Bhadrapad Krishna 2 Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 1 September, 2023: SM 5011 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS: GANESH CHATURTHI (September 19 this year) is replete with divinity,
celebrations, and vibrancy. This 10-day long festival not only celebrates the
birthday of Bhagwan Ganesh, but is also a social and community event that brings
people together and promotes harmony. The popular belief is that Bhagwan Ganesh
visits earth during these 10 days to bless his devotees. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(1856–1920), a noted leader of the Bharatiya Independence Movement, was
instrumental in converting Bhagwan Ganesh into a powerful cultural and religious
symbol of unity in an attempt to resist the British rule. In 1893, Tilak
reinvented the Ganesh Chaturthi, converting it from an annual family celebration
to a public event.
2. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK’S PROGRAMS: Addressing the students of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya at Haridwar on August
28, RSS Sarasanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that unity in diversity has
always been Bharat’s strength. His address was part of an ongoing lecture series
on the theme, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ being organised by the university. Dr.
Bhagwat added that the rise of Bharat as a nation is beneficial for the whole
world as the country has been a proponent of peace and harmony since ancient
times. Dr. Bhagwat also urged students to contribute to the motherland and
society.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Bhagwat offered prayers at Pragyeshwar Mahadev mandir
and planted a sandalwood sapling. He also met several spiritual leaders
including Dr Pranav Pandya and Shail Jiji of Gayatri Teerth Shantikunj.
3. BHARAT LIVES FOR HUMANITY: HOSABALE: While addressing the ‘Amritashatam’ lecture series organised by Kesari Weekly,
RSS Sarakaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said on August 17 that Bharat lives for
humanity adding that the mission of the country is to shed light as a beacon to
the world with its cultural values and unique vision of life. For this, it is
necessary to strengthen the strong sense of nationalism among Bharatiyas.
4. BHARATIYA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELERBATIONS:
RSS Sarasanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat hoisted the national flag on the occasion
of the 77th Independence Day organized by Samartha Bharat at Vasavi Convention
Hall, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. Sarakaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale and scientist
and renowned yog guru Dr. S.N. Omkar also took part in the
celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhagwat said that Bharat attained
independence to enlighten the world. He also said that freedom is a continuous
process and our nation needs to forge ahead with selflessness, purity and
prosperity as symbolized by the tir-colour and lead the world.
A record number of people – about 37 lakh - participated in 42,879 Independence
Day events across Jammu and Kashmir according to the UT administration. In
addition, as part of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign, dozens of tiranga
rallies were taken out by panchayat representatives, government employees,
students and civil society members.
Burj Khalifa in Dubai was illuminated in the colours of the Bharatiya National
flag on the occasion of Independence Day.
On the eve of Independence Day, three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej
released a rendition of Bharat’s National Anthem recorded with the largest
orchestra ever at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. The recording of
‘Jana Gana Mana' features a 100-piece British orchestra from the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra. The RPO, recognised as the UK's ‘most in-demand’
orchestra was founded by Sir Thomas Beecham in 1946.
On August 20 afternoon, the streets of New York City witnessed an explosion of colour, culture and camaraderie on the occasion of the world’s largest India Day
Parade organised by the Federation of India Association. It brought together
members of the Bharatiya-American community in a grand display of unity. 
The parade's motto for this year was ‘Mission Life’, which highlights the
critical role of individuals, families and communities in combating climate
change alongside governmental efforts.
5. BHARAT BECOMES FIRST NATION TO REACH SOUTH POLE OF MOON: On August 23, Bharat created history as it became the first country to land on
the South Pole of the lunar surface. The Vikram lander had a flawless touchdown
at a site close to the lunar south pole. ISRO initiated the Automatic Landing
Sequence (ALS) which enabled the Vikram Landing Module to take charge and use
its onboard computers and logic to identify a favourable spot and make a soft
landing.
After soft landing, ISRO command centre established the communication link
between the Chandrayaan-3 Lander and MOX-ISTRAC, Bengaluru. After this, ISRO
obtained the images from the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera taken during the
descent. The pictures of lunar surface at close proximity were tweeted by ISRO.
RSS Sarasanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat expressed his gratitude to the Bharatiya
scientists who he said through their relentless hard work were able to give this
moment of joy to the whole of Bharat.
World leaders, envoys and global media outlets also lauded Bharat after the
successful landing of Chandrayaan-3.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, while addressing the open plenary
session of the 15th BRICS Summit, said Chandrayaan-3’s success is a success for
the BRICS Family.
Nepal Pradhan Mantri Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, European Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen, and Israel foreign minister Eli Cohen, among
other world leaders, congratulated Bharat and ISRO for this achievement.
Counterparts of ISRO including NASA administrator Bill Nelson and director
general of European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Aschbacher congratulated ISRO for
this feat.
UK-based media outlet The Independent reacted to the news by saying: “And
they’ve done it”. Russia’s state-run news outlet Russia Today and German news
outlet Deutsche Welle also reacted positively to Bharat’s achievement.
With the tri-colour flag in their hands, Bharatiya Americans gathered at Times
Square in New York to celebrate the event. Calling the success an “incredible
moment”, Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella congratulated ISRO
for its victory. Gita Gopinath - First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF,
Chandra Arya - the Canadian parliamentarian and many other prominent members of
the Bharatiya diaspora expressed their pride in the achievement.
While addressing the scientists of ISRO in Bengaluru, PM Modi said that the spot
on the Moon where Chandrayaan-3's lander Vikram touched down will be known as 'Shiv
Shakti Point'. He also announced August 23 as the ‘National Space Day’. -GoTop
6. HSS UK SANGH SHIKSHA VARG:The 46th Annual Sangh Shiksha Varg of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS UK was held
from July 29 to August 6 in Leicester.
439 attendees, representing 60 towns and 15 Bharatiya languages spent 9 days
completing Prathmik, Pravesh, Praveen, Prabandhak and Shikshak Varsh training.
For the third year running, this also included Prathmik and Pravesh Varsh for
swayamsevaks and sevika’s over the age of 25 years.
Guests including Suresh ji from Shrimad Rajachandra Ashram Koba, Trustees of
Heartfulness UK, Key officials of BAPS, ISKCON and other Hindu organisations as
well as local councillors visited the varg.
The varg concluded with a samarop function where the Chief Guest Nitin Palan (MBE,
FCA), Dr. Ramesh Pattni (OBE, Trustee of Chinmaya Mission UK) and Smt. Madhvi
Haria (Joint General Secretary, HSS (UK)) addressed the gathering of over 500
guests.
Dr Ramesh shared his experience of SSV as the Varg Sarvadhikari. Shri Nitin
urged shikshrthis to be Hindu Dharma ambassadors spreading the message of
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Smt. Haria emphasised the joint responsibility of
educators, parents & students alike to infuse Hindu Values into our lives. -GoTop
7. HSS ARIZONA VIBHAG SAKHI MILAN: HSS USA Arizona Vibhag sevikas hosted a ‘Sakhi Milan’ event on August 5 at
Paradise Valley Community Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The event was attended by
81 sevikas and sakhis from all over the Phoenix Metro Area.
The event began with Ganesha Vandana and chanting of Omkara. It was followed by
some ice breaking and team building khels.
Dr. Mukta Marathe, an ayurvedic doctor, addressed the gathering on women's
health and home remedies. The final session of the day was art and craft in
which the sakhis worked on a Warli wall hanging painting. The event concluded
with a vote of thanks and the Shanti Mantra. The ‘Sakhi Milan’ received a lot of
positive feedback and many sakhis expressed an interest in receiving more
information about HSS and shakhas in the valley. -GoTop
8. HSS RAKSHABANDHAN: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) UK tied a rakhi to the Lord Mayor at Bradford City
Hall. Rajnikant Parmar, honorary president of HSS (UK) Yorkshire, North East,
and Scotland region, explained the significance of tying the rakhi. Lord Mayor
Gerry Barker thanked HSS (UK) for visiting the City Hall and celebrating the
festival with him.
More than 50 people attended the Naperville-Aurora chapter’s annual Raksha
Bandhan at the Naperville Police Department. A rakhi was tied to every public
servant attending the celebration. Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres,
Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis, and Mayor of Naperville Scott Wehrli were
also honoured with shawls. -GoTop
9. INTERFAITH INITIATIVES OF HSS AT PARLIAMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) had a resounding success at the Parliament of
World Religions (PoWR) held in Chicago from August 14 to 18. The organization’s
active participation reflected its commitment to interfaith dialogue, cultural
exchange, and promotion of universal values.
People from various faiths, including Paganism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity,
Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Baha’i, attended the HSS booth and
gave positive feedback. This diverse attendance reflects an open and inclusive
approach to sharing Hindu culture and fostering interfaith dialogue.
One of the most successful initiatives was the introduction of Raksha Bandhan as
‘Universal Oneness Day’. Attendees eagerly participated in the event, tied
rakhis and expressed their excitement and support for recognizing and
celebrating universal interconnectedness. Dr. Bharti Raizda of the HSS Chicago
Chapter said that it was heartening to witness representatives of various faiths
engage in meaningful conversations and explore collaboration possibilities. -GoTop
10. WORLD HINDU CONFERENCE 2023: With the vision of realising the potential of Hindus for a better world, the
third World Hindu Congress (WHC) 2023, will be held from November 24 to 26, at
Bangkok, Thailand. The theme of this WHC is ‘Jayasya Aayatnam Dharmah’, meaning
‘Dharma, the Abode of Victory’. The mission of WHC 2023 is to provide a
comprehensive platform for Hindu society to work together for the justice and
welfare of all. Seven parallel thematic conferences to articulate the values,
creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Hindus will constitute this WHC. The
conferences will provide space to discuss and deliberate upon the opportunities
and challenges facing Hindus across the world and how to address them. The
conference will also focus on areas of strategic importance to Hindus and
provide avenues for collaboration among Hindu leaders, activists and thinkers
for the Hindu resurgence.
11. HSS – TREWYN SCHOOL BOOK FAIR: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS USA Peoria, IL chapter organized their third annual
book fair for students from kindergarten through 8th grade at Trewyn School on
May 23-25. Brand-new books were sold at 25 cents, 50 cents, $1.00, $2.00, $3.00,
and $5.00. Over 800 new books were available for purchase and more than 200
students purchased over 600 books. The $500 collected from the sale was donated
to the school. In addition, over 50 books worth $300 were donated to different
classroom libraries at Trewyn.
12. BHARAT SECURES SECOND RANK AT 16TH IOAA: With four Gold and one Silver medals, Bharat has secured Second Rank at the 16th
International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Chorzów, Poland
held from August 10 to 20. The United Kingdom clinched the lead with five Golds.
A total of 236 students from 50 nations participated at the Olympiad,
collectively earning 27 gold, 41 silver, and 50 bronze medals across all
categories.
13. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
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. - Srimad Bhagvad Gita -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
RECAPTURING THE SENSE OF NATIONAL IDENTITY, FINALLY
J Nandakumar
We stepped into Amritkaal with a strong footing – with a firm resolve to shed
the vestiges of the slavish mentality that was instilled in us by colonisers.
The clarion call for undertaking this course correction was given by Pujaneeya
Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, who, in his Vijayadashmi speech, emphasised the
need to reorient our polity and national life on the basis of our svatva –
national selfhood. On August 15, 2022, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi laid out a
clear plan of action to erase the traces of colonial mentality through the
Panchpran (The Five Promises).“In the next 25 years, we have to focus on ‘Panchpran.’
First, we will move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India.
Second, we will erase all the traces of servitude from within and from around
us. Third, we will be proud of our legacy. Fourth, we will work on the strength
of unity, and fifth, to fulfil our duties to the citizens of India, including
the PM and the CMs.” After we gained Independence from the British, there was an
opportunity for us to make a departure from the path the colonial masters had
laid out for us. But the Eurocentric native rulers did not even move a finger,
but rather tried to trample on all expressions of our national selfhood.
Confusions were sought to be created on our national identity by Left
intellectuals. As a result of 75 years of indoctrination through media and
academia, we produced legions of listless men and women who hated their culture
and country.
Huntington clearly dismisses the argument that America is a “land of settlers”
and therefore doesn’t have a national identity. According to him, the American
identity has been shaped by Protestantism.
FORCES AND THEIR TOOLS
In no other country has there been confusion about its national identity as
pronounced as in Bharat. Before the advent of Europeans, there wasn’t any
confusion. There existed a cultural, spiritual and at times political unity.
Inhabitants of this land shared a clear conception about the sacred geographical
contours of the nation, notwithstanding existence of numerous kingdoms and
principalities. A strong power center was not the force that sustained this
unity. Political differences never came in the way of the evolution of a
national character that is distinctly Bharatiya. There was something living and
dynamic about this heritage which showed itself in its world view and approach
to humanity, nature and life’s problems.
Much before the incursions of Muslim invaders, Bharat had weathered several
challenges posed by external forces. Characterised by its unique philosophical
outlook, the nation not only measured up to the challenge posed by external
forces but also showed an urge to synthesis and reform. In this exercise, many
of them got assimilated into the cultural mainstream.
British manipulated and appropriated Hindu scriptures. During the Mughal period,
too, there were huge manipulations done to confuse the population about Hindu
Dharma. Sufis led the movement to convert Hindus to Islam
However, a major challenge to the national life was posed by the Islamic
invaders who destroyed not only the cultural and spiritual institutions and
centres but indulged in largescale conversion of people. If one looks closely at
the centers of knowledge and wealth that they destroyed, the temples they had
chosen to demolish, it would be clear that what drove them was not mere wealth.
I-have-a-book-so-burn-down-all-libraries was the mindset which led to the
destruction of ancient universities and libraries of Bharat.
Resilience of our civilisation helped it survive during those tortuous times.
When temples were destroyed, people moved their Gods to their houses. Entire
Arabia became completely Islamised in a matter of ten years after the Prophet
launched Islam but it could not achieve that same feat in Bharat. Islam erased
many civilisations and cultures from the face of earth but its march slowed down
in Bharat. But the Sanatanis had to pay a heavy price with their blood. It is
often argued that the British manipulated and appropriated Hindu scriptures.
During the Mughal period, too, there were huge manipulations done to confuse the
population about Hindu Dharma. Sufis led the movement to convert Hindus to
Islam.
But the more sinister and scheming were the British, who employed methods to
wean us away from our Svatva and Swadharma. All tools at their disposal were
used to achieve this. Education, administration, history, religion, statecraft
and even archaeology was used to destroy our sense of selfhood. There was an
attempt to recast our value systems through a Euro-centric yardstick. As
Gandhiji lamented, the “beautiful tree” of Bharatiya Education system was
destroyed with an intention to create an army of slavish people to work as
clerks for the British.
ARCHAEOLOGY AS A STRATEGY
Archaeology was harnessed to push the Aryan Invasion myth. The pioneer in
Bharatiya archaeology Alexander Cunningham, an official with East India Company,
is on record stating that the purpose of his excavations was to “show that
Brahmanism was of comparatively modern origin, and has been constantly receiving
additions and alterations; facts which prove that the establishment of the
Christian religion in India must ultimately succeed.”
The British and Western ‘Orientalists’ had deep-rooted conviction that
Christianity was superior to Hindu Dharma, Buddhism and Jainism.
In the North East they adopted a different strategy. Author Michel Danino
states: “Archaeology in those seven states has been sorely neglected and
important finds poorly highlighted. Yet, by documenting the presence of Hindu
and Buddhist temples and artefacts dating back to a few centuries BCE and CE,
they effectively dispel the widespread but untenable notion that this region was
never culturally attached to India.” AK Sharma, who led several excavations in
North East, stated: “During the pre-independence era, in spite of some
archaeological evidences showing similarities with the rest of the country, the
myth of backwardness was deliberately inculcated and propagated as this
facilitated the missionaries in conversion of the indigenous people to their
faith… Though the entire region abounds in archaeological and cultural wealth,
very little has been done so far to unearth the glorious past of the area. If
proper attention would have been paid earlier, as was done in the case of other
parts of the country, the feeling of aloofness and alienation that was
deliberately inculcated by the enemies of the country could have been avoided.
We are responsible for keeping our brothers and sisters of the Northeast in the
dark about their glorious past, about their very close relationships with the
rest of the country.”
Forces of history have been conspiring to weaken our svatva consciousness but
there have been efforts by our great leaders to reconnect us with our cultural
roots. It should be borne in mind that our cultural heritage is not just an
arithmetical aggregate of diverse regional cultures. Actually, the regional
cultures are the manifestation of Bharatiya culture. Although they are expressed
in diverse idioms and characteristic flavours, the soul of these cultures is
same. The totality of all these cultures defines our svatva. Dr Radhakrishnan
had said about Bharatiya literature that ‘All Indian literature is one, written
in different languages.’
Bharat from time immemorial has been regarded as one country from the Himalayas
to Kanyakumari. For us, she was our mother – Bharat Mata. This is reflected in
the Prithvi Sukta and the more recent Anand Math of Bankim Chandra Chatopadhyay
Every region of Bharat has been a part of the sacred whole. Every part of Bharat
is bestowed with teerthas and saints and sages and our social, cultural and
spiritual life was linked to them in one way or the other. Beneath the
superficial differences and variations, a discernable observer can see the same
spiritual inspiration at work.
Even in political sphere, the same thought process is at work. There were
leaders who had firmly believed that the Soviet model was the panacea for all
problems facing Bharat. Some wanted to go for the American model. But great men
like Deendayalji tried to bring in a Bharatiya idiom to politics through his
integral humanism – Ekatma Manav Darshan. The atmanirbhar campaign propounded by
the present government is also an attempt to move towards our svatva – soul of
Bharat.
Bharat from time immemorial has been regarded as one country from the Himalayas
to Kanyakumari. For us, she was our mother – Bharat Mata. This is reflected in
the Prithvi Sukta and the more recent Anand Math of Bankim Chandra Chatopadhyay.
For us, Bharat Mata is the ultimate manifestation of our identity. As rightly
put by Sri Aurobindo,“It is not a piece of earth, nor a figure of speech, nor a
fiction of the mind. The mighty Shakti we call Bhavani Bharati is the living
unity of the Shaktis of three hundred million people.” It is this living unity
of Bharat symbolized as our common mother that we have been taught to respect
through the ages. Departure from this ideal is the root cause of all fissiparous
tendencies rising in our country.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been assiduously working to instill among people
to strengthen the national consciousness. As pointed out by the Sarsanghchalak,
what we need today is intellectual Kshatriyas who are ready to take on forces
that are out to destroy our sense of selfhood at various levels.
https://organiser.org/2023/08/14/189856/bharat/recapturing-the-sense-of-national-identity-finally/
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
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