Parva of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji:

At the time of Shri Guru Nanak Deo ji, the foreign invaders, taking advantage of country’s social disintegration and its weaknesses, were destroying the religious and cultural identity of the country. Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji Maharaj showed the path of social upliftment and self emancipation through the preachings of true knowledge, action and devotion commensurate with times. By this, the confused Bharatiya society had got the elixir of integration and new consciousness.

Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji adopted the path of dialogue for guiding the society. He took upon journeys to several countries including entire Bharat which are known as ‘Udasi’.

In these journeys, he interacted with contemporary religious heads such as Saints, Siddhas, Yogis, Sufi, Fakirs, Jain and Buddhist Saints and guided them with philosophical and logical viewpoints while commenting upon prevalent superstitions in the name of religion.

He preached, ‘Kirat Kar Naam Jap Vand Chhakkh’, means work hard, remember God and consume by sharing among people.

It is our responsibility to follow in our life and propagate the message of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji which is relevant even today. We appeal to all swayamsevaks and whole society to celebrate this 550th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji at all places and all levels with mutual cooperation and coordination.

Stataement: 75th Anniversary of Azad Hind Sarkar:

75 years have been completed after the formation of ‘Azad Hind Sarkar in Exile’ by Netaji Subhsh Chandra Bose on 21st October 1943. This was an important event in the attainment of freedom for Bharat.

The significant rise in the strength of Azad Hind Sena in a short time and its successes in military campaigns against the British in the North Eastern part of Bharat were some important achievements in those circumstances.

The Sarkar had all the requisites and constituents of a formal government like cabinet, constitution, military, currency, judiciary and international recognition by 9 countries including Japan and Germany.

All these endeavours generated a patriotic fervor among the Bhatratiya soldiers in British Military and common masses as well which proved to be turning point in the Bharatiya freedom struggle.

During the 75th anniversary of this historical chain of events, we remember with gratitude the contribution of Azad Hind Sarkar, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and thousands of soldiers of Azad Hind Sena in the Bharatiya freedom struggle. The recent steps taken by the Union Government to recognize the contribution of Azad Hind Sarkar are laudable. We appeal to all to organize events that will make the citizens of the country especially youth, aware of this inspiring and glorious history.

Statement: Centenary of the inspiring martyrdom at Jallianwala Bagh

The massacre at Jallianwala Bagh on the auspicious day of Baisakhi, 13th April 1919 was a brutal, gruesome and incitive incident that not only aroused, angered and agitated the Bharatiya mind but shook the foundations of the British Government.

More than 20,000 people assembled at Jalianwala Bagh despite the ban. General Dyer blocked the only entrance to the venue and ordered to shoot the gathering without any warning. Pandemonium broke out and hundreds of people died and thousands injured.

This gruesome carnage generated fierce anger and opposition against the British all over the country.

Jallianwala Bagh became an inspiring pilgrimage for all the patriots and thousands of people came forward to tread the path of struggle and martyrdom for attainment of freedom.

This is the centenary year of the historic event of Jallianwala Bagh. It is our duty to see that the immortal story of this sacrifice reaches the nook and corner of the country. We appeal to the entire society to organize more and more possible events at this historical juncture.  -GoTop

 

4. RSS’ NEW INITIATIVE TO FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION: RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhayya ji Joshi on March 10, the concluding day of ABPS said that the three day meet of ABPS reviewed various activities of the organisation and discussed contemporary issues.

Addressing a press conference on the third and final day of the ABPS, he said, the RSS has decided to take up a new initiative in the field on environment protection and conservation. He said there will be a greater focus on 'Samajik Samrasta'. "The RSS' work has reached at a certain level and now we feel that it is time to take a big leap in terms of expansion of the work," said Shri Joshi.

The ABPS has also passed a resolution on ‘Need to Protect the Traditions and Beliefs of Hindu Society’ in context of the Sabarimala issue, he added.

Bhayya ji Joshi also made statements on ‘550th Prakash Parva of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji’ and ‘Centenary of the inspiring martyrdom at Jalianwala Bagh’ and ‘75th anniversary of Azad Hind Sarkar’.

Elaborating upon the new initiative of the RSS, he said that the Sangh will take up various activities along with the society in the field of Environment protection and conservation through initiatives in three key areas- water conservation and water management, planting trees and eliminating use of plastic and other non-biodegradable material like Thermocol.

Replying to a question, the Sarkaryavah said the RSS' stand on Ram Temple is clear. It should be built at the place where it has been decided to be built. The movement on this issue will continue till the temple is constructed. On the issue of appointment of a mediation panel by the apex court, he said the RSS welcomes any initiative that can help resolve this issue to construct the Ram Temple. The RSS expects that the government and the Court would remove the barriers in the path of constructing the temple at the earliest. It is also expected from the mediation panel that they would understand the Hindu sentiment. Those in power are not opposed to the Ram Temple and there is no doubt over their commitment regarding this, said Shri Joshi.

Sarkaryavah Ji appreciated the government's response in terms of carrying out air strikes at terror camps in Pakistan in wake of Pulwama terror attack. He said that the fearless nations reply to the terrorists in similar language.

Replying to another question on Article 370, he said the case related to Section 35A is in Court. It is expected that the government of the day will keep the viewpoint firmly. After a decision on this case is delivered, the issue of Article 370 will be discussed in light of this decision.

On the issue of Sangh's role in elections, Shri Joshi said, the RSS' role is clear. We will work for creating awareness to ensure 100 per cent voting. Our society has started thinking more clearly over the period time and the common people know who works for the betterment of the nation.

Replying to another question regarding Court's decisions on Hindu traditions in wake of its decisions on Jallaikattu, Deepwali crackers and Sabarimala, Shri Joshi said that along with the Constitution, one can not ignore the importance of traditions and culture. Giving a decision according to the law is one thing and its acceptability in the society is another thing. So such issues should be dealt in the light of of our values and culture. And the guidance of those who are experts in these spheres should be sought.  -GoTop

 

5. Hindu Dalit woman chairs Pak Senate session on Women's Day: Krishna Kumari Kohli, Pakistan's first female senator from the Hindu Dalit community, on March 8 chaired the session of the Upper House of Parliament on occasion of International Women's Day. Krishna, 40, was elected as senator in March 2018 after spending many years working for the rights of bonded labourers in Muslim-majority Pakistan. She is the first Thari Hindu woman to be elected to the Pakistan senate.  -GoTop

 

6. SC picks Ayodhya mediators: A three-member panel headed by former apex court judge Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifulla and consisting of spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu, a renowned mediator, will try to find a negotiated settlement of the Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.The Supreme Court on March 8 while referring the sensitive dispute for mediation to this panel asked the panel to submit the progress report within four weeks and final report in eight weeks.  -GoTop

 

7. PINAKA GUIDED WEAPONS SYSTEM SUCCESSFULLY TEST FIRED: Defence Research and Development organisation, DRDO successfully test fired the PINAKA guided WEAPON rocket system from Pokhran range in Rajasthan on 11th March.

The weapon system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system. The weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies.

The Telemetry Systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path and all the mission objectives have been met.  -GoTop

 

8. Nine bharatiya American Women Awarded ‘Ratna Honors’ for Philanthropic Work: A grand formal function was held at The Ritz Gardens Banquet Whittier, California on February 24 to present nine Bharatiya American women who have dedicated much of their time and effort to philanthropic, educational, medical, social and cultural causes with ‘Ratna Honors Awards.’The nine women honored during the evening, attended by 600 Bharatiya Americans, are well known in the Southern California community for their prolific contributions: Usha J. Shah, Chandrika Shah, Rekha Bajaria, Ilaben Mehta, Pratima Doshi, Prafula R. Shah, Naliniben Solanki, Bharati Lungaria, and PramilabenKhetani. Each recipient was presented with a plaque; shawl and red rose, and spoke to the audience how they were inspired and the factors that led to their accomplishments.  -GoTop

 

9. Experts discover Harappan trove: After two months of excavation, archaeologists have stumbled upon what they believe is a massive burial site dating back to the Harappan civilization, around 360km from Dholavira in Gujarat’s Kutch district. The find has lent further credence to the possibility of a populous human settlement at this place.The excavation was done jointly by the Kutch University and Kerala University near Khatia village of Lakhpat taluka.Estimated to be around 4,600-5,200 years old, the burial site is 300m x 300m-big with more than 250 graves, out of which 26 have been excavated. Archaeologists found one full human skeleton that is around six feet in length, estimated to be around 5,000 years old. “The skeleton has been taken to Kerala University for determining its age, possible reason for death and gender,” said Suresh Bhandari, head of Department of Archaeology; Kutch University.This is the first time that a rectangular burialsite has been found in Gujarat.  -GoTop

 

10. Classical Dancers set World Record: At the famous temple town Chidambaram in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, it was an uphill task to make the audience feel that there were over 7,000 dancers performing in unison to the tune sung by Natuvanar. Over 7,000 Bharatanatyam dancers set a world record for the maximum number of people performing the Bharatanatyam dance form at the Natyanjali fete in Sabanayagar Temple, also known as Sri Natarajar Temple in Chidambaram on March 3.

In this famous Temple, Natayanjali event is being organised every year. This year the organisers wanted to set a new Guinness Book Record by more number of people dancing in the given premises. On March 3, Bharatanatyam exponent Dr Padma Subrahmanyam inaugurated the event in which 7,195 dancers participated. The record creating dance was performed in unison by 7,195 dancers from various age groups.  -GoTop

 

11. bharatiya American Organization AAPI-New Jersey Raises $50K for Families of Pulwama Soldiers: At a fund-raising event held March 3 in Roselle Park, New Jersey, the New Jersey chapter of the American Association of Physicians of Bharatiya Origin raised over $50,000 for the families of the CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terrorist attack. Attended by the members, families and supporters of AAPI, the event was organized in collaboration with the India World Foundation, World NRI Association, Federation of India Associations, and BAJANA. New York Consul General of Bharat Sandeep Chakravorty, in his keynote address, lauded the fundraising effort, and said it showed “amazing support for Bharat, amazing support for our soldiers.  -GoTop

 

12. REMEMBERING NANAJI: A four-day ‘Gramodaya Mela: Aadi Gram Kumbh’ was organised by the Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) at Chitrakoot in which the exhibitions and events showcased the progress, heritage, culture and development in various sectors of the country. The farmers, agriculture scientists, development experts, innovators, academicians and personalities from various states and the departments of Central Government participated. The event concluded on February 27, the death anniversary of veteran social worker Nanaji Deshmukh.

Addressing the gathering on the concluding day, RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi said. “Throughout his life, Nanaji’s thoughts were centred for progress and pride of Bharat. Nanaji was such a personality who realised his dreams on the ground,” he added. Madhya Pradesh Rajyapal   Patel and many other dignitaries were present on the occasion.  -GoTop

 

13. 'JAI HIND' AFTER EVERY INFLIGHT AI ANNOUNCEMENT: Air India's director operations, Captain Amitabh Singh, has issued a company advisory saying "with immediate effect, all the Air India crew members are required to announce "Jai Hind" at the end of every announcement after a slight pauseand with much fervour". The decision is learnt to have been taken at the behest of its Chairman Ashwani Lohani.  -GoTop

 

14. IITS, DU, JNU IN TOP 100 GLOBAL SCHOOLS LIST: QS RANKINGS: The Indian Institutes of Technology in Delhi, Mumbai and Kharagpur, Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore are among the few institutions in the country to feature among the top hundred in the latest global subject-wise QS rankings. Quacquarelli Symonds, which is one of the world’s leading academic ranking agencies, released lists on February 27 ranking varsities on 48 different subjects ranging from art and design to engineering disciplines.  -GoTop

 

15. BHARATIYA DOCTORS, TECHIES, STUDENTS GOT MAJORITY OF UK VISAS IN ’18: Skilled professionals and students from Bharat won a majority of UK visas in 2018, according to the latest statistics revealed by the Home Office. Bharatiya pros, including medical doctors and instrument engineers, have dominated Britain’s Tier-2 skilled visa class for a while, accounting for 54% of all such visas granted in 2018. Bharatiya nationals marked the biggest increase in the grant of Tier 2 visas, up by means of 6% at 3,023 extra visas compared to the former 12 months. It also noted a hike in the selection of scholar visas granted to Bharatiyas closing 12 months, up 35%to hit 19,505.  -GoTop

 

16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Saumitra Gokhale, samyojak Vishwa Vibhag started his tour to Malaysia, Singapore and Myanmar from Bharat. Dr  Ram Vaidya will return to UK after ABPS baithak.  Visitors: Ramesh Shah – USA.

FOOD FOR THGOUHT: Though the Berlin Games were ultimately to be remembered for the exploits of black American athlete Jesse Owens, whose triumph disapproved Nazi theories of Aryan superiority, the Indian decision not to salute Hitler was also a grand gesture of defiance – in sync with the dominant stream of Indian nationalism at the time. The Indians were the only contingent – apart from the Americans – not to perform the raised arm salute as a mark of respect for the tyrannical German chancellor. (From the Article ‘Sports and Politics Do Mix’ by Boria Majumdar, a sports historian and commentator.  – Times of India, 13 March 2019)  -GoTop

JAI SHREE RAM


Shri Vishwa Niketan  vishwav@bol.net.in


\ SAMVAD  श्री विश्व निकेतन SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

Phalgun Krishna 10, Vik. Samvat 2075 Yugabda 5120: 1 March 2019


1. FESTIVALS: Chaitra Navaratri

2. Pushing boundaries: on Balakot air strikes:

3. RSS hails power-packed Airstrikes

4. Support the families of martyrs

5. Bharatiya values, modern science can together benefit humanity: Rashtrapati ji

6. Social awakening happens only with cultural values – V. Bhagaiyya

7. Kumbh-Vishwa Sahabhagita, PM Modi whole heartedly interacts with the representatives of 190 countries

8. PM inaugurates the largest Bhagavad Gita in the world

9. Conferred with Seoul Peace Prize-2018; PM Modi says it's time to unite to eradicate terror

10.  Over 80,000 donate for Pulwama martyrs through 'Bharat Ke Veer'

11. PERIOD DOCUMENTARY SHOT IN BHARAT BAGS OSCAR

12. PM MODI WASHES FEET OF SANITATION WORKERS, TAKES HOLY DIP AT KUMBH

13. NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL NEAR INDIA GATE INAUGURATED

14. Concord’s Shiva Murugan Temple Breaks Ground in Elaborate Ceremony

15. bharatiya American Congressman Raja Krishna-moorthi Named Assistant Whip for 116th Congress

16. bharat-built houses in Sri Lanka handed over to beneficiaries

17. BHARATIYA passport jumps 10 ranks on global index in five years

18. After shock retirement at 23, Missy Franklin finds peace in Hinduism

19.  SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN:

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article:

FORGOTTEN MINSAR – AN INDIAN HAMLET IN TIBET

 


1. FESTIVALS: Chaitra Navaratri starts on first day of the Bharatiya New Year i.e., Varsha Pratipada, corresponding to April 6 this year. The day fills the human spirit with optimism and hope about one’s future and injects into him courage and confidence in facing the trials and tribulations of life — both individual and national. Navaratri, the celebration of nine nights is committed to Goddess Durga and her nine structures. The nine days have incredible religious hugeness as Goddess Durga, the awesome mother, had devastated the insidious power as the devil Mahisashura amid this period. Ram Navami, the birthday of Bhagwan Ram falls on the last day of Navaratris. Ram Navami is one of the festivals that is celebrated by the Bharatiya diaspora with roots in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra pradesh and Tamilnadu. -GoTop

 

2. Pushing boundaries: on Balakot air strikes: The air strikes have delivered a clear, robust message; the follow-up must be restrained.

The Indian Air Force’s strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot delivers a robust but calibrated message. The latter is manifest in New Delhi’s diplomatic utterances. While the strikes followed the Pulwama attack by a couple of weeks, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale referred to the action as a “non-military pre-emptive strike”. The phrase indicates the action was based on an assessment of an imminent threat, and had ensured that Pakistan’s military personnel and infrastructure were not targeted, and civilian casualties were actively avoided. In effect, New Delhi’s line is that the operation was an intelligence-driven counter-terror strike rather than escalatory military aggression. The government said all other options had been exhausted in making Islamabad keep its commitments since 2004 on curbing the activities of groups like the JeM. There is no denying that the decision to send Mirage jets across the Line of Control (LoC) to fire missiles 70 km inside Pakistan represents a major shift. During the Kargil war in 1999, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had drawn a red line over the IAF crossing the LoC, to avoid international recrimination. This strike was carried out in Pakistani territory, not in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the theatre for retaliatory action in the past. It is still to be determined how far the JeM has been set back, but the strikes mark a new chapter with New Delhi’s willingness to push the war against terror into Pakistan territory. The government has judged, perhaps correctly, that global opinion has shifted and there is little tolerance today for terror groups that continue to find shelter on Pakistan soil. Significantly, with the exception of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, there has been no global criticism of Bharat’s statement on the strikes, and most have just counselled restraint to both countries.

In Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for a joint session of Parliament and for its diplomats to raise the matter at international fora. He has convened a meeting of the National Command Authority that oversees Pakistan’s nuclear policy. However, Pakistan’s options are limited. It could continue to deny that the Indian strike caused any damage on the ground, and obviate the need for retaliatory strikes; or it could escalate the situation with a military response. It could also make a break from its past, and begin to shut down the terror camps on its soil, which would win friends internationally and ensure peace in the region. The Modi government would do well to continue the restrained approach it has adopted after the latest operation, and avoid the triumphalism that clouded the ‘surgical strikes’ of September 2016.

With a response to Pulwama duly executed, it must reach out to residents of J&K who have borne the brunt of the jingoism unleashed after Pulwama. In the long term, building strong counter-terror defences, partnering with its own citizens to gather intelligence, and creating deterrents will be key. (Editorial, The Hindu, February 27, 2019) -GoTop

 

3. RSS hails power-packed Airstrikes: "The entire nation was agitated and angry in the wake of the terror attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pulwama. Today Bharatiya Vayu Sena demolished JeM's Pakistan-based base camps by precision air strikes. We congratulate Bharat Sarkar and Bharatiya Vayu Sena for exactly translating the feelings and anger of millions of Bharatiyas," said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarakaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi on February 26 in an official statement on Twitter. In a major operation, 12 Miraj-2000 fighter jets of Bharatiya Vayu Sena destroyed several base camps of terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, who was responsible for the horrifying Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF jawans had lost their life. -GoTop

 

4. Support the families of martyrs: More than 45 security personnel were martyred in a suicide attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Kashmir on Feb 14. Sharing the immense grief of the families of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, RSS Sarakaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi called upon Sangh swayamsevaks and all patriots to consider it their duty to extend all possible help and also demonstrate unity, forbearance and courage under these challenging circumstances.Donations can be made directly to the Bharat ke Veer app managed by Kendriya Griha Mantralaya or on the website of Indian Bravehearts.More details can be found at https://bharatkeveer.gov.in -GoTop

 

5. Bharatiya values, modern science can together benefit humanity: Rashtrapati ji: Bharatiya values together with modern science and technology can benefit humanity, Rashtrapati Ram Nath Kovind said on February 25. Rashtrapatiji was addressing students of DAV College, Kanpur after inaugurating the institution’s centenary celebrations. Kovind paid tributes to slain CRPF jawan Shyam Babu from Kanpur Dehat along with other personnel who died in the Pulwama terror attack. “Today is an era of technology and the future will be of Artificial Intelligence. You have to face new challenges. We have to utilise new instruments of technology for development and move ahead,” Kovind said. -GoTop

    

6. Social awakening happens only with cultural values – V. Bhagaiyya: Social awakening is the life force which would reinvigorate the country, when it is embedded with cultural values that we have inherited from our ancestors. When we work in this manner, we can realize the future Bharat, and our nation then will become the guiding force and vishwa guru for the universe and will result in heralding peace in our current times, said RSS Sahasarakaryavah V. Bhagaiyya.He was speaking at Bhagyanagar during the book launch `bhavishyabharatam’ in telugu and ‘The Sangh and Swaraj’ in English, in an event jointly organised by Samachara Bharati and WISDOM-JNTU on 23rd February. Bhavishyabharatam is a compilation of the lecture series of Dr. Mohan ji Bhagawat, organized in September 2018 in Delhi. It is a compendium of ideas, thoughts and values of sangh and which are articulated and also implemented by Sangh.Ratan Sharda, author and TV panelist; said The Sangh & Swaraj is a compilation of events during our freedom struggle, and especially on the role of sangh. Sirivennalla Seetharama Shastry, famous poet & lyricist and Padma Shree awardee, said we should strengthen our family system which is our core strength that is undergoing a period of conflict and difficulties in today’s times. Gopal Reddy, President Samachara Bharati presided the event. RSS Prant Sanghchalak Dakshinamoorty, several other dignitaries and civil society organizations from various walks of life participated in the event. -GoTop

 

7. Kumbh-Vishwa Sahabhagita, PM Modi whole heartedly interacts with the representatives of 190 countries: “Today everyone is fed up by the ‘impressive world’ created by the materialistic facilities, today everyone is in search of ‘inspiring world’, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi expressed his feelings about the Kumbh, while addressing Pravasi Bhartiya representatives from 190 countries at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi. Guided by the ancient Bharatiya philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means "the world is one family”, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has taken the initiative of inviting one foreign representative from each country of the world to witness the world’s largest gathering of humanity, the Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj. The delegates, from all walks of life, have been nominated by Bharatiya Missions abroad and include senior politicians, social reformers, Yoga practitioners, academicians, artists, senior bureaucrats, medical professionals.

This initiative is aimed not only to apprise the foreign representatives about Bharat’s rich cultural traditions but also to convey India’s message of universal brotherhood, peaceful co-existence and global unity to the world.

The programme comprised a day’s visit for the foreign representatives on 22nd February to various sites of Kumbh Mela. After the visit to Kumbh Mela 2019, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bharat, Shri Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj interacted with the representatives in Delhi on 23rd February.

On this occasion, PM Modi said, “There is a belief in the Hindu tradition, when a pilgrimage comes and you welcomed him, greet him with Namaskar, with this Namaskar, you will also receive some part of his virtue. I am so much fortunate that, I greeted you and receive part of your virtue”.

This is the third visit of foreign delegates in this Kumbh. On December 15 last year, diplomats from 72 foreign missions had arrived Prayagraj while during Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas in last week of January, a large number of NRIs were also visited Kumbh. -GoTop

 

8. PM inaugurates the largest Bhagavad Gita in the world: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's largest and heaviest Bhagavad Gita at the Delhi ISKCON temple on 26th February. The holy book measuring 2.8 meters by 2 meters has 670 pages and weights at 800 kg. It is also the world's largest sacred book. "With an artistic touch of 18 exquisite paintings and an innovative elegant layout, the book has been printed in Milan, Italy, on YUPO synthetic paper so as to make it untearable and waterproof," the ISKCON said. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement, is a worldwide confederation of more than 400 temples and runs 100 vegetarian restaurants and a wide variety of community-serving projects. -GoTop

 

9. Conferred with Seoul Peace Prize-2018; PM Modi says it's time to unite to eradicate terror: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi on February 22 received the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize - 2018 for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth. The award was presented to him by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation at a grand ceremony in Seoul. A short film on his life and achievements was also screened at the event.

While conferring the award on PM Modi, the award committee recognized his contribution to the growth of Bharatiya and global economies, crediting 'Modinomics' for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor. Modi is the 14th recipient of the award and the past laureates included former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and renowned international relief organizations like Doctors without Borders and Oxfam.

Prime Minister Modi said while humbly accepting the award, “….And, this award is for the people who have always put societal good above individual ambitions. And, I am honored that this award is being conferred on me in the year that we celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. I would like to contribute the Monetary award of Two Hundred Thousand dollars that one crore thirty lakh rupees to the नमामिगंगे fund, our effort to clean a river that is not only held sacred by all the people of Bharat, but is also an economic lifeline to millions of my countrymen and women.  -GoTop

 

10.  Over 80,000 donate for Pulwama martyrs through 'Bharat Ke Veer': More than 80,000 people have came forward since February 14 to contribute over Rs 20 crore to the 'Bharat Ke Veer' corpus for the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terror attack, government said on February 18. As many as 40 jawans were killed and several injured when a terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy in Pulwama on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on February 14. -GoTop

 

11. PERIOD DOCUMENTARY SHOT IN BHARAT BAGS OSCAR: 'Period. End of Sentence', a documentary film set in Bharat on the taboos around menstruation and featuring the real ‘Pad Man’, bagged the Oscar in the Documentary Short Subject category. Directed by Iranian-American film-maker Rayka Zehtabchi, the film was co-produced by Bharatiya producer Guneet Monga. The film is about women in Bharat fighting the deeply rooted stigma of menstruation and delving into the work of ‘Pad Man’ Arunachalam Muruganantham. The 26-minute film follows girls and women in Hapur in Uttar Pradesh and their experience with the installation a pad machine in their village. “I’m not crying because I’m on my period or anything, I can’t believe a film on menstruation won an Oscar,” Zehtabchi said in her acceptance speech. -GoTop

 

12. PM MODI WASHES FEET OF SANITATION WORKERS, TAKES HOLY DIP AT KUMBH: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi on February 24 took a holy dip at the ‘Sangam’ and offered prayers at the ongoing Kumbh, after which he washed feet of sanitation workers and lauded their efforts to ensure a Swacch Bharat. “Had the good fortune of taking a holy dip at the #Kumbh. Prayed for the well being of 130 crore Indians,” the Pradhan Mantri tweeted after stepping into the river waist deep in water and offered prayers with folded hands.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Modi lauded the efforts of the sanitation workers. “There are many kinds of saints here, and among those, there are my brothers and sisters who have worked tirelessly to make this Kumbh a success, they are my hard-working ‘Karmyogis,'” he said. Talking about washing the feet of the workers, Pradhan Mantri said he would cherish the moment for his entire life. “There is an unforgettable moment in every person’s life, today I experienced that moment in my life while washing the feet of sanitation workers,” Modi said. -GoTop

 

13. NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL NEAR INDIA GATE INAUGURATED: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi on February 25 dedicated a new National War Memorial, situated in the India Gate complex in New Delhi, to the nation. He lit the flame positioned at the bottom of the stone obelisk to pay homage to the soldiers who died in the line of duty. "Our armed forces are among the strongest in the world. They have always risen to every challenge in front of the nation and responded with their full strength," PM Modi said, honouring the soldiers who have given up their lives to defend the country. The National War Memorial complex, spread across 40 acres, includes a central obelisk, an eternal flame, and six bronze murals depicting famous battles fought by the Army, the Air Force and the Navy. -GoTop

 

14. Concord’s Shiva Murugan Temple Breaks Ground in Elaborate Ceremony: In a day-long celebration replete with religious rituals, Concord’s Shiva Murugan Temple in California, US (www.shivamurugantemple.org) broke ground on January 26 for a new Shaivite Hindu temple at Concord Boulevard and Second Street. An estimated 2,000 people attended the Vastu Puja as the temple priest, the local architect and the general contractor placed six bricks comprising the foundation stone in the ground at the northeast corder of the future 7,000 sq.ft. building. “It is there for posterity,” explained Meena Annamalai, director of temple construction. “One of the many things that I love about Concord is its cultural diversity,” said Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer, who was joined at the ceremony by Vice Mayor Tim McGalliam. “I am glad to have this faith community in Concord and look forward to the building dedication.”  

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and His Son, Lord Murugan, who, according to Hindu belief, were known for destroying the sins of ego and arrogance. -GoTop

 

15. bharatiya American Congressman Raja Krishna-moorthi Named Assistant Whip for 116th Congress: Second-term U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., was named an assistant whip for the 116th Congress by Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. “I am honoredto be selected for the assistant whip position,” the Bharatiya-American congressman said in a statement. “This position is integral in rallying my colleagues together to pass important legislation. I look forward to bringing our diverse caucus together so that we can continue to pass legislation that will deliver meaningful results for working families across America.” -GoTop

 

16. bharat-built houses in Sri Lanka handed over to beneficiaries: Over 150 houses, built by Bharat under the Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka, were handed over  to the residents of the country's plantation area on February 24.Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bharatiya High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Sri Lanka's Minister for Hill  country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development Palani  Digambaram, jointly handed over around 155 houses to the beneficiaries  in a special ceremony at Bridwell Estate in Bogawantalawa, Hatton. Wickremesinghe thanked Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi for the development support extended by Bharat. Several Members of Parliament and Central Provincial Council, senior officials from Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), Implementing Agency - Sri Lanka Red Cross, Bogawantalawa Regional Plantation Company and a large number of people from the region attended the function.Sandhu also congratulated the owners of the newly-built independent houses.With a grant of over USD 350 million, the largest Indian grant assistance project in any country abroad, about 47,000 out of 63,000 houses have been built under this Project. -GoTop

 

17. BHARATIYA passport jumps 10 ranks on global index in five years: Bharatiya passport continues to strengthen on the global index as more and more countries are offering visa-free entry and visa on arrival to Bharatiyas. The 2019 Passport Index, which ranks passports of 199 countries based on their Visa-Free Scores and their ranking on the UNDP human development index, shows theBharatiya passport has steadily strengthened over the past five years from 77 in 2015 to 67 in 2019. Last year, it was at 68.Worth mentioning here is that 25 countries now allow visa-free entry to Bharatiya passport holders while 39 more nations offer visa on arrival. -GoTop

 

18. After shock retirement at 23, Missy Franklin finds peace in Hinduism: Learning Hinduism and reading the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata have taken a chunk of Missy Franklin's time ever since the five-time Olympic gold-medallist swimmer announced a shock retirement in December last year.Chronic shoulder pain forced the 23-year-old to call time on her career but on the bright side, it allowed her to do things that she couldn't do as an active athlete.Earlier, she did Yoga for fun but after exploring Hinduism, it became a spiritual experience for the bubbly American, who is majoring in religion at the University of Georgia.

"I have been studying religion for a year now and it is so fascinating and eye opening. I love learning different cultures, people and their faith," Franklinsaid."I think the most beautiful aspect of Hinduism is the idea of Karma and of being good to one another, doing good deeds and how that all comes back to you, how the universe works," said the winner of four gold medals at the London Olympics. -GoTop

 

19.  SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Saumitra ji Gokhale, Vishwa Vibhag samyojak will leave Bharat for pravas to Malaysia, Singapore and Myanmar Visitors: Tapash and Sumitra Pal - Canada

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Asceticism doesn't lie in ascetic robes or in walking staff nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn't lie in the earring nor in the shaven head nor blowing a conch. Asceticism lies in remaining pure amidst impurities. - Guru Nanak Dev. -GoTop

 

JAI SHREE RAM

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FORGOTTEN MINSAR – AN INDIAN HAMLET IN TIBET

 Nidhi Bahuguna  

From Siachin and Aksai Chin to parts of Arunachal Pradesh, from Nehru’s ‘generous’ gift to the Chinese, of our right to be among the UNSC to now Minsar, which once belonged to India, the Nehruvian era is riddled with too many diplomatic gaffe. Minsar cannot be allowed to become a forgotten footnote in the history of India, as India can leverage Minsar as wedge against the Chinese in our diplomacy

Most Indians would be startled to know that there exists a small hamlet in Tibet West of Mount Kailash, which was administered by Ladakh and then by Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) for over 300 years. The hamlet comprising of village of Minsar (Mansar) was part of Kingdom of Ladakh from early Seventeenth Century. The revenue from this region was used for the maintenance of Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra. The first official reference to Minsar is found in the Treaty of Tingmosgang signed between Tibet and Ladakh in 1684, wherein Ladakh was allowed to retain Minsar. When Ladakh became part of J&K, Minsar became part of the State of J&K and consequently, became a part of India when Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to India. The state of J&K regularly collected revenue from Minsar, and its officials periodically visited the village and kept doing so till the 1950s, even after J&K acceded to India. This article is an attempt to enlighten the readers about this forgotten Indian hamlet in Tibetan Plateau, which has gone out of Indian consciousness.

Historically, Minsar was an enclave of the princely state of J&K situated in Tibet. For centuries Minsar was the centre for pilgrims visiting Kailash Mansarovar and revenues of Minsar were used for maintaining the holy sites at Kailash Mansarovar.

The old route to Kailash Mansarovar was from Demchok Village on the border of Ladakh via Minsar, which was closed after the occupation of Tibet by China. The Indian rights to this small town were inherited from the Peace Treaty between Ladakh and Tibet signed in Tingmosgang in 1684. Besides the confirmation of the delimitation of the border between Western Tibet and Ladakh, the Treaty affirmed, “The king of Ladakh reserves to himself the village of Minsar in Ngari-Khor-sum (Western Tibet)”. For centuries, Minsar has been a home for Ladakhi and Kashmiri traders and pilgrims visiting the holy mountain.

A report of ThrinleyShingta, the 7th Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, who spent three months in the area in 1748; makes interesting reading. It states “Administratively, it is established that the next village of Minsar and its surrounding areas are ancient Ladakhi territory. After Lhasa invaded West Tibet in 1684, it was agreed and formally inscribed in the Peace Treaty between Tibet and Ladakh, signed in 1684, that the King of Ladakh retained the territory of Minsar and its neighbourhood as a territorial enclave, in order to meet the religious offering expenses of the sacred sites by Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash.”

For centuries, the inhabitants of Minsar, although surrounded by Tibetan territories, paid their taxes to the kingdom of Ladakh. In the 19th century, when Ladakh was incorporated into Maharaja Gulab Singh’s State, Minsar became de jure and de facto part of the Dogra Empire, which regularly collected taxes from Minsar. The process continued even after Indian independence. The last official to visit the region was RigzenGhagilKalon, a special officer of the Government of J&K. He visited the village in 1950, and his report was subsequently forwarded by the Government of J&K to the Ministry of States New Delhi, informing it about the circumstances under which the Special Officer visited Tibet.

RigzenGhagilKalon’s report titled ‘Village Minsar in Western Tibet’ and dated September 13, 1950, stated that Demchok was the last Village on Indian Border.

The report also mentioned that it took ten days to reach Minsar from Demchok “The village Minsar is situated to the east of Gartok and about 32 miles west of Mount Kailash. It is a broad valley with vast plains in it. There are 68 families with 271 souls of which 120 are males and the rest females and are all adherents of Buddhism.” The report further mentions “I found there a few Garhwal tradesmen who did a lot of propaganda in my favour among the people telling them that I belonged to the National Government of J&K which is a part of India. It proved a great help to me. I asked for the recovery of revenue and the people told me that they had not the least hesitation in paying the amount to the State Government.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) report of 1960 during the Indo China Boundary talks also establishes India’s right over Minsar, “The Indian side had similar records to show that the village of Minsar was from 1684 under the effective administration of the Kashmir Government:

(a) An extract from an original document prepared in about 1862 showing that during the time of Mehta Basti Ram, that is about 1853, a sum of Rs 56 was collected from this village as revenue.

(b) An extract from the tour report of Faqir Chand, Wazir Wazarat of Ladakh in 1905, stating that the village of Minsar belonged to Ladakh and that a sum of Rs 297 was being collected annually as revenue from this village.

(c) The Indian side had shown earlier that the Assessment Report of 1905, the Final Assessment Report of 1908 and the Settlement Officer’s report regarding the amount of revenue payable had all mentioned Minsar also as one of the villages.”

On May 23, 2014, Scoop News reported that the Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), RigzinSpalbar wrote to J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed demanding re-opening of Demchok route wherein he stated that till the 17th century, the Manasarovar Lake and Mount Kailash were part of the Kingdom of Ladakh and the village of Minsar, near the Kailash continued to pay revenues to the J&K State up to 1960. He cited Ven. KushokBakula Rinpoche, then a Minister in J&K Government who in 1954, along with Sonam Khangsar, a judicial clerk of the Leh District Commissioner's Office, visited Kailash/Manasarovar via Demchok; at that time, they collected taxes from the Minsar villagers.

So, how did India give up its rights on Minsar? Claude Apri, who has written extensively about Minsar, Ladakh and Tibet says that in his quest to make Panchsheel successful, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru decided to forego all rights on Principality of Minsar during Indo China Border talks in 1953. Claude Apri states, “Nehru was aware that Minsar had been providing revenue for maintaining the temples around the sacred mountain and the holy Manasarovarlake, but believed that India should unilaterally renounce her rights as a gesture of goodwill towards Communist China.”

He instructed the diplomats negotiating the Panchsheel accord in Beijing, “Regarding the village of Minsar in Western Tibet, which has belonged to the Kashmir State, it is clear that we shall have to give it up if this question is raised. We need not to raise it. If it is raised, we should say that we recognise the strength of the Chinese contention and we are prepared to consider it and recommend it.”

Eventually, Minsar was not discussed at all during the 1954 talks, and therefore, it continues to be legally and constitutionally a part of J&K State of India. No change of boundary was ever ratified in the Parliament via amending Article 1 of the constitution, as was done for the Indian and Bangladeshi Enclaves.

John Bray, President of the International Association of Ladakh Studies, wrote, “the Sino-Indian boundary dispute remains unresolved. Since the 1960s, the attention of the two governments has focused on the demarcation of the frontier and, more recently, on the prospects for mutual trade. The status of Minsar is no more than a minor footnote to these concerns, but one that has still to be cleared up.”

Minsar, besides having a historical and spiritual context for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains in India, raises many unanswered questions. The Legal status of Minsar has never been addressed. The treaty of 1684 has never been formally revoked by ratification in the Parliament, neither the boundary been changed by amending Article 1 of the constitution. Till 1961, MEA was proving its rights over Minsar by providing revenue records, maps and administrative documents to Chinese, but never formally staked a claim. Neither was any compensation demanded giving up Minsar from the Government of China. The issue was never highlighted in public domain inspite of repeated clarifications sought on Minsar by the Member of Parliament from Ladakh constituency since 1982 in the Lok Sabha. Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage holds a very important place in the hearts of Indians. The Yatra at present is either via Nathu La or via Niti pass in Uttarakhand, both being very rigorous and prone to Suspensions due to unfavourable weather conditions.

The reopening of Demchok route has been a constant demand from the people of Ladakh. In the eventuality of the route becoming a reality, the significance of having an Indian enclave in the vicinity of Kailash Mansarovar cannot be overemphasised.

At present, Minsar is situated at southern end of Gar (Gartok) County on national highway 219 in Ngari Prefecture. Its Chinese name is Men-shi which is pronounced something like “Men-sher.” Minsar is separated from India by the width of Zhada (Tsamda) County, also in Ngari Prefecture. The nearest point in India would be the Malari and Niti Passes in Uttarakhand State. India must take up with China the unresolved issue of Minsar. Given its historical and spiritual context, Minsar cannot and should not be allowed to become a forgotten footnote in History of India. (The writer is social media activist associated with Jammu Kashmir study centre, Organiser Weekly 20th February 2019) -GoTop


Shri Vishwa Niketan www.shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com vishwav@bol.net.in