\Samvad

Bhadrapad Shukla 10, Vik. Samvat 2078, Yugabda 5123 : 16 September 2021:SM 3012 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: PITRU PAKSHA 2. ‘FOR US EVERY BHARATIYA IS HINDU’ – DR MOHAN BHAGWAT
3.TOP US ENVOY MEETS DR MOHAN BHAGWAT 4. SWAMI VIVEKANAND AWAKENED SELF-RESPECT: SHANTA AKKA JI
5. BHAKTI MOVEMENT KEPT SPIRIT ALIVE IN TIMES OF SLAVERY: PM NARENDRA MODI 6. MESSAGE OF PUJANEEYA SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT ON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF 125TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF PUJYA SHRI BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA, THE FOUNDER OF ISKCON
7. CONDEMNING DISMANTLING GLOBAL HINDUTVA CONFERENCE 8. INK CONFERENCE: RENOWNED EXPERTS CHALLENGE HINDUPHOBIA AND MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT HINDUTVA
9. SWASTIKA ISSUE: VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT AGREES TO EDIT REFERENCES OBJECTED BY HINDU COMMUNITY 10. HSS DALLAS: TRIBUTE TO 9/11 VICTIMS
11. GANESH PUJA OVERSEAS 12. US PRESIDENT COMMENDS SEWA INTERNATIONAL
13. UK UNVEILS STATUE HONOURING BATTLE OF SARAGARHI 14. VIDYA BHARATI ALUMNUS WON TOKYO PARALYMPICS SILVER
15. LADAKH'S DORJE ANGCHUK INDUCTED AS HONORARY MEMBER OF IAU 16. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND LANGUAGES SHOULD COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER FOR A FAVOURABLE IMPACT – DR. VIJAY BHATKAR
17. ISRO RELEASES CHANDRAYAAN-2 DATA AS SPACECRAFT COMPLETES 2 YEARS IN LUNAR ORBIT 18. NEPAL SANGH-SEWA ACTIVITIES
19. NEWLY BUILT HOUSES FOR THE BHAINSA VICTIMS HANDED OVER BY SEVA BHARATI 20. 1500-YEAR-OLD REMAINS OF GUPTA ERA TEMPLE FOUND IN UP
21. COURSE ON SARASWATI RIVER AT KURUKSHETRA UNIVERSITY 22. THREE BHARATIYA INSTITUTES IN TOP 400 IN WORLD
23. BHARAT NOW THIRD LARGEST STARTUP ECOSYSTEM IN WORLD 24. HANSA NEW GENERATION (NG) AIRCRAFT, DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED BY CSIR-NAL, SUCCESSFULLY MAKE ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT
25. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: 26. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Article: UNIVERSAL HINDUTVA: THE ETERNAL HINDU RASHTRA

1. FESTIVALS: PITRU PAKSHA -Pitru Paksha (Sanskrit: पितृ पक्ष, Pitṛ pakṣa; lit. "fortnight of the ancestors") is a 16–lunar day period in Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors (Pitrs). The period is also known as Pitri Paksha/Pitr-Paksha, Pitri Pokkho, Sorah Shraddha, Kanagat, Jitiya, Mahalaya Paksha and Apara Paksha. This year Pitru Paksha is from 20 September to 6 October.

According to sacred Hindu epics, the spirits leave Pitriloka and reside in their descendants' homes during this period. Hindus propitiate their ancestors in this period. Pitru Paksha emphasises the fact that the ancestors, the current generation and their next unborn generation are connected. -GoTop

2. ‘FOR US EVERY BHARATIYA IS HINDU’ – DR MOHAN BHAGWAT -RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat has stated that our beloved motherland and rich heritage form the basis of unity in this country.
While delivering an address in a seminar titled “Nation First, Nation Supreme” in Mumbai organized by Pune based Global Strategic Policy Foundation on 5th September he said that Hindus and Muslims in Bharat have common ancestors and the word Hindu is synonymous with the rich heritage brought to us by our motherland, ancestors and the culture. In this context every Bharatiya is Hindu for us whatever might be their religious, linguistic, racial orientation. Hindu is not a word that denotes any race, religion or linguistic identity. Dr Bhagwat also said that we will have to ensure that we think of dominance of Bharat and that coming and being together is inevitable for prosperous Bharat and for the progress of the motherland. -GoTop

3.TOP US ENVOY MEETS DR MOHAN BHAGWAT -Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Delhi Atul Keshap called on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on 7th September for a “courtesy call”.
Keshap tweeted about the meeting and said, “Good discussion with @RSSorg Shri Mohan Bhagwat about how Bharat’s tradition of diversity, democracy, inclusivity, and pluralism can ensure the vitality and strength of a truly great nation.” -GoTop


4. SWAMI VIVEKANAND AWAKENED SELF-RESPECT: SHANTA AKKA JI -Speaking on the occasion of “Visista Nagrik Sabha" in Silchar on 11th September as a part of the year-long celebration of "Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav", Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti Shanta Akka Ji said that Swami Vivekanand had established the superiority of the concerns of Hindutva and its ideology in the entire world and awakened the lost self-respect of Bharatiyas. She further said that Bhagwan Ram gave us the message of "Janani Janmabhoomi Swargadapi Gariyasi", which means Mother and Motherland is above all.

Bengali translation of the book 'Pathdarshini Sri Ram Katha" written by Sevika Samiti founder Lakshmibai Kelkar was also released by Shanta Akkaji. Dr. Smita Bhattacharjee talked about the purport of "Pathdarshini Sri Ram Katha". -GoTop

5. BHAKTI MOVEMENT KEPT SPIRIT ALIVE IN TIMES OF SLAVERY: PM NARENDRA MODI -Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi released a special commemorative coin of Rs 125 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
While speaking on the occasion he said that in the times of slavery during medieval period, it was the Bhakti movement that kept the spirit of Bharat alive and the country managed to protect its identity.
He said that Bhakti connected the creature with God by removing the discrimination of faith, social hierarchies and privileges and tied the society with the spirit of devotion and gave the mantra of ‘Faith to Confidence’.
The PM’s remarks were read in the context of the role of Bhakti saints with their message of egalitarianism and focus on non-ritualistic devotion, considered by many to have played a part in stopping conversions after the Islamic conquests. -GoTop

6. MESSAGE OF PUJANEEYA SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT ON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF 125TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF PUJYA SHRI BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA, THE FOUNDER OF ISKCON:
Pujya Sri Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Conciousness), a bhakti-based worldwide movement, has spread Krishna Bhakti in a very beautiful and joyful form throughout the world in modern times. Following the Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam tradition of Sanatan Dharma, he respiritualized the entire world through his discourses, writings and followers. On the auspicious occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, I offer humble salutations to the holy memory of Pujya Shri Prabhupada who paved the way for the social and spiritual upliftment of humankind with the aim of ‘Krunvanto Vishwamaryam’ (‘Let us ennoble this world’). May the spiritual stream of devotion, sacrifice, love and service inspired by Gitaacharya Shri Krishna keep flowing incessantly this is the prayer at the feet of Krishna.
- Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, RSS  -GoTop

7. CONDEMNING DISMANTLING GLOBAL HINDUTVA CONFERENCE: Condemning the ‘Dismantling Global Hindutva’ conference in the USA, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA has said that such events amplify Hinduphobia, encourage Hindu hate, and incite violence against the community in the West and urged the co-sponsors to withdraw their institutional support to such programmes and stop targeting the minorities.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK too vehemently condemned the conference, which was designed to project Hindus disproportionately and falsely as purveyors of extremism, denies the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Hindu people and most troubling, labels those who disagree as followers of Hindutva which it defines as Hindu extremism.
Hindu YUVA, university student’s organisation in USA, expressed deep concern about the conference, the latest event exemplifying the direct attacks on the religious identity of Hindu students and strongly denounced an effort to promote Hinduphobia, Hindu hate, and violence against Hindus. Hindu YUVA said that they stand in support of the Hindu students, faculty, and staff at university campuses. -GoTop

8. INK CONFERENCE: RENOWNED EXPERTS CHALLENGE HINDUPHOBIA AND MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT HINDUTVA: Speaking at the international conference on “Understanding Hindutva and Hinduphobia”, renowned experts on history and religious studies have challenged the misleading campaigns that malign Hindu culture and cause Hinduphobia. Elucidating the concept of Hindutva, Bengaluru based historian, Dr Vikram Sampath, said “Those who criticise Hindutva understand neither its historical evolution nor its progressive qualities. Hindutva is application of universal principles of Hinduism”. Professor Makarand Paranjape from JNU, Delhi explained the origins of Hinduphobia and explored the main causes for its propagation. Award winning scholar and professor of History at Shawnee State University, Prof Lavanya Vemsani examined the reasons for the abstraction from the reality by prejudiced scholars regarding Hindutva.
2500 people from over 50 countries across the globe joined the conference and actively participated and asked questions. The conference was organized on 4th September virtually by India Knowledge Consortium (INK), a global organisation of academics who are interested in research about Bharat. -GoTop

9. SWASTIKA ISSUE: VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT AGREES TO EDIT REFERENCES OBJECTED BY HINDU COMMUNITY: After a consolidated response by the united Hindu community in Victoria, the state government has agreed to edit its Hate crime reference website. A joint letter was sent by the Hindu Council of Australia to Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews along with Multicultural Minister Ros Spence and Justice Minister.
After this letter, government agreed to edit the webpage with reference to the Swastika issue and include the Hindu community in further negotiations. Australian Hindu Temples Council released a press statement which explained the concerns of the Hindu community. An online community consultation was also organized. It was attended by MP Jason Wood, Victorian Deputy Leader of the Opposition Hon David Southwick MP, and Victorian Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Craig Ondarchie MP. It was agreed by all parties that the new legislation that the Victorian government is looking to introduce to ban the Nazi symbol must allow for religious use in religions such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism and proper education should be programmed to educate the community. -GoTop

10. HSS DALLAS: TRIBUTE TO 9/11 VICTIMS: HSS Dallas team joined different prayer meets organized by cities like McKinney, Frisco and Flower Mound city to pay their tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11.
The meets were organized by various departments like McKinney Fire Department. US Congressman Van Taylor was also present at the occasion. -GoTop

11. GANESH PUJA OVERSEAS: Rangsit University, Thailand hosted 3rd RSU International Ganesh Festival on 10-12 September at Rangsit University Campus Students Centre. Shree Ashis Roy Chowdhury, Second Secretary (Consular), Embassy of Bharat joined with his spouse as Chief Guest. Prominent people of Thai and Bharatiya community in Thailand joined the auspicious occasion.
Thousands of devotees joined the festival activities virtually. The Thai and Bharatiya community generously contributed and provided wholehearted support in making this landmark event a resounding success.
Hindu YUVA at University of Texas, Austin also celebrated its annual Ganesh Puja with over 100+ attendees from students at UT Austin. -GoTop


12. US PRESIDENT COMMENDS SEWA INTERNATIONAL: Giving a pat of appreciation on the back of Sewa International for it's massive service during COVID-19 and post COVID-19, US President Joe Biden, in a letter of

appreciation thanked the organisation for its contribution during the Month of Action to get friends, neighbors and loved ones vaccinated and protected against the deadly coronavirus. Sewa International in its tweet thanked Biden for recognizing its efforts. -GoTop

13. UK UNVEILS STATUE HONOURING BATTLE OF SARAGARHI: To commemorate the fallen heroes of the Battle of Saragarhi, the UK unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Havilder Ishar Singh at Guru Nanak Gurdwara at Wednesfield, a suburb of Wolverhampton, on the battle’s 124th anniversary on September 12. In the battle, 21 soldiers of the Sikh regiment of the British Indian Army fought against thousands of Afghan tribesman in 1897.
The 10-feet-tall bronze statue of Havilder Ishar Singh has been installed atop a six-feet plinth with the names of all martyrs inscribed on it. The unveiling of the monument was attended by Jathedar of the Akal Takht Harpreet Singh, members of the British Army, Saragarhi expert Dr Gurunderpal Singh Josan and three descendants of the Saragarhi soldiers. -GoTop

14. VIDYA BHARATI ALUMNUS WON TOKYO PARALYMPICS SILVER: Nishad Kumar clinched a silver medal in the men's high jump T47 event in the Paralympics in Tokyo. The 21-year-old Kumar cleared 2.06m to win the silver and set an Asian record.  T47 class is meant for athletes with a unilateral upper limb impairment resulting in some loss of function at the shoulder, elbow and
wrist. Hailing from Una in Himachal Pradesh, Nishad had an accident at the age of eight that resulted in the loss of his right hand. Nishad is a Vidya Bharati alumnus and was a student of the 2014-15 batch at Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Una. -GoTop

15. LADAKH'S DORJE ANGCHUK INDUCTED AS HONORARY MEMBER OF IAU: In the very proud moment for Bharat, Ladakh-based Dorje Angchuk, the chief engineer at Bharat’s northernmost astronomical observatory has become the first and only Bharatiya to get inducted as an Honorary Member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). IAU, the foremost international association of professional astronomers awards this position in recognition to individuals who have significantly contributed to the progress of astronomical research and culture in their country. 
Angchuk has been selected for ‘his passionate promotion of astronomy in the Ladakh region, through his excellent astrophotography’. He will be joining ten other Honorary Members from around the world, selected by IAU to join a select list of 20 international experts. -GoTop

16. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND LANGUAGES SHOULD COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER FOR A FAVOURABLE IMPACT – DR. VIJAY BHATKAR: Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, internationally acclaimed computer scientist and brain behind PARAM supercomputer was bestowed with the prestigious Dr. Hedgewar Pragya Samman at a program in Pune on 9th September by Shri Badabazar Kumar Sabha Pustakalaya. Speaking on the occasion, he said that science and technology along with languages should complement each other to make a favourable impact. He opined that science and technology needs to be taught in vernacular languages for which we need to put in consolidated efforts.
Ramdutt Chakradhar, Sah-sarkaryavah of RSS and Padma Shri Dr. Girish Prabhune were present at the ceremony presided by Ravindra Wanjarwadkar, Pune Mahanagar Sanghchalak. -GoTop

17. ISRO RELEASES CHANDRAYAAN-2 DATA AS SPACECRAFT COMPLETES 2 YEARS IN LUNAR ORBIT: To commemorate the completion of two years of operation of Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft around the lunar orbit, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation K Sivan on 5th September inaugurated a Lunar Science Workshop 2021. 
Chandrayaan-2 data product and science documents were released by the ISRO Chairman along with data from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter payloads. -GoTop

18. NEPAL SANGH-SEWA ACTIVITIES: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS Nepal and Sewa International Nepal served the flood affected 100 families of Nawalparasi district of Nepal by distributing food grains and other items on 2nd September.
Pragyik Vidyarthi Parishad of Nepal (PVPN) also distributed relief materials to the flood ruined 100 families in Gorkha district on 31st August in the presence of PVPN National President Dr. Gopnath Kandel, Joint General Secretary Ramesh Kandel and other local administration officials. -GoTop

19. NEWLY BUILT HOUSES FOR THE BHAINSA VICTIMS HANDED OVER BY SEVA BHARATI: Seva Bharati, along with Keshav Seva Samiti, handed over ten new houses it built for the victims of Bhainsa violence in Telangana. A mass griha pravesh was conducted on September 1 during which Akhila Bharatiya Seva Pramukh, Parag Abhayankar, handed over the new houses, which were built at the cost of one crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Parag Abhayankar stressed the urgent need for unity among Hindus. He explained various social service activities and projects undertaken by Seva Bharati and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Member of Parliament of Adilabad, Soyam Babu Rao also participated in the program. -GoTop

20. 1500-YEAR-OLD REMAINS OF GUPTA ERA TEMPLE FOUND IN UP: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered the remains of a 1500-year-old Gupta period temple in Bilsarh village of Uttar Pradesh's Etah.
The writings on the remains of the temple were identified during a routine scrubbing of the protected sites. This structure was protected since 1928.
An inscription in Shankh lipi - an ancient script which was used from the 4th to 8th centuries CE for names and signatures – was found on one of the steps, datable to 5th century CE, Gupta period, possibly reading "Sri Mahendraditya”, identified as Kumargupta of the Gupta dynasty has been unearthed.
“Before this, only two structural temples were found — Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh and Bhitargaon Temple in Kanpur Dehat. The Etah pillars are well-sculpted, better than the earlier examples in which only the lower sections were carved. The decorative pillars and staircase are a bit more advanced than the earlier ones,” said History Professor Manvendra Pundhir of the Aligarh Muslim University. -GoTop

21. COURSE ON SARASWATI RIVER AT KURUKSHETRA UNIVERSITY: A new course on the Saraswati river will be taught at Kurukshetra University (KU) under the New Education Policy (NEP) in the upcoming academic session of 2022-23. Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) vice-president Dhuman Singh Kirmach said that he held a meeting with KU Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Som Nath Sachdeva on 3rd September.
“In the meeting, a discussion has been held regarding the inclusion of a course on Saraswati and a proposal has been finalised. A plan has been prepared to add this course in the school curriculum also, to tell the younger generation about the history of the holy Saraswati river and the ancient civilisation on it,” said Dhuman Singh. Students will have the option to choose this course from the session of 2022-23. They will also be able to do research work on the Saraswati river sites,” said Dhuman Singh. -GoTop

22. THREE BHARATIYA INSTITUTES IN TOP 400 IN WORLD: Three educational institutes from Bharat have made it to the list of the best 400 universities across the world in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022. As per the rankings, Bharatiya tally is led by the IISc Bangalore — a consistent first among Bharatiya institutes, followed by IIT Ropar and JSS Academic Higher Education and Research.
A total of 71 universities/institutes made it to this year’s THE rankings compared to 63 last year. -GoTop

23. BHARAT NOW THIRD LARGEST STARTUP ECOSYSTEM IN WORLD: Bharat has emerged as the third largest startup ecosystem in the world after the US and China.
Over the last year, Bharat has added three unicorns (a privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion) every month taking the total count to 51, ahead of the UK (32) and Germany (18).
Bharat’s unicorns are currently worth $168 billion. Apart from unicorns, startups founded after 2000 with the potential to go unicorn in two years (“gazelles”) or four years (“cheetahs”) in Bharat is growing at an exponential pace, said Anas Rahman Junaid, MD and chief researcher at Hurun India which brings to light stories of successful and emerging Bharatiya entrepreneurs. With 31 start-ups, Bengaluru is the start-up capital of Bharat followed by Delhi NCR (18) and Mumbai (13). -GoTop

24. HANSA NEW GENERATION (NG) AIRCRAFT, DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED BY CSIR-NAL, SUCCESSFULLY MAKE ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT: Hansa New Generation (NG) aircraft, designed and developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore a constituent lab of CSIR, has successfully made its maiden flight on 3rd September. The aircraft took off from HAL airport at 2:09 PM and flew at an altitude of 4000 ft. and gained a speed of 80 knots before it made a successful landing after about 20 minutes. Capt. Amit Dahiya, test pilot, who has flown the maiden flight has expressed his happiness and told that all the flight parameters were found normal and it is a Text Book flight.
The unique features of Hansa-NG are glass cockpit with cabin comfort, highly efficient digitally controlled engine, electrically operated flaps, long endurance, low acquisition and low operating cost. -GoTop

25. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:

26. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We have to organise and strengthen our Hindu society so that no power on earth may dare cast an evil eye upon all the children of this great Hindu Society. - PP Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar -GoTop

JAI SHRI RAM

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UNIVERSAL HINDUTVA: THE ETERNAL HINDU RASHTRA
DR MANMOHAN VAIDYA

As per Hindu thought, ‘Rashtra’ means people. It does not mean just the headcount of individuals living on a particular land but their mindset, attitude towards life, relationship with nature and the universe, approach towards history and tradition etc. In short, all things that form and impact the entire society.
All the people living on this great land of Bharat, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, despite having diverse languages, castes, deities, ways of worship, food habits, costumes, etc, have the same approach towards life, ideals, nature, society and entire humanity. For thousands of years this approach has been cultivated and practiced as a culture that binds the society together. This bonding makes it a ‘Rashtra’. The main reason for inherent unity expressed in diversity forms the spirituality-based integral and holistic worldview that is the hallmark of Bharat and Bharatiyta.
Due to this spiritual churning, the same spirit lies in everything that is manifested in diverse forms, to all Bharatiyas. Ishavasyam Idam Sarvam, which means everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is the manifestation of the same Spirit (Chaitanya). Seeing inherent unity in apparent diversity forms the core of our belief system. Therefore, diversity does not mean ‘difference’ for us. This ‘unity expressed in terms of diversity’ cannot be elucidated by the Western concept of ‘plurality’. Plurality essentially believes in differences that somehow have to be made to coexist with each other while as per Bharatiya thinking harmony and unity amidst diversity, is Dharma or way of life. Thus, the fundamental disconnect between the Western and Bharatiya thought is that while the former strives for ‘all are one’, the later organically believes in ‘all is one’. The practical manifestation of this thought is the manner in which Bharat deals with things, people, processes or ideologies that is different from its own. Bharat does not regard differences as hostility. She does not regard the ‘other’ as enemy. That is why without the use of force or violence, she peacefully accommodates all with respect and provides space for their existence and growth, thereby forming one great all-inclusive Rashtra that is greater than the sum total of its parts. This noble virtue of acceptance and accommodation is at the heart of Bharatiya philosophy and way of life and has made Bharat what it is – unique, unparalleled and all-encompassing. The obvious corollary of this core spiritual thinking is that there can be many ways to reach God and all are equal and true. Precisely on the basis of this, Swami Vivekananda could firmly assert in the Chicago World Parliament, “We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth.”
Another important aspect of this integral thinking is the belief that human existence consists of body, mind, intellect and soul. Human soul (atma) is an expression of the Supreme Soul (Chaitanya), that is expressed in the form of an individual. Realising the full potential of the human spirit enables one to be one with the Supreme Spirit, which is nothing but Mukti or Moksha, the ultimate goal of life.

- The writer is Sahsarkaryavah of RSS (The article is translation of original article in Marathi titled Bharatachi Rashtriyata) September 07, 2021, Organiser Weekly  -GoTop



\Samvad

Bhadrapad Krishn 10 Vik. Samvat 2078, Yugabda 5123 : 1 September, 2021:SM 3011 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: GANESH CHATURTHI 2. RAMAYAN RELEVANT FOR ALL: RASHTRAPATI KOVIND
3. SOMNATH TEMPLE IS INTEGRAL PART OF BHARAT’S ETHOS: PM 4. AKHAND BHARAT SANKALP DIWAS OBSERVED, PUNJAB VETERANS HONOURED
5. PROTESTS AGAINST ATROCITIES ON HINDUS IN PAKISTAN 6. HSS RAKSHABANDHAN CELEBRATIONS
7. SEWA INTERNATIONAL BHARAT ACTIVITIES 8. EMBASSIES LENDING SUPPORT IN ADVERSITY
9. AZADI KE 75 SAAL – 75 YEARS OF BHARAT’S INDEPENDENCE 10. NEPAL: HINDU RASHTRA SWABHIMAN JAGRAN ABHIYAN
11. UNIVERSITIES SHOULD DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM HINDUPHOBIC HINDUTVA CONFERENCE – HAF 12. COPIES OF GURU GRANTH SAHIB FROM KABUL RECEIVED AT DELHI AIRPORT
13. JANMASHTAMI SHOBHAYATRA IN SRINAGAR 14. BHU INTRODUCES A DEGREE COURSE ON HINDUISM
15. “SERVICE IS THE SOUL OF BHARAT'S ETERNAL CULTURE AND PHILOSOPHY” – DR KRISHNA GOPAL 16. OBITUARY: SHRI KALYAN SINGH
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Articles:

RAKSHA BANDHAN: HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH HELPS SOCIETY TO BOND DURING HAPPY AND CHALLENGING TIMES

THERE’S A LOT TO BE LEARNT FROM KRISHN’S LIFE


1. FESTIVALS: GANESH CHATURTHI:  Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated to mark the birth of Bhagwan Shri Ganesh, the God of Wisdom. It falls on Bhadrapad Shukla 4 (10th September this year). Bhagwan Ganesh, also called as Gajanan (one with an elephant head), is considered to be the remover of evils and obstacles, thus also called Vighnaharta, and any auspicious ceremony or a new venture starts with prayer to Shri Ganesh.

The festival is celebrated for 10 days where in people worship clay idol of Shri Ganesh in houses, offer Modak (made of rice flour, coconut and jaggery) as Prasad, perform aratis and immerse the idol ceremonially on last day in rivers or ponds.
Lokmanya Tilak, one of the pioneer freedom fighters, motivated the people to celebrate Ganesh festival on public forums so that the masses can be mobilized and aroused against the tyrannical British rule.
The festival is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and adjoining states but now slowly becoming popular in the other parts of Bharat as well as many other countries.-GoTop

2. RAMAYAN RELEVANT FOR ALL: RASHTRAPATI KOVIND: Stating that Ayodhya is not Ayodhya without Bhagwan Ram, Rashtrapati Ram Nath Kovind said, “Ayodhya exists where there is Ram. Lord Ram resides permanently in this city and, therefore, in the true sense this place is Ayodhya.”
Inaugurating a four-day Ramayan conclave in Ayodhya on 29th August he also lauded the Uttar Pradesh government for its efforts to take the Ramayan to the common people through art and culture. With a 4 day visit to Ayodhya, he became the first Rashtrapati to visit Ramlalla and Hanumangadhi.
Sharing his views on the Ramayan, Rashtrapti ji said: “The Ramayan is such a unique book which presents high ideals and limits of human life in front of the world through Ram Katha.” -GoTop

3. SOMNATH TEMPLE IS INTEGRAL PART OF BHARAT’S ETHOS - PM: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said that Shri Somnath Temple is an integral part of Bharatiya culture and ethos while inaugurating various development projects at the Somnath Temple complex in Gujarat on 20th August. He added that the temple was broken many times and effort was made to erase its existence in the history, but every time it got raised again. It is Shiva who germinates the seed of development even in destruction and gives birth to creation even in destruction.
He said that the thought of destructive powers to build an empire on the basis of terror may dominate for a while, but its existence is not permanent and it cannot suppress humanity for long.
Pradhan Mantri inaugurated the Samudra Darshan Path (seaside promenade), the Somnath Exhibition Gallery (which exhibits ruins of ancient Somnath, the temple built by queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1783), and the redeveloped precinct of the ancient temple.
Pradhan Mantri Modi is the chairman of the Shree Somnath Trust (SKT), the religious body that manages and maintains the famous temple. Other members of the trust like Home Minister Amit Shah, veteran BJP leader L K Advani attended the virtual program. -GoTop

4. AKHAND BHARAT SANKALP DIWAS OBSERVED, PUNJAB VETERANS HONOURED: RSS Manipur unit organized Akhand Bharat Sankalp Diwas on 14th of August at Nagmapal office of Seva Bharati at Imphal.
Dignitaries on the dais were Deputy Director of Technical Education Dr. Bhabeswar Tongbram, North East Media Coordinator Dr. Sunil Mohanty, and National Vice President, National Medicos Organisation, Prof. Th. Naranbabu Singh.
Dr. Sunil Mohanty explained the importance of the day stating that the vast nation of Bharat was divided into two countries on this day. There are fresh hopes of amalgamating all segregated regions and bringing them together again.
On Akhand Bharat Diwas August 14, a program of honouring the elderly people born in united Bharat was organized in Baliyali village of Bawani Kheda block of Bhiwani district of Haryana province.
About 170 people participated in this ceremony. About 60 old people of the Punjabi Purusarthi class who reached Bharat after facing the horrors of partition took part in this program. Keynote speaker Vijay Kumar, Haryana prant pracharak, narrated several horrific instances of partition, the heroic efforts done by RSS to save Hindu lives and a fervent hope of uniting the divided motherland. All the guests went to the local Bada Gurudwara and paid obeisance, where Siropa was presented to everyone by the head Granthi of the Gurudwara. -GoTop 


5. PROTESTS AGAINST ATROCITIES ON HINDUS IN PAKISTAN: After a recent incident of vandalization and desecration of Ganesh Mandir in Pakistan, several Hindu organizations came together to lodge their protest and voice the concern against continuing violation of human rights and atrocities on Pakistani Hindus and protested at Pakistan consulates in various countries.

About 60 members of various Hindu organizations in Canada viz Canada India Global Forum (CIGF), Hindu Forum Canada (HFC), Indo-Canadian Kashmiri Forum (ICKF), Canadian Hindu Volunteers (CHV), Global Bengali Hindu Coalition (GBHC), Nimittekam Canada, Akhil Bharti club in Canada gathered outside Consulate General of Pakistan in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. The protesters demanded for safety of minorities in Pakistan and removal of blasphemy laws.

The Hindu community of the UK organized a peaceful protest outside the Pakistani embassy on 15th August attended by around 500 people. Many Hindu organizations, including INSIGHT UK, a social movement for British Hindus and Bharatiyas, mobilized the protest. Speakers highlighted the plight of the Pakistani Hindus, slogans of peace were chanted, and signboards were held.
Protests were also held at Pakistan consulate in Los Angeles and in ‘Little India’ at Artesia. -GoTop

6. HSS RAKSHABANDHAN CELEBRATIONS: While celebrating Rakshabandhan in a traditional way, HSS shakhas and swayamsevaks across the globe used it as an outreach effort to take the message of ‘Universal Oneness’ to frontline workers, safety and security personnel and others in the local society.

HSS Denmark celebrated Rakshabandhan with Denmark’s Østerbro fire department, one of the oldest fire department, by tying rakhis to fire officials and others and distributing sweets.
HSS Sierra Leone celebrated Rakshabandhan with great enthusiasm. At a shakha gathering Karyawah Shri Kishore ji tied Rakhi to Bhagwa dhwaj and took a pledge to protect the nation and Dharma.
Several shakhas across USA viz Pearland Houston, Buffalo Grove Illinois, Norwalk Connecticut reached to local Mayors, schools , fire and police officials and tied Rakhis to give the message of oneness.
“It’s through sharing events like these that we as a society, and a people, become closer, more interconnected, and more understanding of our neighbors and our community,” said Buffalo Grove Mayor Brandt.
Similar Utsavs and programs were held in countries like UK, Germany, Sweden etc. Online programs were held in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, New Zealand and Australia etc. -GoTop

7. SEWA INTERNATIONAL BHARAT ACTIVITIES: Sewa International recently donated an ambulance to Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission (SVMM) in Palakkad, Kerala. The new ambulance will help to intensify and broaden SVMM’s services and help it effectively prepare for a possible COVID-19 third wave. During the peak of COVID Second Wave, SVMM saved over 50 lives by providing timely ambulance service.
Sewa International celebrated 75 years of Independence at a Sewa Basti in Dhobighat and Chhatarpur at Delhi. The children of basti performed various cultural events. -GoTop

8. EMBASSIES LENDING SUPPORT IN ADVERSITY: Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Bharat in Nepal, Namgya C. Khampa handed over consignments of flood and landslide relief materials worth Rs 80 million to
lawmaker and President of Nepal-India Women Friendship Society (NIWFS) Chanda Chaudhary and National Organizing Secretary of Pragyik Vidyarthi Parishad (PVP) Narayan Dhakal on 27th August. The relief material includes tents, plastic sheets, sleeping mats and medicines etc.
Bharatiya Ambassador Shri Saurabh Kumar handed over Oxygen concentrators and Oximeters to Hindu covid relief committee on 24th August. Deputy Chief of Mission Ms Nabanita Chakrabarti was also present. Such assistance was also provided to over 100 villages in Bago region. -GoTop

9. AZADI KE 75 SAAL – 75 YEARS OF BHARAT’S INDEPENDENCE: 75th independence day of Bharat was observed with much fervor and fanfare in Bharat and across the globe. Several NRI organizations, embassies organized programs, iconic structures were illuminated with Tiranga etc.
‘Ek Gaon Ek Tiranga’ at 1 lakh places
From Andaman Nicobar Islands to Moirang in Manipur and from Baramulla in Kashmir to the far off Navrangpur in Malkangiri Orissa, celebration of "Ek Gaon, Ek Tiranga" campaign by ABVP witnessed flag hoisting at more than 1 lakh places. The hoisting was followed by Shobha Yatra, group singing the national anthem, Bharat Mata Pujan etc.
Chidambaram Temple: unique tradition of hoisting national flag
Chidambaram – a Panchabhoota sthalam is the only temple where Bhagwan Shiva is represented by an anthropomorphic idol rather than Lingam. This ancient temple has the practice of hoisting our national flag at the 152ft height pole of Eastern Gopuram since the time Bharat got independence.
On the day of Independence, every year, the national flag is kept for puja rituals at the feet of Bhagwan Shiva and then taken to the eastern side of the temple with grand mela thalam (drum beats) and is hoisted with much national fervor.
Responding to the appeal made by Pradhan Mantri Modi, Over 1.5 crore Bharatiyas uploaded videos singing national anthem on the government's portal rashtragaan.in.
Overseas Celebrations
Many shakhas including Saitama Shakha – HSS Japan, Naperville shakha in Chicago, HSS shakha at New Jersey celebrated the day and participated in the parade.
Federation of Indian Associations FIA in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut unfurled biggest ever tricolor at the iconic destination of Times Square New York.
The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa in UAE lit up in the tricolour — saffron, white and green on 15th August evening.
On 14th August, San Francisco Bharatiya Consulate hosted a flag-raising ceremony at the Gadar Memorial Hall, a structure dedicated to the Gadar Party movement, which fought for Bharat’s Independence from the British.
The day was celebrated at Param Dhamma Chaitya Pirivena, Ratmalana in Sri Lanka with great fervor. Ven. Dr. Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha Thera and the Mahasangha led these celebrations by hoisting the Bharatiya flag. A special ‘Ashirvad Puja’ to invoke the blessings of Bhagwan Buddha for the well-being of people of Bharat and Sri Lanka was also conducted.
Dr Revant Vikram Singh, Director, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) offered Mahadana to the Venerable Mahasangha and lay devotees. -GoTop

10. NEPAL: HINDU RASHTRA SWABHIMAN JAGRAN ABHIYAN: ‘Hindu Rashtra Swabhiman Jagran Abhiyan’ – a campaign that aims to revive religious identity of Nepal and Nepalis was launched in Kathmandu on 19th August.
While launching the campaign from its office at Ekantakuna, Lalitpur, former Chief of Army Staff Rukmangad Katwal said, “The aim of this campaign is to revive the spirit of Hindutva in the hearts of every citizen.” He added that the campaign would help uplift the dormant self-esteem in the society by awakening Hindu spirit in individuals.
Vice Chairman of National Gurukul Education Council Swami Keshavananda and Shantidham Swami Chaturbhuj Acharya Maharaj, HSS national sah sanghachalak Kalyan Timalsina also spoke during the program. -GoTop

11. UNIVERSITIES SHOULD DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM HINDUPHOBIC HINDUTVA CONFERENCE – HAF: In response to a virtual conference titled “Dismantling Global Hindutva”, scheduled for September 10-12, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has written to the presidents and key administrators of all 41 universities listed as event co-sponsors, asking them to distance themselves from the event and its partisan and Hinduphobic motives.
The Foundation also asked that university officials ensure the safety and well-being of Hindu students, faculty, and staff who may feel targeted or threatened, or face hostility or harassment.
To petition the Universities, one may register at the link:
https://indiapetitions.com/petition/request-universities-to-prevent-targeting-hindus-in-pretext-of-hindutva/  -GoTop

12. COPIES OF GURU GRANTH SAHIB FROM KABUL RECEIVED AT DELHI AIRPORT: As Bharat evacuated hundreds of people, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs, three copies of Guru Granth Sahib were also flown out of Kabul. Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and V Muraleedharan received the copies of Guru Granth Sahib and 44 Afghan Sikhs who reached Delhi from Kabul on a special Air India flight after a stopover in Tajikistan’s capital city of Dushanbe on 24th August.
The three copies of Guru Granth Sahib are to be taken to Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurdwara in New Mahavir Nagar in New Delhi.
"Today, I got the privilege to serve three 'swaroop' of Guru Granth Sahib ji that arrived in Delhi from Kabul," Puri, the minister for housing and urban affairs, tweeted in Hindi.
Bharat has evacuated over 700 Hindu and Sikhs in Afghanistan during past few days in a challenging rescue operation amidst chaotic and life threatening situation in Afghanistan. -GoTop

13. JANMASHTAMI SHOBHAYATRA IN SRINAGAR: Janmashtami was celebrated in Srinagar with a procession after a gap of two years on 30th August amid tight security arrangements. The procession started from the
Ganpatyar temple in the Habba Kadal area of the city and passed through Barbarshah, Kralkhud before reaching the clock tower at the historic Lal Chowk. The devotees, including men, women, and children, danced alongside the chariot and distributed sweets among people. -GoTop

14. BHU INTRODUCES A DEGREE COURSE ON HINDUISM: For the first time in the country, Banaras Hindu University BHU has offered a degree course on Hinduism under which they will teach Hinduism subjects in the University. 
According to the university, the course will be conducted by BHU's Philosophy department. It will delve into ancient architecture, ancient trading systems, aspects of science, the Hindu emperors, weapons, among other aspects. 
Moreover, the university will also teach Ramayan and Mahabharat under the course. Apart from it, students will also be taught the principles and philosophies of Swami Vivekananda. The Sanskrit department will discuss practical aspects of scriptures, Vedas, and ancient records through mantras. The university is starting the Hinduism course for two years with 40 seats and forms will be accepted till September 7. An entrance exam will be held on October 3 to shortlist the students for the course. -GoTop

15. “SERVICE IS THE SOUL OF BHARAT'S ETERNAL CULTURE AND PHILOSOPHY” – DR KRISHNA GOPAL: Sahsarkaryavah of RSS Dr Krishna Gopal released a coffee table book titled “Vayam Rashtrangbhuta”, a book titled “Service story of sensitive India in Corona period” and a documentary “Sau Din Seva Ke” at a program in New Delhi on 17th August. These are the compilations of
multitude of service activities carried out by the volunteers throughout Bharat under the banner of Rashtriya Sewa Bharti. During the program, Dr Krishna Gopal said that the sentiment that Bharat expressed during the pandemic period was not seen anywhere else in the world. Every social and religious organization of the country did service according to its capability. Further, he added, “Today the world is witnessing how India has conquered the tragedy of Corona on the basis of the collective power of society. It is also our responsibility to make the world aware of such achievements.” -GoTop

16. OBITUARY: SHRI KALYAN SINGH: Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minster Kalyan Singh passed away at Lucknow on 21st August. He was 89. In a condolence message at this sad demise, RSS Sarsanghachalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavaha Dattatreya Hosabale said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expresses its deep condolences on demise of former Governor and former Chief
minister of Uttar Pradesh, popular public leader Shri Kalyan Singhji. He was a grounded politician and an efficient administrator. He was devoted to Hindutva, Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bharatiya values. He had become a people’s leader after fulfilling his national conscientiousness in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He was proud to be a Sangh Swayasmevak. He worked for the empowerment of the weaker sections of the society and always kept public welfare paramount. -GoTop



17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We should give close attention to the programs in shakhas, systems therein, swayamsevaks' attitude, behaviors and development of good qualities. I believe that success shall be ours when all of us are involved in this effort with one mind. - Shri Guruji M. S. Golwalkar  -GoTop

 

JAI SHRI RAM
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RAKSHA BANDHAN: HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH HELPS SOCIETY TO BOND DURING HAPPY AND CHALLENGING TIMES
Vikas Deshpande

From time immemorial, humans developed special occasions or festivals to come together and enjoy the season. Although most ancient festivities mark a change of season, some festivals have historical significance, thus breaking any societal barriers. Raksha Bandhan is one such festival that has gained momentum of cross-cultural celebration.
Raksha Bandhan falls on the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana that comes sometime around August-September every year. Traditionally, on this day, a sister ties a colorful thread, called “rakhi,” on her brother’s wrist and reminds him of his duty to protect her from any evil forces. In return, the brother accepts his responsibilities to protect her from any harm. The rest of the festivity, as always, involves sweets, food, gift exchanges, and joyous family moments.

There is a famous story that depicts Raksha Bandhan’s significance. One is from Mahabharata when the Queen of Pandavas, Draupadi, ties her torn corner of her saree to Lord Krishna’s bleeding finger. The story goes telling how Lord Krishna protects her later from the evil Kaurava clan.
Over the generations, tying a thread, also called Raksha Sutra, became a tradition. A priest ties Raksha Sutra to the host’s wrist during any auspicious occasion and celebrations, and the host pledges to protect the community, nature, and society.
The popular culture of Bollywood has many scenes and famous songs on Raksha Bandhan. It is a common experience across India to listen to melodic movie songs on Raksha Bandhan on the radio shows or to watch them on TVs on this day.
In the U.S., too, Raksha Bandhan is widely celebrated among families and friends. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), a U.S.-based organization, since its inception in 1989, celebrates this festival at a broader societal level. HSS calls it Universal Oneness Day. According to HSS philosophy, Raksha Bandhan reminds each individual that she/he is responsible for protecting society and the world. HSS volunteers promise to help the community by reaching out to the local first responders, elected officials, and community leaders to tie rakhis and share sweets with them.
This subtle but essential social awareness results in fruition when society is in need. During the COVID-19 crisis of 2019, HSS immediately organized its volunteer base to help the local community and supported over 350 first responders and medical professionals and 45,000+ needy families. Later in partnership with FEMA, HSS actively facilitated vaccination drives in 8 states. In regular times, HSS continues assisting the needy in the community through food donations, school supplies to children, and more.
There is always a temptation to eliminate age-old practices with an expectation to remove any infused ill rules. Raksha Bandhan festivity represents a good role model that integrates traditional festivities with present-day responsibilities and bonds the society during happy and challenging times.
Vikas Deshpande lives in Boston, Massachusetts, area. He writes on social and political topics in Marathi and English. He actively volunteers within the Indian American and American Hindu community, organizations in the field of religion, culture, language, and entrepreneurship. He is on the boards of directors for nonprofits working for the environment and yoga and meditation. https://americankahani.com/perspectives/hindu-swayamsevak-sangh-helps-society-to-bond-during-happy-and-challenging-times/  -GoTop

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THERE’S A LOT TO BE LEARNT FROM KRISHN’S LIFE
Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

Bhagavan Krishn’s unparalleled influence on the world has prevailed for thousands of years, pervading every aspect of life, including devotion, literature, the arts and even political strategy. The Bhagwad Gita is the core text of Sanatan Dharma, which Krishn gave to us by teaching Arjun. It is a scripture that transcends all religious boundaries.
The Bhagavataṁ defines Krishn as a purna avatar — a complete incarnation. The word ‘avatar’ means ‘to descend’. It signifies the totality of consciousness assuming a human form. Krishn was a purna avatar in that he always abided in the True Self — ever perfect, with no ups and downs or mental disturbances. However, just as a policeman goes undercover dressing as a thief to catch a thief, so did Krishn; he went down to the level of man. When we see how some people live — devoid of dharma, with no sense of charity, just greedily grabbing and accumulating what is not theirs, hurting others, wasting this precious gift of human birth just eating and drinking — we can understand Krishn’s avatar as descent; going down to each one’s level in order to show them how to live life in a way that would bring peace to themselves and to others.
Through his life and teachings, Krishn awoke bhakti, jnana and the true spirit of karma in us.

Bhakti is love for the imperishable. From an objective point of view, it is the love towards one’s goal. Without it, one cannot move forward on any path. In any area of action, it is love that elevates a person. Whether a book is about science or history, the words in it are comprised of letters; they are its foundation. In the same way, the foundation of any path is bhakti. Bhakti is nothing but constant and continuous remembrance of God. Bhakti starts as a trickling stream within our hearts. But gradually it grows to become as forceful as the Ganga, filling our hearts and overflowing. Faced with its strength, all sensory attachments and desires weaken. Thus, our mental impurities fade away. Our love becomes divine and transcends body consciousness.
There are many lessons to be learnt from Krishn’s life. This world and nature are God’s visible form; they are indeed God. Our life is the prasad — the blessed offering of God. What do we do when we get prasad? We eat it. In the same way, this life, which is God’s mahaprasad, should be accepted and welcomed by properly imbibing its underlying principles.
We should learn to experience a mahatma’s lives through our hearts. The knowers of the Self can be experienced only through our own Self. We should be able to imbibe their sacrifice and equal vision in our own life. When we do this, our life will naturally fill the lives of others with happiness and peace.
Krishn came into this world with a smile. He also left this world with a smile. The illustrious life and teachings of Krishn could be summarised as: Love life. Learn to welcome and accept all experiences, both good and bad with a smile. That is the way to be happy. (Sri Krishn Janmashtami on 30th August 2021) Courtesy August 25, 2021, Times of India  -GoTop