Jyeshtha Krishna 9 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 1 June, 2024: SM 6005 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS: GANGA DUSSEHRA:
Ganga Dussehra (16 June 2024) is observed on Dashami Tithi of Jyeshtha
Shukla Paksha.
It is also known as Gangavataran which means the descent of the
Ganga. Ganga Dussehra is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and this day is commemorated
as the day when Ganga was descended to the Earth to accomplish her mission to
purge the cursed souls of Bhagiratha's ancestors and brought the purity of
heaven to the Earth. On Ganga Dussehra devotees worship Goddess Ganga and take
bath in Ganga river at Prayagraj, Garhmukteshwar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi
and also at different holy banks of Ganga throughout its route from Gangotri to
Gangasagar and also participates in Ganga Aarti. -GoTop
2. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK ACCORDED TRADITIONAL RECEPTION AT
SRIRANGAM TEMPLE: On the May 17, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak
Dr. Mohan Bhagwat visited the Sri Rangam Ranganathar temple, Tamil Nadu where he
received a traditional reception from the priests, Vaishnavite seers, trustees,
and officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. He
was given a tour of the temple, where he observed various rituals and received
Prasadam. The Sri Rangam Ranganathar temple, known as the world’s largest
temple, spans across 156 acres and is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu.
Dr. Bhagwat also attended the Karyakarta Vikas Varg-I in Trichy at the Santhanam
Vidylaya. During the camp, Dr. Bhagwat addressed the participants, offering
insights and guidance on various matters of importance to the organization.
-GoTop
3. “SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA WAS THE EMBODIMENT OF DHARMA FOR
KARMA”: RSS SARKARYAVAH: RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale on May 10 said,
“Swami Chinmayananda was a revolutionary in the spiritual realm and the
embodiment of Dharma for Karma. Swamiji empowered people by sharing knowledge
and instilling self-confidence. He supported the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Swamiji’s two great dreams, the Hindu organization and the grand Ram Mandir in
Ram Janmabhoomi, were realized through RSS.” Sarkaryavah was addressing a
gathering on May 10 at the Chinmaya-Shankaram 2024 held from May 8 to 12 at
Kochi with the theme of ‘Swami Chinmayananda: A Spiritual Revolutionary’ on the
occasion of 108th Birth Anniversary of Swami Chinmayananda organized by The
Chinmaya Mission. -GoTop
4. SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT IS REAL EMPOWERMENT: MURMU:
Asserting that spiritual empowerment is the real empowerment, Rashtrapati
Droupadi Murmu on May 27 said when the followers of any religion or sect deviate
from the path of spirituality, they become victims of fanaticism and suffer from
an unhealthy mentality.
“Spiritual values connect people of all religions to
each other,” she said, addressing the national launch of ‘Spiritual Empowerment
for a Clean and Healthy Society’ organised by Brahma Kumaris in New Delhi.
“Doing charity for the public good is one of the most important spiritual
values,” she said. -GoTop
5. “KARYAKARTA VIKAS VARG” GIVES THE FEELING OF NATIONAL
UNITY – PARAG ABHYANKAR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Karyakarta Vikas Varg
– Dwitiya commenced at the Maharshi Vyas Sabhagriha, Dr. Hedgewar Smriti Bhavan
premises in Reshimbagh from May 17.
At the beginning of the varg, Sarvadhikari Iqbal Singh, Sah Sarkaryvah Dr.
Krishna Gopal and Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukh Parag Abhyankar offered ‘Pushp’
to Bharat Mata. On this occasion, Sah Sarkaryvahs Mukund and Ramdutt Chakradhar
were also present. 936 shiksharthis from across the country are participating in
this varg.
On the occasion Parag Abhyankar said that the volunteers have the feeling that
they would get the privilege of going to Nagpur to learn about Sangh work and
practice it. The feeling that Sangh work should be the work of life also remains
in the minds of the shiksharthis. This land is the abode of Dr. Hedgewar and
Shri Guruji. Shiksharthis from all over Bharat come here for training, which
increases the feeling of national unity. The unity of Hindutva can also be felt
here. The creation of a global vision of an Sangathit Hindu samaj is the goal of
this varg. The varg will conclude on 10th June. -GoTop
6. RSS CULTIVATES CULTURE AND PATRIOTISM AMONG THE YOUTHS –
PREETI NATESAN: Board Member of the Sree Narayana Trust (SN Trust) Preeti
Natesan stated that RSS has been engaged in silent charitable work. She said
this on May 19 while addressing the valedictory session of RSS Kerala Prant
Sangh Shiksha Varg. Preeti Natesan is the wife of Vellapalli Natesan, the
General Secretary of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam), the
organisation of Hindu Ezhava community, which was founded by revered Hindu Monk
Sree Nararyana Gurudev in 1903.
Preeti Natesan said that RSS is a force to be reckoned with. The organisation
cultivates culture and patriotism among the youths. RSS has been promoting the
idea of achieving physical prosperity based on spirituality. These days, parents
find it difficult to look after two kids at home and groom them with good
character. But, in RSS varg, hundreds of youths eat and sleep together and come
out as exemplary citizens. Therefore, it is right to view RSS as the wonder of
21st century. Preeti Natesan is the first SNDP and Vellappalli family member who
participated in RSS programme in the SNDP’s more than hundred-year history.
-GoTop
7. NARADA JAYANTI CELEBRATED AT KOCHI: Dr. K.S.
Radhakrishnan, former Vice Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University of
Sanskrit and former Chairman of Kerala Public Service Commission, said that what
media do these days is confront with the facts. They present their aspirations
and wishes as facts. Therefore, they lost their credibility, the most
significant capital the media require. Media profession should not be for
controversy, but, for debate and interaction. Controversy is to argue and win;
but debate and interaction are for knowing and making others know. It is
Bharat’s Samskriti. Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan was speaking on “Truth and Untruth in
Media” in connection with the Narada Jayanti Celebrations organised by Vishwa
Samvad Kendra.
Vishwa Samvada Kendra president M. Rajasekhara Panicker honoured senior
journalist and writer K.G. Jyothirghosh. M. Rajasekhara Panicker said, in his
presidential address, that Devarshi Narada was a great personality who dared to
present truth before any one for the sake of the welfare of the entire world.
-GoTop
8. HSS DENMARK: PARIVAR SHIVIR 2024: HSS Denmark
organised Parivar Shivir 2024 from May 3 to 5 at Sønderborg, Denmark which was
attended by around 100 shiviraarthis. It was said that this shibir shown the
strength of unity and collective effort, particularly with the impressive
involvement of Bal, Kishor and Tarun ganas. Shivir had predominance of Kishor
and Kishori Shikshaks, they managed the various activities effectively, proving
to be inspiring role models for the Bal Ganas. Ratri Karykaram were very
engaging and innovative presentations that involved all, reinforcing motto of
collaboration and Karyakrata building.
The Shivir was also connected with the local Bharatiya community of Sønderborg
and on May 4, local community also participated in it. Vishwa Vibhag Sahsamyojak
Dr Ram Vaidya enhanced the local Sampark during the Shivir. He also laid down
the foundation for Balgokulam activities. -GoTop
9. HSS SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER CELEBRATED SIKH HERITAGE MONTH:
In April, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, San Antonio chapter celebrated Sikh
heritage month in honor of the Sikh community. During the program a Bouddhik
on the life and legacy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth guru of the Sikh
panth, was delivered by Sardar Amarjeet Singh.
This was followed by a
mesmerizing demo of Gatka (the Sikh martial arts) by kids and adults from the
San Antonio gurudwara. It was performed under the leadership of Gatka group head
Ustsad Sukhchain Singh of Sikh Center of San Antonio. Around 15 families from
Sikh community participated in the event. -GoTop
10. FESTIVALS CELEBRATION BY HINDU SIKH UNITY FORUM CANADA:
On April 20 at Village of India - Mississaug, Sikh Unity Forum Canada
celebrated the festivals of Vaisakhi, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti and arrival
of spring which showcased the unity, harmony among the Canadian Bharatiya
communities.
Deepak Anand - Member of Provincial Parliament Ontario, Jeff Lal -
President Bharat Mata Mandir, Arunesh Giri - President Hindu Canadian
Foundation, Vijay Jain - President Vishwa Jain Sangathan, Harji Bajwa -
President Hindu Sikh Unity were among the 200 distinguished community members
and elected representatives who were gathered on the occasion.
The event commenced with lighting a lamp and prayers. The speakers stressed on
the historic affinity and common roots of festivals and way of life. There were
numerous cultural presentations including dances, songs by children and adults
depicting events from Ramayan. The program culminated with all attendees joining
in to dance on the beats of live Dhol.-GoTop
11. KARMA KITCHEN: COMMUNITY DINNERS AT AUSTRALIAN
UNIVERSITIES: Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) had started Karma Kitchen in
the beginning of this year as a regular programme and now from the May month HCA
extended its dinner program to university students in NSW and WA. This was
introduced under Hindu Counsellors (chaplaincy) programme in universities. The
event gave an opportunity to guide and support newly starting students both
local and international. By this initiative of HCA, Hindu students can stay
close to their culture and access the Hindu way of pastoral support through
Hindu Counsellors (Chaplains).
Currently, the community dinner is provided at the University of Western Sydney,
South Campus on every Tuesday from 6 pm to 8 pm. A lot of International students
who miss home-cooked meals love the meals provided by HCA. -GoTop
12. PRAN PRATISHTHA OF SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE IN SRI LANKA:
On May 19 thousands of devotees gathered for the Pran Pratishtha of the
Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya village, Sri Lanka. The ceremony was marked
by the use of sacred water from Bharat’s Sarayu and Ganga rivers, which had been
flown in from Ayodhya.
The ceremonial Rath, which commenced its journey from Colombo on the morning of
May 17, arrived at the Seetha Amman Temple carrying approximately 25 liters of
holy Sarayu water. This water, transported all the way from Ayodhya, was a
central element in the Kumbhabhishekam, the ritual purification and consecration
of the temple’s gopurams (towers).
Adding to the sanctity of the event, 5000 laddoos from the Tirumala Tirupati
Temple were distributed among the devotees. Participants included individuals
from various parts of Bharat and Nepal, underscoring the temple’s significance
in the Ramayana trail. Seetha Eliya, also known as Ashok Vatika, is historically
believed to be the site where Bhagwati Sita was held captive by Ravana.
Prominent attendees included the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh
Jha, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and other dignitaries. A delegation
from Uttar Pradesh, Bharat, arrived in Sri Lanka on May 15, carrying various
sacred gifts for the pran pratishtha of the Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya.
The delegation brought significant offerings from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya,
enriching the religious and cultural significance of the event. -GoTop
13. BUDDHA PURNIMA CELEBRATED IN MANY COUNTRIES: Bangladesh
: Buddha Purnima was celebrated on May 22 across Bangladesh with due
religious fervour.
Marking the day, the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation organised
a prarthana Sabha and a seminar to pay respect to Bhagwan Buddha at the
International Buddhist Monastery, Dhaka. Buddhist devotees in large numbers
gathered at the Monastery and offered their prayers by lighting the lamps and
they also offered fruits, flowers and candles to the statue of Bhagwan Buddha.
Dubai, UAE : The Buddhist community in the United Arab Emirates
celebrated Buddha Purnima with great enthusiasm and devotion.
The Mahamevnawa
Buddhist Monastery in Dubai, the oldest Buddhist monastery in the UAE
established in 2009, has become a focal point for the country’s sizable Buddhist
population, currently estimated at around half a million people.
Nepal : Thousands of devotees and monks celebrated the 2568th birth
anniversary of Gautama Buddha at his birthplace in Lumbini. Nearly 100 monks,
half of them from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) joined the
event.
Buddha Jayanti was celebrated at different places in Bharat including
Sikkim where Saga Dawa, the most sacred Buddhist festival, commemorating the
birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni was celebrated.
Buddha Jayanti was also celebrated in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Sri Lanka,
Myanmar and in 0ther Asian Countries. -GoTop
14. RAMCHARITMANAS, PANCHATANTRA.. ENTER UNESCO REGISTER:
Bharat's literary masterpieces 'Ramcharitmanas', 'Panchatantra', and
'Sahrdayāloka-Locana' have earned a prestigious place in UNESCO's Memory of the
World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, a significant acknowledgment of their
cultural and historical importance.
Authored by Kashmiri poet Acharya
Anandvardhan, Pandit Vishnu Sharma, and Hindu saint and poet Goswami Tulsidas
respectively, these trio of iconic Bharatiya literary works have left an
enduring impact on readers and artists in Bharat as well as worldwide. Indira
Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) had played a crucial role in
securing their inclusion at the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World
Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) in Ulaanbatar in Mongolia. -GoTop
15. BHARAT SENDS 2ND TRANCHE OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO
ASSIST FLOOD VICTIMS OF KENYA: Bharat has sent a second tranche of
Humanitarian Assistance including 40 tonnes of medicines, medical supplies and
other equipment in a special Air Force plane to assist flood victims in Kenya.
It contains tents, blankets, power generation sets, basic sanitary utilities,
hygiene kits, baby food, malaria and dengue diagnostic kits and anti-venom
treatment that can be readily deployed on the ground. First tranche of
assistance was sent in Naval Ship Sumedha and was handed over to the Government
of Kenya on May 10. It included food, relief and medicine supplies for flood
victims.
Torrential rains driven floods have wreaked havoc in the African nation where
267 people have died, 188 injured and over two lakh 80 thousand people have been
displaced.
Bharat said the assistance to Kenya is a reiteration of the strong and friendly
relations with the country and Bharat’s commitment to keep Africa on top of its
priorities. -GoTop
16. BHARAT'S $1MN HELP FOR PAPUA LANDSLIDE VICTIMS: On
May 28, Bharat expressed grief over the loss of lives and damage wreaked by a
devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea and announced an immediate financial
aid of USD 1 million to provide relief and assistance to people of Papua New
Guinea. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the
devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the
affected families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. Bharat is
ready to offer all possible support and assistance," the Pradhan Mantri Narendra
Modi posted on X.
According to the Papua New Guinea Government, more than 2,000 people are
believed to have been buried alive in a landslide in the South Pacific island
nation. -GoTop
17. SCHOOLS BUILT WITH BHARAT’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT
INAUGURATED IN NEPAL’S DANG DISTRICT: Two schools in Nepal, constructed with
the Bharat’s financial assistance under ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’,
were inaugurated. “Political representatives, government officials, social
workers, representatives of the school management, teachers, parents and
students were present on this occasion,” the Bharatiya embassy in Nepal stated.
The building of Shree Bal Janata Secondary School at Lamahi Municipality, Dang,
was built under the Bharat’s financial aid at the cost of NRs.17.60 million. The
building of Shree Padmodaya Public Model Secondary School at Ghorahi, Dang, was
also built with Bharat’s financial assistance at the tendered cost of NRs. 28.70
million. Bharat has gifted 1009 ambulances and 300 school buses to various
hospitals, health posts and educational institutions in Nepal. -GoTop
18. BHARAT EXTENDS BUDGETARY SUPPORT OF $50M TO MALDIVES:
Bharat has extended budgetary support of 50 million dollars to the island
nation following the recent visit of Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer. The
support is in the form of a roll-over of 50 million dollars Treasury Bill for an
additional year, facilitated through the State Bank of India, Male, starting
from May 13, 2024.
Thanking his counterpart S Jaishankar for the support, Zameer said this was a
"true gesture of goodwill" which signified the long-standing friendship between
the two countries. "The Govt of Maldives looks forward in continuing this
collaborative partnership for the mutual benefit and prosperity of their
people," said the Maldivian govt in a statement. -GoTop
19. SRI LANKA RELEASED COMMEMORATIVE STAMP TO MARK 200
YEARS OF BHARATIYA-ORIGIN TAMILS IN THE ISLAND NATION:
In a significant event celebrating the bicentennial presence of Indian-origin
Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka, a commemorative stamp was released on May 18.
Bharatiya spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received the first stamp,
presented by the Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil
Thondaman.
The release of this stamp marks a notable recognition for the IOT
community, which has long faced neglect and marginalisation. Speaking at the
event, Governor Thondaman expressed gratitude to both the Bharatiya and Sri
Lankan governments for their continued support to the IOT community. -GoTop
20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Pravin Dhir
- USA.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with
the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. -
Gautama Buddha -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
“WE AND THE WORLD AROUND”, BOOK BY DR. MANMOHAN VAIDYA:
BOOK REVIEW – SATYAJIT SHRIRAM JOSHI
Dr. Manmohan Vaidya’s book – “We and the World
Around” will be released at the most appropriate time. It has come when the
world is experiencing conflict between terrorists, led by Hamas and Israel.
Hamas- Israel conflict broke out when the war between Russia and Ukraine was
still in progress. Capitalism, communism, and religion are mainly involved in
two conflicts, proving their inbuilt inadequacy and shallowness as ideologies.
Dr. Vaidya’s book comes as a big hope against this backdrop as it emphasizes the
significance and importance of `Bharatiya Vichar Darshan’, which teaches the
mantra of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam” and upholds values of democracy, tolerance,
acceptance, adoption, and liberty for centuries. Bharatiya Darshan is preaching
and practicing all these values when the rest of the world is living with
primitive ideas.
“We and the World Around” is important on two counts. Firstly, it presents
Bharatiya ideology in a much-needed perspective. Secondly, it gives insight into
the ideology and functioning of RSS, which will be celebrating its centenary in
2025. RSS work is growing every day. Its acceptance is rising not only in the
country but at the international level. Many people have curiosity and want to
know more about RSS at a global level. This book will be helpful to satisfy all
their questions.
The author’s deep conviction of his ideology is manifested in every word. He has
not hesitated to say that he had deliberately used terms like Bharat and
Bharatiya instead of India or Indian. The author, in the preface, explained how
the United States is facing a challenge of national identity. He observes that
the sentiment of WE and THEY prevail in the US in the absence of national
identity and the dominance of multiculturalism. Dr. Vaidya extends his logic by
saying that the identity of Bharat is determined by Western institutions and
ideology when the responsibility to determine identity – ‘SELF’ – lies with
ourselves.
Bharat’s identity is determined by external forces. Dr. Vaidya underlines that
Bharat, like other Western countries, is not merely a political community,
having a social contract, but a spiritually based geo-cultural identity. Bharat
stands for continuous search for truth as it has an attitude of welcoming,
accepting, and enriching its own thoughts.
The preface is self-explanatory, which gives an ideological canvas and provides
perception to the readers. The book briefs about the ideological foundation of
RSS, its 98-year-old journey, and its style of functioning. However, Dr. Vaidya
also pooh-poohed communist and leftist thoughts, which are transplanted or
outsourced in Bharat. Despite several hardships and difficulties, RSS continues
to grow because of its ideological strength and organizational base. Dr. Vaidya
explains RSS’s dynamic journey saying that the organization has passed through
three phases and is passing through the fourth phase currently. In the fourth
phase, RSS expects its volunteers to mold themselves and be instrumental in
social awakening and change.
Dr. Manmohan Vaidya is the joint-general secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsewak
Sangh (RSS). He has been associated with RSS since his childhood – for decades –
and has carried out various responsibilities in the organization. His enriched
experience as an activist and thinker is reflected in the book, which is
published by Vani Prakashan, New Delhi.
Critics describe RSS as an undemocratic organization. Dr. Vaidya shares his
first-person account and maintains how democracy is followed in the RSS. He, in
fact, recalls how senior RSS leaders always encouraged him to express his views
freely.
Dr. Vaidya takes a dig at communists saying that RSS does not need ‘glasnost’ as
Bharatiya Darshan always respects all the views, unlike Semitic society, where
only one version is entertained. In Semitic society, a decision is taken by a
handful of people while others submit themselves. As against this, consensus is
the most outstanding feature of Bharatiya ideology. The author reminds the
reader how Bruno was burnt alive in Rome and Galileo was tortured due to the
views, that were not acceptable to Christianity.
RSS is not a rigid organization, as seen by its critics. In fact, openness and
constant change have been the most outstanding features of RSS. Dr. Vaidya
shares an interesting incident to prove his point. He recalls how necessary
changes were made in the prayer of Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh (HSS) when some
errors were pointed out. This is significant as prayer is considered as the
utmost sacred by RSS volunteers.
Two articles on the visit of former President Pranab Mukherjee to the Nagpur
training camp are interesting as it exposes the double standards of
communists/leftists and Congress. Mukherjee was under pressure from his own
party to avoid Nagpur’s visit while he was targeted by leftists. But Pranab Da
did not succumb to any pressure and went ahead with his decision. Dr. Vaidya,
rightly, attributes this to the pure democratic mindset of RSS and Pranab Da as
both of them have deep faith in the Bharatiya concept of democracy, which always
respects others’ views. Two chapters are interesting to read as the author was
witness to all the developments.
Dr. Vaidya has elaborately discussed certain fundamental concepts like Sanatan,
the difference between national and nationalistic, and why Bharat has always
been ‘nityanutan’. Dr. Vaidya says that ‘Sanatan’ is an adjective to Rashtra.
Sanatan has no beginning and end as it is purely based on spirituality. He
rightly points out that Bharat survived despite several invasions for centuries
as it never depended upon state or political power. Bharat has its own
spiritually based arrangement because of which it survived all the aggressions.
To substantiate his point, Dr. Vaidya says that a number of ‘smrities’ were
written from time to time and the constitution was the latest ‘smriti’.
The author seeks to differentiate between national and nationalistic saying that
the term nationalistic was a by-product of Western idea of the nation-state. He
argues that nationalistic countries have their roots in the capitalist
ideological past, which imposed world wars on humanity. As against this,
Bharatiya ideas subscribe to a holistic integrated approach despite having
different identities. The adoption of this idea is a manifestation of the
nation.
The book has another interesting chapter on the renovation of the Somnath
temple. Congress was divided on the issue as Jawaharlal Nehru opposed the move
saying that it would be Hindu revivalism. But another group of Sardar Patel, Dr.
Rajendra Prasad, the then president of India, and KM Munshi went ahead despite
opposition from Nehru. Readers would be shocked to know how Nehru, who is always
described as the `icon of democracy’, censored the speech of Dr. Rajendra
Prasad. But for Munshi, the renovation of Somnath temple was the restoration of
collective subconsciousness.
Dr Vaidya has extensively written on Article 370 and 35 (A). RSS was dead
against Article 370 from the beginning. It passed a categorical resolution in
1953. He emphasized that Article 370 was a temporary provision, which was made
in view of the situation prevailing at that time. He points out that Article 35
(A) came into existence because of a Presidential Order and never got Parliament
approval. He goes on to say how Article 370 was discriminatory against women and
SC/ ST communities. It even made people second-class citizens; he argues. The
author does not hesitate to blame Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah for
depriving the people of Kashmir of all the development for seven decades.
The article titled `Dead on the left’ is interesting to read. It exposes the
hypocrisy of leftists/communists. Being the senior leader of RSS, Dr. Vaidya
experienced several incidents, showing the limitations of communism and the gap
between `talk and walk’ of communist leaders. He states that West Bengal and
Kerala are examples of intolerant and undemocratic attitudes of communists. He
shares two separate incidents at Jaipur Literature Festivals when organizers
were not keen on inviting RSS leaders. Communist leader Sitaram Yechuri even
announced to boycott of the event. He shares another incident, involving Vivek
Agnihotri was manhandled at the venue for expressing ‘non-communist thoughts’.
Poet Prasun Joshi, who wrote patriotic songs, was also opposed by the
organizers. Article shows how communists/leftists project themselves as
torchbearers of democracy, freedom of expression and equality but are always
afraid of different views.
Dr. Vaidya also explains the concept of Akhand Bharat, which according to him,
is a geo-cultural idea. Akhand Bharat is not a geo-political expansionism but
aims at restoration of Bharatiya ideas. Explaining his point, Dr. Vaidya points
out that Bharat, unlike Western countries, never enslaved the local population,
even though it had worldwide trade relations. Bharatiya ideas spread without
sending a single soldier or envoy, which is self-explanatory.
The book has two separate articles on RSS founder Dr. Hedgewar and veteran
pracharak Dattopant Thengadi. It gives readers information on Dr. Hedgewar’s
association with the freedom movement and the efforts he had taken to lay a
strong foundation to RSS. Gratitude for Dattopant Thengdi is also seen in a
separate article. Dattopant was not merely known for his organizational skills
but also as a thinker. The book recognizes efforts taken by Dattopant to expand
patriotic thoughts in communist-dominated fields of trade unions and student
movement.
The book needs to be welcomed as it is the most appropriate time when people of
this country are awakening from their suppressed and denied identity. RSS has
been a serious victim of intellectual misleading and misinformation campaigns,
led by communists and leftists. While popular support for communists is rapidly
shrinking, it continues to dominate intellectual and academic circles. Aware of
this reality, communists have become more hyper and may go to any extent, to
ignore national interests.
Dr. Vaidya has not merely shown hypocrisy and ideological limitations of
communism or western ideologies but also has focused on the strength and
potential of Bharatiya Vichar Darshan to lead the world, which is looking for
peace due to the failure of all the models.
https://vskbharat.com/book-review-we-and-the-world-around-book-by-dr-manmohan-vaidya/?lang=en
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.