Mahashivratri Vik. Samvat 2078, Yugabda 5123 : 1 March, 2022:SM 3023 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS: HOLI: Holi
is considered as one of the most celebrated festivals of Bharat and is
celebrated in almost every part of the country. The festival starts on the
evening of Purnima of Falgun (March 19 this year). It is celebrated with the
name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on first evening symbolising the triumph of good
over the bad. On the following day of Holi, people play with colours with their
friends and families. It is called Phakuwa/Doul in Assamese, Phaguwa in the
local Bhojpuri dialect of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and Ukkuli or Shigmo
in Konkani. During the Shigmo Festival in Goa, temple yatras and Dindis
(processions) are held.
Holi is celebrated throughout Bharat but has also spread to other regions of
Asia and parts of the Western world through the diaspora from the Bharatiya
subcontinent. -GoTop
2. USE EDUCATION FOR BENEFIT OF ALL: DR. BHAGWAT: On
February 22, RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat inaugurated Samrat
Vikramaditya Bhawan, the regional office of Vidya Bharati in Ujjain, Madhya
Pradesh. The building, spread across 20,000 sq feet, can accommodate 2,000
teachers and is equipped with smart classrooms, library, laboratories,
auditorium with seating capacity for 400, meeting rooms, an open air theatre and
a temple. It will also serve as teachers' training and research centre.
3. SRI LANKAN ENVOY AND SARASANGHACHALAK DISCUSS RELIGIOUS
RELATIONS, SCOPE FOR DIALOGUE: On February 24, Sri Lankan high commissioner
H. E. Shri Milinda Moragoda met RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur.
4. COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT HAS LONG HISTORY IN BHARAT: DR.
MOHAN BHAGWAT: On February 25, RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat
participated in the concluding ceremony of Maharashtra-based TJSB Sahakari
Bank’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
5. HANUMAN CHAR DHAM : A CULTURAL AND NATIONAL IDENTITY –
DATTATREYA HOSABALE: On February 23, the foundation stone for a 108 feet
tall statue of Bhagwan Hanuman was laid in Rameswaram as part of the Hanumanji
Char Dham Project. The statue, 3rd in the series after Jakhoo Hill in Shimla and
Morbi in Gujarat will be constructed by Harish Chander Nanda Education and
Charitable Trust.
The statue at Rameshawaram is expected to be completed by 2024. -GoTop
6. BHARAT EVACUATED 1400 STUDENTS FROM UKRAINE: Bharat
has launched 'Operation Ganga' and has sent flights to bring back Bharatiya
students from Ukraine to Bharat. S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister,
informed media on February 28 that the sixth flight carrying 240 stranded
Bharatiya nationals had departed for Delhi from Budapest, Hungary. As of
February 28, over 1400 people have been evacuated and brought back to Bharat.
The embassy informed students that Ukraine Railways was organising special
evacuation trains and instructed them to make their way to the station for a
journey to the western parts.
To assist in the evacuation, MEA Teams have been sent to the land borders with
Ukraine in Hungary, Poland, Slovak Republic and Romania.
A dedicated Twitter handle has been set up to assist in the evacuation - @opganga
Helpline. The ministry of external affairs also set up 24x7 control centres to
assist evacuation through border crossing points with Poland, Romania, Hungary
and Slovak Republic. In a press release, the MEA shared the numbers for these
control rooms.
The Bharatiya embassy in Ukraine urged citizens to not move to any of the border
posts without prior coordination with the Bharatiya government officials there
using the helpline numbers. IndiGo has joined Operation Ganga and will be flying
on the Delhi-Istanbul-Budapest route. The first IndiGo flight has taken off for
Istanbul. -GoTop
7. RASHTRAPATI KOVIND INAUGURATED 400TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATIONS OF LACHIT BORPHUKAN: On February 25, Rashtrapati Ram Nath
Kovind inaugurated the year-long 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Ahom
General Veer Lachit Borphukan, who defeated a huge Mughal force in the last
battle of Saraighat.
Rashtrapati Kovind also laid the foundation stones of the War Memorial of the
Battle of Alaboi and Lachit Samadhi in Jorhat. -GoTop
8. LOK SABHA SPEAKER SHRI OM BIRLA VISITS BAPS HINDU MANDIR,
ABU DHABI: On February 23, a senior delegation of Bharatiya
parliamentarians, led by the Hon. Speaker of Bharat’s Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla,
visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir site in Abu Dhabi. Among the 20 delegates were
members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and representatives from the UAE.
The delegation observed the ‘Rivers of Harmony’ exhibit which presents the
harmonious purpose, history and construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, and the
community work by BAPS, including the COVID-19 relief provided.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Birla remarked that the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu
Dhabi was an ideal example of global harmony. -GoTop
9. BHARATIYA LANGUAGES ARE THE EPITOME OF UNITY IN DIVERSITY
: VENKAIAH NAIDU -Bharat is home to hundreds of languages and thousands of
dialects. Observing that numerous languages thrived alongside each other over
hundreds of years in Bharat, Uprashtrapati Shri M Venkaiah Naidu suggested
referring to them as ‘Bharatiya languages’ instead of ‘regional languages’. This
is to signify their equal status and distinct identities. “These ‘Bharatiya
languages’ are the epitome of our long-cherished value – unity in diversity,” he
said.
Shri Naidu termed the linguistic richness as key to our creativity and
expression and reiterated the need to offer technical courses in Bharatiya
languages to make education truly inclusive and to unlock the full potential of
our youth. -GoTop
10. HSS USA YOGATHON CONCLUDED: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
(HSS) USA concluded its two-week-long 15th annual Health for Humanity Yogathon,
also known as Surya Namaskar Yajna (SNY), on January 30. It was first launched
in 2007 to create awareness about Yoga and its advantages in fostering a healthy
body, mind, and spirit for any practitioner regardless of age, faith, gender, or
ethnicity. The event is free to the public from all walks of life.
129 elected officials, including several US senators, Governors, State
representatives, and Mayors, issued proclamations to recognize this initiative
and encouraged their constituents to participate in this valuable health
awareness program.
“I enjoyed watching a session and learning about the benefits of incorporating
yoga into my daily routine,” said Senator Adriane Johnson, Illinois State
Senator, serving the 30th District. -GoTop
11. SEWA DIWALI EFFORT APPRECIATED IN US CONGRESS:
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill who represents New Jersey's 11th Congressional
District appreciated Sewa Diwali effort in the US Congress. While addressing the
house, she said that she appreciated Sewa Diwali for their work in supporting
communities in need in NJ-11 and across the country.
12. HSS USA PAATSHALA INITIATIVE RECOGNITION EVENT: The
‘Paatshala’ Initiative is a tutoring project started by HSS USA, Alameda County.
From February to May 2021, 10 teenage volunteers dedicated 1-3 hours every week
to help tutor the underserved in the Burmese Community in Oakland, California.
The children were tutored in the subjects of Mathematics, Science and English.
The teen mentors would prepare a lesson plan each week, work on their teaching
style, learn how to engage with a youngster, and help them work through some of
the difficult topics. On January 30, a Volunteer Recognition Event was organized
to appreciate the teens, the parent volunteers and others who contributed in
making the project a success. Saumya Baswant who is part of the U.S. Space Force
and currently pursuing her masters in astronautical engineering and Kripa
Chandran who was a Field Engineer for General Electrics were guest speakers on
the occasion. -GoTop
13. NHSF: NATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITION: On February 19,
National Hindu Student’s Forum - NHSF (UK) - hosted its annual National Sports
Competition. Over 900 university students from across the UK came together to
play football, netball, badminton, kabaddi, kho kho and cricket.
14. SEWA INTERNATIONAL HONOURED WITH AMEC AWARD: On
February 19, Sewa International USA was awarded the ‘Organisation of the Year
2021’ award during Dr VGP’s 11th annual Congressional Global Community Oscars
hosted by American Multi Ethnics Coalition Inc (AMEC).
15. RELIEF MATERIALS FROM BHARAT REACH AFGHANISTAN: In
response to appeals made by the United Nations for humanitarian assistance to
Afghanistan, the Government of Bharat has decided to send 50,000 metric tonnes
of wheat to the people of Afghanistan. In a ceremony held in Amritsar on
February 22, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, along with Afghan
Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and World Food Program Country Director Bishaw
Parajuli, flagged off the first convoy of 50 trucks carrying 2500 MT of wheat
assistance from Bharat to Afghanistan. The convoy reached Jalalabad on February
26.
"I thank the Indian government for the generosity displayed at a time when more
than 20 million Afghans are facing crisis or the worse," the envoy tweeted.
-GoTop
16. THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT YOUTH PARLIAMENT 2022: The
National Environment Youth Parliament 2022 - "Nurturing Environment Leaders" is
being organised by Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi (PSG) amongst universities
across the country to sensitise the youth about the prevailing environmental
problems posing a serious threat to the safety and welfare of humans. It is
organized at three levels - university level, regional / zonal level and
national level. The objective of conducting NEYP is to encourage students to
deliberate and engage on pressing environmental issues and reflect upon the
local perspectives on the environment.
17. MEGA EXPO DISPLAYS BHARAT’S SCIENTIFIC LEGACY AND
TECHNOLOGY PROWESS: A week-long science exhibition titled ‘Vigyan Sarvatre
Pujyate’ was held from February 22 to 28 as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
commemoration. It was conducted simultaneously at 75 locations across the
country through a hybrid model. The inaugural programme was held at Vigyan
Bhavan, New Delhi on February 22. The exhibition features 75 expositions, 75
lectures, 75 films, 75 radio talks, 75 science literary activities and more. It
takes a visitor through an absorbing journey of seven and a half decades of
development and exploration in Science and Technology in independent Bharat. The
event has been grouped into four major themes and prominently features 75
Swadeshi Paramparik Inventions and Innovations which have helped the country in
achieving its goal of self-reliance. The programme will end with a valedictory
function on February 28, the National Science Day which is celebrated in
remembrance of Nobel Laureate Sir C.V. Raman’s path-breaking discovery of the
Raman Effect in 1930. -GoTop
18. 13TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF BHARATIYA KISAN SANGH:
The 13th national convention of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) was held from
February 25 to 27 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Farmers from more than 500
districts of Bharat participated in the convention.
During the convention, BKS passed a 6-point resolution aimed to reduce carbon
emission, provide market to farmers and promote organic farming. On the final
day Shri Badrinarayan Choudhari was elected as the national president and Shri
Mohinimohan Mishra was elected as the national General Secretary of BKS.
-GoTop
19. MADHYA PRADESH TO OFFER MBBS IN HINDI LANGUAGE FROM
APRIL: Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang
while addressing a Press Conference in Bhopal on February 25, informed that the
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) will now be taught in Hindi
as well.
Courses would be translated into Hindi with the option of transliteration,
making it easy on the students. The translations will be reviewed and verified
by various subject experts.
Three committees have been formed for rolling out medical education in Hindi.
Two committees will prepare the medical curriculum and required reference books
in Hindi and the third committee verify and finalise them. -GoTop
20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN:Pravas: Visitors: Vipul Seth,
Jetinder Rathi - Ukraine
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A person can rise through the efforts of his own mind;
or draw himself down, in the same manner. Because each person is his own friend
or enemy. -Bhagwat Gita -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
THE NEED TO JOIN HANDS TO CREATE AWARENESS ABOUT HINDU DHARMA IN THE UNITED
STATES
NIKHIL AJOTIKAR
Raising awareness is going to be a learning and
enriching process for those who are engaged in it. It may lead to rediscovering
or rejuvenating your own Hindu identity.
Hinduism is the oldest religion on earth. It is the third-largest religion in
the world. There are approximately 1.35 billion Hindus in the world, the
majority of which live in the Indian subcontinent. Even though Hindus have been
living in different parts of the world, the general awareness about the Hindu
Dharma, Hindu way of life is lacking outside India. Awareness of the Hindu
Dharma is needed on two fronts: Awareness within practicing Hindus (or those who
identify themselves as Hindus) and Awareness within non-Hindus.
Dharma awareness is essential for those who already identify themselves as
Hindus. This is equally needed for the Hindus living in India. The world around
us is changing at a pace never seen before. Globalization, modernization & most
importantly capitalism has taken a tight grip over society. There are abundant
distractions around us that will take you away from yourself, your identity as a
Hindu and your knowledge of Dharma. Unlike before, our daily schedules are now
dictated by corporate culture and global norms. As a result, the traditions,
festivals, rituals, practices associated with Hinduism are rapidly changing
whether we like it or not. Traditions, rituals, festivals, etc. have been
important tools to understand the Dharma. As the influence and relevance of
these tools change due to our 21st-century lifestyle, Hindus will have to make
an extra effort to understand the Dharma.
On the other hand, outside India, Hindus are in the minority. In the U.S.,
Hindus constitute 1% of the total population whereas this number is 1.5% in the
UK. In the West, Knowledge about the Hindu Dharma in the non-Hindu community is
limited to the 3C’s (caste, cow, curry), yoga (as an exercise routine), animal
god/ idol worshippers (not the right words to describe the Ganesha, Hanumaan or
a Murthy but that is how they are commonly used to describe Hindu Dharma).
For socio-political reasons, it becomes important that non-Hindus in these
countries have a good understanding of Hindu Dharma. It becomes extremely
important when it comes to the next generation of Hindus in these countries
(again, this is equally applicable to the next generation of Hindus in India).
If we want our generation to be confident and assertive Hindus, then raising the
awareness of Hinduism in society is extremely important. It is said that “It
takes a village to raise a child. It becomes the responsibility of the current
generation of Hindus to ensure that the “village” sees the Hindu Dharma in a
positive light and has a positive influence in shaping the Hindu identity of the
next generation.
The first step to creating the awareness of Hinduism is to educate yourself on
different aspects of Hinduism. Being a Hindu is much more than just being born
into a Hindu family. The festivals, yoga, rituals, practices, scriptures,
history, etc. are the key pillars/tools of the Hindu Dharma. These pillars/tools
help us on the journey to experience divinity. Good knowledge of these pillars
is essential in understanding Hinduism. Understanding these aspects will reveal
why we do what we do and for that dedicated efforts are needed.
The second step to create awareness is to try explaining the above aspects/tools
of Hindu Dharma to others. Dedicated efforts to raise awareness by hosting the
seminars, writing a blog/article, giving a talk, making a video blog on this
topic are going to play important role in the overall process. One way to
prepare yourself for such efforts is to anticipate the questions on various
aspects of Hinduism & then try to answer these questions with clarity and facts.
Imagine your son or daughter or neighbor or manager or colleague asking
questions about Hinduism, for example — how do you explain the concept of
divinity? Does it matter which deity you worship? Why do some of our deities
have aspects of animal form associated with them? Why do we do certain rituals,
poojas, or ceremonies? Are there any mandatory practices Hindus should perform
daily? What are the core beliefs of Hindu Dharma? Did Ramayana or Mahabharata
really happen or is it just a figment of someone’s imagination? How are the
teachings of this several millennia-old civilization relevant and useful in the
21st century? Our abilities and skills to answer questions such as these will
determine how we define our Hindu identity.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) in the U.S. has launched a “Hindu Dharma
Awareness” campaign this year to raise awareness about Hindu Dharma. If you are
interested in participating in this campaign, please reach out to the nearby HSS
chapter in your area or write to info@hssus.org. This awareness campaign can
guide in terms of resources and training in the two steps explained above.
Raising awareness about the Hindu Dharma is going to be a learning and enriching
process for those who are engaged in it. It may lead to rediscovering or
rejuvenating your own Hindu identity.
On a lighter note, it may be like the Simba from “Lion King.” Simba, while
growing up with Timon and Pumbaa, is unaware of his identity as the Lion. He is
eating, behaving, living like Pumbaa and Timon. Nala and the spirit of Mufasa
help him see things are they are and his duty as the King of the pride rock. It
is only when Simba makes a deliberate effort to seek his true identity and
meaning of his existence, he finds his roar like a Lion.
(Nikhil Ajotikar is an engineering analyst by profession. He is originally
from Pune in Maharashtra and has been living in the United States for the past
12 years. He likes to read and write about Bharatiya history, spirituality,
Hinduism, politics and social topics. )
https://americankahani.com/perspectives/the-need-to-join-hands-to-create-awareness-about-hindu-dharma-in-the-united-states
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
