\Samvad

Bhadrapad Krishna 14 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 1 September, 2024: SM 6011 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS:  GANESH CHATURTHI 2. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK MOHAN BHAGWAT HOISTED TRICOLOUR
3. RASHTRAPATI DROUPADI MURMU’S INDEPENDENCE DAY EVE ADDRESS TO THE NATION 4. PM MODI’S CLARION CALL FOR VIKSIT BHARAT FROM RED FORT
5. BHARAT'S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS NEW YORK CITY 6. BILL GATES FLAGS OFF FIRST-EVER BHARATIYA INDEPENDENCE DAY IN GREATER SEATTLE
7. NEW YORK INDIA DAY PARADE FEATURES RAM MANDIR REPLICA 8. WORLD LEADERS GREET BHARAT ON ITS INDEPENDENCE DAY
9. LOKMANTHAN BHAGYANAGAR 2024: THE ONENESS OF OUR UNITY 10. EKATMA PARV AT OMKARESHWAR
11. DU HOLDS ‘RAMCHARITMANAS FOR HUMANITY’ CONFERENCE 12. A SILENT PROTEST MARCH AGAINST BANGLADESH VIOLENCE
13. CANADA SANGH SHIKSHA VARG 2024 14. HSS RAKSHABANDHAN CELEBRATIONS
15. HSS DENMARK FOOD FEST 16. TEXAS UNVEILS WORLD’S TALLEST STATUE OF HANUMANJI
17. GANESH MANDIR OPENS IN GERMANY 18. JANMASHTAMI CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD
19. BHARAT CELEBRATES ITS FIRST-EVER NATIONAL SPACE DAY 20.BHARAT LAUNCHES ITS 1ST REUSABLE HYBRID ROCKET ‘RHUMI-1’
21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: CELEBRATING HINDU FOOTPRINTS


1. FESTIVALS:  GANESH CHATURTHI: Ganesh Chaturthi (September 7 this year) is a festival that pays homage to Bhagwan Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, and celebrates the day of His birth.  Ganeshotsav is celebrated as a 10-day festival, during which four main rituals, namely Prana Pratishta, Shodashopachara, Uttarpuja, and Ganpati Visarjan are performed.

Some historians believe that the festival was a major public event in 1600s during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was revitalized later in 19th century as a symbol of Bharat’s independence movement by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. In 1892, the cities of Pune and Mumbai became packed with devotees, despite the fact that such large gatherings were not allowed by the British. To this day, the 10-day festival was celebrated with a patriotic gusto fueled by a deep devotion and love for Bhagwan Ganesh.  -GoTop


2. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK MOHAN BHAGWAT HOISTED TRICOLOUR; On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat hoisted the national flag at the RSS Headquarters in Nagpur on August 15.  On the occasion Dr Bhagwat said, “We have completed 78 years of Independence… We got independence only after the sacrifices of countless people who gave their lives for our freedom.”

He highlighted the enduring significance of this hard-earned independence, noting that while the generation that fought for freedom is no longer with us, it is now the duty of the current and future generations to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
He also touched upon the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, particularly the challenges faced by the Hindu community there.
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3. RASHTRAPATI DROUPADI MURMU’S INDEPENDENCE DAY EVE ADDRESS TO THE NATION: Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu congratulated Bharat on its 78th Independence Day.

"Today, on 14 August, our country is observing Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. A day before celebrating Independence Day, we remember that unprecedented human tragedy and stand in solidarity with the families that were torn apart," Rashtrapati said.   "Seeing the tricolour fluttering on the occasion of Independence Day fills our hearts with enthusiasm," Murmu said. She further said that Bharat has become the fifth largest economy of the world, is set to soon become one among the top three economies of the world, and it is also the fastest growing economy in the world. Its poverty is also declining. "This success has been possible only due to the tireless hard work of farmers and workers, far-sightedness of policy makers and entrepreneurs and the visionary leadership of the country," she added.  -GoTop


4. PM MODI’S CLARION CALL FOR VIKSIT BHARAT FROM RED FORT: On the 78th anniversary of Bharat’s independence, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag at the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive time.

In an august ceremony, Modi highlighted the path towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, calling for unity, resilience, and dedication. Pradhan Mantri Modi paid rich tribute to the countless freedom fighters and also reflected on the nation's achievements.  PM Modi said that people in Bharat are concerned about the safety of Hindus and minorities there in Bangladesh. "Bangladesh must ensure the safety of Hindus, we want peace and prosperity," he said.  -GoTop


5. BHARAT'S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS NEW YORK CITY: The hues of the Bharatiya tricolor and Bharat's rich cultural heritage resonated across the New York as the city celebrated Bharat’s 78th Independence Day with patriotic fervour. Leading diaspora organisation Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE (FIA) held a special Independence Day celebration at the iconic Times Square. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who was in the city, addressed members of the diaspora at the flag hoisting ceremony in the Consulate and Times Square.

At a flag-raising ceremony held in lower Manhattan, New York City Mayor Eric Adams described New York City as the ‘New Delhi of America.’ Bharat's Deputy Representative and Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador R Ravindra raised the national flag at Bharat's Permanent Mission to the UN.  -GoTop

  
6. BILL GATES FLAGS OFF FIRST-EVER BHARATIYA INDEPENDENCE DAY IN GREATER SEATTLE: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates inaugurated the first India Day celebrations with the theme of “Unity in Diversity” in the newly established Indian Consulate in Seattle area. It was organized by the Consulate General of Bharat in Seattle.

Addressing over 2000 members of Bharatiya community as the Guest of Honour, Gates highlighted how Bharat’s ingenuity is benefiting not only its own citizens but the entire world. Gates also praised Bharat for its leadership in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Several distinguished guests, including Congresswomen Suzan DelBene and Kim Schrier, Congressman Adam Smith, Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck; the mayors of Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Mercer Island & others joined the celebrations. In honor of India Day celebrations, five separate official proclamations were issued by the governments and city councils of King County, Bellevue City (Washington), Portland (Oregon), Hillsboro (Oregon), and Tigard (Oregon). Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon also sent a congratulatory message on the occasion recognizing Bharat’s achievements in education, healthcare, and economic development.  -GoTop


7. NEW YORK INDIA DAY PARADE FEATURES RAM MANDIR REPLICA: People in large numbers participated in the India Day Parade held in New York carrying Bharatiya flags and were seen playing dhols and dancing. A replica of Ram Mandir featured in the parade. The 18-foot long, nine-foot wide and eight-foot high float was largely carved in Bharat.  According to the Federation of Indian Associations, the parade featured more than 40 floats, over 50 marching groups and over 30 marching bands, along with celebrities and dignitaries.

  On the occasion Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj said, "The tableau which has float of Ram Mandir, has gathered attraction. Ram Mandir's float showcases that Bharat's culture considers the whole world as a family. It sees only one God in all the human beings."  -GoTop


8. WORLD LEADERS GREET BHARAT ON ITS INDEPENDENCE DAY: Leaders from across the world, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin, greeted Bharat's leadership and the people of the country as it celebrated its 78th Independence Day on August 15. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, David Lammy, Prime Minister of UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka M U M Ali Sabry, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, and several other leaders too wished Bharat.
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9. LOKMANTHAN BHAGYANAGAR 2024: THE ONENESS OF OUR UNITY: Bhagyanagar is planning to host “LokManthan 2024: A Colloquium of Nation-First Thinkers & Practitioners”. An event on August 10 served as a curtain raiser for the grand programme scheduled for November 2024. On this occasion, the reception committee of 108 personalities was announced, a book detailing the event’s concept was published and a dedicated portal was made available to the public. The speakers from different walks of life explained the idea and concept of the upcoming big biennial conference.

The event was presided over by Bandi Sanjay, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. In his opening remarks, Bandi Sanjay emphasised the importance of fostering a collective national identity that transcends regional and cultural divisions.
J Nandakumar, National Convenor of Pragna Pravah, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme and the reasons behind “LokManthan”. He said that today’s event is just the beginning. It serves as a curtain raiser for the grand programme scheduled for November, where we will continue to celebrate Bharat’s strength i.e. the oneness of our society.
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10. EKATMA PARV AT OMKARESHWAR: The Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust of Madhya Pradesh has been organising the Shankar Lecture series monthly for the past 5 years, with the aim of making the profound secrets of Vedanta accessible to the general public in a simple form. The 70th edition of the series was given a special form and a two-day ‘Ekatma Parv’ focusing on concept of Shakti in Vedanta was organised by Trust at Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal on August 17-18.

The event was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan awardee Shri M, a Vedanta scholar and founder of The Satsang Foundation. In his discourse on 'Shakti and Advaita Vedanta', Shri M highlighted recognition, existence, and role of Shakti in Advaita Vedanta. An exhibition of paintings based on Shakti Stotras written by Adi Shankaracharya was also organised at the main auditorium of Bharat Bhavan.
On the second day, the Trust organised 'Ekatma Samvad' between famous television actor Nitish Bhardwaj and Shri M on various aspects of Advaita Vedanta.
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11. DU HOLDS ‘RAMCHARITMANAS FOR HUMANITY’ CONFERENCE: A one-day conference ‘Ramcharitmanas for Humanity’ was organized by the Centre for Hindu Studies, University of Delhi on August 23. While addressing the conference Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted how the Ramcharitmanas offers solutions to everyday challenges, emphasising that the life of Shri Ram serves as an ideal for humanity. Guest of Honour Santosh Taneja, founder, Samkalp and Advisor, Sanskriti Sangyan, elaborated on the concept of Ramrajya, emphasising the immense yet invisible power of spirituality. Many eminent scholars and experts in the field shared their perspectives on ‘Ram and Ramrajya’ and application of Ramcharitmanas in contemporary times.  During the event, Pradeep Kumar Singhal, National Convener of Sanskriti Sangyan, launched a book titled "Manas ke Moti."
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12. A SILENT PROTEST MARCH AGAINST BANGLADESH VIOLENCE: In the wake of the heinous crimes against women, and attacks on Mandirs and other religious sites against minority communities in Bangaldesh, the Nari Shakti Forum organised a silent protest on August 16 from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

It demanded an end to the atrocities and made calls for a worldwide efforts for it.  Women from all spheres of life participated in this protest march. Forum demanded that the interim Government of Bangladesh immediately put a stop to such incidents and ensure strict action against the perpetrators.  For the cause, the Forum also submitted a memorandum to Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu.  -GoTop
 
13. CANADA SANGH SHIKSHA VARG 2024: HSS Canada organised a Sangh Shiksha Varg from August 11 to 18 at Toronto, Ontario. 86 shiksharthis from 7 Canadian provinces participated, speaking a rainbow of languages including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Creole, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Kannada. Apart from this, 24 Shikshaks and Prabandhanks devoted their time for the varg. This year's varg offered three levels – Prathmik, Pravesh, and Praveen. With participants ranging from the youngest at 10 to the most seasoned at 70, the energy was palpable.  
The Sangh Shiksha Varg was a transformative journey which was packed with physical, intellectual, and spiritual training. It was designed to build character and inculcate the best including awakening the self power in everyone. As the week wrapped up, participants left buzzing with motivation, ready to carry the torch of Sanatan Dharma and make a lasting impact through the noble work of Sangh.
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14. HSS RAKSHABANDHAN CELEBRATIONS: HSS Taiwan celebrated Rakshabandhan festival in its shakha on August 25, with a gathering of 30 Bharatiyas and other local brethren.

A concept of Vishwa Bandhutva was discussed while tying Rakhis to each other. Personnel from first responders of Taiwan were also invited and two officers from the Police Department also participated in the utsav.
The Naperville-Aurora HSS USA honored Naperville’s first responders on August 14, outside of the Naperville Police Department, during the annual Rakshabandhan festival. The ceremony was attended by Naperville’s firefighters, police officers, and other public officials, and served as a reminder of the bond between those who protect the community and the people they serve.
HSS Denmark’s swayamsevaks also tied Rakhis to all those who serve society & contribute towards protecting it. In this series HSS Denmark hosted a Rakhi ceremony on August 25 at Østerbro Fire Station and Copenhagen fire station.
HSS Japan celebrated Universal Oneness Day in Shivaji Shakha Yokohama, Kawasaki Keshav Shakha and in Atal Ojima Shakha Tokyo by acknowledging the contributions of first responders in the society.
On August 16, HSS Canada Guelph’s Shivaji Shakha celebrated Rakshabandhan with local police officers. On August 25,  HSS Canada Halifax celebrated Rakshabandhan with heroes at the Halifax Fire Department.
This day was filled with joy, respect, and the  tradition of tying Rakhis to honor the brave souls who protect society.   Along with this HSS all over the world including UK, Kenya, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal celebrated Rakshabandan utsavs in its shakhas as well as community festivals especially with first respondent of the society like fire fighters, policemen and others.
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15. HSS DENMARK FOOD FEST: HSS Denmark organised Europe's biggest Bharatiya Vegetarian/Vegan (Sustainable) Food Festival at Østerbrohuset, Århusgade København, Denmark, on August 24. HSS volunteers from ages 10 to 60+ made this event a success.

Bharatiya Ambassador Manish Prabhat & family, Danish Parliamentarian Louise Brown & family & General secretary Unicef Susan Dahl & family were Chief guests for this event. They all appreciated HSS's commitment for promoting Sanatan Sanskriti's ethos of having sustainable life style & amazing flavors of different parts of Bharat & neighboring countries as well as Denmark.  Along with cooking participants, thousands of food lovers came to enjoy the food. Bhartiyas who miss cooked food have also experienced the sweetness and deliciousness of variety of food.  -GoTop


16. TEXAS UNVEILS WORLD’S TALLEST STATUE OF HANUMANJI: On August 18, a towering 90-foot bronze statue of Bhagwan Hanuman was unveiled in a grand ceremony at Ashtalakshami Mandir Texas, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the state. Named the “Statue of Union,” this massive sculpture is now the tallest Hanuman murti outside of Bharat, the tallest statue in Texas, and the third tallest in the US, behind only the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Pegasus and Dragon in Florida, organizers said.

The “Prana Prathishta Mahotsavam” ceremony for the statue was held from August 15 to 18. Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami, a Padma Bhushan awardee and Vedic scholar, spearheaded the project. He envisioned the statue as a spiritual epicenter for North America, emphasizing the importance of spreading devotion and unity across the continent.  -GoTop


17. GANESH MANDIR OPENS IN GERMANY: On the edge of Hasenheide near Hermannplatz in Neukölln, Berlin, Bhagwan Ganesh’s mandir was planned since 2004 and now an 18 meter high Hindu mandir stands there.   185 deities decorate the mandir tower and in the hall a statue of the Bhagwan Ganesh with parivar was installed.

As more and more Bharatiya professionals and students are coming to the city, the religious site is becoming more and more relevant. The full inauguration of the mandir will happen at the end of the year. Board member of the Sri Ganesha Hindu Mandir Association Vilwanathan Krishnamurthy said that behind the two new buildings there is a hall in which puja rituals are held every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  -GoTop


18. JANMASHTAMI CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: On the auspicious occasion of the 5251st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Shri Krishna on August 26, Vishwa Hindu Parishad organized a program of 'Deep Daan' with 5251 lamps at River Yamuna's Devraha Baba Ghat in Vrindavan on August 22.

All over Bharat mandirs were decorated and Bhagwan Sri Krishna Bal-swarup was kept for Darshan. Devotees also adorned their children with Bhagwan Krishna’s attire.  Special programs were organised at Thakur Banke Bihari Mandir in Vrindavan. Devotees have flocked to the Shri Krishna Janmasthan mandir in Mathura to perform Aarti. Dahi Handi celebrations took place at different places in the country. The streets and mandirs of Kerala were adorned with vibrant celebrations.  Balagokulam, the world’s largest children’s movement, hosted thousands of Shobhayatras including adorning children in Sri Krishna forms. In Jaipur, thousands of devotees thronged Govind Devji mandir and Shri Radha Gopinathji mandir.
President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel performed Pooja at the Krishna mandir in Patan Durbar Square. People in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, participated in a parade marking the Janmashtami. The Bharatiya community celebrated Krishna Janmashtami in different mandirs in USA. Janmashtami was also celebrated in Toronto, Canada and Paris, the French capital. In Singapore, religious processions were held and Shree Lakshmi Narayan mandir was decorated. The Krishna mandir in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur hosted the festival.  In Fiji, eight-day Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated as “Krishna Ashtami”. Sri Krishna devotees celebrated Janmashtami in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Mauritius, Suriname, Denmark, New Zealand, UK, Australia, Bali (Indonesia) and in other countries. Bhaktivedanta, ISKCON,  BAPS & other Mandirs around the world celebrated Janmashtami.
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19. BHARAT CELEBRATES ITS FIRST-EVER NATIONAL SPACE DAY: On 23 August 2023, Bharat achieved a historic milestone when the Chandrayaan-3 lander completed a soft landing on the moon. This remarkable accomplishment made Bharat the 4th country to accomplish this feat and the 1st to land on the lunar South Pole. In recognition of this achievement, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi has declared August 23 as National Space Day. The theme of the first National Space Day is ‘Touching Lives While Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga’.
While addressing maiden National Space Day programme on August 23 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi , Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu has said that ISRO has made important contributions not only to the space sector but also to the socio-economic development of the country.  ISRO chairman S Somanath said that this year the National Space Day was celebrated all across the country with the participation of departments, ministries, educational institutions, science organisations, NGOs, and the general public.
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20. BHARAT LAUNCHES ITS 1ST REUSABLE HYBRID ROCKET ‘RHUMI-1’: Bharat launched its first reusable hybrid rocket ‘RHUMI- 1’ successfully from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai on August 24. This rocket was developed by the Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone India with Martin Group. The rocket, carrying 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites, was launched into a suborbital trajectory using a mobile launcher. These satellites will be collecting data for research purposes on Global warming and Climate change. RHUMI is 100 per cent pyrotechnic-free and 0 per cent TNT.
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21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Pradeep Gupta with son - UK.


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: He who has no attachments can really love others, this kind of love is pure and divine. -Bhagwan Sri Krishna
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JAI SHRI RAM
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CELEBRATING HINDU FOOTPRINTS
RAVI KUMAR IYER

Hinduism has approximately 1.2 billion (120 crore) adherents worldwide (15 percent of the world’s population). It is the third largest religion in the world after Christianity (31.5 percent) and Islam (23.5 percent). But, across the world there are only two Hindu majority nations – Bharat which has over 100 crore Hindus and Nepal which has 2.4 crore Hindus. Other countries with large Hindu population are Bangladesh (1.4 crore). Pakistan (52 lakh), Indonesia (50 lakh, with Bali being 87 percent Hindu), USA (33 lakh), Sri Lanka (26 lakh), Malaysia (20 lakh), United Kingdom (10 lakh), Australia and Mauritius ( seven lakh), South Africa (five lakh) and United Arab Emirates (five lakh).
Overseas Hindus have built thousands of temples all over the world wherein classes are held during the weekends to teach children shlokas, and educate them on Hindu scriptures like Ramayana, and Puranas, as also Indian languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu. Many Indian schools are run for the betterment of children and there is a huge demand for Indian dresses like sarees, kurta-pyjama etc. There are thousands of provision stores and restaurants that cater to the taste buds of Indians. Hindi and Tamil movies are a craze not only among overseas Indians but also among Arabs, Malaysians, Thais and people from other nationalities. Film star Rajnikant (and his movies) is a rage among the Japanese – Japanese youth know Tamil movie dialogues and punch-lines by heart.

Hindu Diaspora Celebrates Thai Pusam: Tamil festival Thai Pusam is celebrated not just by eight crore Tamil Hindus in Bharat but also by 80 lakh Tamil Hindus living in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Fiji, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Reunion Island and Mauritius, in the month of the February every year. Preparations for it start 48 days (one mandala) before the actual festival day. During these 49 days, devotees hold daily prayer sessions, abstain from sex and maintain strict vegetarian diet to purify their body and mind. A pot of cow mild is offered to Lord Karthikeya. Some devotees also undergo flesh mortification by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with Vel (Shul) skewers. Yellow or saffron robes are worn during these 48 days since these colours symbolise purity and devotion.
More than 20 lakh Tamil Hindus and tourists throng the Lord Shanmuga Temple at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia during this time, making it the largest annual gathering in South East Asia. The temple has a 140-feet-tall Lord Muruga statue – it is the tallest statue in Malaysia. Even the Karthikeya statue here is among the tallest statues in the world.
In Malaysia, Islam is the official religion and conversions to Abrahamic faiths are encouraged by interpreting and implementing Sharia laws. But, amid all the allurements and religious tyranny like destruction of Hindu temples, Hindus have maintained their dharma and religious practices: they celebrate festivals like Deepavali, Pongal, Navaratri and Thai Pusam with much enthusiasm. Hindus have built over 800 temples across this country.
Navratri Celebrations by Exogamic Thais: Located in Bangkok, Sri Mariamman Temple is the main Tamil Hindu temple of Thailand. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. More than 60,000 Tamil-Thai exogamic Hindus participate in the Navratri religious procession in October-November every year. On the last day of this 10-day festival, the street in front of the temple is colourfully decorated with yellow flower garlands and candles, and the image of Sri Mariamman is taken through the streets in a procession – a portion of the Silom Road is closed to traffic. More than 90 per cent of devotees in this procession are Chinese and Thais. During the 10 days, most Thai and Chinese shops decorate their shops with yellow and bhagwa flags, and they neither eat nor sell non-vegetarian food. Many universities in Thailand teach Sanskrit. The Princess of Thailand has even composed many songs in Sanskrit.
Hinduism in United Arab Emirates and Arab World: There are currently three temples in UAE- two in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. The Krishna temple in Bur Dubai was constructed in 1958. The second Hindu Temple of Dubai is in Jebel Ali Village next to the Sikh Gurudwara. This temple has 16 deities including Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh, and Mahalakshami. Constructed at a cost of approximately 60 million Dirham (US$16million), it was opened on October 5, 2022. The third grand temple in Abu Dhabi, popularly known as the BAPS Hindu Mandir, was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, this year. It is built on 27-acre site at a cost of around Rs 700 crore. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government.
The Sikh Gurudwara in Dubai, Guru Nanak Darbar, serves over 10,000 worshippers. Built at a cost of $20 million, it was opened in October 2022. Special three-hour sessions are held here for children on Saturdays: children are also taught Punjabi, how to do kirtan and other religious practices.
Many local Arabs, both men and women can be seen singing Hindu Bhajans. Yoga is very popular all over the Arab world, Iran and Turkey. Ayurvedic Burqa is gaining popularity as it is an antidote for skin disease prevalent among Arab women.
There are two cremation grounds for performing last rites of Hindus, one in Abu Dhabi and another in Dubai.
Closer home, in Pakistan, Yogi Haider (born Shamshad Haider) is a famous yoga teacher, operating since 1994. Today, his organisation teaches yoga to over 10,000 students in Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Hindu and Hinduism in the West: In 2022, the then UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak performed Cow Puja with wife Akshata Murthy in London. Indian origin Leo Varadkar was elected as Prime Minister of Ireland in 2022. Dr Anand Satyanand held the office of the Governor General of New Zealand from 2006 to 2022. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Pandey welcomed the third millennium on January 14, 2000 by leading a 50,000 strong Hindu gathering to chant Hanuman Chalisa. In 2016, Kamala Persaud Bessessar took office as Prime Minister of Trinidad with her hands on Srimad Bhagwad Gita. In 2020, Chandrika Prasad Santoki took the oath of office of the President of Suriname, chanting Sanskrit shlokas and mantras.
There is a famous incident, often related by NRIs in the US: Once, at a gas station, an Indian went to the cashier to pay for the fuel. The cashier, a White American, remarked, 'you are an Indian’, to which the Indian asked as to how he was so sure that he was an Indian and not a Pakistani. The cashier replied, ‘you are driving a costly BMW car. Pakistanis cannot afford such costly items’. He then said, ‘you must be ABCD’ – Attorney General, Barrister, Consultant and Director. The Indian then asked him about non-Indians and the White man replied they are abcd - atankwadi, bomb blaster, coolie and driver. The American also lamented, ‘you Indians are killing our White children! Not physically, but through competitions. All our colleges are flooded with Indian students’. Several leading MNCs like Google, IBM and Microsoft have Indian CEOs.
Patel is one of the many castes of Gujaratis. In the US, the total number of Indians is less than one percent of its population, and Patels even lesser – they are not even 0.1 per cent of the total US population. Yet, they own 70 per cent of motels. How so? You must be wondering. Actually, running a motel is a labour-intensive business, so instead of employing a large staff, all the members of the Patel family share the work. Hence, they are able to offer customers lesser rates than other motels. In the last five decades, most Americans sold their motels to Patels and thus, today, 70 percent of motels owners are Patels.
Remarks an American: “If a child grows up in America, in a Hindu family, the chances of marital breakdown are very small, the chances of educational encouragement are incredibly high, the culture of hard work, achievement and everything you want in life is at a exceptionally high level than rest of us.’ This explains how India’s ancient family tradition is relevant even today for the whole of mankind.
India Today: Indian culture teaches us to put service over sales, honour over hassle, and most importantly people over profit. And, this value system has, in no way, hampered its progress. At 7.2 per cent growth rate, India is the fastest growing economy in the world. In GDP Nominal terms, India is the fifth largest economy. The population of India’s middle class is more than the population of entire USA.
India’s median age is 28, f0r China and USA it is 38.5 years, Germany and EU Countries 45 years and for Japan it is 48.6 years. This means Bharat will continue to be a country of youth till 2052. On the other hand, China, Japan and European countries are rapidly ageing. Larry Summers, former US Secretary of the Treasury (Finance Minister) recently stated, ‘China is a Prison, Japan is a hospital and Europe is a museum’. (Perhaps, he meant that US must strengthen its relations and business with Bharat). Indeed, the economically developed G-7 nations are trying to increase their business with Bharat. As a result, Hindi language is taught in many leading universities of the developed nations.
In February, 2024, American multinational strategy and management consulting firm, McKinsey & Company, stated that this is India’s century. In April 2024, the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emphasised India’s role as a key driver for global growth in the coming years. He highlighted India’s remarkable growth trajectory, consistently surpassing seven per cent even amidst the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic.
US is going to polls in November this year. The contest is between Democrats and the Republican candidates. If Democrats win, Kamala Harris of Indian origin will be the first woman President in the 248-year history of USA. If the Republicans win, Usha Chilikuri Vance will become the first Indian origin Second Lady in US history. Either way, it is a win for India and Indians. Let us all say it loudly.  (Organiser, September 1, 2024)  
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