SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: November 2023

Kartik Shukla 3, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125:16 November 2023: SM 5016 (For Private Circulation Only)

1. FESTIVALS: PRABODHINI EKADASHI	2. RAM MANDIR ’PRAN-PRATISHTHA’ A GREAT MOMENT OF JOY: HOSABALE
3. YOGI ADITYANATH INVITED FOR 'PRAN-PRATISHTHA' CEREMONY	4. SHRI RAM JANMABHOOMI INVITATION TO MORE THAN 10 CRORE FAMILIES: ALOK KUMAR
5. ABKM BAITHAK 2023	6. THAILAND ANNOUNCES VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR BHARATIYA CITIZENS
7. VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAVS	8. DIWALI CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD
9. DIASPORA WEEK IN RIYADH	10. BHARAT HANDS OVER RELIEF MATERIALS TO NEPAL
11. IIT MADRAS OPENS CAMPUS IN ZANZIBAR	12. ISRO'S ADITYA-L1 SPACECRAFT CAPTURES GLIMPSE OF SOLAR FLARES
13. BHARAT SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRES ‘PRALAY’ MISSILE	14. RISE IN PATENT APPLICATIONS IN BHARAT DEMONSTRATES RISING INNOVATIVE ZEAL OF YOUTHS: PM MODI
15. OBITUARY: PADMANABH B ACHARYA	16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Article: HOW CREDIBLE IS THE GLOBAL HUNGER REPORT? - Ashwani Mahajan

1. FESTIVALS: PRABODHINI EKADASHI: Prabodhini Ekadashi (November 23 this year), also known as Deva Uttana Ekadashi is the Ekadashi in Shukla Paksha of the Hindu month of Kartika. It marks the end of the four-month period of Chaturmasa, and Bhagwan Vishnu is believed to wake up from his sleep on this day. The symbolic union of Vishnu and Lakshmi or Tulsi Vivaha is also celebrated on this day.

In Maharashtra, Prabodhini Ekadashi is linked with Bhagwan Vithoba - a form of Vishnu. Varkari pilgrims throng the Pandharpur mandir of Vithoba on this day. In Gujarat, pilgrims perform the 32-km Lili Parikrama of Girnar parvat over a two-day period. In Pushkar, Rajasthan, Pushkar Mela commences on this day and continues till the Kartika Purnima. Prabodhini Ekadashi is followed by Kartika Purnima, which is celebrated as Deva Deepavali. -GoTop

2. RAM MANDIR ’PRAN-PRATISHTHA’ A GREAT MOMENT OF JOY: HOSABALE: Addressing the media after the conclusion of Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal meeting, Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah of RSS, said that the ’Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024, will be a great moment of joy for everybody.

He also said that RSS workers would undertake a nationwide door-to-door campaign from January 1 to 15, inviting people to join the grand opening ceremony. -GoTop

3. YOGI ADITYANATH INVITED FOR 'PRAN-PRATISHTHA' CEREMONY: General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust Champat Rai and Treasurer Govind Dev Giri Maharaj paid a visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on November 10 and invited him for the 'Pran-Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024.

Speaking to the press Rai said that Ayodhya is the city of liberation and salvation which is coming back to its original form after a long time and they have invited Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. -GoTop

4. SHRI RAM JANMABHOOMI INVITATION TO MORE THAN 10 CRORE FAMILIES: ALOK KUMAR: Around 4000 prominent saints of all Hindutva traditions and senior social, cultural and creative leadership of the country will participate in the ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Central Working President and senior advocate Alok Kumar said in a press conference held in Delhi that the pious ‘Akshat’ kalash sanctified in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on November 5 has been sent to 45 provinces of the organisation’s structure. Taking this invitation on behalf of the Teerth Kshetra Trust, workers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, along with other Hindu organisations, will visit Hindu families in the cities and villages of the country between January 1 and 15. A similar programme has also been organised for Hindus living abroad. He called upon every Hindu family to light at least 5 diyas on the auspicious night of January 22 and visit Ayodhya with family and friends on any day thereafter. -GoTop

5. ABKM BAITHAK 2023: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) meeting of the RSS was held at Sardar Patel School in Bhuj from November 5 to 7. It was attended by 357 representatives from 45 provinces and 11 regions, and they outlined an agenda to reinforce Sangh’s activities across the nation, with a focus on border area security, social initiatives, and environmental conservation.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale highlighted RSS’s commitment to fortifying border regions through the organisation ‘Seema Jagran Manch,’ emphasising the crucial need for improved healthcare, education, and security measures in the critical border areas. Hosabale underlined Sangh’s dedication to accelerating these efforts, with special emphasis on fostering collaboration with local civil and security forces to ensure comprehensive development and security in these strategic regions.
Echoing a sentiment of national pride and identity, Hosabale referenced the momentous progress of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, citing the upcoming ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony scheduled to take place on January 22. From January 1 to January 15, swayamsevaks will embark on a door-to-door campaign, inviting citizens to partake in this memorable occasion, carrying images of Shri Ram Lalla and revered Akshat from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.

Elaborating on Sangh’s centenary year initiatives, Hosabale emphasised the significance of issues such as social harmony, rural development, environmental protection, and ‘Gau Sewa’ in building a cohesive and sustainable society. He underscored the need for these values to be imbibed within families and the community, stressing the importance of practises such as tree planting drives and the reduction of single-use plastic and water conservation efforts.
Hosabale also shed light on the revamped training curriculum within Sangh, emphasising tailored programmes for different age groups and focusing on practical skills and direct contributions to various spheres of social life during the ’shiksha varg’. With the Sangh’s mission centred on character building and social service, the press conference highlighted the steady expansion of Sangh’s reach, with 95,528 daily and weekly shakhas across the country. With a goal to extend Sangh’s activities to 59,060 mandals by the centenary year, the organisation continues to attract members from across all age groups, with over 37 lakh swayamsevaks participating in the Guru Pujan this year.
Reflecting on Sangh’s enduring commitment to societal welfare, Hosabale recalled the resilient efforts of swayamsevaks during the catastrophic earthquake of 2001 and their ongoing contributions to rehabilitation and service work in various parts of the country. He emphasised the importance of connecting communities across regions, citing the commendable efforts of swayamsevaks from Saurashtra-Kutch in aiding development schemes in remote areas such as Assam and Tripura, fostering national unity and solidarity.
The press conference was attended by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Prachar Pramukh Narendra Thakur, and Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Prachar Pramukh Alok Kumar.
The meeting’s conclusion marks RSS’s continuous efforts towards nation-building and social welfare, affirming its enduring commitment to fostering a strong, united, and culturally enriched Bharat.
The ABKM is held bi-annually, with a March session preceding the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha and a second session between Dussehra and Diwali. -GoTop

6. THAILAND ANNOUNCES VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR BHARATIYA CITIZENS: Thailand is scrapping visas for Bharatiya tourists in order to boost its tourism sector. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters after a cabinet meeting on October 31 that between November 10, 2023 and May 10, 2024, Bharatiya tourists will be able to enter Thailand without a visa. Taiwan has also been included in the plan in a bid to draw in more tourists as the high season approaches. With about 1.2 million arrivals, Bharat has been Thailand’s fourth largest source market for tourism this year after Malaysia, China and South Korea. Inbound tourism from Bharat showed signs of growth as more airlines and hospitality chains targeted that market. -GoTop

7. VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAVS: 39 shakhas of Sanatan Dharma Swayamsevak Sangh SDSS Myanmar conducted Vijayadashami utsavs at 13 places in the 9 vibhags of Myanmar. More than 1100 people including around 350 bal and 400 sevikas participated in the utsavs. Demonstration of physical activities were conducted in some vibhags while some other vibhags organised kabaddi, kho-kho and geet competitions.

Vijayadashami utsav was celebrated by HSS New Zealand across various shakhas in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The Auckland Mahanagar Utsav celebrated on October 21 included various demonstrations. Bal and shishus performed Suryanamaskar, kishors demonstrated niyuddha, sevikas showcased dand and swayamsevaks did yogasan. The event was attend by 200 swayamsevaks and sevikas in ganvesh from across all the Auckland shakhas. The Chief Guest of the event Pravin Kumar, president of Shri Ram Mandir Auckland, shared how HSS NZ is spreading Hindu cultural and social values in NZ through the efforts of conducting parivar shakhas.

Munich chapter of HSS Germany celebrated Vijayadashami and Guruvandana Utsav on October 22. The programs after the ceremonial lighting of the lamp included shloka recital, dance and skit by the Balagokulam children. Addressing the gathering, Rakesh Kumar, Vice Consul at Consulate of Bharat, Munich, appreciated the efforts of HSS Munich in upholding the values of Sanatana Dharma. Main speaker on the occasion Milind Shende from Dresden Shakha enlightened the audience regarding the importance of Vijayadashami, Sangh Sthapana Divas, Guru-Shishya Parampara and importance of Bhagwa Dhwaj.

Around 150 people including staff of the Bharatiya Embassy in Copenhagen attended the Vijayadashami utsav conducted by HSS Denmark on November 5. The program held at ‘Gronnemose Skole’ in Soborg also included a Ramleela performed by the HSS volunteers.

Central and South Jersey chapters of HSS USA came together to celebrate Vijayadashami in Piscataway, NJ on October 29. The event with around 425 participants was presided by the chief guest Padma Shri Dr. Nirupam Bajpai. The program included synchronized demonstrations of 200 volunteers in HSS uniform. The demonstrations showcased various activities learnt in shakha like Yoga, Niyudha, Danda, Samata, Yogchap and Ghosh.

HSS New York Vibhag also celebrated Vijayadashami Utsav on October 14 at Westchester County.
88 people participated in the Vijayadashami Utsav conducted by Parashuram Shakha in Kansas City. Sundarji Shanmugam - President of Hindu Mandir and Cultural center of Kansas City was the chief guest on the occasion. -GoTop

8. DIWALI CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: On November 11, Ayodhya broke its own Guinness World Record by lighting over 22,23,000 diyas to mark the Deepotsav celebrations on Diwali eve. Around 25,000 volunteers lit 22.23 lakh diyas at 51 ghats of Ram Ki Paidi along the Sarayu river. High commissioners and ambassadors of over 50 countries witnessed the Deepotsav.

Numerous diyas lit the Teetwal village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on November 12 as Diwali was celebrated at Mata Sharda Devi mandir for first time in 75 years. After performing the Diwali rituals, people gathered outside the mandir and burst firecrackers.

Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi marked his Diwali morning by spending time with Bharatiya Army soldiers in Himachal Pradesh's Lepcha, where he conveyed festive greetings to the nation.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murthy lit Diwali lamps at a special reception at 10 Downing Street, London. Mandirs from around the UK had contributed to an Annakut display as festive offerings to god and children from the Avanti Court Primary School recited religious shlokas at the reception.

On November 12, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended Diwali greetings to residents and others across the world in Hindi and English.

US Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Diwali celebrations at her official residence, the Naval Observatory. Addressing about 300 guests on November 8, Harris emphasized the significance of celebrating the festival of lights.

In a first-of-its-kind event, Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens joined the Hindu American community in a Diwali celebration and dinner organised by Coalition of Hindus of North America.

Canada Post issued a new stamp celebrating Diwali. Designed by Kristine Do and illustrated by Rena Chen, the stamp’s design has been inspired by the garlands that are draped across the entrances and facades of homes and mandirs. Earlier, several members of the Bharatiya community were in attendance at the Diwali celebrations hosted by MP Chandra Arya who also raised a flag with sacred symbol ‘aum’ on Parliament Hill.
The streets of Serangoon Road and Race Course Road in Little India came alive with a brilliant display of lights and colours, embodying the spirit of Diwali in Singapore.
In Dubai, numerous neighborhoods, including Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai, Karama, and Al Barsha, sparkled with vibrant illuminations as residents celebrated Diwali.
Nepal celebrated the five=day festival of lights called Tihar which included Laxmi Puja and Gai Puja.
The Indian Cultural Association in collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka organised Diwali celebrations on November 11. Governor of Sri Lanka’s Eastern province Senthil Thondaman attended and witnessed the cultural performances and an animation on the relevance of Diwali and Ramayana.
Around 250 people including Mayor of Bradford Councillor Gerry Barker participated in the official switch on of Deepavali lights organized by the Yorkshire branch of Vishwa Hindu Parishad at the Ukrainian Community Centre in Bradford, UK.
The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA along with more than 200 other Dharmic organizations, came together to commence the fourth annual Sewa Diwali Food Donation Drive to provide essential food supplies to local food pantries. -GoTop

9. DIASPORA WEEK IN RIYADH: The inaugural day of the ‘Pravasi Parichay’ or Diaspora Week unfolded in Riyadh, as the Bharatiya expatriate community came together on October 31 to celebrate National Unity Day. Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, extended his best wishes to the attendees via a video message, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. The Bharatiya Ambassador to Riyadh, Dr. Suhel Khan, paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, urging the Bharatiya diaspora to actively participate in the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign.

In a landmark event, the Embassy of Bharat in Riyadh organized ‘Samskritotsava’ as part of ‘Pravasi Parichay’, showcasing the vibrancy of Sanskrit language and recognizing the dedicated efforts of the Bharatiya community in preserving it in Saudi Arabia. The unique celebration was conducted entirely in Sanskrit, and was organized in collaboration with Samskrita Bharati. This event represents the first time that a Bharatiya Mission anywhere in the world has hosted an event entirely in Sanskrit, aiming to promote the significance and learning of this ancient language. -GoTop

10. BHARAT HANDS OVER RELIEF MATERIALS TO NEPAL: The 6.4 R magnitude of earthquake that jolted western Nepal killed 153 people and injured 250 people on November 3.

Bharat with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy was first responder in the crisis in its neighbourhood and handed over the second consignment of emergency relief materials for earthquake affected families in Nepal. Deputy Chief of Mission in Nepal handed it over to Chief district officer of Banke on November 6. The second consignment carried 9 tonnes of relief material.
The first consignment had arrived at Nepalgunj on November 5 and was handed over by Naveen Srivastava, the ambassador of Bharat to Nepal, on behalf of the Government of Bharat, to Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka in the presence of Chief Minister of Karnali Raj Kumar Sharma. -GoTop

11. IIT MADRAS OPENS CAMPUS IN ZANZIBAR: Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council Hussein Ali Mwinyi inaugurated The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Zanzibar on November 6 at the Zanzibar campus in the presence of Tanzanian officials, Bharatiya dignitaries, faculty, and students.

IIT Madras Zanzibar is the first ever international campus of an IIT. The historic initiative by the Bharatiya government was undertaken to take the top-quality education system of Bharat to international arenas.
In the first batch at IIT Madras Zanzibar, women comprise 40 per cent of the total students admitted to the BS and MTech programs in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Initially, the institute will offer BS and MTech programs, however, in the coming year, it will offer more academic programs in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The campus will have the ability to accommodate students in dorms and provide various facilities. A press release on the occasion stated that the existing campus in Bweleo district, located approximately 15 km south of Zanzibar Town, is equipped with international amenities designed to meet the current needs of students. It added that a permanent campus will be built jointly by the Government of Zanzibar and the Government of Bharat soon. -GoTop

12. ISRO'S ADITYA-L1 SPACECRAFT CAPTURES GLIMPSE OF SOLAR FLARES: On November 7, Bharat's solar mission spacecraft, Aditya-L1 captured the first high-energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares. ISRO, while sharing an update on the recent development, noted that during its first observation period, the High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) on board Aditya-L1 spacecraft has recorded the impulsive phase of solar flares.

HEL1OS data enables researchers to study explosive energy release and electron acceleration during impulsive phases of solar flares. HEL1OS was developed by the Space Astronomy Group of the U. R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, Bengaluru. Earlier in October, Aditya-L1 escaped the sphere of Earth's influence. Bharat’s maiden sun mission was launched on September 2 from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. -GoTop

13. BHARAT SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRES ‘PRALAY’ MISSILE: Bharat successfully tested its surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) ‘Pralay’ from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 7.

According to an official statement, the missile accomplished all of its mission goals. A battery of tracking sensors watched its path down the shoreline.
Developed by the DRDO, ‘Pralay’ is a 350-500 km short-range surface-to-surface missile with a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg. ‘Pralay’ was designed for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC). -GoTop

14. RISE IN PATENT APPLICATIONS IN BHARAT DEMONSTRATES RISING INNOVATIVE ZEAL OF YOUTHS: PM MODI: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said on November 8 that the rise in patent applications in Bharat demonstrates the rising innovative zeal of its youths and is a very positive sign for the times to come.

He was reacting to a World Intellectual Property Organisation report which said that patent applications by residents of Bharat grew by 31.6 per cent in 2022.
The report further said that for the first time, there were more patents filed by Bharatiya residents as against foreign filers, indicating the country’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem.
What is even more significant is that resident patent filings in Bharat (filed with the Bharatiya Patent Office) rose by 47 per cent to 38,551 in 2022 and were half of the total filings of 77,068 filed with the Bharatiya Patent Office. -GoTop

15. OBITUARY: PADMANABH B ACHARYA: An ardent swayamsevak, Padmanabh B Acharya passed away on November 10 in Mumbai. He was 92. He was born on July 17, 1941, in Udupi, Karnataka and earned his degree from the MGM College of Udupi. Subsequently, Acharya relocated to Mumbai to pursue legal studies and was a key figure among the founders of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

In the 1960s, he initiated the ‘Student’s Experience in Interstate Living’ (SEIL), a distinctive program aimed at fostering connections between the youth of North-East Bharat and the rest of the country. He was the National President of the ABVP from 1969 to 1970 and held the position of the BJP’s National Secretary between 1995 and 2001.
In her condolence message, Rashtrapati Murmu recognised him as a seasoned leader and acknowledged his service as governor in several northeastern states .
RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale also expressed their grief over the demise of Acharya. -GoTop

16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak Saumitra Gokhale will be travelling to Singapore and Thailand. Vishwa Vibhag Sah Samyojak Dr. Ram Vaidya and Anil Vartak will be travelling to Thailand. Visitors: Darshan Soni - USA, Sumesh Soman - Bali -GoTop

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Good work should be done as soon as possible, and inauspicious should be avoided as much as possible. —Sri Ramayana -GoTop

JAI SHRI RAM
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HOW CREDIBLE IS THE GLOBAL HUNGER REPORT?

Ashwani Mahajan
Once again India is ranked rather low in the Global Hunger Report, but how credible are the criteria and methods employed in evaluation?

Like previous years, once again a German organisation named Welt Hungerhilfe has released its 'Hunger Index' and the hunger ranking of the countries of the world based on the same, in their so-called Global Hunger Report 2023. In this ranking, India has once again been placed very low at 111th position. It is noteworthy that this year 125 countries have been included in this ranking. Last year in 2022, India was ranked 107th in the list of 121 countries and 2021, India was ranked 101st in the ranking of 116 countries.
What they mean by this hunger index is that not only, there is a huge problem of hunger prevalent in India, but the performance of other countries is far better than India. If we believe the report, the performance of countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc., which are dependent on food supplies from India, is much better than India. In such a situation, it is natural to raise questions on this report. Let us try to understand the reality of hunger and its indices in India.

What is Welt Hungerhilfe's Hunger Index?
There are 4 parameters to measure this Hunger Index - malnutrition, stunting in children, underweight in children, wasting (low weight for height) and child mortality (mortality rate in children under 5 years of age). The hunger index based on all these parameters is estimated. Welt Hungerhilfe says that in India this index is 28.7, which is considered very serious, whereas in Pakistan it is 26.6, due to which Pakistan is ranked at 102nd position, which is above India. Similarly, Bangladesh is ranked at 81st position with 19.0 points and Sri Lanka is ranked at 60th position with 13.3 points.
If we see the parameters and scales used in constructing this Hunger Index, there are question marks on the data on one hand and the methodology on the other. Not only the Indian government, but many other experts have summarily rejected this report.
Child Mortality
According to of Welt Hungerhilfe’s methodology, child mortality has been a major determinant of the hunger index. While estimating, the hunger index for the year 2023, surprisingly the child mortality rate data of 2020-21 has been taken. The report puts India's child mortality rate at 31 per thousand.
According to the data published by the Sample Registration System of India, the child mortality rate decreased from 35 per thousand in 2019 to 32 per thousand in the year 2020. If this rate of decline in child mortality is considered, then it is expected to reach 24.4 by the year 2023. In such a situation, there is no reason why the outdated data on the child mortality rate in India should be taken at 31 per thousand, to estimate the hunger index in India in 2023. According to the latest data, the infant mortality rate in Pakistan is 55.8 per thousand and the child mortality rate is higher than that. Despite this, India is placed at 111th position in terms of hunger and Pakistan is shown at 102nd position. The reason for this is that wrong data has been used in other scales of the hunger index too.
There are some errors in the data of other international agencies as well. While figures published by the Indian government were showing the infant mortality rate at 28 per thousand in 2020, international agencies are putting it at 29.848. It is noteworthy that it’s not ethical or even legitimate to use any data other than the official data, by any foreign or Indian agency. But this World Hunger Report openly says that the data reported by the governments to the United Nations don't need to only be used in this report. The rapidly improving conditions in India may not be pleasing to the organisations working with their malafide intentions.
Malnutrition
As far as data on malnutrition is concerned, Welt Hungerhilfe does not have any factual data, as the household consumption survey by the concerned official agency has not been conducted since 2011. Therefore, malnutrition figures have been prepared based on a 'Gallup Survey' with a sample of 3000 people, the methodology of which is also questionable, which shows malnutrition at 16.6 per cent. It is worth noting that in reality, based on real-time health data of more than 7 crore children, the Poshan Tracker, published that only 7.7 per cent of children in the country were malnourished in February 2023. If we talk about production and availability of food, India ranks 35th in the world in the latest global ranking (2020) of 188 countries. The continuously increasing per capita production of food grains, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fish etc. confirms that India is today producing surplus food, compared to demand.
Stunting and Wasting
Till recently, data on stunting and wasting assessed by only the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) was available in the country. However, due to the small sample size, the NFHS data was often questioned. Notably, a comprehensive nutrition campaign has been launched by the Ministry of Women and Children, Government of India, to tackle the problem of malnutrition in the country. While NFHS used to draw conclusions based on a relatively small sample, Poshan Tracker is publishing figures based on real-time data from more than 7 crore children, with wasting data consistently showing that only 7.2% of India's children were wasted, whereas Welt Hungerhilfe's Hunger Report (2023) used the wasting figure of NFHS 2019-21, that is, 18.7 per cent.
As far as stunting is concerned, experts believe that there cannot be a single standard of height for the entire country. Not only stunting but wasting depends on many factors including geography, environment and genetics, apart from nutrition. If we see, the height of Punjabi children is several inches more than the children of the North-East. The World Health Organisation has also accepted this.
Not only this, the Indian Government's Nutrition Campaign (Poshan Abhiyan) is working hard to address the problem of malnutrition in the country, and assessing the outcome periodically, recognising the same, and the World Health Organisation has also started using the data published by Poshan Tracker. Though there are many objections to the methodology of the Welt Hungerhilfe report, even if the formula used by the agency is followed, to calculate the hunger index, and if the correct data is fed i.e. child mortality rate (under 5 mortality rate) of 24.4 per thousand; if wasting and undernourishment are considered to be 7.2 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively (assuming other age groups too have similar nutrition outcome), as per the data collected by Poshan Tracker, and if stunting figures are discarded since they are not comparable, then hunger index estimated by the author of this article, comes out to be 9.528. Accordingly, as per the formula of Welt Hungerhilfe, India's ranking in the hunger index is not 111th but 48th.
It is natural that after the report of Welt Hungerhilfe, has been published, many opposition political parties have made hunger, an issue, based on this report. In such a situation, it is clear that this agency has consistently been trying to defame India by using questionable data and methodology, which is far from the reality. Strict action should be taken against all such agencies trying to defame India.
(The author is a Professor, at PGDAV College, University of Delhi and with Swadesh Jagran Manch) https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/columnists/how-credible-is-the-global-hunger-report-.html -GoTop

SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com and https://svn.epapers.in/

\ SAMVAD

Kartik Krishna 3, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125:1 November 2023: SM 5015 (For Private Circulation Only)

1. FESTIVALS: DIWALI	2. RSS VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV
3. SANSKRIT IS THE LANGUAGE OF OUR IDENTITY : PM MODI	4. PM MODI INVITED FOR PRAN PRATISHTHA OF AYODHYA'S SHRI RAM MANDIR
5. WORLD IS IN CRISIS BECAUSE ‘WE’ HAS BEEN REPLACED BY ‘I’: DR JOSHI	6. VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV IN DARLAGHAT
7. DAKSHIN LA VIBHAG HINDU HERITAGE CAMP	8. DUSSEHRA-MILAN IN JAPAN
9. HSS VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAVS	10. HSS USA CELEBRATED RAKSHA BANDHAN
11. UK PARLIAMENT CELEBRATED J&K DAY	12. PARANITYA NARASIMHA MANDIR DEDICATED IN NEW YORK
13. NEW YORK CITY MAYOR HOSTED DIWALI CELEBRATIONS	14. RAM JANMABHOOMI TRUST RECEIVES FCRA CERTIFICATION
15. BHARAT REPORTS RECORD FOODGRAIN PRODUCTION	16.NAVRATRI CELEBRATED AT ANCIENT SHARDA PEETH
17. NEW HEALTH CENTRE AT KASHI VISHWANATH MANDIR	18. BHARAT’S HUMANITARIAN AID FOR PALESTINIAN PEOPLE ARRIVES IN EGYPT
19. SCIENTISTS SUBRA, GADGIL GET NATIONAL MEDALS	20. TEEN WINS SECOND SPOT IN 3M YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE
21. JP MORGAN ELEVATES BHARAT TO ‘OVERWEIGHT’ RATING	22. OBITUARY: RANGA HARI
23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN	FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Article: BHAGWAT’S MANTRA FOR BHARAT

1. FESTIVALS: DIWALI: Diwali (November 12 this year), the festival of lights, is celebrated as the day Bhagwan Ram returned to his kingdom in Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman after defeating Ravan. It is also widely associated with Devi Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Bhagwan Ganesha, the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles.

Jains observe Diwali to mark the final liberation of Bhagwan Mahavira. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal prison. Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali by worshipping Devi Lakshmi, while the Hindus of Eastern Bharat and Bangladesh generally celebrate Diwali by worshipping Maa Kali.
The festivities are held from two days before amāvasyā, on Dhanteras, until the second day of the month of Kartik. -GoTop

2. RSS VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV: RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to the founder of the organisation KB Hedgewar and also performed the 'Shastra Pooja' on the occasion of Vijayadashami on October 24. Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan was the Chief Guest of the function in Nagpur. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhagwat said that due to Bharat’s distinct thoughts and vision, our guiding principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' has now been incorporated in the philosophy of the entire world. Citing the examples of Bharat’s medal tally at the Asian Games and the Chandrayaan-3 mission, he said that Bharat is now moving forward on the path of material and spiritual progress. He also said that the world is facing the scourge of fanaticism and hysteria stemming from religious sectarianism and hence it expects Bharat to emerge with a new vision, germane to the times, and based on its own value systems, to meet the contemporary needs and challenges of the globe. He added that we ought to rid ourselves of the colonial mindset, and embrace from the outside world only what suits our country and make what is already available in our country appropriate and relevant to the times. It will bring about a meaningful transformation for Bharat.
However, by plunging education, culture, politics and social environment into confusion, chaos, and corruption to create a cycle of fear, confusion and hatred, efforts are being made by some people to ensure that this transformation is not achieved. The right answer to this has to be found only through the unity of the society. We are fortunate to have inherited an all-inclusive culture with a tradition of unity. It is our way of life that transcends the differences between worship, tradition, language, region, caste etc., and extends our affinity from our own family to the entire world-family. We will have to work with the actual situation on the ground, and not be misled by propaganda or guided by assumptions. It is pertinent to persevere with our efforts for a long time, with patience, restraint and tolerance. He concluded by saying that when a nation, full of vigour and glory has a culture like Bharat’s Sanatan culture, that nation restores the balance of the world and brings the world the blessings of a happy and peaceful new life. This is the real purpose of the revival of our immortal nation that is Bharat in the present times. -GoTop

3. SANSKRIT IS THE LANGUAGE OF OUR IDENTITY - PM MODI: On October 27, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said at Shri Tulsi Peeth Seva Nyas in Madhya Pradesh’s Chitrakoot that Sanskrit is not only the language of traditions, but it is also the language of our progress and identity. He further said that Sanskrit got refined with time but did not get polluted adding that our culture is still intact and steadfast.

PM Modi also said that Ashtadhyayi is a thousand-year-old text of Bharat’s linguistics, Bharat’s intellectuality and our research culture. He highlighted the genius of Ashtadhyayi as it encapsulates grammar and science of language in pithy capsules. PM Modi also offered prayers at several Ram Mandirs in Chitrakoot including the Kanch Mandir. Shri Tulsi Peeth Seva Nyas is a religious and social service institution based at Janki Kund, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. -GoTop

4. PM MODI INVITED FOR PRAN PRATISHTHA OF AYODHYA'S SHRI RAM MANDIR: On October 25, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi met office bearers of Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, as he was being invited for the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Mandir.

The PM said "I feel very blessed. It is my good fortune that in my lifetime, I will witness this historic occasion."
"The consecration of the new idol of Ramlala in Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will take place on 22 January 2024. PM Narendra Modi will himself be present on this occasion. 4,000 saints, Mahatmas of the country and 2,500 eminent personalities of the society will witness this historic occasion," General Secretary of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust Champat Rai posted on X. -GoTop

5. WORLD IS IN CRISIS BECAUSE ‘WE’ HAS BEEN REPLACED BY ‘I’: DR JOSHI: On October 26, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, eminent thinker and former Union Minister attended the launch of the book ‘We and the World Around’ at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi. Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada and spiritual Guru Swami Avdheshanand Maharaj graced the occasion as Chair.

The book is a collection of articles written by Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Sah Sarkaryavah, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Joshi said that the world is in a crisis because ‘We’ has been replaced by ‘I’. He added that the land of Bharat talks about everyone, but the western world does not and the book touches upon such issues. Dr Manmohan Vaidya, while addressing the gathering, recalled an incident that provoked him to write. He added that there are 34 articles in the book.
While talking about RSS, Dr Vaidya said that it is difficult to understand RSS from outside. However, if one enters into Sangh, it becomes very easy. The book also mentions how a section of people tried to create misconceptions about Sangh, and also how people change their perspective about Sangh after knowing it. Dr Vaidya also said that the title of this book clearly says that Bharat’s view to see the world is different than others in the world. He added that we believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and always see the world as one and never divide it. -GoTop

6. VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV IN DARLAGHAT: The Vijayadashami Utsav of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Darlaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, began with the shastra-pujan.

In his address, Dr Manmohan Vaidya, the Sah Sarkaryavah of RSS, emphasised the importance of shakhas as a means to foster a sense of belonging and unity within the community. He highlighted the significance of giving back to society and said that RSS plays a crucial role in bringing like-minded individuals together to work for the betterment of society. Dr Vaidya also underlined the duty of every RSS karyakarta to contribute to the overall development of the nation. -GoTop

7. DAKSHIN LA VIBHAG HINDU HERITAGE CAMP: Dakshin LA Vibhag of HSS USA conducted Hindu Heritage Camp in the Aliso Viejo Area on September 8 to showcase what HSS can offer. Outreach was done using evite, grocery door flyer handouts and door-to-door invites. The program started with ice-breaker games.

This was followed by basic yoga, Surya namaskar and games conducted separately for children and adults. Adults were also involved in a discussion regarding challenges faced in raising children as Hindus in USA. Children made Diwali hanging decorations, listened to Prahlada story and learnt slokhas. Southwest Sambhag karyavah Pravin Tanwar addressed the adults explaining the values of HSS activities. The event was attended by more than 90 participants. -GoTop

8. DUSSEHRA-MILAN IN JAPAN: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS Japan celebrated 8th Dussehra-Milan along with first ever Path Sanchalan in Edogawa city, Tokyo. More than 200 participants including sevikas and bal swayamsevaks attended the sanchalan which concluded in the premises of a local Japanese school. The Dussehra-Milan witnessed participation of social workers from 20 different nationalities including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, US, UK, Austria, Czech Republic, South Korea, Vietnam, and Philippines. Many people who have recently started Hindu Mandir projects in various parts of Japan also attended the event.

Representatives from various Japanese and Bharatiya organizations attended the event and supported the initiative by HSS to felicitate social workers and associations from various nationalities. Mrs Kanika Agrawal, Director of Vivekanand Cultural Center from Embassy of Bharat and Edogawa Councilor Mr Hideyuki Masu also attended the event. During the event, a drama in Sanskrit on selected stories from Ramayan was presented by the HSS volunteers. -GoTop

9. HSS VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAVS: On October 29, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, HSS Botswana conducted the Vijayadashami Utsav at Botswana Hindu Society in Gaborone.

Around 65 swayamsevaks and sevikas in HSS ganvesh participated in the utsav and around 85 more people participated in the programme. Swayamsevaks and sevikas demonstrated vyayamyog, geet and ghosh. Deepti Sharma, a balagokulam volunteer, elaborated the religious and social aspect of Vijayadashami in her speech and narrated the inspiring story of Sadhu Sewadas from Trinidad. The winners of ‘Balagokulam Mantra Chanting Competition’ were also announced during the event.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Taiwan conducted their first Vijayadashami Utsav on October 28. Around 40 people participated in the event. The program included ‘aayudh puja’ and yogabhyas. Participants shared their thoughts on how Vijayadashami is celebrated in different parts of Bharat.

This was followed by the Gayatri Mantra chanting by shishus, bhajans and classical music. The event concluded with the HSS prarthana.
HSS Thailand also celebrated the Vijayadashami utsav on October 29 at the Hindu Dharma Sabha Vishnu Mandir. Vishnu Mandir President Shyam Vihari Singh and president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Thailand Sushil Saraf were the guests of honour at the event. Swami Vigyananad, Akhil Bharatiya General Secretary of VHP was the main speaker on the occasion. The event included a path sanchalan, collective Suryanamaskar and yoga. -GoTop

10. HSS USA CELEBRATED RAKSHA BANDHAN: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS USA celebrated Raksha Bandhan, also called Universal Oneness Day, which underscores the values of unity, love, and protection in society.

This year, HSS organized Raksha Bandhan celebrations in over 80 chapters across 20 states in the United States. Volunteers tied rakhis to various protectors of society, including police personnel, fire personnel, civic officials, and others who dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities. HSS volunteers also tied rakhis to faith leaders during this year’s Parliament of World Religions in Chicago.
While appreciating on behalf of his team, Fire Chief James Blanchfield, Wilton, CT, said, “It’s nice when we get together for something like this. On behalf of all the emergency services here today, we thank you guys for coming out here and spending the day with us.” -GoTop

11. UK PARLIAMENT CELEBRATED J&K DAY: The House of Commons (UK Parliament) celebrated Jammu & Kashmir Day on the eve of the 76th anniversary of the accession of the then princely state to Bharat on October 26, 1947. The program was organised by the J&K diaspora based in the UK and hosted by Rt Hon Bob Blackman, MP Harrow East. Other parliamentarians attending the event included Rt Hon Jonathan Lord, MP Woking, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, and MP Chipping Barnet.

The special guests for the evening included Ajatshatru Singh and Ritu Singh from the erstwhile royal family of Jammu & Kashmir. The proceedings were inaugurated by MP Jonathan Lord.
MP Theresa Villiers spoke about the importance of Jammu & Kashmir Day and also highlighted the significant progress made by the region since the revocation of Article 370.
The event was well represented by political and community activists based in the UK, the wider British Bharatiya and J&K diaspora. -GoTop

12. PARANITYA NARASIMHA MANDIR DEDICATED IN NEW YORK: In the small town of Elmira, New York, USA, Swami Paramahamsa Vishwananda completed the inauguration of the Paranitya Narasimha Mandir and ashram on September 3.

Hundreds of devotees from Russia, Brazil, Canada, Bharat and Africa all landed on the small town of Elmira to volunteer and help at this historic event. The main deity of the mandir is Paranitya Narasimha, the eternal form of Narasimha. It took two and a half years for the black granite carving of the murti to be completed and shipped. It was installed in elaborate ceremonies over a period of four days by head priest Samudrala Venkatacharyulu from Pittsburgh. -GoTop

13. NEW YORK CITY MAYOR HOSTED DIWALI CELEBRATIONS: On October 17, New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted the annual Diwali celebration at his New York residence, Gracie Mansion.

At the celebration attended by hundreds of prominent members of the Bharatiya-American and South Asian community as well as diaspora from other nationalities and government officials, Adams said that Diwali is more than lighting a candle or oil lamp and is about “lighting up our lives”. New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who led efforts to make Diwali a school holiday in New York City and Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan also attended the event. -GoTop

14. RAM JANMABHOOMI TRUST RECEIVES FCRA CERTIFICATION: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has received FCRA certification from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. It will allow the trust to receive contributions from foreign sources for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The Trust's General Secretary Champat Rai said in a post on X, "The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has been approved by the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bharat, to receive voluntary contributions under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010". He also said that such contributions can be sent to a designated bank account of the trust in the SBI's main branch located in Delhi.
Mandir Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra shared through an interview that the construction of the ground floor of the three-storey Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be completed by end of December and the ’Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony is expected to take place on January 22, 2024. -GoTop

15. BHARAT REPORTS RECORD FOODGRAIN PRODUCTION: Bharat’s total foodgrain production is estimated at a record 3296.87 lakh tons for 2022-23 which is 140.71 lakh tons higher than the corresponding figure of 3156.16 lakh tons achieved during 2021-22, according to the final estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare released on October 18.

The foodgrain production during 2022-23 is also higher by 308.69 lakh tons than the average of the previous five years (2017-18 to 2021-22). This increase in production is seen across multiple foodgrains like rice, wheat, Nutri/Coarse Cereals, pulses. Oilseeds, sugarcane etc. -GoTop

16.NAVRATRI CELEBRATED AT ANCIENT SHARDA PEETH: For the first time since Bharat became independent, Navratri has been celebrated at the ancient Sharda Peeth, located across the LoC, in Kashmir's Teetwal. In a social media post on X, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "It is a matter of profound spiritual significance that for the first time since 1947, the Navratri pujas have been held in the historic Sharda Mandir in Kashmir this year."

He said that this not only signifies the return of peace in the valley but also marks the rekindling of our nation's spiritual and cultural flame.
The mandir is considered to be the oldest among 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is believed to be built on the place where the right hand of Sati fell. The Sharda Peeth is significant as a Hindu and Buddhist mandir university and it also housed several students from many countries, including Tibet, China, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Iran, Afghanistan and Cambodia.
The 14th century literary and cultural text 'Madhaviya Shankaravijayam' refers to the 8th century Vedic scholar, Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have established the university within the mandir premises. The 11th century Kashmiri poet Bilhana details the ornaments of the Devi and the famous 12th century Kashmiri Historian Kalhana's seminal work 'Rajatarangini' certifies the exact location of the mandir. -GoTop

17. NEW HEALTH CENTRE AT KASHI VISHWANATH MANDIR: In the wake of the surge in number of devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath mandir, steps have been taken to provide medical relief to them by setting up a health centre in close proximity of the mandir.

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham Health Centre has been opened right next to Gate No 4 of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham Health Centre will be open 24 hours for the devotees. -GoTop

18. BHARAT’S HUMANITARIAN AID FOR PALESTINIAN PEOPLE ARRIVES IN EGYPT: The humanitarian aid sent by Bharat for the people of Palestine arrived in Egypt on October 22, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The Bharatiya envoy to Egypt, Ajit Gupte, handed over the relief material to the Egyptian Red Crescent for onward transmission to Palestine.

The disaster relief material weighing approximately 32 tons includes tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, basic sanitary utilities, water purification tablets, essential life-saving medicines and protective and surgical items etc.
Taking to X, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “India sends Humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine. An IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of Palestine departs for El-Arish airport in Egypt." -GoTop

19. SCIENTISTS SUBRA, GADGIL GET NATIONAL MEDALS: On October 24, US President Joe Biden honoured two Bharatiya American scientists — Subra Suresh and Ashok Gadgil — with National Medals for their pioneering contributions in the fields of science and technology innovation at a ceremony in the White House. In his remarks at the ceremony in the East Room, Biden said that for this year’s recipients, ‘outstanding’ may be an understatement and that they have paved the way for a generation of other scientists and innovators to pursue their own discoveries.

A professor at large at Brown University’s School of Engineering and former director of the National Science Foundation, Suresh of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was honored for pioneering research across engineering, physical sciences, and life sciences.
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was awarded to Ashok Gadgil of the University of California Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for providing life-sustaining resources to communities around the world. -GoTop

20. TEEN WINS SECOND SPOT IN 3M YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE: Bharatiya-American teen Shripriya Kalbhavi has won second place at the annual 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a premier science competition for middle school students.

Kalbhavi, a ninth grader at Lynbrook High School, received $2,000 prize money for developing EasyBZ — a cost-effective microneedle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles. Kalbhavi said in a blog post on the 3M Young Scientist Challenge website that she entered the contest because she wants to help change lives.
Apart from Kalbhavi, five other Bharatiya-American teens were among the top ten finalists and each of them received a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card. -GoTop

21. JP MORGAN ELEVATES BHARAT TO ‘OVERWEIGHT’ RATING: JP Morgan, a leading global brokerage firm, has upgraded Bharat to an “overweight” rating, reaffirming the country’s growing appeal to investors. Several factors underpin this decision, including the robust growth in emerging markets’ nominal GDP, and the expansion of the domestic bond market which is expected to reduce risk premiums.

This move by JP Morgan follows other major brokerages’ endorsements of Bharat’s growing prominence. Morgan Stanley previously upgraded Bharat to “overweight” due to improved economic and earnings growth, while CLSA boosted its Bharat portfolio allocation by 20 percent, and Nomura also upgraded Bharat to “overweight” in September. -GoTop

22. OBITUARY: RANGA HARI: Senior pracharak and ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Ranga Hari passed away in Kochi on November 29 at the age of 93. He served as the Akhil Bharatiya Boudhik Pramukh from 1991 to 2005 and remained an active member of the executive committee.

Ranga Hariji, was born on December 5, 1930. After passing his BA (Politics, History & Sanskrit), Hariji studied Sanskrit separately. He became a pracharak of Sangh on May 3, 1951. During the emergency and the ban on RSS, Hariji was one of the three seniormost underground leaders of RSS and Lok Sangharsh Samiti (LSS) in the state. He was in charge of Kurukshetra, the Malayalam underground fortnightly of Lok Sangharsh Samiti.
His contributions extended beyond Bharat, as he provided guidance to the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in Asia, America and Australia from 1994 to 2005, traveled extensively to 22 countries, and participated in global conferences on pre-Christian religions and tradition.
Hariji commanded excellent proficiency in Malayalam, Sanskrit, Hindi, Konkani, Marathi, Tamil and English. Hariji authored 20 books in Malayalam, 8 in Hindi, and one in Konkani. He also compiled three Malayalam books and a comprehensive compilation of Golwalkar’s works, titled ‘Shri Guruji Samagra,’ consisting of 12 volumes in Hindi. His range of works varies from organisational matters to epics to history to philosophies.
In a condolence message RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said that the sad demise of Shri Ranga Hari ji had robbed us of a profound thinker, practical worker and ideal of behaviour and most of all a loving and encouraging elder. They added that Ranga Hari ji had lived his life fully and meaningfully. -GoTop

23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this: the man or woman who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful. —Swami Vivekananda -GoTop

JAI SHRI RAM
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BHAGWAT’S MANTRA FOR BHARAT
RAM MADHAV

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat’s address at the annual Foundation Day function in Nagpur on Vijaya Dashami earlier this week provides significant insights into the organisation’s thinking about contemporary issues and challenges.

Bhagwat dwelt at length on core Sangh themes like “Swa” — national self-hood and national unity. Bharat-centricity — turning to our own wisdom and experience for shaping our national future — was the core message of his address. He rightly pointed out that this urge to return to our roots and preserve self-identity is being witnessed in many countries today.
Bhagwat delineated the contours of that self-identity as devotion to the motherland, pride in forefathers, and common culture.
“These three elements make us stand out proudly as one nation by tying together all the diversities of language, region, sect, caste, sub-caste etc,” he averred. Bhagwat acknowledged the fact that ours is a remarkably diverse society and insisted that there are good people in all religions — “Hindus, and also those who are called Muslims and Christians because of their way of worship” — who believe that “fitna, fasaad, and kitan” (discard, strife and violence) should be rejected and “sulah, salamati, and aman” (reconciliation, security and peace) should be pursued.
Bhagwat suggested that such discussions shouldn’t become transactional. As “the children of one motherland, and the inheritors of one culture,” we have to understand our inherent unity and “get connected again on that basis”.
Talking about the “destructive, all-devouring forces” out to destroy that unity, Bhagwat referred to “cultural Marxists or wokes”, blaming them for capturing institutions like media and academia and plunging education, culture, politics and social environment into chaos. He held them responsible for creating a “vicious cycle of fear, confusion and hatred”. He described their modus operandi as “mantra viplav”.
In his criticism of cultural Marxism and wokeism, Bhagwat will find many supporters in the West. Cultural Marxism can be traced to the Frankfurt School in Germany and scholars like Antonio Gramsci in Italy in the early 20th century. Cultural Marxists deviated from Karl Marx’s economy-centric theory of proletarian revolution and argued that the culture and traditions of a society are the real oppressors of mankind and hence they should be uprooted for the oppressed classes to get justice.
Gramsci argued that classical Marxist ideas like violent revolution should be abandoned, and the ideologues should instead infiltrate institutions to create a new cultural worldview. Fidel Castro of Cuba, the darling of the American New Left in the late 1950s and early 1960s, confessed that he had agreed to address Harvard students in 1959 only because “that is where you find the real ‘military spirit’: In students, not in the barracks.”
In the West, the cultural Marxists theorised that the entire Western civilisation, including its governments, rules, norms, behaviours, traditions and mores are all manifestations of “White Supremacy”. Family, nation, god, religion — all these are oppressive institutions according to them, and destroying these edifices was the only way to secure freedom for the “oppressed”. They invented the new classes of the “oppressed” based on race and gender.
In Bharat, the ideological fellow-travellers of the cultural Marxists have wreaked havoc by capturing premiere institutions and academic and intellectual spaces for decades after independence. Like their Western counterparts, the native cultural Marxists developed a narrative that projected Hinduism, caste and social institutions like the family as oppressive and exploitative. They challenged the national identity of Bharat and advocated for the dismemberment of the country, acquiring in the process, the sobriquet “tukde-tukde gang” too.
Western cultural Marxists developed Critical Race Theory (CRT) holding white people to be the fount of all oppression. Their Indian counterparts replaced race with caste and sought to equate Hinduism with upper-caste hegemony and oppression. Cultural Marxists are as much the enemies of the liberal order as they are of the conservatives. Sadly, not realising these pitfalls, some politicians in our country are trying to walk into that minefield in the name of caste census, etc.
Fortunately, in India, unlike in the US, these cultural Marxist campaigners encountered organised resistance from the nationalist forces led by organisations like the RSS. Still, their efforts to demonise Hinduism and equate caste with race to sow seeds of discord in society continue.
Bhagwat took up cudgels against them. But he also wished to caution activists against being trapped in the action-reaction syndrome. He invoked Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution of India as the basis for achieving “emotional unity”.
“There exist bitter experiences, ranging from not being able to get a house in each other’s localities, to being treated with mutual contempt. Blame games ensue over incidents of violence, riots, harassment, etc. The misdeeds of an individual are extrapolated and portrayed as the misdeeds of an entire community, and then a war of words ensues, followed by provocative invocations and calls to action. Forces that want to break the country by making us quarrel also take full advantage of this situation,” he warned.
Bhagwat’s important message to all citizens was about building a climate of trust and harmony in the country. That is possible only by increasing “mutual dialogue and understanding with a calm and stable mind and evolving respect for each other’s beliefs,” he insisted.
The only response to the “mantra viplav” of the cultural Marxists should be “to follow law and order, and abide by the Constitution” — this is Bhagwat’s mantra for Bharat. (The article was originally published in Indian Express on October 28, 2023 as a part of Dr Madhav’s column titled ‘Ram Rajya’.) https://www.rammadhav.in/articles/bhagwats-mantra-for-bharat/ -GoTop

SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com