Paush Krishna 1 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 December, 2024: SM 6018 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
MAHA KUMBH: In 2025, the Maha Kumbh will commence on January 13 and conclude
on February 26. The Maha Kumbh takes place once every 12 years at the
confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj, Uttar
Pradesh. The Maha Kumbh Mela is recognised as the world’s largest gathering of
people.
UNESCO recognizes the Kumbh Mela as an intangible cultural heritage.
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2. FAMILY IS THE NATURAL CARRIER OF OUR SANSKRITI : DR MOHAN
BHAGWAT: Speaking at Kathale Kul Sammelan, a congregation of families
associated with Kathale parivar at Nagpur, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that family is the natural carrier of our
‘Sanskriti’, and underscored the importance of family values.
3. END PERSECUTION OF HINDUS IN BANGLADESH: DATTATREYA
HOSABALE: In wake of the surge in the atrocities that are being committed
against the Hindus in Bangladesh, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah
Dattatreya Hosabale issued a statement denouncing it. He urged the Bangladeshi
authorities to immediately halt the persecution of Hindus and ensure the release
of ISKCON Sanyasi Chinamay Krishna Das, who has been unjustly imprisoned.
4. ‘KUTUMB PRABODHAN’ IS THE CORE PRINCIPLE OF BHARATIYA
CULTURE: JAGDEEP DHANKAR: UpRashtrapati of Bharat, Jagdeep Dhankhar,
emphasized the importance of family values, civic responsibilities, and cultural
preservation during his address at the week long 66th All India Kalidas Festival
that concluded on November 18 in Ujjain.
5. WHEF 2024 MUMBAI: The three-day World Hindu Economic
Forum 2024 concluded on December 15 in Mumbai. WHEF2024 featured over 24
sessions and more than 100 speakers. It brought together more than 1,000 global
delegates, including influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and business
visionaries. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated WHEF2024 under the
theme “Think in the Future, For the Future”.
6. 8TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF SAHAKAR BHARATI: The 8th
National Convention of Sahakar Bharati was inaugurated by the organization’s
National President, Deenanath Thakur at the Railway Ground in Amritsar, Punjab
on December 6. Dr. Uday Joshi, National General Secretary, presented a
three-year report and detailed Sahakar Bharati’s achievements over the past
three years and its vision for the future.
7. EIGHTH INDIA IDEAS CONCLAVE: The eighth edition of
the India Ideas Conclave was held on November 22-24 in Bengaluru. Organised by
the India Foundation, it was attended by around 400 delegates from diverse
fields across the country. It explored strategies to build Brand Bharat and
envision Bharat's future as a global leader, emphasising economic growth,
cultural heritage, and innovation. Key discussions included technological
advancements, manufacturing, policy reforms, and the importance of reshaping
Bharat's narrative on the global stage.
8. VANVASI KALYAN ASHRAM NURTURES TRIBAL TALENT THROUGH
ANNUAL SPORTS: The 27th state-level tribal sports meet, organised by the
Odisha prant of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram concluded at the Satyabrata Stadium in
Cuttack. This annual event aims to identify and nurture young tribal talent from
across the nation and witnessed participation from 285 children representing 18
tribal-dominated districts in Odisha. Held over two days, from November 30 to
December 1, the meet showcased the athletic prowess of young tribal participants
across various sports. The event was inaugurated by Odisha’s Minister for School
and Mass Education, Nityananda Gond.
9. HSS USA SHOWCASES SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S LEGACY AT THE UN:
A month-long exhibition at the UN celebrated Swami Vivekananda’s legacy,
highlighting his role in bridging East and West and his profound impact on
global spirituality. The event, hosted by the Society for Enlightenment and
Transformation (SEAT), a component of the UN Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC),
featured exhibits produced by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). The exhibition
was inaugurated by Swami Sarvarpriyananda, resident swami of the New York
Vedanta Society, who highlighted the enduring influence of Swami Vivekananda. He
underscored Vivekananda’s role in fostering understanding between cultures,
noting, “He built a bridge between the East and the West when he traveled to the
World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. That bridge remains strong and
vibrant today.” He further highlighted Vivekananda’s role in shaping modern
Bharat. “He restored a sense of pride and identity to India” he said.
UNSRC President Peter Dawkins emphasized the alignment of Vivekananda’s ideals
with the mission of the United Nations.
The exhibition also featured panels exploring Vivekananda’s interactions with
luminaries such as scientist Nikola Tesla, further emphasizing his
forward-thinking vision and advocacy for integrating spirituality and science.
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10. HSS SOUTH AFRICA HINDU HERITAGE CAMP: On December 8
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh South Africa organized a Hindu Heritage Camp at Arya
Bhavan in Port Shepstone. 37 people participated in the event which was managed
by 6 youth and 5 senior volunteers.
11. HSS USA SEWADIWALI: The Sewa Diwali Food Drive saw
participation from five school districts in Central Jersey.
Students and their families from the Woodbridge school district, Lincoln
Elementary School in Edison, Emma Arleth Elementary School in Sayreville,
Bayberry Elementary and Valley View Middle School in Watchung, Rahway High
School and Alternative Center of Education in Rahway collected and donated food.
Through their collective efforts, 13,000 pounds of food was donated to We Feed
Woodbridge, Food for Friends in Rahway, Replenish food bank and the Middlesex
Community College pantry.
12. PROTESTS AGAINST ATROCITIES ON HINDUS IN BANGLADESH:
The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, marked by attacks on mandirs,
forced job resignations, and the arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, has
drawn global condemnation.
On November 27, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS)
expressed grave concern over the issue.
The EU urged Bangladesh's interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus to
prioritise the rule of law, respect due process, and safeguard the fundamental
rights of its citizens. EU ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller addressed
these concerns during a meeting in Dhaka with Yunus. Paris-based human rights
organisation JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) had earlier appealed to
EU ambassadors to confront the violations in the country.
Deutschland Hinduistische Verbande, a Germany based Hindu organisation,
expressed deep concerns over the atrocities and called for global attention
towards the situation under the interim regime. Strongly condemning the heinous
crimes, the organisation held a protest in Germany and demanded justice for
Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Hundreds of citizens of the Barak Valley region of Assam wrote to the Norwegian
Nobel Committee, denouncing the purported crimes committed against minorities by
the Nobel laureate-led interim government in Bangladesh.
On November 26, the Centre for Democracy, Pluralism, and Human Rights (CDPHR)
strongly condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari by Bangladeshi
authorities.
13. EKAL GALA RAISES $3.5 MILLION: On November 9, the
Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA hosted a gala at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palo
Alto, California, raising $3.5 million to support the development of remote and
rural villages in Bharat.
14. DECEMBER 21 IS WORLD MEDITATION DAY: Bharat
co-sponsored a UN General Assembly draft resolution that was unanimously adopted
to proclaim December 21 as World Meditation Day. The resolution, introduced by
Liechtenstein, was also cosponsored by Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burundi, the
Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,
Portugal and Slovenia. Bharat, along with Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal,
Mexico and Andorra, was a member of the core group of countries that guided the
unanimous adoption of the resolution titled ‘World Meditation Day’ in the
193-member UN General Assembly on December 6.
15. INDONESIAN EMBASSY IN THE HAGUE INAUGURATES THE FIRST
PURA IN THE NETHERLANDS: The Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands,
Mayerfas, inaugurated the first pura (a Hindu mandir) in the Netherlands on
November 30. The pura is located in Taman Indonesia, Kallenkote, Overijssel. The
materials sent from Denpasar arrived in Rotterdam in early March.
16. ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE PREVENTS PROTESTERS WITHIN 100
METERS OF MANDIR: The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has granted a
landmark injunction to the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, preventing protesters from
gathering within 100 meters of the mandir during a consular camp hosted by the
Bharatiya Consulate.
17. D GUKESH IS THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST CHESS WORLD CHAMPION:
Bharatiya Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the
youngest-ever world champion after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in the
decisive 14th game of the World Chess Championship match in Singapore on
December 12. This triumph also made Gukesh the 18th world champion in the
history of classical chess and the youngest-ever undisputed champion. At just 18
years old, Gukesh also became the second Bharatiya, after Viswanathan Anand, to
claim the classical chess world championship title. Gukesh shattered the record
previously held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who had become the youngest
world chess champion at the age of 22 in 1985.
"It's the best day of my life," Gukesh said, reflecting on his historic victory
while applauding his opponent Ding for rallying against the odds and fighting
hard over the last two weeks.
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18. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Anil
Shah—UK, Dr. Yashwant Pathak, Yellorao Mirajkar and Rohit Deshpande – USA
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: They who behold the One, in all the changing
manifoldness of the universe, unto them belongs the eternal truth, unto none
else, unto none else. – Jagdish Chandra Bose
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JAI SHRI RAM
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RSS AND THE IDEOLOGY OF ‘SWA’: PATH TO SELF-AWARENESS, RESURGENCE & RELIANCE
The ideology of
स्व
(self) lies at the heart of the RSS's vision
for Bharat's cultural and national resurgence. Rooted in self-reliance,
self-respect, and unity, it calls for a reclaiming of Bharat's true identity,
empowering individuals to reconnect with their heritage and contribute to the
nation's collective strength - Adv Karan Thakur
The ideology of
स्व
(self) has been pivotal in shaping the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS)
vision for Bharat’s cultural resurgence. Rooted in the ancient principles of
self-reliance, self-awareness, and self-respect, the concept of
स्व
serves as a guiding light in the RSS’s mission to reclaim Bharat’s true national
identity. By emphasising the intrinsic link between individual identity and
national pride, RSS encourages every citizen to rediscover their roots, value
their culture, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
स्व
is not merely about personal development but about aligning oneself with the
collective identity of Bharat, where every individual is seen as part of a
larger, united whole. This vision seeks to uplift the nation from the shackles
of the colonial mindset, ensuring that India’s identity is not only preserved
but flourishes in its rightful glory.
The past glory of
स्व is deeply rooted in the
rich history of Bharat, where numerous national heroes have emphasised a life
based on self-reliance, cultural pride, and national unity. Figures such as
Swami Vivekananda, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Lokmanya Tilak have been
torchbearers of this ideology. Swami Vivekananda, in particular, articulated a
vision of स्व
that transcended individualism and embraced a collective national consciousness.
He believed that for Bharat to regain its lost glory, its people needed to
awaken their inner strength and reconnect with their roots, rejecting foreign
influences and adopting a life of spiritual and cultural self-sufficiency.
Similarly, Subhas Chandra Bose’s calls for a self-reliant Bharat and his fight
for independence were grounded in the philosophy of
स्व
asserting that true freedom comes when a nation stands strong in its own
identity and capacity. These national heroes, through their actions and
philosophies, not only highlighted the significance of
स्व
in individual and national life but also set the stage for a modern
interpretation of this ancient concept, which continues to inspire movements
like the RSS today. Their legacy remains a powerful reminder of Bharat’s
timeless strength rooted in the principle of
स्व which remains a guiding
force in the nation’s quest for cultural revival and self-determination.
Based on the ideologies of
स्व
and the principles championed by national heroes like Swami Vivekananda, Subhas
Chandra Bose, and Lokmanya Tilak, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh shaped its
vision of
a resurgent Bharat rooted in
self-reliance, national unity, and cultural pride. The RSS, founded by Dr Keshav
Baliram Hedgewar in 1925, sought to revive the spirit of
स्व
in every individual and the nation at large. Dr Hedgewar’s vision was grounded
in the belief that Bharat’s strength lies in its swa—its ancient cultural
heritage, spiritual wisdom, and unity.
The RSS envisioned a society where every individual recognises their connection
to the greater whole, the nation, and acts in service of it, embracing
self-discipline, service, and self-reliance. This aligns with the ideals
promoted by leaders like Vivekananda and Bose, who stressed that true strength
comes from within, from an individual and collective sense of pride in one’s
roots, culture, and history. The RSS adopted this vision, organising its
activities to promote the idea that national progress is deeply intertwined with
spiritual and cultural integrity.
Through its educational, social, and cultural initiatives, the RSS has worked to
instil these values in the younger generations, ensuring that the principles of
स्व
and the true identity of Bharat are
passed down. In doing so, the RSS has played a pivotal role in shaping the
vision of a strong, self-reliant India—one that is united in its cultural values
and self-determined in its path forward. The essence of
स्व
has thus become the bedrock of RSS’s ideology, guiding its mission to reclaim
the nation’s lost identity and build a proud, self sustained society.
The Genesis of
स्व:
Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s Vision
The RSS was founded in 1925 by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who envisioned a
Bharat free from colonial shackles, not just politically but culturally and
spiritually. Hedgewar recognised that the true identity of Bharat lay in its
indigenous ethos, which had been eroded by centuries of invasions and colonial
rule. His ideology of
स्व
—rooted in Sanatan Dharma—was a response to the need for a unifying principle
that could transcend caste, creed, and regional differences.
Dr Hedgewar’s vision emphasised the following
Self-Awareness (स्वचेतना
): Instilling pride in Bharat’s heritage and a deeper understanding of
its civilizational values.
Self-Respect (स्वाभिमान):
Rejecting colonial and Western narratives that painted Bharat as inferior.
Self-Reliance (स्वावलंबन):
Building a Bharat that is economically and culturally independent.
Self-Governance (स्वराज्य):
Advocating for decentralised governance rooted in Dharma.
This vision laid the foundation for the RSS’s mission of national rejuvenation.
The Role of RSS in Shaping a
स्व-Based
Ideology
The RSS has operationalised the
स्व
philosophy through a disciplined
grassroots approach:
Cultural Revival: By organising shakhas (local units), the RSS educates
individuals about Bharat’s history, culture, and values, fostering a sense of
unity and pride.
Promotion of Swadeshi: The movement encourages self-reliance in economic
activities, emphasising
indigenous industries and rejecting Western consumerism.
Social Harmony: The RSS works to bridge caste and community divides,
advocating unity through shared
cultural values.
Education and Awareness: Through organisations like Vidya Bharati, the
RSS instils the importance of Bharat’s heritage and Dharma in the younger
generation.
The RSS views Bharat not just as a geographical entity but as a civilisational
force, embodying the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
The Vedic mantra ““संगच्छध्वं
सम्वदध्वं”” encapsulates the
essence of RSS’s approach to nation-building—unity in action, dialogue, and
mutual respect. It serves as a guiding principle for the organisation in its
mission to unite India and reclaim its lost cultural identity. By focusing on
collaboration and collective growth, the RSS seeks to inspire the nation to walk
and speak together toward a prosperous future, founded on the strength of its
rich heritage and collective purpose.
The स्व
-based ideology directly challenges several ideological counterparts, who
perceive it as a threat to their narratives:
Marxist and Communist Ideologies
Marxist frameworks prioritise economic materialism and class struggle,
sidelining cultural and spiritual dimensions. The
स्व
ideology, with its focus on holistic well-being, disrupts this narrative. It
unites people through cultural identity rather than class divisions. It rejects
the atheistic leanings of Marxism by celebrating spiritual traditions as central
to Bharat’s ethos.
Left-Liberal Secularism
Left-liberal ideologies often project Bharat’s indigenous traditions as
regressive. The RSS counters this by Celebrating Bharat’s cultural heritage as
progressive and inclusive. Rejecting narratives of post-colonial guilt and
instead fostering pride in Bharat’s contributions to humanity.
Islamist Ideologies
The RSS emphasises cultural unity over religious identity, challenging Islamist
expansionism. It promotes cultural nationalism over religious exclusivity. It
resists attempts to dilute Bharat’s indigenous identity through conversion or
ideological domination.
Western-Centric Globalisation
The स्व
ideology is inherently anti-colonial and anti-imperialist. It challenges Western
economic and cultural dominance by advocating for Swadeshi. It critiques Western
universalism by celebrating Bharat’s pluralistic worldview.
The Resurgence of Bharat’s Identity
The RSS’s स्व-based
ideology is central to reclaiming Bharat’s lost identity. It fosters a cultural
renaissance that prioritises:
Decolonising Minds by rejecting Western validation, the ideology encourages
individuals to derive strength from Bharat’s rich traditions.
Building Unity, The RSS’s focus on Dharma and shared heritage transcends caste,
regional, and linguistic barriers.
Empowering Communities by Decentralisation and self-reliance are key tenets of
this vision, enabling local governance and economic independence.
A Threat to Opponents or a Pathway to Progress?
For RSS’s ideological counterparts, the rise of
स्व
represents a formidable challenge.
It undermines Marxist, Islamist, and Western frameworks by offering an
indigenous alternative rooted in Bharat’s cultural ethos.
It disrupts divide-and-rule politics by uniting people under a shared
civilisational identity.
It challenges the dominance of foreign ideologies, asserting Bharat’s right to
self-determination and cultural pride.
However, for proponents, the
स्व
ideology is not a threat but a pathway to Bharat’s resurgence as a self-aware,
self-reliant, and culturally confident nation.
Restoring Bharat’s True Nationalism
The RSS, guided by the principles of
स्व,
is more than an organisation—it is a movement to reclaim Bharat’s lost identity.
From Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s vision to its modern-day implementation, the
ideology of स्व
has reshaped Bharat’s socio-political landscape, inspiring millions to reconnect
with their roots. While its opponents see it as a threat, for Bharat, it is a
renaissance—a return to the idea of self-determination, cultural pride, and
national unity. The RSS’s unwavering commitment to this ideology has positioned
it as a force capable of transforming Bharat into a global leader, rooted firmly
in its civilisational ethos.
https://organiser.org/2024/12/01/267467/bharat/rss-and-the-ideology-of-swa-a-path-to-bharats-self-determination-and-pride/
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SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
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