Bhadrapad Krishn 10 Vik. Samvat 2078, Yugabda 5123 : 1 September, 2021:SM 3011 (For Private Circulation only)
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.
