\Samvad

Chaitra Krishna 7, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 1 April, 2024: SM 6001 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: VAISAKHI 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. SWAMI DAYANAND SARASWATI AWAKENED THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SOCIETY : ARUN KUMAR 4. PRATINIDHI SABHA CONCLUDED
5. 16TH LAKSHMANRAO BHIDE MEMORIAL  LECTURE 6. 11TH CHAMANLAL JI MEMORIAL LECTURE
7. ABPS RESOLUTION-SHRI RAM MANDIR TO NATIONAL RESURGENCE 8. DEVOTEES THRONG RAM JANMABHOOMI MANDIR FOR HOLI
9. RAM MANDIR RATH YATRA IN USA AND CANADA 10. HOLY RELICS OF BUDDHA RETURNS FROM THAILAND
11. GLOBAL SPIRITUALITY MAHOTSAV IN KANHA SHANTI VANAM 12. GEET RAMAYANA IN SAN JOSE USA
13. RUTGERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ON ELIMINATING HINDUPHOBIA 14. HINDUPHOBIA ON THE RISE IN THE US, SAYS CONGRESSMAN
15. HINDUS IN CANADA, USA BACK CAA 16. HINDUS FROM PAKISTAN GRANTED BHARATIYA CITIZENSHIP
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW|“PANCH PARIVARTAN IS THE NEED OF THE SOCIETY”: RSS SARKARYAVAH DATTATREYA HOSABALE


 1. FESTIVALS: VAISAKHI, also pronounced Baisakhi, marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and falls on April 13 this year.  Vaisakhi marks the day Khalsa was established by Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, on April 13, 1699.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on the day of Vaisakhi in 1801 (April 12). Sikhs hold kirtans, visit local gurdwaras, community fairs, hold nagar kirtan processions, raise the Nishan Sahib flag, and gather to socialize and share festive foods.
On this day, other regions of Bharat also celebrate New Year festivals such as Puthandu, Pohela Boishakh, Bohag Bihu, and Vishu. Vaisakhi is also celebrated as the Nepalese New Year and the idols of Devi Thimi Kumari are carried out in palanquins and are taken around the city.
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2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: Bharat Ratna Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar, through his life’s work, laid the foundation of exploitation free and harmonious society based on Dharma and Values, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat at Symbiosis University.

"Through the constitution, he gave fundamental guidance on how equality and freedom should be combined with the unity of the country." he added speaking at the felicitation ceremony after visiting Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Prernabhoomi memorial.
On March 27, Dr. Bhagwat attended the 101st anniversary event of Lokmanya Seva Sangh, a Mumbai-based organisation set up to build a socially vigilant, disciplined, cultured and progressive society. Speaking on the occasion, he said that organisations should pick various subjects to ensure social transformation. He added that the transformation should happen in the mind, and the intellect should accept it.  He also said that a country whose common man is great, is a great nation and a nation’s rise and fall are linked with society’s thought process and values.
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3. SWAMI DAYANAND SARASWATI AWAKENED THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SOCIETY : ARUN KUMAR: On the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, a programme was organised on March 21 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Delhi. President of Akhil Bharatiya Dayanand Sewashram Sangh and Chairman of Jai Bharat Maruti Limited, Surendra Kumar Arya, was the chief guest, and Sah-Sarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Arun Kumar was the chief speaker.

Addressing the programme, Arun Kumar said that when we remember a great man, we also remember the challenges of that period and the contribution of that great man in facing those challenges. One of its objectives of celebrating the anniversary is to find answers to today’s challenges from the perspective of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati’s life, contribution and his path. He added that Swami Dayanand Saraswati ended the country’s inertia and awakened the consciousness of the society. -GoTop


4. PRATINIDHI SABHA CONCLUDED: The founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar had remarked that, “RSS is the organisation of the entire society”. We are experiencing it since the last 99 years. The work of the RSS is ongoing in 99 percent districts of the nation. This was stated by Dr. Manmohan Vaidya during the press briefing of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Nagpur.
Dr. Vaidya informed that RSS has 73,117 daily shakhas in 922 districts. The number of Shakhas has witnessed a year-on-year growth of 4,466. There are 27,717 saptahik Milan which is an increase of 840 over the previous year.
There have been 460 Mahila Samanvaya programmes in 44 prants and were attended by 5 lac 61 thousand women from Rashtra Sevika Samiti and other organisations.

Ahilyabai Holkar's birth tercentenary year is to be observed between May 2024 and April 2025. Efforts are on to spread awareness across the nation about her contribution.
Ramlalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya also saw a massive outreach program. The Akshat distribution campaign witnessed 44 lac 98 thousand 334 Rambhakts including Swayamsevaks reaching out to 19 crore 38 lac 49 thousand and 71 families across 5,78,778 villages and 4,727 nagars.
The Sangh Shiksha Varg will now have a new format and curriculum in which it will have a 3-day Prarambhik (initiation) varg, a 7-day Prathamik (Primary) varg, a 15-day Sangh Shiksha Varg followed by a 20-day Karyakarta Vikas varg-1 and a 25-day Karyakarta Vikas varg-2. The new system will specially include vyavaharik prashikshan (practical training).
During the ABPS, Dattatreya Hosabale was re-elected as the 'Sarkaryavah' (general secretary) and a resolution ‘Shri Ram Mandir to National Resurgence’ was also passed.
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5. 16TH LAKSHMANRAO BHIDE MEMORIAL  LECTURE: On March 22, Vishva Adhyayan Kendra organized the 16th Lakshmanrao Bhide Memorial Lecture at Wellingkar’s Management Institute, Mumbai, to discuss the “Impact of Pravasi Bharatiya on Geopolitics”.

National Security Expert Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) and Global Coordinator of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Saumitra Gokhale addressed the audience on how Bharatiya Diaspora has an influence on foreign policy of their host countries and in turn on geopolitics. Their engagement with the local communities and institutions, and the influence they have created by their economic, social, academic, professional, and cultural contribution has played a big role in creating a positive image of Bharat. This in turn has impacted the foreign policies of those countries. -GoTop


6. 11TH CHAMANLAL JI MEMORIAL LECTURE: On March 26, International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) organized the 11th Chamanlal Ji Memorial Lecture with the theme of ‘Rise of Civilizational Consciousness and Indian Nationalism’ at the Constitution Club of India, Delhi. The event chaired by Dr. Manohar Shinde, national committee member of Pragya Pravah had renowned social scholar S. Gurumurthy as the main speaker.

Gurumurthy spoke at length about the concept of nation-states, rise of the hegemony of nations and economic systems post World War II and the rise of civilizational consciousness especially after the end of the cold war era. He also spoke of the civilizational continuity of Bharat for thousands of years and how it is expressed in the underlying national ethos and unity of Bharat.
Other speakers at the event shared several inspiring anecdotes from the life of Chamanlal Ji.
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7. ABPS RESOLUTION-SHRI RAM MANDIR TO NATIONAL RESURGENCE: The grand and divine Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala vigrah on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, Yugabda 5125 (22 January 2024) at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is an ethereal and golden page of world history. A blissful resolution to a long chapter in the period of resistance has been achieved as a result of relentless struggle and sacrifice of Hindu society for hundreds of years, nationwide movements under the guidance of revered saints and seers and a collective resolve of various sections of society. The notable contribution of researchers, archaeologists, thought leaders, legal luminaries, media, entire Hindu society involved in the agitation including the martyred Karsevaks and government and administration is worthy of mention for this sublime opportunity of witnessing this sacred day in one’s life. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha pays homage to all the martyrs who had laid down their lives in this struggle and expresses its gratitude to all mentioned above.
The entire society has actively participated in the campaign for distribution of Akshat sanctified in Shri Rammandir. Lakhs of Rambhakts contacted crores of families in all the towns and most of the villages. Grand programs were organized on 22 nd January 2024 not only in Bharat but across the whole world. Spontaneous programs like processions in by-lanes and villages, organizing deepotsavs and adorning Bhagwa flags at homes and prayer ceremonies at temples and religious places etc have infused a new energy in the society.
The day of Pran Pratishtha at Shri Ayodhya Dham saw the participation of the top leadership of Dharmic, political and entire gamut of social life along with the dignified presence of revered seers from all faiths, sects and traditions. This points to the creation of an atmosphere for building a harmonious and organized national life based on the values of Shri Ram. This is also an indication of the beginning of a glorious epoch of national resurgence of Bharat. With the Pran Pratishtha of Ramlala at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, society is coming out of the lack of confidence and self-oblivion that arose during the period of foreign rule and struggle. The entire society immersed in the spirit of Hindutva is preparing to recognize its ‘Swa’ (Selfhood) and getting ready to live accordingly.
Life of Maryadapurushottam Shri Ram inspires us to sacrifice for the society and nation and remain committed to the societal obligations. His governance has earned a place in world history with the name of ‘Ram Rajya’ whose ideals are universal and eternal. This concept of Ramrajya is worthy of emulation even today for the entire world to face the challenges of deterioration of life values, declining human sensitivity, soaring expansionist violence and cruelty etc.
The Pratinidhi Sabha is of the considered opinion that the whole society should take pledge to infuse the ideals of Maryadapurushottam Shri Ram in its life so that the objective of reconstruction of Shri Rammandir will be meaningful. It is essential to infuse the society again with the eternal values of Dharma like sacrifice, affection, justice, valour, goodwill and fairness etc as reflected in the life of Shri Ram. Building a Purusharthi society based on harmony by eradicating all kinds of mutual strife and discrimination will be the true worship of Shri Ram. Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon all Bharatiyas to build an able Bharat that ensures fraternity, duty consciousness, value based life and social justice. On this basis, Bharat can play a prominent role in fostering a global order that ensures universal welfare.
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8. DEVOTEES THRONG RAM JANMABHOOMI MANDIR FOR HOLI: The festival of colours, ‘Rangotsav’ started on the first ‘Rangbhari Ekadashi’ after the pran pratishtha ceremony at the Ram mandir by applying colours to the deity in Hanumangarhi temple. 

Devotees arrived at the Ram Mandir in large numbers for the darshan of Ram Lalla on the occasion of Holi on March 25. They immersed themselves in Holi celebrations as they sang devotional songs and smeared each other in the colours of the festival inside the mandir. Amidst the celebrations, traditional sweets were shared, fostering a sense of amity and togetherness among the people, with devotees exuding the spirit of joy and love. -GoTop


9. RAM MANDIR RATH YATRA IN USA AND CANADA: Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) has initiated the Ram Mandir Rath Yatra which started from Chicago on March 25. The rally commemorates the historic opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya,  and is set to cover 851 Hindu mandirs across 48 states of the United States, with a culmination planned on the occasion of Shree Hanuman Jayanti (April 23) in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

The rally underscores the commitment of VHPA in promoting Hindu culture and heritage in the United States. According to Tejal Shah, representing the Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC), there is a crucial need for solidarity at this moment, particularly among present and forthcoming generations to safeguard and promote the essence of Hinduism on a global scale.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Canada will organise the Canadian section of the Rath Yatra. This separate initiative plans to visit over 150 mandirs across Canada.
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10. HOLY RELICS OF BUDDHA RETURNS FROM THAILAND: The most sacred Bhagwan Buddha Relics and those of his two main disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Maha Moggallana returned back to Bharat on March 20 amidst full state honours after a month long travel to Thailand. A delegation led by Tashi Gyalson, Chairman LAHDC and a number of monks from the Theravada and Mahayana traditions accompanied the relics on its return journey.

The 25-day exposition of the relics were arranged across four cities of Thailand. The relics were enshrined for public veneration at a specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang Royal Palace grounds during its stay in Bangkok. Later, the relics travelled to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi.
International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) said in a press release that the exposition in Thailand drew a phenomenal response with devotees waiting with offerings since the early hours of the day as the Holy Relics procession arrived in the city. IBC also informed that the exposition of the relics drew over four million devotees in Thailand.
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11. GLOBAL SPIRITUALITY MAHOTSAV IN KANHA SHANTI VANAM: A four day spirituality summit ‘Global Spirituality Mahotsav’ was organized by the Ministry of Culture along with Heartfulness at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness - on March 14-17. The summit themed “Inner Peace to World Peace” aimed to bring together the spiritual gurus of all faiths and communities on one platform to raise the collective human consciousness through interfaith dialogues and help people of every age and every walk of life connect with spirituality in daily life. The summit was graced by the presence of Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu and Uprashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankar.

The summit hosted various panel discussions, cultural programs associated with spirituality, an exhibition showcasing Bharat’s spiritual history, narratives of peace, and an immersive experience for spirituality through books and music. Wellness experience and immersive zones were also set up as part of the summit. ‘Sur ki sadhana’ – a musical rendition of melodies filled with themes of spirituality were performed by renowned performers and musical maestros.
Kamlesh D Patel, also known as Daaji, the president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission was conferred with the ‘Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth’ by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. Daaji said that around 300 spiritual organisations including Maharishis, transcendental meditation headed by Maharajas, and Brahmakumaris participated in the spiritual mahotsav.
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12. GEET RAMAYANA IN SAN JOSE USA: On February 24, theater company Rungmunch organized two shows of the Geet Ramayana, a Broadway-style rendition of the great Bharatiya epic. Hundreds of Bay Area residents attended the shows at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. Proceeds from the show will be donated to rural development projects run by the Uttar Pradesh Mandal of America (UPMA).

While the original collection of 56 songs was written by renowned poet and writer G.D. Madgulkar in Marathi, Rungmunch used the Hindi version translated by Dattaprasad Jog for their adaptation.
Smita and Madhav Karhade directed and produced the musical, while Pratima Shah and Archana Varshney were the executive producers. Smita Kharade said that the current generations growing up in America are inundated by Western philosophies and separated from Bharatiya schools of thought, creating a need to preserve Bharatiya culture.
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13. RUTGERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ON ELIMINATING HINDUPHOBIA: Hinduphobia is the irrational fear or prejudice against Hinduism and its followers. In recent years, it has been on the rise fuelled by misinformation, various stereotypes as well as misconceptions. It ranges from derogatory introduction in media to discriminatory policies and incidents of violence against the Hindu community.

During her testimony at the US Congress Briefing 2024, Rutgers University student Jaanhavi Ganesh highlighted the fact that there is a need for increasing awareness and education related to Hinduism and its practices and said that it should be our top priority to eliminate myths and stereotypes that lead to Hinduphobia. She added that for this, an inclusive curriculum is needed in schools and universities that accurately represent the Hindu cultural history. She also called for legislative action to strengthen protections for religious minorities and ensure that incidents of Hinduphobia are properly addressed and prosecuted. -GoTop


14. HINDUPHOBIA ON THE RISE IN THE US, SAYS CONGRESSMAN: The US of late has seen a rise in Hinduphobia which needs to be fought because there is no place for hatred in this country, Bharatiya-American Congressman Shri Thanedar said, as he joined a group of Hindu leaders and organisations seeking to fight this growing hate crime against the community.

Representatives of various Bharatiya American groups met on March 13 at the US Capitol during a meeting organised by HinduAction.
Suhag Shukla from the Hindu American Foundation said that college campuses in particular are experiencing rampant anti-Hindu bias and hate. She also listed out some of the major incidents of hate crime against the Hindu community in the US. There’s unfamiliarity and there is complacency amongst law enforcement, she said.
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15. HINDUS IN CANADA, USA BACK CAA: Calling the government’s decision to offer Bharatiya citizenship to persecuted minorities a “big win for human rights”, Hindu organizations in the US and Canada have hailed the announcement of the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The Hindu Forum Canada said in a statement said that Bharat has an obligation to provide asylum to persecuted individuals. US-based advocacy group, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), called the move a big win for Human Rights for the persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said that CAA protects some of the most vulnerable refugees in Bharat, granting them the human rights they were denied in their home country. -GoTop


16. HINDUS FROM PAKISTAN GRANTED BHARATIYA CITIZENSHIP: Eighteen Hindu refugees from Pakistan residing in Ahmedabad have been granted Bharatiya citizenship during a camp on March 16. Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi conferred Bharatiya citizenship to the 18 persons and urged them to work together to realise the dream of a new Bharat.

With this, a total of 1,167 Hindu refugees from Pakistan residing in Ahmedabad district have so far been granted Bharatiya citizenship.-GoTop


17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We should take inspiration from Sun and work constantly for the benefit of mankind, so that peace and prosperity prevails everywhere - Sam Veda. 
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JAI SHRI RAM
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW|“PANCH PARIVARTAN IS THE NEED OF THE SOCIETY”: RSS SARKARYAVAH DATTATREYA HOSABALE

It is beyond doubt that the work of the RSS is progressing steadily. Bharat is fast assuming a distinct and powerful identity on the global stage.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has contributed significantly towards social enlightenment by championing the aforementioned truth, and also by countering the challenges posed by demonic detractors of Bharat. To proliferate nationalistic thoughts at an even greater pace and to deepen and expand its work, the Sangh is now ready with the idea of ‘Panch Parivartan’ (Fivefold Transformations).

On the occasion of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha held in Nagpur from March 15 to 17, 2024, decisions have been made to work on dimensions that will mark the completion of a century of the Sangh’s existence. Regarding these aspects and the Sangh’s future plans, the newly re-elected Sarkaryavah of the Sangh Shri Dattatreya Hosabale had a candid conversation with Prafulla Ketkar, Editor, Organiser, and Hitesh Shankar, Sampadak, Panchjanya. Excerpts:
This year, the number of representatives present in the Pratinidhi Sabha seems to have suddenly increased. How did this happen?
It is not true that the number has suddenly increased; it has happened gradually. With the expansion of our work, the number of Swayamsevaks was bound to jump, and as a result, the number of representatives also increased. When the Shakhas grow, the number of active Swayamsevaks automatically increases, and based on that, the number of representatives also increases. Additionally, a large number of invited brothers and sisters are also present in this Pratinidhi Sabha. Several inspired organisations were also invited to send representatives in Nagpur. Finally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past three years, there were some restrictions on the number of representatives. We had to keep the number limited, so we didn’t invite some groups as expected. For example, in a certain year, the Vibhag Pracharaks were not expected, and in another year, workers from various fields were not expected. This is the reason why the number was low at that time, and now it seems to have suddenly increased.
What special goals and objectives have been set for the centenary year of the RSS?
In the context of the centenary year, we have identified two goals from an organisational perspective—increase the number of Shakha units and the qualitative improvement in the activities. All the members are expected to have this common goal in mind. By increasing the quality of work, its impact will increase too. The thrust is on qualitative growth along with the quantitative expansion. Secondly, from a social perspective, we have put forth the subject of Panch Parivartan (Fivefold Transformation). Our objectives include changing the intellectual narrative from a national perspective, and to mobilise the sajjan shakti ( righteous power of the society) for social change. Therefore, in the centenary year of the RSS, we have made plans to take initiatives on all these subjects at both organisational and societal level.
How do you propose to explain this entire concept of Panch Parivartan to the common masses and what challenges do we see there?
When times are favourable and circumstances are conducive, extra caution, more effort, and deep contemplation become all the more necessary.
Today, the time seems favourable for the dissemination of national thoughts. However, this favourability is not for sitting idly and enjoying the good time; it is a time to reach the very zenith of endeavours. The idea of Panch Parivartan is to deepen our approach to fundamental reforms by making the workers of the Sangh and various organisations its torchbearers. Anyway, today, Panch Parivartan is the need of the society in general. Panch Parivartan includes dimensions such as the insistence of practicing Samarasta in society (equality with fraternity), environmentfriendly lifestyle, family awakening to promote familial values, inculcating sense of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) based on Bharatiya values in all aspects of life and social awakening for the adherence of civic duties; all these issues concern the society at large. Secondly, these topics need to be addressed to individuals, families, and the areas in the vicinity of Shakha. It needs to be taken to a wider society. We have kept these topics in front of the Swayamsevaks in general. Therefore, there should be an effort to bring about change through self-examples. This is not just a subject of contemplation and academic debate, but one of action and behavior. Also, we hold meetings of social leaders on social harmony and goodwill. We have contacts in wider society. So, we will take this subject among them and appeal from this perspective.
In this year’s Pratinidhi Sabha, there was a special mention of Devi AhilyaBai Holkar. Do we have special programmes planned for her tercentenary year?
The name of the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a symbol of valour and Shakti, appears in our Ekatmata Stotra with reverence. If we analyse her history properly, she has presented several excellent examples in various fields—from society, religion, governance, to administration. Today, on her tricentenary (300th birth anniversary), we have identified two to three objectives. Generally, in Hindu society, there is a flawed perception that the deprived sections of society did not get any opportunity to contribute towards nation building. Similarly, there is a distorted perception about women. However, if we delve deeper, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s life provides a precise answer to all such flawed perceptions. From a social perspective, the way she emerged from her community, and the way she set a shining example of administration, even after her husband’s untimely demise, present a powerful statement in Hindu society. Secondly, there is a lot of discussion about the empowerment and participation of women in present society. This year as well, our sisters in the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Mahila Samanvay of other organisations have organised more than 400 conferences across the country, ensuring the participation of more than five lakh women. From this perspective, Devi Ahilyabai’s tercentenary is a good opportunity to further that good work too. Instead of organising programmes specifically by the Sangh, a Celebration Committee will be formed under a comprehensive plan, which will organise celebrations along with other women’s organisations and other members of society. We have plans for lectures and discussions on various dimensions of the great lady, including publishing literature.
The work of the Sangh is progressing steadily, but along with that, the strategies of the anti-Bharat and the anti-Sangh forces are also evolving. What is Sangh’s plan to tackle this challenge?
Our opponents are acknowledging our growth by opposing us. If the importance of Bharat and the influence of the Sangh did not increase, then there would be no reason for opposition. Opposition proves that we have risen in significance. The Sangh has resolved to respond to the strategies of the so-called opponents through extensive work of the Sangh and the participation of volunteers—by increasing its presence and engaging people in various social and intellectual activities.
You have been re-elected as the Sarkaryavah. Critics of the Sangh consider it an autocratic organisation, while common people remain either curious or confused about it. How would you analyse the type of democracy that exists in the Sangh?
I do not understand why the Sangh is accused of being an autocratic organisation, when Sangh is an organisation with very open atmosphere; anybody and everybody can participate in the Shakha. Former Sarsanghchalak Pujaniya Balasaheb Deoras ji had once said – “Even an ordinary Swayamsevak can ask a question to the respected Sarsanghchalak ji, who is the topmost leader in the Sangh, and the Sarsanghchalak ji himself answers it.” This is the type of democracy we see in the Sangh. Perhaps this does not happen in any other organisation. That’s why I fail to understand why critics make such baseless allegations. Sangh is an organisation with family atmosphere. All decisions at all levels in Sangh are taken after due deliberation and consensus.
There are upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country, and it is also an election year for the Sangh. How should we view the celebration of democracy, and what message would you like to give to the volunteers and society?
I have addressed this issue in the Sarkaryavah report. In his concluding speech to the pratinidhis, the revered Sarsanghchalak also emphasised on the duty of every citizen in the system of democracy. This has also been included in our Panch Parivartan mission. Every citizen must fulfill their duty to vote. We must make efforts to ensure 100% voter turnout. Our aim is to strengthen democracy by working in our respective areas. During “Panch Parivartan is the need of the society in general. Panch Parivartan includes dimensions such as insistence of practicing
Samarasta in society (equality with fraternity), environment friendly lifestyle, family awakening to promote familial values, inculcating sense of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) based on Bharatiya values” such times, national issues should be brought before society, and discussions should take place on social welfare, national unity, and the welfare of Bharat. Such topics should be broached and a conducive environment should be created. That is why we have called it Lok-Mat-Parishkar (Refining Public Opinion). Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya had insisted for Lok-Mat-Parishkar. Although this work should continue throughout the year, it should be emphasised even more during the election season.
It is beyond doubt that the Sangh is progressing in its work. What will be the next phase of this work?
As an organisation, the Sangh has a neatly defined organisational structure. It is the functioning body of the Sangh. The workers of the Sangh work within this organisational structure. However, the essence of the Sangh is a spontaneous national movement. Therefore, it is necessary to work towards bringing together all sections of society, awakening and mobilising the righteous soul of society, and thus to bring about comprehensive social change. There should be no divisions based on caste in society. The feeling of nationalism should sweep through every section of society. The Sangh must become a strong national movement, working towards change while enlightening the people. Therefore, the Sangh has always emphasised that it will not confine to work as an organisation within the society, but should rather work towards organising the society itself. Therefore, there should be no division between the Sangh and the society it serves. From this perspective, realising the spirit of nationalism that animates the righteous forces within society, one must participate in this movement for national rejuvenation. You may term
this as Sangh’s vision or the next phase of the Sangh. https://organiser.org/2024/03/26/229369/bharat/panch-parivartan-is-the-need-of-the-society-sarkaryavah-of-the-sangh-dattatreya-hosabale/
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