\Samvad

Paush  Shukla 5 Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 16 January, 2024: SM 5020 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: PARAKRAM DIWAS 2. PROGRAMS OF RSS SARSANGHACHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. SJM SETS UP 448  ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRES 4. RAM MANDIR’S PRAN-PRATISHTHA EVENTS IN BHARAT
5. RAM MANDIR’S PRAN-PRATISHTHA EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD 6. SDSS MYANMAR WINTER CAMPS
7. CANADA HINDU SIKH FORUM COMMEMORATES VEER BAAL DIWAS 8. SEWA DIWALI’S ANNUAL FOOD DRIVES HELPED 245 ORGANIZATIONS IN 34 STATES
9. VISHWA VIBHAG PARIVAR MILANS IN BHARAT 10. SMRITI IRANI LEADS NON-MUSLIM BHARATIYA DELEGATION TO MADINA
11. NJ’S FIRST BHARATIYA AMERICAN WOMAN MAYOR 12. AMERICAN SCIENTIST FUNDS AWARD IN HONOUR OF JC BOSE
13. OBITUARY : PROFESSOR VED PRAKASH NANDA 14. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Article: BHAGWAN RAM OUTSIDE INDIA

1. FESTIVALS: PARAKRAM DIWAS: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was born on 23 January, 1897 in Cuttack, Orissa, to Prabhavati Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose. This year, Bharat will celebrate his 127th birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas. Netaji was a Bharatiya nationalist whose patriotism towards Bharat has left a mark in the hearts of many Bharatiyas.

He was influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna after reading their works at the age of 16. He was then sent by his parents to the University of Cambridge in England to prepare for the Bharatiya Civil Service. In 1920 he passed the civil service examination, but in April 1921, after hearing of the nationalist turmoils in Bharat, he resigned his candidacy. He served as a 2nd leader of Azad Hind Fauj - Indian National Army - and head of the Provisional Government of Free Bharat. Netaji went to the Andaman which had been occupied by the Japanese and hoisted the flag of Bharat there. The Azad Hind Fauj became the symbol of unity and heroism to the people of Bharat. -GoTop


2. PROGRAMS OF RSS SARSANGHACHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat reached Jind on January 12 for a three-day visit to Haryana. He formally inaugurated a painting workshop based on the seven sections of Ramayana by lighting the lamp in Shri Ram Mandapam and applying colors with paintbrush on Ram Tilak in the children's section. The painting workshop was organized under the joint aegis of Haryana Kala Parishad and Sanskar Bharti. Speaking on the occasion he said that the world is in a turmoil and it will attain peace and prosperity when Bharat becomes VishwaGuru. The organized strength of Hindus has the capacity to create role models for such a society.

Dr. Bhagwat also addressed a gathering of esteemed sants at the Valmiki Ashram in Gohana, Haryana. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Bhagwan Valmiki introduced Prabhu Ramchandra to the world through Ramayan. He added that the epic embodies the concepts of ‘prem’ and ‘samarasata’. He also distributed the akshat from Ayodhya to the assembled dignitaries and invited them to participate in the pran-pratishtha program by celebrating it in local mandirs.
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3. SJM SETS UP 448  ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRES: The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) along with 32 other organisations have set up 448 centres to promote entrepreneurship and help people, especially women and youth, start their own venture to become self-reliant.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, SJM co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said that these centres have been set up as part of a joint programme 'Swavalambi Bharat Abhiyan' (SBA) launched about two years ago to motivate people to start their own venture.  "Its objective is to develop an unemployment free, poverty free and prosperous Bharat,” he said. Mahajan said that the joint initiative works in the field of labour, farming, cooperatives, small enterprises, education, consumer affairs and other sectors.  Entrepreneurs development programmes were also organised in more than 2,700 high schools and intermediate colleges, 1,500 institutions and colleges, and 150 universities. SBA also organised nationwide workshops between April to June which was attended by more than 6,500 participants. -GoTop


4. RAM MANDIR’S PRAN-PRATISHTHA EVENTS IN BHARAT: As per mandir officials, the pran-pratishtha ceremony of Bhagwan Ramlala will be held in Ayodhya over a span of seven days starting January 16.

On January 10, Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra and International Working President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Alok Kumar extended an invitation to Dr. Mohan Bhagwat in Delhi to attend the Ram Mandir pran-pratishtha ceremony. On January 12, they also extended an invitation to Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu at her residence. Earlier, on January 11, UpRashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankhar was also invited for the ceremony.
Mata Amritanandamayi Devi accepted the akshat consecrated at Ram Mandir from senior RSS leader S. Sethumadhavan who, along with a team of RSS workers, visited Amma at her Ashram in Kochi on January 6. The image of Amma reverently accepting the akshat and touching it to her forehead in a gesture of deep respect resonated with many people across Bharat.
Iqbal Ansari, the former litigant in the Ayodhya land dispute case, was also extended an invitation to attend the ceremony. The invitation marks a significant moment as Ansari, who once played a crucial role in the legal proceedings, embraced the upcoming event with positivity. Expressing his sentiments, he stated, “I am happy that the idol of Bhagwan Ram is going to be installed. Ayodhya is the land of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Christian harmony. It will always remain intact.”
On January 13, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi started a special 11-day fast to prepare himself for the pran-pratishtha ceremony, saying that the day will mark the culmination of over 500 years of enduring patience, and realisation of the pledge and dream of generations which made tremendous sacrifices for it. PM Modi spent more than 40 minutes performing rituals at Ramkund and Kala Ram Mandir along the banks of Godavari. He also appealed to people to light special diyas — Shri Ram Jyoti — in their homes to celebrate the day as Deepawali.
RSS and other related organisations started a campaign to reach out to people across the country and invite them to join the pran-pratishtha ceremony by offering prayers at mandirs in their neighbourhoods. Besides the invitation, a picture of Bhagwan Ram is also being presented to every household.
The pure silk clothes brought on behalf of the Kapse Foundation in Yeola for Bhagwan Ram, Ma Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan and Bhagwan Hanuman were prepared by a team of three hundred specially abled devotees. Along with this, other puja materials also arrived in Ayodhya. The General Secretary of Shri Ram TeerthKshetra Trust, Champat Rai, accepted these sacred materials for worship.
Vishwaprasanna Tirtha, a revered member of the mandir trust, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Hindu community to look to the profound reservoir of Hindu texts, such as the Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata, for inspiration when naming their children. This call to connect with ancient scriptures is not merely an effort to preserve cultural heritage but also to instil a profound sense of identity and belonging in the younger generation.
Ahead of the pran-pratishtha, JNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit referred to the event as the “resurgence” of Bharatiya civilisation.
Lal Krishna Advani said that the inauguration of the mandir was a "fulfillment of a divine dream" as destiny had decided that a grand mandir of Bhagwan Ram will be built in Ayodhya. Advani also stated that when the pran-pratishtha ceremony would take place, PM Modi would be representing every citizen of the country.
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5. RAM MANDIR’S PRAN-PRATISHTHA EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD: The pran-pratishtha of Bhagwan Ramlala on January 22 has captured the attention of the entire world. Several programs have been organized worldwide to commemorate this event. Many special gifts have also been sent from abroad to Ayodhya ahead of the ceremony. The much-awaited pran-pratishtha ceremony will also be telecast at various Bharatiya embassies overseas. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has outlined plans for events in over 50 countries worldwide including USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Fiji, Indonesia, and Germany.
A live broadcast of the ceremony is scheduled at Times Square. Mandirs across USA and Canada will conduct prayers and organize festive events. Car rallies are also being organized in California, Washington, Chicago, and other places.

In a remarkable show of solidarity and celebration, over 40 giant billboards featuring Shri Ram and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have been erected across more than 10 states in the United States including Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia. The strategically placed billboards aim to convey the enthusiastic participation of Hindu Americans in this historic event.
In a vibrant mix of faith and unity, the Bharatiya-American community organized a car rally with Hindu symbols and saffron colour flags in Houston, Texas.
The around 5-km line of 216 cars were escorted by eight policemen on bikes. Starting at Shri Meenakshi Mandir and concluding at Shri Sharad Amba Mandir in Richmond, the procession covered 160 km and stopped at eleven mandirs over a period of six hours. Around 2,000 devotees welcomed the procession at the temples with bhajans, expressing overwhelming devotion.
VHP of America organised an Epic Tesla Musical light show at Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Mandir in Maryland. More than 150 cars, parked strategically in the ‘Ram’ formation, participated in the light show with people holding flags inscribed with images of Bhagwan Ram and raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Ram Lakshman Janki, Jai Shri Hanuman Ki’ slogans.
In Paris, a grand Ram Rath Yatra is scheduled for January 21 to attract participants from across Europe.
President of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin said that all mandirs in Mauritius will organise Ramayan chanting on January 22. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth said in a statement that the Mauritius government will grant a two-hour break for public officials of Hindu religion on January 22 to participate in prayers.
More than 3000 gifts for Bhagwan Ram were sent to Ayodhya from Nepal’s Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. The gifts, including silver shoes, ornaments and clothes, were transported in a convoy of around 30 vehicles from the Janakpur Dham Ramjanaki Mandir in Nepal to Ayodhya.
Speaking at an event titled ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’ at the US Capitol Hill in Washington DC on January 10, the Bharatiya envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that Ramayan is a bridge across geographies and teaches people about the complexities of human relationships and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
While attending a Mata Ki Chowki at the Geeta Mandir in New York, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City said that the pran-pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya is extremely important for Hindus not just in Bharat but also from South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities living in New York City.
According to an official statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, 2,500 folk artists will perform on 100 stages in Ayodhya on January 22. More than 5000 artists from around 15 countries will also stage Ramlila at 10 public locations over a period of 70 days from January 14 to March 24.
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6. SDSS MYANMAR WINTER CAMPS: Winter camps were organized in December by the Sanatan Dharma Swayamsevak Sangh SDSS Myanmar at 4 places in 4 vibhags. Around 450 people including 350 shiksharthis, 40 shikshaks and 60 prabandhaks participated in it. The programs from 5am to 10pm included many physical and intellectual activities. Kabaddi and kho-kho competition, yoga practice and several traditional games were part of the shareerik sessions. Bauddhik sessions included topics to inculcate pride in the Hindu culture, history of SDSS Myanmar, contribution of Hindus to the world and introduction to great Hindu personalities. In some places, meetings were also organized with the local community as part of the camp.

A two day sevika camp was also organized separately at one place. The camps helped in connecting with and introducing SDSS to new people. -GoTop

 
7. CANADA HINDU SIKH FORUM COMMEMORATES VEER BAAL DIWAS: Veer Baal Diwas is a solemn remembrance of the young sons of Shri Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzades Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, whose supreme sacrifices epitomize bravery and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. The Hindu Sikh Unity Forum Canada paid homage to the valiant Sahibzades through a series of poignant events, fostering unity and solidarity.
On December 23, the Vaishno Devi Mandir in Oakville, Ontario hosted a gathering, supported by the Hindu Canadian Foundation. Esteemed speakers including Swami Advaitan and Dr. Pargat Singh Bagga who spoke eloquently about the enduring legacy of the Sahibzades and the intertwined destinies of Hindus and Sikhs. On December 24, a similar program was held at the Bharat Mata Mandir in Brampton, with the support of the Hindu Forum Canada.
On December 31, the Hindu Mandir in Montreal, Quebec marked the Veer Baal Diwas event. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Ratan Jaku of Shri Ravidas Gurudwara, Mr. Shyam Singh of the Dr. Ambedkar Association, and Mr. Rajveer Singh Bhandal of the Punjabi Association. All events culminated in the spiritual serenity of Bhajan, Shabad Kirtan, and distribution of Langar Prasad. These events not only celebrated historical courage but also served as a cohesive force, uniting participants in cultural and spiritual contemplation.
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8. SEWA DIWALI’S ANNUAL FOOD DRIVES HELPED 245 ORGANIZATIONS IN 34 STATES: Sewa Diwali, a charitable food drive organized by Dharmic communities across the United States, donated more than 502,000 pounds of food in 2023, benefiting over 245 organizations from 34 states, including food pantries, homeless shelters, worship houses, and schools. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) volunteers participated in this drive and coordinated the collections and donations regionally and nationally, a press release from Sewa Diwali said.

This year’s Sewa Diwali saw active and spirited participation from Sikh Gurudwaras, Hindu and Jain mandirs, school districts, Interfaith communities, Bharatiya American cultural and linguistic associations, and thousands of families and individuals. Several Dharmic organizations such as VT Seva, Chinmaya Mission, Arya Samaj, Samskrita Bharati USA, and Sewa International collected food among their supporters.
Lisa Kelly, the Executive Director of Middlesex College Foundation in NJ, thanked Sewa Diwali for its generous donation. US Congressmen Kevin Kiley and Ro Khanna of CA provided Special Congressional Recognition to Sewa Diwali.
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9. VISHWA VIBHAG PARIVAR MILANS IN BHARAT: Many overseas Bharatiyas visit Bharat in the month of December. Vishwa Vibhag Kendras in Bharat took the opportunity to connect with them during their visit.
A program for the current and former HSS karyakartas and their family members was organized by the Vishwa Vibhag Pune Kendra on December 25 at Motibaug Karyalay. 51 participants from 9 countries and 26 karyakartas of Vishwa Vibhag Kendra Pune attended the event.

Lokvikas Mandal which currently runs 49 projects for the underprivileged section of the society presented their activities. The attendees - in two groups – visited the sewa projects at various locations around Aundh and Baner areas for a first hand experience of the activities.
Lunch was followed by Shri Ram Pujan and Ramraksha stotra recital. The Vishwa Vibhag Kendra activities were introduced to the participants and HSS karyakartas gave information about the work carried out by HSS in their respective region.
Saumitra Gokhale, Global Coordinator of HSS, enlightened the audience on the different work and activities carried out by HSS globally. He expressed that the work carried out by HSS is unique to each territory and that accomplishments of HSS, in difficult circumstances, in regions like Ukraine, African countries, etc. was only possible through the dedication shown by local karyakartas.
The day-long program ended with the conclusion of a family shakha.
The first Parivar Milan of Bengaluru Vishwa Vibhag Kendra was organized at Rashtrotthana Vidya Kendra, Banashankari on December 17. The event was inaugurated by V. Nagaraj, Kshetriya Sanghachalak, RSS and Saumitra Gokhale, Global Coordinator, HSS.
About 120 delegates including 70 men, 40 women and 10 children from Bharat, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Singapore, Sweden, Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman participated in the event which opened with a Ganesh Vandana rendition by children from Manonandana, a rehabilitation Centre for neuro-divergent children.
Srinivas Bhagavatula, Coordinator, Vishwa Vibhag Bengaluru Kendra, spoke on the idea behind the program, its scope and the journey ahead.. V. Nagaraj, who gave the presiding address for the event, highlighted the importance of the Soft power of Bharat that comes from our cultural heritage and concluded his speech with a call to the Kannada diaspora to be the cultural ambassadors of Bharat. Venkatesh Murthy, National Member of Seva Bharati and Parimala V Murthy of Youth For Seva, gave a short presentation on a variety of Seva projects and volunteering opportunities available in Karnataka. Visiting delegates from USA, Germany, UK and Singapore briefed about HSS activities and different Seva projects happening in their respective countries.
In his concluding address, Saumitra Gokhale spoke about HSS and Sewa International activities and their impact on local communities. He shared a number of inspirational and impactful stories from HSS engagements across multiple countries. He also touched upon examples of how HSS helped save lives across different countries including blood donations post a terror attack in Nairobi (Kenya), the excellent yeomen service during Covid pandemic by different HSS Shakhas and the service provided by Ukraine and European HSS members towards the evacuation of stranded Bharatiyas and other nationals from Ukraine War zone.
On December 22, around 20 families whose children are either studying or working overseas participated in a similar program in Indore. Four visiting families from four countries were also present. There was some information sharing and interaction followed by dinner.
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10. SMRITI IRANI LEADS NON-MUSLIM BHARATIYA DELEGATION TO MADINA: In a historic visit showcasing significant diplomacy with Saudi Arabia, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti Irani led the non-Muslim Bharatiya delegation to the holy city of Madina, one of Islam’s holiest cities. Irani was accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V. Muraleedharan. This marked the first time a non-Muslim delegation had been welcomed to Madina. The visit was part of an ongoing diplomatic mission.

The delegation visited the perimeter of the Prophet's Mosque (Al Masjid Al Nabwi) in the Markazia area of Madina, the mountain of Uhud and the Quba Mosque. Quba Mosque is the first Mosque of Islam while Uhud Mountain is the final resting place of a number early Islamic martyrs.  -GoTop


11. NJ’S FIRST BHARATIYA AMERICAN WOMAN MAYOR: Neena Singh became the first Sikh and Bharatiya American woman to be sworn in as Mayor of Montgomery Township in the US state of New Jersey. She was administered the oath of office by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman at the Montgomery Township Reorganization Meeting on January 4.

Singh, who has lived in Montgomery for 24 years, was unanimously selected to serve as Mayor by her fellow Township Committee members. “What energizes and motivates me is the spirit of service. I strongly believe we all have a responsibility to give back, and I am blessed to do so in a town that reflects America’s diversity,” said Singh, whose priorities for 2024 are public safety and health.  -GoTop


12. AMERICAN SCIENTIST FUNDS AWARD IN HONOUR OF JC BOSE: Jagadish Chandra Bose, invented the detector for wireless telegraphy which was used by the Italian inventor and engineer G Marconi for his historic demonstration of the first ever trans-Atlantic radio telegraphy. Since Marconi did not mention Bose, Bose’s vital contribution remained hidden. Efforts to publicly acknowledge the contributions of Bose began with The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), located in New York City, placing a memorial plaque at the Presidency College in Kolkata where Bose came up with his ground-breaking invention. Now, the IEEE has decided to establish a prestigious medal known officially as the IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications. Bengal-born Mani Bhaumik, who lives in Los Angeles has offered to donate one million US dollars to sponsor the medal and award in perpetuity. Bhaumik holds numerous patents and is the inventor of the laser technology that paved the way for Lasik eye surgery. Bhaumik says he feels his donation is a way of paying back for all that he gained from his teacher and mentor, Satyendra Nath Bose of the Bose-Einstein statistics fame who was a student of J C Bose.
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13. OBITUARY : PROFESSOR VED PRAKASH NANDA - Senior swayamsevak and Sanghachalak of Americas Zone Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda passed away on January 1 in his hometown Denver. He was surrounded by his close family and HSS volunteers.

Born in 1934 in Gujranwala of the undivided Bharat, Prof. Nanda underwent an arduous immigration to the Punjab state in Bharat along with his family during the partition of Pakistan from Bharat. He went on to build an exemplary career starting with M.A. Economics from Punjab University, Law degree from Delhi University, and LLM from Northwestern University and subsequent postgraduate work from Yale University in the US. He was a champion of Human Rights and a successful International Law professor at Sturm College of Law, University of Denver, since 1972. He was also Honorary President of the World Jurist Association, former honorary Vice President of the American Society of International Law, and a member of the advisory council of the United States Institute of Human Rights. He authored or co-authored 24 books in various fields of international law. He was a regular columnist for the Denver Post and wrote on a wide range of topics including human rights and international relations. In 2006, Sturm College of Law alumni founded the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law in his honor. He has also received a number of awards including the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Award for Community Peace Building in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018 by the Government of Bharat.
Prof. Nanda started the first shakha in the US in 1961 at the University of Chicago. Since 2001, after becoming Sanghachalak of HSS, he constantly travelled across the country to meet, guide, and inspire HSS volunteers. He took initiative to reach out to the opinion makers of the society for various Hindu-American causes.
He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Hindu University of America. He was the chairman of the board of trustees at Hindu Mandir of Colorado and also remained active in interfaith activities in Colorado.
He leaves behind his daughter, Anjali, son-in-law, granddaughters and extended family.
In their condolence message, RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sarakaryavah Dattratreya Hosabale said that with the passing away of Prof Nanda, the life journey of an ardent swayamsevak of Sangh and a person endowed with great human qualities came to an end. His contributions as zonal Sanghachalak of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in America will always be remembered with reverence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences on X, acknowledging Prof. Nanda’s invaluable contributions to the legal field and his unwavering commitment to legal education.
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14. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Vishwa Vibhag Sah Samyojak Dr. Ram Vaidya will be travelling to Bharat for the ICCS Elder’s Conference. Visitors: Rakesh Shukla - USA, S.N. Kothari - Indonesia, Hemant Raj - South Korea, Kirti Lodhe with family - Germany, Sumitra and Tapash Pal - Canada.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: To be happy always is something which is difficult to achieve. That is to say, happiness and sorrow alternate in one's life and there cannot be unintrerrupted happiness alone. - Bhagwan Sri Ram to Mother Kaikeyi (Ramayana).
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JAI SHRI RAM
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BHAGWAN RAM OUTSIDE INDIA

 Satyajit Shriram Joshi

Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana is a much-loved tale of good triumphing over evil, the world over. Valmiki Ramayana is recognized as the original but over 300 Ramayana versions are known to exist, especially in South East Asia, when around the 12th and 13th centuries, the region received and imbibed many of the cultural traits, along with goods and services, traveling from Indian shores.

The Ramayana adaptations have influenced their folklore and cultural beliefs, changed plots, character traits, attire, choice of weaponry, and locations, and in turn, offer an array of refreshing perspectives on the original version.
Ram outside India
Many of the versions may not ascribe to certain values in the original Ramayana but different versions and interpretations are found in Indian versions of Ramayana as well. For example, some different characters are found in Jain texts. Such texts seem to have influenced Ramayana versions outside India. Ram is depicted and considered as a respectable figure in the Buddhist version in South Asian countries. The Buddhist version of Ramayana is called `Dasarata Jataka’. We find two versions here. Firstly, Dashratha sent Ram, Sita, and Laxmana to live in the forest to protect them from his third ambitious wife. The second version does not have the abduction of Sita.
The fact is that both versions got immense popularity and gained social acceptance. It is seen that Ramayana was even used by the rulers to legitimize their kingship. Eleventh-century Burmese stone is found, with an inscription in the Mon language. The inscription describes King Kyanzittha, who belonged to the Bagan dynasty, as Ram’s close relative. In several countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, Hinduism had a large following before Buddhists entered in these regions. Orissa and Tamil sea merchants were responsible for the proliferation of Indian culture to Southeast Asia, when they would undertake an annual voyage, and along with the goods exchanged stories. In some Southeast Asian versions, Hanuman is depicted as someone playing mind games, who charms and outwits, especially the female characters. Despite having multiple versions, Ram continues to be a dominant character in these countriesThe Cambodian Ramayana is known as Reamker (Ramakerti–Ram + Kirti/glory), a text of Khmer literature, which takes from both Hinduism and Buddhism to demonstrate the balance of good and evil. In Cambodia, Ram is known as Phreah Ream, and Sita, Neang Seda. A corridor with carved episodes on Ramayana is seen in 12th-century Angkor Wat ruins. Some murals are also noticed on the walls of Phnom Penh’s royal palace. Interestingly, Hanuman is shown expanding his body between India and Sri Lanka so that Ram’s army could cross the sea.
The monarchs of Thailand, erstwhile Siam, used to call themselves as descendants of Ram. Their names had Ram either as a prefix or a suffix. Its capital city was Ayutthaya, which sounds similar to Ayodhya. In the 18th century, Burmese soldiers invaded Ayutthaya, and the name was changed to Rama I, this happened despite him being a practicing Buddhist. Later, he wrote the Thai version of Ramayana, which is known as Ramakien and it is still considered as a national epic.
Myanmar (Burma) has a national epic, known as Yamayana; Yama or Zatdaw was introduced during King Anawratha’s reign in the 11th century CE. This version calls Ram as Yama and Sita as Thida. Ravana is called Yawana. Ram is portrayed as a Bodhisattva. The narrative is mostly the same as Valmiki’s Ramayana, except for localised names of places and characters.
In Laos, the national epic is Phra Lak Phra Ram. Lao devotees believed that their ruler King Lava was Ram’s son. They believe that Lava gave Laos its name. This is viewed as a Jataka story. Malay version of Ramayana - Hikayat Seri Rama – is very similar to the original Sanskrit text. But the central character in Malaysia is Laxman and not Ram.
Spread and versions of Ramayana in Southeast countries can be understood by the fact that every island has different versions.
In Bali, it is Ramakavaca, in Java its Kakawin or Yogesvara Ramayana, and in Sumatra it is Ramayana Swarnadwipa. In the latter version, Tamawaka (Ram) rescues Himegini (Sita), from Baramon (Ravan). The Javanese Kakawin is a Sanskrit-metre-poetry composed during the Medang kingdom era. In some Indonesian versions, Sita is shown as a fierce lady, who fought against Asuras on her own. In the Maranao version of the Philippines, which is called as Maharadia Lawana, a completely new version is seen, in which adventures of monkeys can be seen. Deep influence of Ramayana on Southeast countries continues even today. The opening ceremony of the 2017 ASEAN summit involved a staging of the musical version of Ramayana.
In China, few parts picked up orthodox and ethical values noted in the Indian epic. Jataka Katha of Ram are popular with the Chinese. China has also a Buddhist text Liudu ji jing. This is an elaborate account of the Ramayana, while in Sun Wukong, Hanuman finds some representation in the form of a monkey-king.
Japan has two versions namely, Hobutsushu and Sambo-Ekotoba. Hanuman has a diminutive role in another adaptation titled, Ramaenna or Ramaensho, and in the Bontenkoku version, Tamawaka (Ram), a flute player rescues his wife Himegini (Sita) from King Baramon (Ravan).
In Nepal, Mahakavi Siddhidas Mahaju Amatya wrote Siddhi Ramayana in the Nepal Bhasa. There’s also Bhanubhakta Acharya’s Bhanubhaktako Ramayana in Khas language. However, the revelry of Dussehra called Dasain or Mohini in Nepal is more about the Goddess Durga, than Ram’s triumph over Ravan.
https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2024/1/8/Bhagwan-Ram-outside-India.html   -GoTop



\Samvad

Paush  Krishna 5 Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 1 January, 2024: SM 5019 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: GURU GOVIND SINGH JAYANTI 2. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK’S PROGRAMS
3. DATTATREYA HOSABALE HAILS NEW EDUCATION POLICY 4. DR KRISHNA GOPAL AFFIRMS NATIONALISM
5. VEER BAL DIWAS 6. SECOND EDITION OF KASHI TAMIL SANGAMAM
7. HSS UK PARLIAMENT WEEK ACTIVITY 8. USA DIWALI FOOD DRIVE
9. SEWA TT'S 4TH CLOTHING RECYCLE DRIVE 10. SEWA INTERNATIONAL UK'S RICKSHAW RUN 2023
11. HINDU AMERICANS ORGANISE RALLY TO CELEBRATE AYODHYA RAM MANDIR ‘PRAN PRATISHTHA’ 12. 55-FEET HANUMAN JI STATUE TO BE INSTALLED AT CANADA
13. QATAR REDUCES SENTENCE OF IMPRISONED FORMER INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL 14. DALAI LAMA INAUGURATES FIRST INTERNATIONAL SANGHA FORUM IN BODHGAYA
15. PRERNA VIMARSH 2023 16. PUNE BOOK FESTIVAL
17. BHARAT PAYS IN RUPEES FOR CRUDE OIL PURCHASED FROM UAE 18. BHARAT’S UMA SEKHAR GETS ELECTED TO GOVERNING COUNCIL OF UNIDROIT IN HISTORIC VICTORY
19. BHARAT TOPS GLOBAL REMITTANCE CHARTS AT $125 BN IN 2023 20. LEIF ERIKSON LUNAR PRIZE AWARDED TO ISRO FOR CHANDRAYAAN-3 ADVANCEMENT
21. AFTER 76 YEARS BHARAT GETS IT'S OWN LAW 22. DRDO SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT TESTS INDIGENOUS HIGH-SPEED FLYING-WING UAV GHATAK
23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: RECLAIMING HINDU RELIGIOUS PLACES


1. FESTIVALS: GURU GOVIND SINGH JAYANTI: Guru Gobind Singh was born on Paush Shukla Saptami, Vikram Samvat 1723 in Patna, Bihar (17 January in 2024). His father, the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded by Aurangzeb for not accepting Islam in the year 1675 CE.

In 1676 CE, Gobind Singh was declared the tenth Guru of Sikhs on the day of Baisakhi when he was 9 years old. He founded the Khalsa warrior community and also enshrined the Guru Granth Sahib as Sikhism's primary holy religious scripture and the eternal Guru. He fought many wars to protect Dharma. Guru Govind Singh’s four sons died during his lifetime – two in battle and two executed by the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated across the world by visiting Gurudwaras, listening to holy Gurbani and Langar. -GoTop


2. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK’S PROGRAMS: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat attended a day long “Poorvottar Sant Manikanchan Sammelan – 2023” in Majuli, Assam on December 28. 104 spiritual leaders from 48 satras in Assam and 37 religious institutions across the northeastern states participated in it. The North Kamalabari Satra, known as the holy “Land of Satras”, hosted the event after a gap of over five decades since the Jorhat Sant Sammelan held in 1966. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, in his address, emphasised the intrinsic connection between a nation’s nature and its culture.

On December 20, speaking at the Multilingual Literary Meet organised by Sikha ‘O’ Anusandhan University (SOA) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Dr Bhagwat said that Bharat is the epicentre of world peace. He highlighted the pivotal role that Bharat plays on the global stage, serving as a source of able leadership and spiritual wisdom for nations around the world.
Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad Nyas organised ‘Sarvbhasha Sahityakar Samman’ in Bhubaneshwar on December 20. On the ocasion Dr Mohan Bhagwat urged the nation to embrace linguistic heritage and to use the term 'Bharat'. He also called for embracing of mother tongues for genuine cultural respect and unity. 14 writers of different Bharatiya languages were felicitated in the program.
Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the three-day event ‘Divine Spiritual Festival’ at Shri Harihar Ashram Kankhal in Haridwar on December 24. It marks the completion of 25 years since Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdeshanand established Junakahara Acharya Peeth. Addressing the gathering, Dr Bhagwat emphasised on the timeless nature of ‘Sanatana,’ stating, “Sanatana was there, is there, and will remain forever. The one that remains is Sanatana.”
On December 16, speaking at the conclusion of the golden jubilee function of Kalyan Janata Sahakari Bank in Maharashtra, Dr Bhagwat said that it is the responsibility of banks to identify the needs of the weaker sections and empower them.
RSS Sarsanghchalak paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak on December 17. While addressing the centenary year function of Tilak Memorial Mandir at Sangli, he said that Lokmanya Tilak's thoughts in the country's interest were not only inspirational then but now also. Dr. Bhagwat further said that while founding RSS, the thoughts of Lokmanya Tilak were ideal for Dr Keshavrao Baliram Hegdewar.
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3. DATTATREYA HOSABALE HAILS NEW EDUCATION POLICY : On December 20, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale emphasized the transformative impact of the new education policy on the country, saying a favourable environment is being created due to the policy.

He was speaking at a meeting of intellectuals at Jaipur. Speaking on the importance of education, he highlighted the need for a Bharatiya-centric approach, aligning with the rich traditions of the country. Hosabale expressed that education, rooted in traditional Bharatiya knowledge addresses challenges in individual lives and fosters positive changes in society, character building, and environmental protection.
Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani and Dr Pankaj Mittal, general secretary of the Indian Universities Association, also participated in the event.
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4. DR KRISHNA GOPAL AFFIRMS NATIONALISM: In a two-day coordination committee meeting of Vividh Kshetra organsaitons held in Jammu, RSS Sahsarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal emphasised the organisation’s commitment to making Bharat a Vishwa Guru. The meeting, which began on December 16, discussed many subjects, including the need to double the number of ‘Shakhas’ by 2025 in anticipation of the RSS centenary celebrations.

Dr Krishna Gopal urged to intensify public outreach across Jammu & Kashmir, and said that nationalism is the core value of Sangh. He stressed upon the importance of reaching every household in the Union Territory of J&K with the message of Sangh.
Acknowledging the expectations of the people from Sangh, he urged the swayasevaks to collaborate closely with the Government to convey a strong message that the people of J&K stand united against anti-national elements.
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5. VEER BAL DIWAS: On December 26, addressing the event to mark the martyrdom of the two sons of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, Padhan Mantri Narendra Modi said that ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ represents and symbolises a national urge to safeguard and carry forward the idea of Bharatiyata. “This year, America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE and Greece have organised programmes related to ‘Veer Bal Diwas’,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi on the day of the Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh, on January 9, 2022, had declared that
December 26 will be marked as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ to pay homage to the courage of the ‘Sahibzades’. Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also paid tribute to the valour of the Guru’s sons. 
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6. SECOND EDITION OF KASHI TAMIL SANGAMAM: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi inaugurated the second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) at Namo Ghat in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on December 17. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and other leaders were also present during the inauguration. "Coming to Kashi from Tamil Nadu means coming from one home of Mahadev to another.

There is a link between the hearts of people from Kashi and Tamil Nadu. When you return, you will take back the culture, taste, and memories of Kashi with you," he said, adding that the Sangamam strengthens the concept of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also addressed the audience at the event. This year, the campaign was held from December 17–31 and witnessed the participation of 1,400 dignitaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. -GoTop


7. HSS UK PARLIAMENT WEEK ACTIVITY: On November 3, HSS UK announced their involvement in the UK Parliament Week (UKPW). This year's event, now in its 7th year, was hosted at The Grange Academy in Watford & Bushey.

A key highlight this year was the presentation of the HSS UK Impact Storybook, a compilation of HSS UK's contributions and experiences, which has been shared with The House of Commons, House of Lords, and The Speaker's Office.
Nottingham Shakha HSS UK celebrated UKPW with engaging debates expertly moderated by MP Ruth Edwards and Councillor Hetvi Parekh. Ashton HSS Shakha swayamsevak Prem Raghvani, addressed the 13th sitting of the Youth Parliament in the UK Commons Chamber. His speech focused on the vital topic of 'Food for Learning.' Prem emphasized the inadequate provision of suitable food for Hindus, shedding light on a pressing issue. His advocacy sparks crucial conversations on the need for improved food provisions.
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8. USA DIWALI FOOD DRIVE: During the month of December, aided by active participation from children of various South Windsor schools, three nonprofit organizations spearheaded a remarkable food drive in celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

The goal was to embrace the holiday's spirit of joy, light and generosity by donating food to ‘Hands on Hartford’, a nonprofit serving the Greater Hartford area. The team collected over 1,500 pounds of items, including breakfast cereals, pasta, canned goods, rice and other household necessities as part of ‘SewaDiwali’. South Windsor High School freshman Om Chakraborty said, "I was proud to be part of serving such a great cause. The experience taught me firsthand how a small effort with a big heart can uplift spirits."
The Alameda County team collected 6500+ lbs of food locally that was distributed to various organizations like the Alameda County Food Bank, Tri-City Volunteers Fremont, Milpitas Food Pantry, Burmese Refugee community in Oakland, and to many families in need directly through local schools of Fremont Unified School District & Half Moon Bay High School.
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9. SEWA TT'S 4TH CLOTHING RECYCLE DRIVE: Sewa International Trinidad and Tobago (TT) on December 1 concluded its 4th Clothing Recycle Drive, marking a significant milestone in community service. The event garnered remarkable support, with over 40,000 clothing items donated, totalling an impressive weight of over 23,000 lbs. Notably only 10 percent clothes were identified for scrapping, underlining the community's commitment to sustainable practices.

The generous donations came from a diverse group of over 500 donors, reflecting a broad network of support. Volunteers played a crucial role in the success of the Clothing Recycle Drive, dedicating two weeks to meticulously organize the donations. Recipients were selected through partnerships with key institutions such as the T&T Police Service, T&T Fire Service, Member of Parliament Offices, and Local Government Councillors, etc.
The collective efforts of Sewa International TT, all donors, volunteers, and partner institutions made the 4th Clothing Recycle Drive a resounding success, contributing to the well-being of communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
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10. SEWA INTERNATIONAL UK'S RICKSHAW RUN 2023: Some streets and highways in Bharat recently witnessed an extraordinary sight – a convoy of 36 autos, driven by foreigners, moving in unison. This captivating scene was part of the Rickshaw Run campaign organized by Sewa International UK, a global non-profit dedicated to raising over ₹5 Crores for the construction of a hospital for underprivileged children, benefiting 500+ villages in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Scheduled from December 10 to 23, the Rickshaw Run involved 108 self-funded participants from 4 countries (UK, Australia, Kenya, USA) and a dedicated support team, all motivated by a shared spirit of philanthropy and adventure. Covering a challenging route from Chitrakoot to Kutch spanning over 2000 kilometres, the run raised crucial funds and awareness for Sewa International UK's project – building a new dental hospital in Chitrakoot.
Bharat Vadukul, the general secretary of Sewa International UK said, “The purpose of Rickshaw Run is to support capital expenditure in social development projects”.
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11. HINDU AMERICANS ORGANISE RALLY TO CELEBRATE AYODHYA RAM MANDIR ‘PRAN PRATISHTHA’: To celebrate the upcoming Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Hindu Americans led by Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America, organised a mini car and bike rally at the Shri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple, Maryland on December 16.The event took place in the street named ‘Ayodhya Way’, where the car riders rode on to celebrate the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. Many Hindu Americans from different age groups–ranging from as small as 10 to as old as over 70, and from different backgrounds from various Bharatiya states joined to celebrate the inauguration of the temple.

One of the organisers of the event, Mahendra Sapa, President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America DC chapter, said that on the occasion of Ram Mandir’s inauguration, they are organising a historic celebration in the Washington DC area. -GoTop


12. 55-FEET HANUMAN JI STATUE TO BE INSTALLED AT CANADA: In a landmark development, Canada is set to unveil the tallest depiction of a Hindu deity, a towering 55-foot Hanuman statue, in April.
Crafted by the renowned Rajasthan sculptor Naresh Kumawat and funded by the local temple administration, the statue will be officially revealed at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, coinciding with the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti on April 23. 
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13. QATAR REDUCES SENTENCE OF IMPRISONED FORMER INDIAN NAVY PERSONNEL: On December 28, the Qatar Court commuted the death penalty sentence of eight ex-Indian naval officers it had arrested in Ocotber 2022 in the Dahra Global case, Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. The sentence has now been reduced to jail terms. Describing the judgment, Ministry of External Affairs said, "We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced." The eight Bharatiya nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme.
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14. DALAI LAMA INAUGURATES FIRST INTERNATIONAL SANGHA FORUM IN BODHGAYA: His Holiness Dalai Lama inaugurated the 3-day International Sangha Forum 2023 on Bridging Traditions, “Embracing Modernity: A Dialogue on the Buddha’s Teaching in Today’s World” on December 20. It was jointly organised by the Office of the Dalai Lama and the International Buddhist Confederation at International Convention Centre in Bodhgaya. On the occasion His Holiness said, “If you wish to help others, you need to discipline your own mind. I ask my Dharma friends to take this to heart. I was born in far-off north-east Tibet and was brought to Lhasa to study as a small child. Now I can feel the impact these practices have had on me, which is why I’m able to share them with you. I urge you to reflect on bodhichitta and the wisdom understanding emptiness.”

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, an invitees to the forum, said that he felt privileged to be invited by the organisers. The event witnessed the coming together of practitioners of the Pali traditions of the Southeast and South Asian countries of India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia, as well as those of the Sanskrit tradition from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Russia, Mongolia and other parts of the world.
Last year, around 5,000 monks and nuns from around the world, had gathered in Bodh Gaya for the 18th International Tipitaka Chanting Programme, from December 2 to 12.
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15. PRERNA VIMARSH 2023: The three-day Prerana Media Discourse 2023 inaugurated on December 15, featured insightful discussions on Bharat’s identity, culture, and the profound impact of Hindutva. RSS Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh Ram Lal delivered the keynote address, emphasising the significance of understanding Bharat through the lens of ‘Swa’ and Dharma. He underscored that Hindutva symbolises Bharat’s unity, culture, and religion. He urged the audience to delve into the study of Bharat rather than merely observing it, highlighting the interconnectedness of ‘Swa’ and Dharma in comprehending the essence of this great nation.

The event featured a literature festival and an exhibition. The exhibition, a highlight of the event, showcased the historical, cultural, social, technological, women’s empowerment, and journalistic heritage of Bharat. Prerna Vimarsh 2023 was concluded with unveiling a special edition of Prerana Vichar Patrika, titled ‘Swa Bharat Ka Atmabodh,’, focusing on fostering self-awareness of ‘Swa’ Bharat. Renowned Publication & Media Houses and distinguished dignitaries participated in the Vimarsh. -GoTop


16. PUNE BOOK FESTIVAL: Bharat's largest book fair "Pune Book Festival", was digitally partnered by News Bharati & organized by National Book Trust of India from December 16-24 at Fergusson College Pune. This Book Festival has garnered exceptional attention and success, achieving a record-breaking turnover of approximately 11 crores resulting in the sale of eight and a half lakh copies of books. This remarkable accomplishment has set a new standard for book festivals, recording four world records related to books and reading.

On December 19, a Marathi book titled 'Vyatha Hindustanchya Phalnichi,' authored by Dr. Girish Aphale was launched in the presence of RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar.
On the occasion Ambekar emphasized the crucial need to make the citizens of Bharat, especially the younger generation, aware about the history of the partition of Bharat. "To do this, there is need of many writers and literature," Ambekar opined.
Ambekar also stressed the urgency of presenting the historical narrative through literature to bridge the knowledge gap, asserting that many writers must come forward to contribute to it.
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17. BHARAT PAYS IN RUPEES FOR CRUDE OIL PURCHASED FROM UAE: In a historic development, Bharat’s Indian Oil Corporation (OIC) has executed its first-ever payment in rupees for crude oil acquired from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) UAE, marking a significant step in its efforts to promote the Bharatiya currency. With over 85 percent of its oil requirements met through imports, Bharat has strategically pursued a three-pronged approach. This strategy involves sourcing oil from the most cost-effective suppliers, diversifying its supplier base, and complying with international obligations. This milestone not only strengthens economic ties between India and the UAE but also sets a precedent for future transactions in local currencies. Some of the Russian oil imports too have been settled in rupee.
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18. BHARAT’S UMA SEKHAR GETS ELECTED TO GOVERNING COUNCIL OF UNIDROIT IN HISTORIC VICTORY: Bharat’s first woman candidate, Uma Sekhar, was elected to the Governing Council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) on December 14. According to the sources, the candidates from Russia, the USA and China failed to win positions on the governing council. There were 32 contestants in the fray, including those from the USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, France, and others.

Uma Sekhar was elected to the Governing Council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) with 45 votes out of 59 votes in the first round at the elections held in Rome, Italy. In order to be elected to the Governing Council, 21 votes were required. Bharat will be a member of the Governing Council for the period 2024-28.
Following the election of Bharat to the governing council of UNIDROIT, the Embassy of Bharat in Rome said that it is a privilege to be a part of organisation’s policy making process.
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19. BHARAT TOPS GLOBAL REMITTANCE CHARTS AT $125 BN IN 2023: The World Bank's latest Migration and Development Brief reveals Bharat's significant position as the top remittance recipient. The Middle East and North Africa saw a decline in remittance flows for the second consecutive year, mainly driven by a sharp drop in flows to Egypt.
Remittance flows to Europe and Central Asia also decreased by 1.4 per cent after a significant gain in 2022. Bharat retained its position as the largest recipient of remittances, with an estimated USD125 billion in 2023. This underscores the crucial role played by the Bharatvansis in supporting families and contributing to the country's economic resilience. The top five remittance recipient countries include Mexico (USD 67 billion), China (USD 50 billion), the Philippines (USD 40 billion), and Egypt (USD 24 billion).
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20. LEIF ERIKSON LUNAR PRIZE AWARDED TO ISRO FOR CHANDRAYAAN-3 ADVANCEMENT: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been bestowed with the esteemed Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum.

On December 19, the Bharatiya Embassy in Iceland shared this news through a post on X (previously Twitter): “Husavik Museum awards the Leif Erikson Lunar Prize to ISRO for their unwavering commitment to advancing lunar exploration and contributing to the understanding of celestial mysteries through Chandrayaan3.” Bharatiya Ambassador Balasubramanian Shyam accepted the prestigious prize on behalf of ISRO, with ISRO Chairman Mr. S. Somanath expressing gratitude through Ambassador Shyam. -GoTop


21. AFTER 76 YEARS BHARAT GETS IT'S OWN LAW: Replacing the colonial-era codes Bharat gets its own criminal laws as the Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu has given her assent for the three recently passed criminal justice bills -Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Bill. It should be noted the Bharat took 76 years to gets its own law.

The Criminal Bill, 2023, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 were passed by both Houses of the Parliament on December 23 during the Winter session .
Home Minister Amit Shah said while tabling the bills in Upper House, "I feel proud that for the first time, Bharat's Parliament is framing laws for the country's criminal justice system that have a purely Bharatiya soul, body and thought." 
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22. DRDO SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT TESTS INDIGENOUS HIGH-SPEED FLYING-WING UAV GHATAK: On December 15, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has effectively showcased the flight trial of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, a domestically produced high-speed flying wing UAV at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga,
This technology demonstrator has been developed for Bharat's stealth combat drone called Ghatak. The successful flight in a tailless configuration has propelled Bharat into the prestigious group of nations that have perfected the controls for the Flying wing configuration.

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was engineered and brought to life by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) under the DRDO. Its inaugural flight was successfully conducted in July 2022, and since then, it has undergone six flight trials in diverse developmental configurations, utilising two prototypes produced in-house.-GoTop


23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Sharad Amin - USA
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Whoever has come, shall depart; all shall have their turn.” – Guru Nanak Dev ji
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JAI SHRI RAM
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RECLAIMING HINDU RELIGIOUS PLACES

 Prafulla Goradia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Swarveda Temple in Varanasi on December 18, right called for the restoration of cultural symbols hit by invading tyrants. The Babri edifice at Ayodhya was arguably the beginning of such a reconstruction.The poet Allama Iqbal had called Lord Rama “Imam-e-Hind”, and yet it took Hindus 45 years after independence before making a serious attempt to recover His birthplace. Whereas a proud and self-respecting nation should have retrieved within three or four years of becoming free. That the Hindus did not display their pride early enough was not only a case of delayed recovery but also a matter of poor communication.That the Muslims did not hand over the birthplace of Ramachandra meant that they did not realize how serious a matter it was for the Hindus. The latter have seldom communicated that to them, a temple is a residence of the divine.

It is far more sacred than a mosque or church, which are only prayer halls. They can be shifted about without causing outrage. In fact, in Europe, churches are known to be even sold. A big church in Leicestershire was sold to the local Jain community, which then replaced it with its temple.Prophet Moses on Mount Sinai, while delivering his ten commandments, clearly stated: “Thee shall have no gravel image of thy Lord the god”. Moses also commanded: “Thee shall not take the name of thy Lord the God in vain”. Whereby, he asked the Jews not to expect to try to mingle with the divine in any way.It is in this spirit that Islam does not permit the making of any statue or image. This means a prohibition of what is normally referred to as spirituality. It is in this vein that neither a synagogue; nor a church or mosque is considered a residence of the divine. Not many Muslims realize that when a temple is desecrated a Hindu is mortally hurt, unlike the demolition of a prayer hall. Surely, a Hindu must clarify this, loud and clear. Instead, he prefers to indulge in litigation and long legal battles.Well before demanding Partition, Mohammad Ali Jinnah had made it clear to all Indians that Hindus and Muslims cannot co-exist in the same country. In March 1940, he told the Muslim League members at Lahore: Notwithstanding a thousand years of close contact, nationalities, which are as divergent today as ever, cannot at any time be expected to be transformed into one nation merely by the method of subjecting them to a democratic constitution and holding them forcibly together by the unnatural and artificial means of a British parliamentary statute. What the unitary government of India had failed to achieve in 150 years cannot be realized by the imposition of a central federal government. It is inconceivable that the fiat or the writ of a government so constituted can ever command willing and loyal obedience throughout the subcontinent by various nationalities, except using the armed force behind it.It is extremely difficult to appreciate why our Hindu friends fail to understand the real nature of Islam and Hinduism. They are not religions in the strict sense of the word, but are, in fact, different and distinct social orders. It is a dream that the Hindus and Muslims can ever evolve a common nationality. This notion of one Indian nation has gone far beyond the limits and is the cause of most of our troubles and will lead India to destruction if we fail to revise this misconception in time.
The Hindus and Muslims have different religious philosophies, social customs and literature. They neither intermarry nor interdine and, indeed, they belong to two different civilizations which are based mainly on conflicting ideas and conceptions. Their views on life and of life are different. It is also quite clear that Hindus and Muslims derive their inspiration, from different sources of history. They have different epics and different heroes in different episodes. Very often the hero of one is a foe of the other and likewise, their victories and defeats overlap. To yoke together two such nations under a single state, one a numerical minority and the other a majority must lead to growing discontent and the final destruction of any fabric that may be so built up for the government of such a state.As the rush of Hindu refugees from East Bengal after Partition was continually rising, even till 1948, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerji accompanied by Dr Rajkumari Amrit Kaur rushed to see Gandhi. Their mission was to appeal to the great man to accept Jinnah’s proposal for an exchange of populations. Gandhi rejected this appeal categorically by stating that Partition was on ‘territorial’ lines and not on ‘religious’ grounds. What an astounding thing to say! As a result, most Hindu leaders were hesitant in telling the people that Pakistan was for Muslims and Hindustan was for others. This meant that all communal issues stood settled and India was now predominantly a Hindu country. On the contrary, the repeated use of the word ‘secular’ has confused Muslims to this day. They, therefore, do not feel embarrassed at holding on to sacred properties that were wrongly and forcibly acquired from the Hindus. Didn’t the Hindus tail to communicate clearly and properly?
(The writer is a well-known columnist, an author and a former member of the Rajya Sabha. The views expressed are personal) https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/columnists/reclaiming-hindu-religious-places.html
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