\ SAMVAD संवाद

श्री  विश्व निकेतन SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

Vaishakha Krishna 9, Vik. Samvat 2077, Yugabda 5122:16April, 2020: SM 2002 (For Private Circulation Only)


1. FESTIVALS : Narasinha Jayantee and Buddha Poornimaa 2. LOCKDOWN EXTENDED
3. SAPTAPADI 4. WHO ENVOY PRAISES BHARAT
5. SANITIZATION DRIVE BY SEWA BHARATI PURBANCHAL 6. SEWA BHARATI STARTS PACKING UNIT IN DELHI:
7. RSS DOESN'T FORGET MOST MARGINALISED 8. IMMUNITY BOOSTING MEASURES FOR SELF CARE
9. HINDU COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (HCA) 10 SEWA TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
11. SEWA DAY UK ACTIVITIES 12. INDIAN NATIONAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION INSA UK ACTIVITIES
13. SEWA CANADA INTERNATIONAL FOR STUDENTS IN CANADA 14. BHARAT’S HELPING HAND
15. HSS KENYA ACTIVITIES 16. DEDICATED SEWA INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS KEEP THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE ALIVE
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Article:

RSS SARKARYAVAHA BHAYYA JI JOSHI ON RAMANAVAMI

 

1. FESTIVALS : Narasinha Jayantee and Buddha Poornimaa celebrated on Vaishaakha Shukla Chaturdashee and Poornima are falling on 6th and 7th May respectively this year. Narasinha Jayantee is the manifestation day of Bhagwaan Narasinha, the 4th incarnation of Bhagwaan Vishnu. Vaishaakha Poornima is the day of birth, enlightenment as well as MahaParinirvaana (death) of Bhagwaan Buddha. For seven long years, Siddhaartha roamed in the jungles, underwent severe austerities and finally, on the Vaishaakha Poornima day, the Supreme Light of Realization dawned on him. He thereafter became Buddha, the Enlightened One. Buddha passed into eternity after completing his Sahasra Chandra Darshana i.e. 1000 full moon days (80th year) on the full moon day of Vaishaakha and to this day, Bhagwaan Buddha lives on as a beacon light to billions the world over, who yearn for the peace and well-being of all living creation. -GoTop


2. LOCKDOWN EXTENDED: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi announced on April 14 that the nationwide lockdown necessitated by COVID-19 will be extended till May 3 to slow the spread of the disease.
Informing the people about the 19-day extension on the last day of the earlier lockdown, Pradhan Mantriji said the decision was arrived at after discussions with state chief ministers and experts.
Attempts were being made to ensure farmers, migrant workers and the poor were least affected, he added.
Pradhan Mantriji also said that some districts could see certain relaxations of the lockdown from April 20 depending on the number of cases and their handling.-GoTop


3. SAPTAPADI: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on April 14 gave seven points for the people to follow:
- Take care of elderly in the house, especially those with co-morbidities. They are more vulnerable to contact the virus.
- Please maintain lockdown and social distancing. Use face masks even if it is homemade.
- Try and observe the advisory by Ayush ministry on boosting immunity
- Download the Arogyasetu App and urge others to download too.
- Help the poor, as much as possible.
- Help your colleagues and those working under you. Don't retrench them.
- Respect the medical professionals and all those essential service people working day and night for you.-GoTop


4. WHO ENVOY PRAISES BHARAT: In an interview on April 12, Dr David Nabarro, special WHO envoy on Corona-19, said that Bharat has been able to avert some very large outbreak of Corona virus through the lockdown.“Well, we have been very supportive of the very strong action being taken by the people and the government of Bharat. And although we don’t have the luxury of detailed data, but we do sense that you have been able to avert some very large outbreak through this,” Nabarro said. While talking about the global fight against Covid-19, he said things will get better but it will be a rocky road to get there. -GoTop


5. SANITIZATION DRIVE BY SEWA BHARATI PURBANCHAL: Sewa Bharati Purbanchal is engaged in providing relief to the people during the pandemic Covid-19 in the entire North Eastern Region. Sewa Bharati, along with its resources, members, volunteers and associate organizations, distributed food materials and goods for sanitization at several places covering various districts of Assam. Sewa Bharati Purbanchal is also getting relevant support from the local administration, which helped in the delivery of the relief smoothly. The members and volunteers collected food items and prepared packets of rice, daal, salt, oil, vegetable, soap, sanitizer, face mask, etc. With these packets, the workers reached the targeted families to provide food packets. At some places, volunteers worked to sanitize public places and houses and also worked to maintain social distancing.  -GoTop


6. SEWA BHARATI STARTS PACKING UNIT IN DELHI: Amidst national lockdown following Corona virus, the Sewa Bharati started a grocery kit packing unit at Okhla Industrial Area of South Delhi. Thousands of grocery kits are prepared daily in this packing unit.
Each kit includes 10 kg flour, 2 kg rice, 2 kg pulses, 1 kg sugar, 1-liter oil, tea leaf, garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, noodles and dried milk packets. The staff engaged in preparing these grocery kits wears PPE and follows the protocol to curb Corona infection. The staff working on the floor packing tables follows the proper social distance norm and performs the work completely meeting the WHO standards. The staff members go straight to their house after completing the work and they are forbidden to meet anyone on the way. With this packing unit, the Sewa Bharati volunteers are working to deliver grocery kits to the homes of the needy people in different areas of Delhi. Till April 8, 50,000 ration boxes have been supplied from this unit to the needy people. The cost of one kit is Rs 1100. -GoTop


7. RSS DOESN'T FORGET MOST MARGINALISED: A team of RSS swayamsevaks from local shakha in Mandya district of interior Karnataka arranged the required food packets, ration and other essential items to last for several days and reached the village in Maddur where the migrant families from Tamilnadu were staying. The food packets and other items were distributed among the migrant families and their fears of being neglected were allayed by the swayamsevaks. Since they did not have proper shelter, the RSS swayamsevaks have arranged temporary shelter for these families at Mikkere in Mallavalli Taluk in the district.
A team of RSS swayamsevaks from Mandya reached the place where members of third gender community were staying and arranged for their medical supplies, sanitizers, masks, food and ration. The swayamsevaks also helped them with money to tide over the crisis. The local RSS Karyakartas located the place where the Hakki-Pikki Janajati people were staying and provisioned food, essential items and rations to last for several days. The team led by Umesh Kumar, Mandya Jilla Pracharak ensured that the members concerned are addressed and all items were distributed among the families living here.-GoTop


8. IMMUNITY BOOSTING MEASURES FOR SELF CARE: Ministry of AYUSH recommends the following self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. Recommended Measures I General Measures 1. Drink warm water throughout the day. 2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH (#YOGAatHome #StayHome #StaySafe) 3. Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking. II Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures 1. Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash. 2. Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed. 3. Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day. III Simple Ayurvedic Procedures 1. Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening. 2. Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day. IV During dry cough / sore throat 1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a day. 2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough or throat irritation.
3. These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors if these symptoms persist.-GoTop

 
9. HINDU COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (HCA) through Karma Kitchen and Hindu Benevolent Fund  has come forward with their volunteers and sponsors to help and support the community during this unprecedented crisis and lock down. HCA has established following support activities:
Created online support request form at HCA website
Established 1300 number for all states to contact HCA team for any help viz Provide basic grocery supplies, Support for sourcing some employment, Counseling service for Students, Help in arranging temporary alternative accommodation for the needy. (http://hinducouncil.com.au/new/how-to-get-crisis-help-from-hbf/) -GoTop


10. SEWA TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Sewa Trinidad and Tobago is embarking on several projects as it relates to COVID-19, viz Meals for Medics, Food Packages to about 2000 families, Medical Supplies, Yoga Classes for All at 6 am every morning, Public Education and assistance to farmers in distress due to Carona situation to the tune of TT$ 10,000. -GoTop


11. SEWA DAY UK ACTIVITIES: Sewa Day UK is serving community from day 1 of the Corona pandemic alongwith HSS UK through the campaigns like Help a Neighbour Campaign, Food bank Replenishment, Care for the carer - Providing free cooked meals for Hospitals, Reaching out to all elders/vulnerable in local areas to assist with shopping, medical and any other help and Mental Well-being and outreach - Connecting with all and promote campaigns like 'Share some Joy'.
21 regional groups have been formed with approximately 100 volunteers in each. Over 1400 plus volunteers are participating in Sewa Day activities.
Sewa Day UK is delivering over 2500 meals across the UK to NHS staff, vulnerable people, homeless and people in need. It is also providing volunteers to various organizations in need.
( www.sewaday.org) -GoTop


12. INDIAN NATIONAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION INSA UK ACTIVITIES: INSA (Indian National Students Association) , an organization dedicated to support Bharatiya students has stepped up during this time to provide help and support in association with organizations like Friends of India Society International FISI UK. A national team is manning phones, emails and all social media channels. The Bharatiyas impacted are not only students but also tourists as well as people on other visas currently stranded in UK.
More than 1000 plus queries via social media queries, 450 plus emails and 700 telephone calls at all times have been answered and worked upon. (https://twitter.com/INSAUK/status/1248571951582412802-GoTop


13. SEWA CANADA INTERNATIONAL FOR STUDENTS IN CANADA: Sewa Canada International is helping international students by releasing CAD$ 5,000 of its funds immediately towards its “International Students Aid” project. This work will be carried out by committed network of volunteers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina to serve those in need. The main services are; Food Supplies or Cooked Food & over the counter medications, Guidance/Counselling with help of qualified professionals & practitioners in the community, Health & wellness support. (http://www.sewacanada.com/covid-19-international-students-aid/ ) -GoTop


14. BHARAT’S HELPING HAND: In a bid to support the countries against the Corona virus pandemic, Bharat has approved the first list of 13 countries that will get the first batch of the highly-demanded anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Bharat is going to export 14 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine to more than a dozen countries in three categories: humanitarian aid, aid to neighboring SAARC countries, and commercial orders to countries such as the U.S. and Brazil. PM Narendra Modi has been personally approached by world leaders for HCQ. Earlier, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair M Bolsonaro and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have personally thanked PM Modi for exporting the game-changer-drug HCQ. -GoTop


15. HSS KENYA ACTIVITIES: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Kenya along with Hindu Religious and Service Center HRSC and other social organizations distributed various essential items like buckets, food packets, soap etc to about 1500 families to help Corona affected families in Deep Sea area. -GoTop


16. DEDICATED SEWA INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS KEEP THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE ALIVE - Arun Kankani: These days, it’s quite normal to start the conversation with “We live in strange times, don’t we?” Yes, indeed, we do live in very strange and challenging times.
COVID-19 has caused unprecedented global challenge and has many unique aspects. It’s a global health and economic disaster along with being an invisible and seemingly invincible enemy. The coronavirus has leading authorities and administrations scrambling to find solutions against this novel threat.
It’s during this time of confusion, that Sewa International’s volunteers have once again come together to provide relief, information, and more to the community. I am immensely happy and proud that I work with a dedicated group of volunteers across the 43 Sewa chapters in the USA that have been able to provide much needed services to the community. In less than two weeks, the whole organization was working together effectively in multiple cities across the country. Some of the efforts are highlighted below. (https://www.sewausa.org/covid-19)
Seven helplines in different cities across the country to provide answers and solutions.
More than 15 webinars conducted by renowned doctors, global health experts, family counsellors and legal experts that have been viewed by more than 50,000 people so far.
More than 20,000 masks distributed to first responders, doctors, medical facilities, and hospitals.
Providing services to the seniors including delivering groceries and medicines.
Providing free meals to first responders like police and health worker.
Helping international students by answering their visa questions, providing temporary housing, meals, groceries etc.
During initial brainstorming about relief efforts, we thought that our reach would be limited due to social distancing restrictions. However, as we launched helplines in four cities to cover all time zones, on the very first day we realized the drastic needs of the community that remained unfulfilled. We launched a series of webinars to educate people and answer their questions. On our request, over 20 doctors from the Houston area came forth to volunteer their time and knowledge. The very first webinar was viewed by over 6000+ people. The volume and nature of requests and needs have shaped the plans for providing immediate and long-term relief.
Currently, there is an immediate financial need of $3.5 million nationally that we are fundraising to continue to support our communities at every level during this pandemic. Of course, generous donors may donate directly at the Sewa International USA website (https://www.sewausa.org/Donate) or on Facebook (https://bit.ly/FBDonateSewa ).
As we discussed on how to address the anxiety and fear across the community, we came up with idea of the campaign “Pledge for Service” (‘Sewa Sankalp’) to build confidence which is the antidote to fear. We are now taking up this nationwide campaign, with two main focuses:
Build the confidence within community
Help build the capacity of Dharmic and Sewa organizations in the US to effectively reach out and help their community members.
In next 2 weeks, we are planning to reach out to over 1000 organizations in more than 50 cities with this campaign. I encourage all of you to join hands to fight this pandemic together. Please find more details on www.sewausa.org/sewasankalpa. Our collective conscious and confidence will pave the way for our collective success against this huge challenge.
Knowing the dedication of the team, it is no surprise to me that Sewa International has been recognized by Charity Navigator – the premier nonprofit rating agency – as the number five among the “10 Highly Rated Charities Relying on Private Contributions”. We have, for the last three years, continuously scored the highest rating from Charity Navigator, and have earned perfect scores for our Financial Health, Accountability, and Transparency. Sewa International volunteers work on the time-tested Hindu principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The world is one family”), Sarvejanahsukhinaubhavantu (“May all be happy”), and Nara seva, Narayana seva (“Serving humanity is serving divinity”). Our committed volunteers don’t expect personal recognition or glory. We simply do what needs to be done; we serve. We organize people, collaborate with other organizations and institutions to collectively achieve the results. We truly believe “Together, we serve better”. Recent news reports: (https://abc13.com/6067202/ ) and ( https://abc13.com/blood-of-recovered-covid-patients-could-be-key/6064255/ )

 — Author is Executive Vice President—Sewa International, USA, and Director of Inventory Management Star Pipe Products Inc. (https://www.indiaspora.org/dedicated-sewa-international-volunteers-keep-the-spirit-of-service-alive/) -GoTop


17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Strong immunity is the best way to keep not only corona virus but almost all diseases away and to lead a healthy life without any medicines. Daily yogic exercises and simple home-cooked food are the flights to strengthen our immunity. -GoTop

JAI SHREE RAM

---
RSS SARKARYAVAHA BHAYYA JI JOSHI ON RAMANAVAMI

Today is the festival of Ramnavami. We are celebrating it in a different kind of atmosphere. Lord Rama was the incarnation of God and in his fight against all the evil powers, he protected the values and humanity at that time. Today we are going through a different crisis. The whole humanity across the globe is scared at some places and facing this calamity at other places. This is an infectious disease so the only solution to this problem is to stop the spread of infection. The only way to get rid of this disease is to follow the guidelines given by the doctors and the administration. So, on this pious occasion of Ramnavami, let us all take a resolve to display to the world, how to ride over such challenges in an ideal way.
The swayamsevaks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are actively working to serve the people in this moment of challenge all over the country. To fulfill all the requirements of the society as they are coming up, today thousands of swayamsevaks are standing with society to share the pain. At present, more than one lakh swayamsevaks are involved in different service activities at around 10,000 places. The RSS’ swayamsevaks have reached around 10 lakh families through these initiatives that include providing food, sanitizers and other necessary commodities and helping in hospitals.
I would like to mention a few special initiatives here…
There are many nomadic communities in Maharashtra and they are facing extreme difficulties these days. Sangh’s swayamsevaks have reached out to them to arrange food and other things for them. More than 1000 swayamsevaks donated blood for a particular hospital. The swayamsevaks are also providing refreshments and other necessary things to security personnel, doctors, nurses and other functionaries who are working day and night to provide health services and get the directives for the society implemented. To create awareness, the swayamsevaks are distributing pamphlets in small groups and reaching out to families individually.
What needs our greater attention today is that the condition of migrant workers which go to other states from their home states to work their temporarily is quite serious. Due to lack of trust and insecurity they are trying to go back to their homes.
Their migration, at present, can have a serious fall out. So all of us need to think and ensure that such temporary migrant workers should stay with us. They need to feel reassured that the society is with them and their needs would be taken care of while staying wherever they are. There is a need to build this confidence by working amongst these migrant workers. The RSS’ swayamsevaks are doing that at several places but more efforts need to be put by all in this direction.
Another issue which has come up is that at certain places when people have moved from cities to villages, the village residents are not allowing them to enter due to certain apprehensions. They have their own reasons to do that but my suggestion is that it would be appropriate to conduct the health check up of all such people while entering the villages. At present they have to live temporarily outside the villages. This is also a cause of concern for all of us. We also need to think how we can cooperate and contribute to the efforts of the people involved in providing medical services as well as security personnel. Our workers are also doing that at many places.
We are organisational people and we talk about uniting the society. But at present, the swayamsevaks are staying at home and reciting the ‘Prarthana’. Along with this, efforts are on to build such an environment in family that impart ‘sanskars’ and keep the moral up. This would ensure that all members of the family would keep moving ahead strongly to get out of this crisis. Such ‘Parivar Prabodhan’ initiatives are taking place at several places.
There are still two more weeks to go. I am confident that if we continue to follow the rules, we could be moving towards normalcy after this period. The need of the hour is to take a resolve to follow all these rules and restrictions.
I would like to say one more thing. There is no fixed format of helping others or doing service in such circumstances. So we should look around us and adapt according the need of the people around us. People are ready to help us with money and individual efforts during the current situation.
There are many suggestions coming from several places. People want to know how they can contribute. A feeling of readiness to work with RSS is visible in the society. We should bring all these forces together to work in the best possible way for the society. Our swayamsevaks are already doing it also and they deserve all the praise. Today we understand the extent of the crisis which we are facing but the best things for the society in this time period is to meet this challenge by working hard in a thoughtful manner and with fortitude.
On the occasion of Ramnavami, while remembering Lord Rama, I am confident that we would get out of this crisis. And with this belief I urge all of you to continue to work for next two weeks as you have been doing. We would try that while creating awareness, the society also becomes part of this work. I believe that today the festival of Ramnavami is giving us the message for safety, service and awareness in the society. I once again extend my best wishes to all of you on the occasion of Ramnavami.
(http://rss.org//Encyc/2020/4/2/Mananiya-Sarkaryavah-Bhaiyya-ji-Joshi-s-message-on-Ramnavami.html) -GoTop


SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com



\ SAMVAD संवाद

श्री  विश्व निकेतन SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

Chaitra Shukla 8, Vik. Samvat 2077, Yugabda 5122:1April, 2020: SM 2001 (For Private Circulation Only)


1. FESTIVAL : HANUMAN JAYANTI

2. LET’S RESOLVE TO FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19: DR. BHAGWAT

3. RSS WELCOMES PM MODI’S APPEAL TO FIGHT COVID19

4. "RSS TO TRAIN YOUTH FOR GRAM VIKAS…: BHAYYA JI JOSHI

5. AKHIL BHARATIYA KARYAKARI MANDAL BAITHAK 2020

6. RSS HELPING HAND

7. RAM LALLA SHIFTED TO TEMPARARY STRUCTURE

8. BHARATIYA AMERICANS SET UP HELPLINE FOR COVID 19

9. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: “SAKHA TWAMEVA------ SHRI CHAMANLALJI” : A UNIQUE PERSON WHO WAS MOST HUMBLE


1. FESTIVAL : HANUMAN JAYANTI : Hanuman Jayanti is generally celebrated on Chaitra Purnima, April 8th this year. At some places it is celebrated in the month of Ashwin or Dhanu (in Keral and Tamilnadu). Hanuman, believed to be son of Vayu is a symbol of strength , energy and wisdom and considered as an ideal devotee with his total and ardent devotion to Bhagwan Sri Ram. The festival is celebrated by visiting temples, keeping fast, chanting of hymns like Hanuman Chalisa, listening to discourses and distributing Prasad throughout Bharat and other places. -GoTop

2. LET’S RESOLVE TO FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19: DR. BHAGWAT : “The beginning of this New Year coincides with a huge and serious crisis of Coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the entire world. Bharat is also not free from its impact and is taking part in this battle to defeat this virus attack. The RSS swayamsevaks have a responsibility in this battle and as this festival is a day of resolve in our tradition, we have to take a pledge to make nationwide efforts to curb the Coronavirus a success. We have to do our work and while doing so we must rightly fulfill the social responsibilities too”, appealed RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat. In his televised message issued in Nagpur on the occasion of Varsh Pratipada, March 25 which is incidentally, the birth anniversary of RSS Founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Dr. Bhagwat said flexibility has been the unique quality of the RSS and the Sangh conducts all its activities irrespective of circumstances.  Invoking Dr. Hedgewar and giving the example of the two bans the RSS experienced in 1948 and 1975, he said that adhering to the nationwide lockdown declared from the midnight of March 25, Sangh work can be taken forward in a smooth way. The Swayamsevaks can gather in their society or apartment and perform ‘Prarthana’ in a small group of 5-7 people, even with their family members. Under extraordinary circumstances, we’ve to adopt these types of new and extraordinary styles and conduct the Shakhas hitherto with the essential things such as coming together, performing Prarthana, he said. (See it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gofpEUZ-5qE ) GoTop

3. RSS WELCOMES PM MODI’S APPEAL TO FIGHT COVID19: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh welcomes the appeal of the Hon'ble Pradhan Mantri to the nation regarding efforts in fight against #Covid19. In a statement issued by RSS Sarkaryavah Bhayya ji Joshi, he appealed to all the swayamsevaks to follow the mantra of ‘Sankalp and Samyam’- Determination and Restraint - and Support all the initiatives of the Centre and the State Governments including Janata Curfew on March 22 to ensure that they are successful. GoTop

4. "RSS TO TRAIN YOUTH FOR GRAM VIKAS…: BHAYYA JI JOSHI said in the Press Conference on March 16 after annulment of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratidhi Sabha. Bhayya Ji Joshi, Sarkaryavaha RSS said that this is the first time in the history of RSS that an Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha ABPS was cancelled voluntarily. ABPS was not held only when Sangh was banned by the government. Since 1951 there was no break in annual ABPS. This time it had to be cancelled due to the pressing situation. Today Sangh work is present in 70,000 villages, towns, and urban areas. Daily 62,500 shakhas at 39,000 places. 28,500 weekly and monthly milans are held at 25,000 places. Periodic events organized by karyakartas are held at another 10,000 places. There has been an increase of 3,000 shakhas and increase in other periodic meets by 4,000. A total of 15,000 participated in the Sangh Siksha Vargas conducted all over the country. The Vargas have been divided into two groups with age between 15-45 and 45-65. -GoTop

5. AKHIL BHARATIYA KARYAKARI MANDAL BAITHAK 2020: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal Baithak of RSS ar Bengaluru passed three resolutions on the important current topics besides deliberating on some other important issues.
Sarkaryavaha Bhayya ji Joshi also announced some organizational changes at the concluding session of the baithak on 14th March. Some of them are, Shri Sunil Ambekar, formerly Akhil Bharatiya sangathan mantri of ABVP will be Akhil Bharatiya sah prachar pramukh while Shri Shyamkumar, current kshetra pracharak of Dakshin Madhya (Andhra Telangana Karnatak) kshetra will be Akhil Bharatiya sah Dharma Jagaran pramukh.
In its Resolution 1 titled ‘Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 - Moral and Constitutional obligation of Bharat’, the ABKM congratulated the Parliament of Bharat and Union government for passing the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 to simplify the process of granting citizenship of Bharat to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who came to Bharat due to religious persecution in the neighbouring Islamic states of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
It observed that the minorities who stayed back in these countries faced continuous incidents of religious persecution, grabbing of their properties and atrocities on women as a result of which they were forced to flee to Bharat in large numbers. This was despite several assurances and agreement like Nehru Liaquat Ali pact for protecting minorities in respective countries. The resolution mentioned that it became the moral and constitutional obligation of the Bharatiya society and government of Bharat to protect the interests of these persecuted minorities. ABKM noted that large numbers of people who were deprived of their right to citizenship due to procedural complexities till today and continued to live in an environment of uncertainty and fear, will live a life of dignity after passing of this amendment.
The ABKM also noted that the amendment is not for taking away the citizenship of any citizen of Bharat. However, by creating an atmosphere of imaginary fear and confusion in the minds of a section of people, the jihadi-Left combine with the support of selfish political parties and some foreign forces are making nefarious efforts to spread violence and anarchy across the country. The ABKM demanded the Governments concerned take appropriate action against such forces and appealed to the society and the vigilant and responsible leadership to play an active role to create an amicable atmosphere in the country.
In resolution 2 titled, ‘Extending the Constitution of Bharat as a whole to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its reorganization – A laudable step’, the ABKM wholeheartedly welcomed the extension of the Constitution of Bharat as a whole to the State of Jammu and Kashmir followed by the decision to make Article 370 ineffective through the Constitutional orders by the Honourable President and approval of the same by both the houses of the Parliament. It also hailed the decision to reorganize the state into two Union Territories, namely Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh as a commendable step.
ABKM noted that the recent decisions and their implementation would nullify the Constitutional and political anomalies created in the state and that it is in accordance with the Concept of Bharat “One nation- One People“, while it has also fulfilled the desire of the Constitution makers expressed in the Preamble 'We the People.......’ .
The resolution stated that the reorganization of the state has opened up new vistas for the social and economic development of all sections of the society in the three regions.
The reorganization of the state has addressed the long-time aspirations of the people of the Ladakh region, paving the way for its comprehensive development. It also mentioned the role played by Satyagrahis of the Praja Parishad Andolan and the nationalist forces from rest of the country, under the leadership of Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Prem Nath Dogra and remembered those including thousands of personnel from the Army and security forces who have shown their bravery and commitment to defend the national unity and sovereignty and even made supreme sacrifice.
In resolution 3 titled ‘The Construction of Mandir at Ram Janmasthan— a symbol of national pride’, the ABKM opined that the unanimous verdict of the Honourable Supreme Court has cleared all the hurdles for the construction of a majestic Mandir at the Ram Janmasthan, Ayodhya in accordance with the aspirations of the entire nation.
ABKM hailed the verdict of the honourable Supreme Court on November 9, 2019 in the Ram Janmasthan issue as a momentous verdict in the judicial history and complemented the honourable Supreme Court for this historic verdict.
It also noted that no section of the society has taken the verdict as a sign of its victory or defeat instead, accepted it as the victory of the nation, justice and the Constitution and congratulated all the citizens of the nation for their mature response to the verdict.
The ABKM mentioned that ‘The struggle for Sri Ram Janmasthan Mandir’ is unique amongst the greatest and protracted struggles in world history. Lakhs of Ram Bhakts have sacrificed their lives in the course of this continuous struggle since 1528. At times, this struggle was inspired by some great men and at other times, it was spontaneous. The legal battle that had begun in 1950, and the mass movement that began in 1983, continued till their successful conclusion. This greatest movement in the world history has reached the pinnacle of success through the tireless and dedicated efforts of a host of great men. The ABKM paid rich tributes with gratitude to all those known and unknown martyrs on this occasion.
ABKM also congratulated the Central government and the present political leadership for winning the trust of all sections with patience and fortitude. It also noted that, in accordance with the direction of the Supreme Court and the sentiments of Rambhakts, the constitution of a new trust namely, ‘Sri Ram Janmabhumi Teerth Kshetra’ as a society-driven trust instead of making it government controlled one and confining the role of the government to that of a facilitator and termed it as farsightedness of the government.
The ABKM fervently hoped that the Nyas will speedily complete the task of building this grand and divine Mandir at the Ram Janmsthan. It also said that it is certain that, along with the process of completion of the sacred mandir, the dignity, social harmony, the sense of integrity and the urge to emulate the noble ideals of life of Maryada Purushottam Ram will grow in the society and Bharat. -GoTop

6. RSS HELPING HAND: With the outbreak of the Corona virus pandemic, several states and cities in the entire country have been locked down since 25th March and Doctors and nurses are working round the clock to provide service to the affected; RSS Swayamsevaks have been involved in service in several places across the country.
In Madhya Pradesh, RSS Swayamsevaks sanitized an entire village. Swayamsevaks also provided free food to poor and needy people at Gokuldas Dharamshala in Jabalpur. In Bengaluru, swayamsevaks distributed kits of essential items through 23 distribution centres.
In Kerala, RSS Swayamsevaks and Sevabharati Volunteers joined hands with the Police and Fire Services in cleaning the premises of Hospitals and to disinfect the town. They also aided in clearing the garbage in Kothamangalam, Kodungallur areas in Kerala.
In Delhi, along with Seva Bharti Delhi, karyakartas are feeding thousands of homeless and needy peopleat over 75 distribution centers. -GoTop

7. RAM LALLA SHIFTED TO TEMPARARY STRUCTURE: The Ram Lalla at Ayodhya was shifted to a temporary new location on early morning of March 25 in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, clearing the site to allow construction of a Ram temple. The deity was shifted in a palanquin from the makeshift temple on an auspicious time decided by priests. The chief minister was among four people who carried this palanquin to new location which is few metres from the existing makeshift temple.
The Ram Lalla was placed on a 9.5-kg silver throne in the new structure where the Murty would remain till the construction of the Ram temple is completed. Adityanath donated Rs 11 lakh for the construction of the Ram temple. A few senior leaders of RSS and VHP were present on the occasion. -GoTop

8. BHARATIYA AMERICANS SET UP HELPLINE FOR COVID 19: Sewa International, a leading Bharatiya -American non-profit organization, has released $10,000 to run its 24X7 helpline and coronavirus awareness campaign through a team of 20 physicians. It has also established various chapters across the country who are working with the Bharatiya embassy and consulates to help families obtain visas to travel to Bharat in emergency situations.
Several eminent Bharatiya -American groups in the US have set up helplines and deployed volunteers to help community members, including a large number of Bharatiya students. .
Federation of Indian-American Associations of Georgia is working with all universities across Georgia and Alabama to help students. Telugu Association of North America (TANA) has established a COVID-19 helpline for the affected students . -GoTop


9. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A half-an-hour Bhagavad Gita session to start the workday helps keep employees calm, at a time when there is a rising mental stress amid the Covid-19 outbreak. – Ajit Menon, the group human resource head at the Dalmia Bharat Group.-GoTop

JAI SHREE RAM
---
“SAKHA TWAMEVA------ SHRI CHAMANLALJI”
A UNIQUE PERSON WHO WAS MOST HUMBLE
SHYAM PARANDE

Ma. Chamanlalji’s train to Mumbai was delayed by some 11 hours and instead of leaving New Delhi Station at 5=00 pm the train was rescheduled to leave around 4=00 am next day morning. Omprakash Surya who generally accompanies the Adhikaries to railway station and airports to see them off, requested Chamanlalji that he would drop him early in the morning just before the train leaves, as it would be extreme cold all through the night. Chamanlalji told him that this would disturb Omprakash’s sleep that night and insisted that they drop him at the railway station right before 12=00 in the night. The driver of the car also requested that it would be quite convenient for them to drop him to the station early in the morning. Chamanlalji told Omprakash, “aap kee neend kharab ho jayegi, wah theek nahi hoga. Mujhe aap abhee station pahuncha deejiye. (Drop me to the station right now otherwise your sleep would be disturbed if you drop me to the station in the morning.)” To the driver he replied, “aap kaa bachcha abhee chhota hai, uski aapne adhik chinta karani chhahiye, meri nahi.” (You must take care of your young child and not me.) Ma. Chamanlaji reached railway station right then and sat on a bench all through the night in the extreme cold climate waiting for the train from Amritsar.
This was typical Chamanlalji and no one else can do so. You ask anyone who has spent some time with him and he would come up with some such experience. Little would have he anticipated that the exposure to cold climate would result into fatal pneumonia so soon. But he cared for others more than he cared for his own health. Anybody would have thought of having a short sleep in the karyalaya instead of spending hours together in that cold at the railway station. And that too at the age of 83.
Soon after the cremation at the Nigambodh Ghat on 10th February, a senior Karyakarta walked up to me exclaiming, “you have lost the guide”. Yes, indeed Chamanlalji was a guide to all of us since I landed in Jhandewala few years ago. But I could not receive the words with much ease and I replied, “yes, we have lost the guide, but more than that a “sakhaa” (closest friend). It was not me alone who realized this then. I could see and read every face present there that expressed so.
I was generally surprised and even shocked to see my younger colleagues and others almost issuing Chamanlalji sort of dictates that he would accept most pleasantly. They even used to tell him what he should eat and what not, when he should have rest and when he should meet people and when not. They used to do this keeping his age and health in consideration, out of great respect to him. Once in a while he would refuse to accept them though most politely. But the surprise and shock caused earlier dissolved away soon as I could realize that he is being “dictated” out of love and they regarded him very much from the bottom of their hearts and that he became their “Sakhaa”. “Twameva Mata cha, Pitaa twameva, twameva Bandhushcha Sakhaa twameva” - he was all in one.
Chamanlaji was not well a month back and a colleague asked him not to venture out while he was walking out of Jhandewala karyalaya. Chamanlalji had just then recovered out of fever. He replied, “Do not stop me now. I am doing OK. I have to accomplish many tasks before I stop.” I relished the comment. I thought this person is going strong at 82 and might continue to actively work for another decade at least. Destiny was otherwise, it seems.
The frail body that turned out 16 man-hours a day at the age of 82 was embodiment of “activity”. People used to throng his room right from morning till late night but he never got irritated or refused anybody, patiently listening to everybody. Ever smiling, everyone was welcome to open their minds or share their woos or joy. Whether he be a Swayamsevak of Sangh or not. Visitors might have observed him constantly talking on telephone, sometime at great length. His ‘sampark’ (contact) was unfathomable. He helped everyone who came to him, and that too selflessly. People from all walks of life respected him and talked of him in noble words. Subramanyam Swami, the political maverick had an intense relationship with Chamanlalji during the Emergency period in 1975-76 as Chamanlalji was instrumental in sneaking him out of the country. Swamy used to tell him that he is “right person in wrong organization”.
He had a tremendous reach with people at all levels and capacity to handle them with love and calm sweet words, motivating them to devote their time, effort and wealth for the good of the larger society. His grasp of things was very clear and memory excellent for the names. His collection of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all the people who called on him might be larger than many others put together. You ask for some details and his bundles of diaries would provide them. Any missing detail of some person would come handy out of the diaries. His diaries are full of details about senior Sangh karyakartas visit to Delhi and it would not be exaggeration to maintain that a researcher can compile his thesis out of his diaries.
Chamanlalji was a life member of a government sponsored national security research agency and attended all the meetings of the body. He was always worried about national security and the lapses and loopholes therein. Security experts in that agency observed his attending the meetings and his simple & humble approach won their hearts, which they expressed often. He used to study the national security journals assiduously and absorbed them as much as he can. He has collected many vital documents on national security and Kashmir issue was top on his mind all the time.
Jhandewala Mata Mandir is one of the most visited shrines in Delhi and two decades ago this Mandir was in total disarray. Chamanlalji’s contribution in reorganizing the whole system is most significant and today the Mandir is one of the best well maintained and cleanest in the city of Delhi and looks just glorious. One can understand the respect that he commanded in the Mandir when one accompanies this person in pajama kurta as one and all bowed before him in highest esteem.
The grandeur and magnificence of Jhandewala karyalaya today can be contributed to this single person though others have joined hands with him in retaining the site and rebuilding the structures that stand over there. He handled the political challenges with utmost care to overcome the ‘Byzantine’ issues involved. His association with this karyalaya since its inception cannot be gauged in terms of words for he started in a humble hut over there and was aware of the minute details of the campus since then.
Some people used to joke on his habits and his Spartan way of life that Chamanlalji enjoyed thoroughly. He never squeezed his clothes before drying because that would damage the cloth and reduce the life to clothes, he believed. He never got them ironed and these were the issues that people commented on him. He used to keep his washed clothes on the chair, neatly folded, so that people would sit on them to press them and the visitors who are not aware of this would always shy away from sitting over the clothes until this is explained to them.
Chamanlalji had established his contacts with people who matter abroad and the present Prime Minister of Mauritius Shri Aneerudh Juganath is one amongst them. Whenever someone travels to Mauritius from Delhi, he would not miss to send a pack of sweets with the traveler to Shri Juganath. The sweet memories of their relationship rekindled. Sir Jugnath was probably to first send his condolence message as soon as he received the news of Chamanlalji’s demise.
He inspired a great number of people to join Sangh in various ways and his relationship with the Swayamsevaks abroad is one shining example of his ‘sampark’ right since the inception of activity abroad. He is the first person to handle the Sangh activity in other countries through his letters and notes. The letters that he has jotted down inspired many and his letters were seen as a ‘million dollar bill’ by many as they received these once in a while. Karyakartas like Shri Chetan Meraniji and Shri Shrikrishna Auplishji were inspired by him to take premature retirement and join hands with him for handling the Vishwa Vibhag activity. Sangh methodology (karya-paddhati) need not be explained to his associates as they could observe and learn that through his actions and deeds. However, he toured Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, UK, France, the Netherlands, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. His diaries noted all the details of the Swayasevaks from abroad including their profession, their families and names of the members that would make them intimate with him. Chamanlalji avoided touring out of the country encouraging younger pracharaks and karyakartas to tour. He would introduce various pracharaks and karyakartas to the visitors from abroad and would comment at the end, “yeh kabhi aapke desh aaye to inkee chinta karna”. People used to laugh this comment off but the message used to be very subtle to the visitors and the hosts. Expansion of Sangh activity abroad in as many countries was foremost on his mind. His joy would writ large on his face whenever a visitor from a country where there is no Sangh contact visited Jhandewala. He would call us all and introduce the visitor of course bringing to his notice that some Sangh activity is most warranted in that country. He had a singular agenda, as a matter of fact, whenever we discussed the Vishwa Sangh Shibir issue. He would almost force us, though very gently, to think about the participation from new countries and set target for the expansion. So has Sangh activity grown and expanded also and within a span of three VSSs from 1990 to 2000 the activity has expanded from 16 countries to 38 countries. He had a contemporary in Ma. Shri Laxmanrao Bhideji, whom we lost in early 2001, in building the Sangh activity abroad as Shri Bhideji traveled to all those countries while Chamanlalji handled the establishment affairs in Bharat.
Once a group of Swayamsevaks from Myanmar was on tour of Bharat and brought a introductory letter from Shri Mangal Senji from Rangoon. Chamanlaji received them at the New Delhi Railway station and carried their baggage all the way to his car. While the visitors were about to get into car, one of them inquired, “Chamanlalji was supposed to receive us at the station, where is he?” They were astonished when they were told that the person who carried their baggage was none other than Chamanlalji.
This was a usual experience to visitors from abroad and not in isolation. He used to await the visitors at the airport for long hours and then drive them to the city himself, help them move about the city and introduced them to Sangh Adhikaries and other dignitaries.
Chamanlalji provided contacts to Swayamsevaks and others traveling out of Bharat and talked to them in details about the situation in the countries they are about to visit, the contacts in those countries and the dos & don’ts that the traveler should follow. The recipient would be amazed to learn the details from him who seldom left the shores of Bharat. That was beyond their imagination to receive the guidance in such finer details.
Born in a small town near Sialkot in West Punjab on 25th March 1920, Chamanlalji completed his postgraduate studies in life science to be a Sangh pracharak instead of pursuing a career. His association with Sangh started while he was a student still and he never looked back since then. He was a pracharak in Himachal Pradesh for a stint and used to narrate his adventures in the Himalayan ranges. They were the days when there were feeble transportation systems available and he had to walk days together in the mountainous terrain. His memories of his trek to Lahaul & Spiti then were just scintillating and amused us all as it was all through the cold climate of Himalayas.
He was then sent to Lahore for couple of years to handle the karyalaya affairs before he had to be shifted to Delhi during the partition days of 1947. He contributed his most to rescue the Hindus who were being forced out of West Punjab during those tragic days and to settle them in the city of Delhi and otherwise. We received people who used to elaborate on those days and their escape from Muslim hordes during the partition and how they received the helping hand from the “saint of Jhandewala”, the term they used jovially to pay their respect to Chamanlalji. P. P. Sarsanghchalak Ma. Sudarshanji felicitated him in Amritsar on 29th January 2003 for his courageous contribution in helping the Hindu samaj during partition.
P.P Sri Guruji and Ma. Madhavraoji Muley influenced Chamanlalji most and his reverence to two would be eloquent whenever he talked about them. He used to receive Sri Guruji at the railway station or airport and would drive him to Shri Lala Hansrajji Gupta’s residence. These were the moments of bliss for him while he drove Sri Guruji and felt very much elated. His preserves of Sri Guruji’s bauddhiks, narrations, letters, newspaper clippings, and memoirs are probably the largest and very worthy archive. He preserved all these in good faith to be handed over to the future generations who miss prophesies of the spiritual giant that Sri Guruji was. He was witness to the mammoth reception that Sri Guruji received soon after the first ban in 1949 and tried to capture the historic moments in his memoirs. The cassettes in the form of spools on Sri Guruji’s bauddhiks are something that we would have missed had not he preserved them. He also preserved the memories and diaries of Shri Muleyji, who was a guide for Chamanlalji during the partition days and later while Shri Muleyji was Sarkaryawah.
The library and archive that he has created together with his senior Shri Ram Singhji Thakur is a treasure house of information and probably the best collection of books that Sangh has, whether it be the partition days, first ban on RSS or the ban during the Emergency, the Ayodhya movement and every other campaign that Sangh has gone through. Many of the precious documents were lost during the Emergency days while the Jhandewala karyalaya was sealed by the government of the day. Still the archive has enough for the generations to read and research on Sangh and Hindu society through those turbulent times.
Chamanlalji had planned his tour this time around to facilitate the education of a student from the Rajguru Parivar of Thailand in Tamil Nadu and on way was camping in Keshav Srushthi Mumbai for attending the World Council of Elders of Ancient Traditions. He was overjoyed to see the congregation of Elders of indigenous traditions converging on Mumbai and this being organized by Sangh that too by younger karyakartas. He expressed his joy whenever he can and in whatever way he can these days. It was a fulfillment of his dream most probably to see the flowering of his dream of bringing likeminded people from all over the world together, regardless of their faith and lineage.
Though his end came sudden in the city of Mumbai on 10th February 2003, he was a satisfied soul. That he expressed himself seeing the younger generation pracharaks and karyakartas carrying the baton ahead and that too efficiently. Most of his younger generation karyakartas, like Dr. Shankarji Tatwawadi, Dr. Yashwantji Pathak, Shri Ravi Kumarji, were by his side while he breathed his last then. Ma. Madan Dasji visited Bhakti Vedant Hospital where Chamanlalji was admitted.
The frugal person attracted many and influenced the top leadership of the day, was evident as the Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, Dy. PM Shri L. K. Advani and a host of their cabinet Ministers paid their homage at the Jhandewala. Vice President of Bharat Shri Bhairo Singh Shekhawat and P. P. Sarsanghchalak Ma. Shri Sudarshanji were present at Nigambodh ghat in Delhi on 11th February to attend his last rites. (Birth Centenary of Ma. Chamanlalji was on 25th March 2020) -GoTop


SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com