\ SAMVAD संवाद
Vaishakha Krishna 5, Vik. Samvat 2078, Yugabda 5123:1 May, 2021: SM 3003 (For Private Circulation Only)
1. FESTIVALS: AKSHAYA TRITIYA: Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is one of the most auspicious festivals for Hindus and Jains. Akshaya Tritiya falls on the Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya (May 14 this year ).
2. STATEMENT BY RSS SARKARYAVAH DATTATREYA JI: RSS
Sarkaryavaha Dattatreya Hosabale issued a statement on prevailing situation out
of Covid-19 in Bharat on 24th April. While mentioning the gravity and reach of
the corona virus and that is affecting large number of people and families, he
expressed condolences on behalf of RSS to all those who have been affected by
this calamity. He also gave some useful insights and cautions that all
countrymen need to keep in mind as reproduces briefly below.
Due to sudden worsening of the pandemic, the people are facing the shortage of beds, oxygen and necessary medicines in the hospitals. In a large society like Bharat, the problems often gain gigantic proportions. Extensive efforts are being made to meet these challenges by the union and state governments and also local civic bodies. Putting their lives at stake, everyone in the medical field, security personnel and sanitation workers are discharging their responsibilities as they were doing before. The swayamsevaks of the RSS, as always, are also actively carrying on various types of services across the country to fulfill the needs of the society. The general society, including many social and religious institutions, recognizing the seriousness of the challenge have voluntarily involved themselves in all kinds efforts to bring succour.
It is also possible that destructive and anti Bharat forces in the society can take advantage of these adverse circumstances to create an atmosphere of negativity and mistrust in the country. The countrymen, apart from their positive efforts to resolve the situation, should also be cautious of the conspiracies of these destructive forces.
The RSS exhorts swayamsevaks and humbly appeals to social, religious and service institutions and organizations, and also people from the field of commerce and industry to come forward with a spirit of urgency and service to resolve the current challenges and leave no stone unturned in meeting any kind of shortages. (Full statement can be found at https://twitter.com/RSSorg/) -GoTop
3. TOGETHER WE WILL DEFEAT COVID—RSS PRACHAR PRAMUKH SUNIL
AMBEKAR: RSS Ahkil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar has said in a
statement that, “ The second wave of the Covid-19 has caused massive disruption
in Bharat and has put a lot of strain on the resources.”
More than 12,000 schools run by the RSS all over the country are being prepared to be used as isolation centers. Some have already started functioning. He informed that more than 10,000 public awareness campaigns were being run to inform the public about ongoing vaccination drive. The RSS swayamsevaks are running awareness campaigns about plasma donation also.
The RSS swayamsevaks are stationed in hospitals, helping patients and attendants with food and water packages. Ambekar reminded that we would defeat the disease with everyone's cooperation. ( https://www.organiser.org/Encyc/2021/4/29/Together-we-will-Defeat-Covid-Says-RSS-Prachar-Pramukh-Sunil-Ambekar.html ) -GoTop
4. PLASMA DONORS SAVED MORE THEN 1500 PATIENTS IN PUNE: In
response to the need for blood in the Corona period and the appeal made by the
state government, blood donation camps were organized in Pune city by RSS Jan
kalyan Samiti and Samarth Bharat Abhiyan. In the first half of April, 1,240
blood bags have been collected from a total of 26 blood donation camps held in
eight different parts. More than 600 people have donated plasma. This effort
saved the lives of more than 1,500 critically ill patients.
Responding to the call for blood donation camps, various Ganesh Mandals, Mandir
Trusts and their activists, charitable and voluntary organizations, social
organizations and activists of various political parties came together and
organized these camps.
-GoTop
5. COVID SEWA IN KARNATAKA: Bengaluru, Karnatak’s capital,
is a COVID-19 hotspot that is reporting about 20, 000 new Coronavirus positive
cases every day. Sewa International team is currently working on creating
awareness about COVID-19 prevention in South Bengaluru and conducting a survey
to identify people who need immediate medical help and require assistance with
food, medicine and other essentials.
While COVID-19 patients and their family members are facing obstacles to reach the hospitals, RSS swayamsevaks in Jalna district of Maharashtra have found out a unique way to serve the people. The 'RSS Corona Aapatti Nivaran Samiti' in Jalna has initiated the idea of 'Auto Ambulance'.
The 'Auto-rickshaw ambulance' is a tie up between swayamsevaks and the rickshaw drivers who help patients reach hospitals in time. The said ambulance also has the facility of oxygen inbuilt in it. These auto ambulances are economical option where patients only have to pay Rs 400 for ambulance and Rs 50 for oxygen", informed one of the members. -GoTop
6.
SANGH'S AUTO AMBULANCE SEWA IN MAHARASHTRA'S JALNA DISTRICT: While COVID-19
patients and their family members are facing obstacles to reach the hospitals,
RSS swayamsevaks in Jalna district of Maharashtra have found out a unique way to
serve the people. The 'RSS Corona Aapatti Nivaran Samiti' in Jalna has initiated
the idea of 'Auto Ambulance'.
7. ABVP RUNS COVID AWARENESS PROGRAMS URGING YOUTH TO
CONTRIBUTE: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is running a
nationwide assistance campaign in the current pandemic. It has appealed to the
youth to come forward and serve the society in this difficult situation.
8. SAVING LIVES IN SAURASHTRA: RSS swayamsevaks are working
in various parts of Gujarat and have distributed an immunity-boosting decoction
in Kutch-Bhuj. A COVID Care Centre has also been started. Swayamsevaks are also
doing service work to assist the hospital administration.
Swayamsevak assist in 1200 bed Covid Care center at Karnavati, mainly in non medical tasks like registration, counseling, transportation etc. Youth below age 30 are mainly engaged in 3 shifts over 24 hours for these activities. -GoTop
9. VHP ASSISTS MIGRANT WORKERS IN MAHARASHTRA: The lockdown
announced in Maharashtra from 14th April resulted in thousands of workers from
the city opting to travel to their home states. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)
extended a helping hand to these workers in various ways. Around ten thousand
liters of drinking water bottles were distributed from April 14-19 by 20 VHP
workers at Kurla Terminus. Nine mobile toilets were arranged. Food packets,
ration, decoction and other assistance were also distributed.
HINDU SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH ACTIVITIES
10. HSS USA CHICAGO: On 25th April, HSS Chicago shakhas
supported Rana Reagan Pharmacy and Village of Hoffman Estates Government to
vaccinate 900 people in the area. They also helped the pharmacy in vaccinating
about 300 people at Schaumburg township on 17th April.
Chicago shakha completed 13th year of it’s annual "Adopt a Highway" Sewa project
of highway cleanup.
Bala swayamsevaks from Sanskriti Shakha Milwaukee prepared snack bags for the homeless people of guest house of Milwaukee . About 100 bags made with love were delivered to Guest House of Milwaukee .
6 Shakas from Contra Costa Vibhag partnered with Peace Lutheran Church and Jewish community Temple Isaiah to provide essential hygiene kits for at-risk women and their families. These essential hygiene kits provide a month’s worth of basic personal care products.
11. HSS BOTSWANA CELEBRATED VARSHA PRATIPADA UTSAV at
Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Botswana Hindu Society Temple at Gabaron. Swayamsevaks
and and Sevikas gathered in Ganvesh for the Karyakram. Rahul was Mukhya Shikshak
while Deepti ji sang Sangh Geet and Sanskriti ji recited Sangh prarthana. .
12. BHARATIYA SOLDIERS’ SACRIFICES REMEMBERED AT THE ANZAC CEREMONY IN CHERRYBROOK: Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) along with Hornsby Shire Council, RSL Hornsby sub branch celebrated special memorial service in memory of the sacrifices made by around twelve Anzacs of Indian origin at the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph at Greenway Oval, Shepherds Lane, Cherrybrook on 18th April. 25th April is Anzac Day which was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, their first engagement in the First World War (1914–1918).
The ceremony started with the hymns sung in honour of the soldiers by the gathering with guests from the Bharatiya army personnel, politicians and members of the Bharatiya community.
Bhagwat Chauhan, President HCA, NSW said, “Our soldiers sacrificed their lives for the good of humanity and defending their adopted country in 1915.”
Others who spoke at the program were Julian Leeser, federal liberal MP , Matt Kean, New South Wales Minister for Energy and Environment and Ramanand Garge representing the Consulate General of Bharat in Sydney. .
Prayers in Sikh, Muslim, Christian and Hindu religion were sung as well as national anthems of both Australia and India sung by the students of IABBV Hindi school. -GoTop
13. IIT-MADRAS ALUMNUS BOB BALARAM BEHIND NASA’S INGENUITY
MARS HELICOPTER: NASA's ambitious miniature robot helicopter Ingenuity took
flight above the dusty surface of Mars on 20th April , making it the first
powered flight on another planet. Significantly, Bharatiya-origin engineer Bob
Balaram is the man behind Ingenuity. He has worked with NASA for 20 years.
The Apollo Moon landing mission had developed his interest in space and science.
Bob Balaram is now working with NASA at its Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Chief
Engineer for Mars Helicopter Scout Project.
-GoTop
14. BAPS TEMPLE IN AUSTRALIA: On 25th April, BAPS
Swaminarayan Sanstha laid the foundations of what will be Australia’s largest
Hindu temple in southern hemisphere, in Western Sydney. Prakash Mehta, National
President of Hindu Council of Australia and Surinder Jain, Vice President
attended the Bhumi Puja ceremony which was conducted following Covid Safe
measures. The facility will have a temple as well as community facilities.
15. SI USA RAISES $5 M TO SEND 400 OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS: In
the wake of the latest COVID-19 surge grappling Bharat for medical oxygen and
other essentials to save lives, Bharatiya-Americans are gearing up to help the
country to overcome the pandemic.
Bharatiya-American non-profit organization Sewa International USA, is raising
five million dollars and is sending an initial shipment of 400 oxygen
concentrators along with other emergency medical devices and supplies.
SI is working on procuring more from multiple suppliers around the world to ease
the oxygen shortage. It is also providing food and medicines to about 10,000
families and more than 1,000 orphanages, and senior citizen centers across
Bharat.
Leading professional associations including AAPI, IITAGH (IIT Alumni of Greater Houston), Pan IIT and other community organizations have partnered with Sewa International in this endeavor, the organisation said. -GoTop
16. PROJECT ‘DANTAK’ IN BHUTAN COMPLETES 60 YEARS: Project
‘Dantak’ is commemorating its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan. Project DANTAK was
established on April 24, 1961 between the two neighbours and was tasked to
construct the pioneering motorable roads in the Kingdom. DANTAK completed the
road connecting Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang in 1968. In the same year,
Thimphu was connected to Phuentsholing. Many Bhutanese had also volunteered to
work with DANTAK.
17. TEJAS ADDS PYTHON—5 AIR TO AIR MISSILE CAPABILITY: Bharat’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas has added capability of firing Israeli-origin Python-5 air-to-air missile (AAM) after successful tests that concluded on 28th April.
“The test firing at Goa completed a series of missile trials to validate the performance under extremely challenging scenarios. The Derby missile achieved direct hit on a high-speed manoeuvering aerial target and Python missiles also achieved 100 per cent hits, thereby validating their complete capability. The trials met all their planned objectives,” read a press statement from the Ministry of Defence. -GoTop
18. DHARMA: GITA PRESS RUNS INTO ITS NEXT CENTURY: The
most ubiquitous books found in Hindu households throughout Bharat are the
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Ramcharitmanas, often side by side with the booklet
Hanuman Chalisa. A majority of these come from Gita Press in Gorakhpur. Why is
that? Their nominal price is a key reason, but it's also because of their
impeccable content, easy-to-grasp language, nicely laid-out text and top-quality
printing. In two years, on April 29, 2023, Gita Press --Hinduism's largest
printer, publisher and distributor of religious literature--will turn 100. But
the company continues to plod on unassumingly, without making noise about its
huge body of work and incredible achievements.
19. BHARAT'S FOUR SUCCESSFUL DECADES AT ANTARCTICA: The
40th Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (40-ISEA) has successfully returned to
Cape Town on 10th April after completing a journey of 12 thousand nautical miles
in 94 days, including stopovers. The achievement concludes four successful
decades of Bharat's scientific endeavour in the continent of peace and
cooperation.
The 40-ISEA comprised Bharatiya scientists, engineers, doctors, and technicians,
who began their journey from the Mormugao Port of Goa to Antarctica on 7th
January and reached its destination station Bharati on 27th February and Maitri
on 8th March. Bharati and Maitri are Bharat's permanent research base stations
in Antarctica.
The 40-ISEA was conducted under innumerable challenges due to the persisting Corona virus pandemic. Necessary measures were taken to keep the Antarctic free of corona virus. The team was subjected to a stringent medical examination by the Goa Medical College before departure and was quarantined for 14 days before boarding the ship. After accomplishing several scientific objectives, changeover of winter crew, and Bharati and Maitri's resupply, the 40-ISEA Bharatiya contingent returned to Cape Town on Apr 10, 2021, marking four decades of success of the country's scientific endeavour in Antarctica. -GoTop
20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Saumitra Gokhale, Vishwa
Vibhag samyojak reached USA from Bharat.
Food for Thought: We have to convince our people that principles have to be
implemented in behavior. We have to show the people by actual example that the
style of work of the Sangh itself will help us in achieving our goal. — Dr
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
RAM RAJYA: A MORAL SOVEREIGNTY
Ram Madhav
“Hinduism is a movement, not a
position; a process, not a result; a growing tradition, not a fixed revelation”,
wrote eminent scholar-politician-statesman DrSarvapalliRadhakrishnan in his
seminal work The Hindu View of Life. He went on to say, “Precious as are the
echoes of God’s voice in the souls of men of long ago, our regard for them must
be tempered by the recognition of the truth that God has never finished the
revelation of His wisdom and love. Besides, our interpretation of religious
experience must be in conformity with the findings of science. As knowledge
grows, our theology develops. Only those parts of the tradition which are
logically coherent are to be accepted as superior to the evidence of the senses
and not the whole tradition.”
Whether Ram was a historical person or not did not bother Gandhi much. What mattered to him was the concept of ‘Ram Rajya’. In his view, Ram Rajya essentially meant equal rights to “prince and pauper”. Even during his two visits to Ayodhya, the abode of his deity Ram, in 1921 and 1929, Gandhi’s rhetoric was about standing up for the weak and the meek. Addressing the saints of Ayodhya on the banks of the river Saryu during his visit in February 1921, he resorted to his favourite subject of Ram Rajya. He chose cow protection as the point of reference to tell saints, “Praying to God for our own protection is a sin as long as we do not protect the weak…We need to learn to love the way Ram loved Sita”. There is no way to achieve Ram Rajya or swaraj without observing this svadharma, he told them.
Meanwhile, Ambedkar’s criticism of the Ramayana was based on his perception of certain events. He believed, not necessarily correctly, that Ram upheld the Varnashrama system and had killed a Dalit saint called Shambuka. “Some people seem to blame Ram because he…without reason killed Shambuka. But to blame Ram for killing Shambuka is to misunderstand the whole situation. Ram Raj was…based on Chaturvarnya. As a king, Ram was bound to maintain Chaturvarnya. It was his duty therefore to kill Shambuka, the Shudra, who had transgressed his class and wanted to be a Brahmin. This is the reason why Rama killed Shambuka”, Ambedkar writes. Many scholars insist that the story of Shambuka’s killing was an interpolation. Ambedkar was also critical, probably on more valid grounds, of Ram’s treatment of Sita. He saw Ram Rajya as unjust and patriarchal and commented on Ram’s dismissal of Sita to forests the second time as “there are not wanting Hindus who use this as grounds to prove that Ram was a democratic king when others could equally well say that he was a weak and cowardly monarch.”
https://thedailyguardian.com/ram-rajya-a-moral-sovereignty/) The writer is member, National Executive, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh -GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com
