Margshirsha Amavasya Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 1 December, 2024: SM 6017 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
VEER BAL DIWAS: December 26 is a significant day in Bharat's history as it
was on this day in 1705 that Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh,
younger sons of the tenth and last Sikh Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh made supreme
sacrifice at the tender age of 9 and 6 years respectively, to defend the dignity
and honour of Dharma against the Mughal Badshah Aurangzeb and his army.
To
commemorate the day, on the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind
Singh in 2022, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi announced the day as ‘Veer Bal
Diwas’ to mark the martyrdom and recall the courage of the Sri Guru Gobind
Singh and His sons — Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Shahibjada Jujhar Singh, Sahibjada
Zorawar Singh, and Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Mata Gujri. Since then, every year
on December 26 Veer Bal Diwas is celebrated by organising religious events,
essay writing contests, quiz contests, and other events in schools, colleges and
religious places all across the nation. -GoTop
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT:
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, along with Swami
Avadheshanand Giri and Delhi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh,
launched a book ‘Banayen Jeevan Praanwaan’ authored by RSS Pracharak Mukul
Kanitkar on November 26 in New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bhagwat stated
that there is no conflict between spirituality and science, as both fields
require a sense of faith to achieve justice. He highlighted the unique
characteristic of Bharatiya Sanatan culture, which involves introspection while
observing the external world.
Swami Avadheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj and Author Mukul Kanitkar elaborated on the
scientific underpinnings of Bharatiya culture. The book serves as a bridge
between classical principles and contemporary relevance for understanding the
essence of Bharatiya heritage and spirituality.
On November 17, Dr Bhagwat inaugurated the newly constructed Sher Singh Karki
Saraswati Vihar Bhawan in Muaani, Pithoragarh district. He underscored that
cultural values and an understanding of education’s purpose strengthen society.
Distinguished guests, including former Governor and Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Bhagat Singh Koshiyari also graced the occasion. The Sher Singh Karki Saraswati
Vihar Bhawan aims to uplift the border regions of Pithoragarh by offering
quality education to children while promoting Bharatiya cultural and
environmental values.
-GoTop
3. RSS’S 25-DAY KARYAKARTA VIKAS VARG DVITIYA (VISHESH)
BEGINS AT NAGPUR: The inauguration of Karyakarta Vikas Varg Dvitiya (Vishesh)
of RSS was held at Dr Hedgewar Smriti Bhavan, Reshimbagh, Nagpur on November 18.
On this occasion, RSS Sah Sarkaryavahs Dr Krishnagopal, Mukunda CR and Ramdutt
Chakradhar along with Akhil Bharatiya Sahsewa Pramukh and Varg Palak, Rajkumar
Matale and Jodhpur Prant Sanghchalak and Sarvadhikari Hardayal Verma were
present.
A total of 868 shiksharthi above the age of 40 from across the country
are participating in the varg. The varg will run for the next 25 days and will
conclude on December 12.
In the varg, training will be imparted on social
awareness and social transformation. During the inauguration, varg palak
Rajkumar Matale addressed the shiksharshis. He stated that this Vishesh Varg,
which is being held on the sacred land of Dr Hedgewar and Shri Guru Ji is
historic. -GoTop
4. LOKMANTHAN BHAGYANAGAR 2024 CONCLUDES: Pragna
Pravah’s Lokmanthan Bhagyanagar 2024 concluded on November 24. The event, held
from November 21, brought together thought leaders, cultural icons, and
delegates from across the world reaffirming Bharat’s role as a guiding light in
the modern era. During the concluding session of the event, RSS Sarsanghchalak
Dr. Mohan Bhagwat provided a profound perspective on Bharat’s eternal concepts
of Dharma and creation. He emphasized that while the world races ahead without
contemplating its destination, Bharat has always reflected on the deeper truth
of unity and oneness.
Pragna Pravah National Organising Secretary J. Nandkumar presented the event
report, showcasing the massive scale of participation which includes over 2 lakh
footfalls, 1,502 delegates, 37 thematic pavilions, delegates from 12 nations and
1,500 artists representing Bharat’s diverse cultural heritage.
On November 22, Rashtrapati Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the event and also
launched a book “Lok Avalokan” compiled by Pragna Pravah.
A cultural exhibition was inaugurated on November 21 by former Uprashtrapati M
Venkaiah Naidu. Several Union and State Ministers including G Kishan Reddy and
Pragna Pravah chairperson Padma Shri Dr T. Hanuman Chowdary graced the event.
-GoTop
5. VIVIBHA2024: VISION FOR VIKSIT BHARAT: Bharatiya
Shikshan Mandal organized a three-day national researchers’ conference
‘VIVIBHA2024: Vision for Viksit Bharat' in Gurugram, Haryana from November 15 to
17 with the theme “Research for Realisation” which marks a significant step
towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
While inaugurating the
conference, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat praised Bharatiya idea of
development which works in synergy with nature, while the Western model of
development is all about conquering nature. He said, “Education needed for
development, but it must be Bharat-centric. We must make Bharat Number one
globally & set our own standards rather than copying others.” ISRO Chairman S
Somanath and Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi also spoke at the conference.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the concluding session of the event
on November 17. Pujjya Gyananad Maharaj, IGNCA head and Padma Shri Ram Bahadur
Rai and Vice Chancellors of several universities, heads of institutions,
professors and researchers were present during the conference. It had six
plenary and 11 parallel sessions.
In preparations of VIVIBHA 2024, the BSM-Yuva Aayam reached over 10 lakh
students/researchers and over one lakh teachers/educationists of about 10,000
educational institutions in the past one year. It also organized a “Research
Paper Writing Competition” where 1,68,771 students registered. 1200 research
papers were selected for participation in conference and research papers
selected at the state level were conferred with certificates.
-GoTop
6. ABVP’S 70TH NATIONAL CONVENTION: Akhil Bharatiya
Vidyarathi Prishad’s 70th National Convention was held in Gorkhpur from November
22 to 24. While addressing the closing session of the convention Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath remembered the contributions of freedom fighters and youth
leaders during the freedom movement of Bharat. He urged youth to continue
working towards building a strong nation.
The conference was inaugurated on
November 22 by Zoho Corporation CEO Sridhar Vembu. Prior to this on November 21,
an exhibition was inaugurated by Vice President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and
General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Champat Rai and Deen
Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University Vice Chancellor Prof. Poonam Tandon. The
exhibition showcased Mahant Avaidyanath's contributions to Bharat's Independence
struggle and the Ram temple movement, alongside the pivotal role of Maharana
Pratap Education Council, founded by him in 1932.
During the convention, it was
also announced that ABVP has set a milestone by surpassing 55 lakh members,
solidifying its position as the world's largest student organisation.
-GoTop
7. 75TH SAMVIDHAN DIWAS OF BHARAT: Since 2015 every year
November 26 is observed as a Constitution Day of Bharat as on this day in 1949,
the Constituent Assembly of Bharat adopted the Constitution, which came into
effect on January 26, 1950. On the occasion, Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu
addressed a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament in the Central Hall of
Samvidhan Sadan, marking the beginning of year-long celebrations of 75 years of
adoption of Bharat's Constitution. Rashtrapati Murmu said, “The fundamental
duties of every citizen had been clearly defined in country's founding document,
which lay stress on protecting nation's unity and integrity, promoting harmony
and ensuring the dignity of women.
A commemorative coin, stamp and books titled "Making of the Constitution of
India: A Glimpse", "Making of the Constitution of India and its Glorious
Journey" and a booklet dedicated to the illustrations in the Constitution were
released. Rashtrapati Murmu also unveiled Sanskrit and Maithili translations of
the Constitution.
Addressing an event of Constitution Day at Supreme Court, PM Modi said that
Constitution has now been fully implemented in J&K and Constitution Day was
celebrated there for first time. Bharat’s Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and other
Judges of SC were present at the event. -GoTop
8. TRIBAL COMMUNITY IS THE PRIDE OF OUR COUNTRY –
UPRASHTRAPATI JAGDEEP DHANKHAR: On November 16, on the occasion of
celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjati Gaurav
Mahotsav, the Chief Guest - Uprashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankhar said that the tribal
community is the pride of the nation.
He shed light on the contributions of
Bhagwan Birsa Munda, saying, “Bhagwan Birsa Munda did the unimaginable for the
country’s freedom, for the tribes, for the soil. He was the one who told us,
‘Jal, Jungle, Zameen’– these are not just words, they are a way of life. These
teachings highlight the importance of sustainable living and respect for the
environment.” The program was organised by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Udaipur.
-GoTop
9. AHIYALBAI HOLKAR BUILT TEMPLES TO RE-ESTABLISH THE SENSE
OF NATIONHOOD AND SELF-HOOD: DR KRISHNA GOPAL : An event to commemorate the
300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was held in New
Delhi on November 14. She was a great ruler and was born on May 31, 1725 in
Maharashtra. Ahilyabai Holkar is a revered icon of justice, governance, and
dedication to cultural restoration.
The event was organised by the Punyashlok
Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Trishati Samaroh Samiti. Addressing the program as
keynote speaker RSS Sahsarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal said,“Ahiyalbai Holkar built
temples to re-establish the sense of nationhood and self-hood.” He added that
the inspiration of Bharatiya women is Jijabai, and Ahilyabai Holkar is the next
link in this chain. The event also featured monologue performance by student
Isha on Ahilyabai Holkar and an exhibition of books and paintings depicting the
life of Lokmata Ahilyabai. Over 1,000 distinguished individuals from various
walks of society attended this grand event, including more than 300 women.
-GoTop
10. GUYANA AND DOMINICA CONFER TOP AWARDS ON PM MODI:
On November 20, Guyana and Dominica conferred their top awards on Pradhan Mantri
Narendra Modi for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his
exceptional contributions to the global community and efforts in strengthening
bilateral ties with the two Caribbean nations.
‘The Order of Excellence’ was
conferred by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali and 'Dominica Award of Honour’ by
President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica. PM Modi expressed his gratitude to both
the nations via social media platform X. He expressed his sincere thanks to
President Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana and President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica for
the recognition of the 140 crores people of Bharat. He dedicated these honours
to the people of Bharat. -GoTop
11. HSS CANADA DISPLAY DARSHANA EXHIBITION: On November
17, HSS Canada organised Darshana Exhibition at the Surrey Museum during Hindu
Heritage Month. This inspiring event welcomed a diverse gathering of Hindu
families, especially from the Langley and Abbotsford shakhas, creating an
atmosphere of cultural pride and unity. The exhibition offered a rich journey
into Hindu cultural and spiritual heritage, captivating attendees with its
thoughtful displays.
A special highlight was the enthusiastic participation of
parents new to the shakha community, who engaged in meaningful conversations
about Sangh Karya, gaining a deeper appreciation for its vision and positive
impact on individuals and society. With over 65 attendees, including 35 children
and their families, the event became a hub for meaningful discussions, community
connection, and reflections on the importance of cultural preservation and
spiritual growth. The dedicated efforts of the Langley and Abbotsford teams
ensured the event’s resounding success. -GoTop
12. HINDU STUDENTS COUNCIL CANADA: During the Hindu
Heritage month celebrations in Canada, Shakti Foundation with Hindu Student
Council of Canada organised a Hindu arts and culture festival on November 9.
Over 300 attendees gathered at the event where Hindu Students Council (HSC)
students took center stage to discuss the work being done by HSC and the current
state of Hindu students in campuses. The event was a true community effort, with
over 14 dharmic vendors showcasing their creations and over 10 talented artists
contributing to the vibrant art show. -GoTop
13. SEWA DIWALI 2024 EVENTS: SewaDiwali is a charitable
food drive organized by Dharmic communities across the United States during
Diwali month. In Ohio region communities donated over 6,000 pounds of
food this year, in collaboration with 25+ community partners, benefiting three
food pantries across Greater Columbus.
HSS USA volunteers participated in this
drive and coordinated the collection of donations. This year’s SewaDiwali saw
active and spirited participation from Hindu Temples, linguistic organizations,
spiritual groups, grocery stores, National Bank, many communities, families and
individuals.
Hindu and Jain communities of Indiana joined hands over the two weeks in
November for a transformative mission to families in need. With over 150
volunteers from 20 Dharmic organizations, including HSS and Care collected over
9,000 pounds of non-perishable food and 2,600 pounds of fresh produce. All
donations were directed to the Mason Comet Cupboard at Mason City Schools. The
Hindu community of Peoria including the HSS chapter donated 4,000+ pounds
of non-perishable food items and over $2,500 in monetary contributions.
HSS San Diego Vibhag collected and donated 1500 lbs of non-perishable
food to Feeding San Diego home and food deprived families. HSS and Sewa
International North LA chapters in Oak Park City coordinated for food
donations to two local food pantries. At the Simi Valley Samaritan Center 800
pounds of food was donated and Moorpark Pantry was donated 2,000 pounds of food.
HSS USA Abhinanyu chapter in Schaumburg, IL collected and donated 3,800
pounds of food to Schaumburg Food Pantry.
HSS, Sewa, VHP in Australia also organized SewaDiwali food drive in their
respective chapters through out the country. HSS QLD Vibhag donated 250
Kg groceries to Community Friends, West End. SewaDiwali Bunbury team
delivered grocery to beneficiary Doors Wide Open. VHP SewaDiwali Western team
donated collected food to Midland Meals Perth Homless Support Group Inc Foodbank.
Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Federal Member for
Oxley, alongside Jess Pugh MP, State Member for Mount Ommaney joined Diwali
celebration by donating groceries to SewaDiwali initiative. -GoTop
14. UN CELEBRATES DIAMOND JUBILEE OF HINDI DIWAS IN NY:
The Permanent Mission of Bharat to the United Nations organized the Diamond
Jubilee celebrations of Hindi Diwas in New York on November 22. This landmark
event commemorated the 75th anniversary of Hindi’s adoption as an official
language of Bharat on September 14, 1949. The event was attended by a visiting
delegation of Bharatiya MPs, including Permanent Representatives (PR) and Deputy
PRs from over 40 countries, senior UN officials, academics, diaspora members,
and winners of various competitions.
Representatives of Mauritius, Nepal, Guyana, Suriname and Bharatiya MPs
elaborated the importance of Hindi to connect the diaspora globally. In addition
to the speeches, the event featured competitions in essay writing, poetry, and
Hindi recital, with winners receiving awards in recognition of their
contributions to the promotion of the language. -GoTop
15. PM MODI ENCOURAGES BHARATIYA DIASPORA TO PARTICIPATE IN
‘BHARAT KO JANIYE’ QUIZ: In his recently concluded trip to Guyana, on
November 23, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi has urged the diaspora to participate
in the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz’ as it was an opportunity to understand Bharat,
its values, culture and diversity.
He urged the people to invite their friends
too to participate in it. He had also invited the diaspora to participate with
their families and friends in the Maha Kumbh to be held at Prayagraj, visit the
Ram Temple at Ayodhya & participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held
in Bhubaneswar in January.
The 5th edition of the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz is being held online (www.bkjquiz.com)
from 11 November 2024 to 11 December 2024 and is open for participation in two
categories (i) Non-Resident Indians and (ii) Persons of Indian Origin/Foreign
nationals, aged between 14 to 50 years. The top 30 scorers of the quiz, 15 in
each category, will be invited for a two-week immersive Bharat Ko Janiye Yatra
(Know India Tour). They will also participate in the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas in Bhubhaneshwar from January 8 to 10, 2025.
-GoTop
16. PM MODI’S UNIQUE BHARATIYA GIFTS TO LEADERS DURING
THREE-NATION VISIT: Over the years, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi has
transformed Bharat’s foreign diplomacy into a vibrant display of cultural
diversity. With each international visit along with diplomatic agenda he also
present Bharat’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing its traditions, languages,
art and spirituality in the form of gifts to the head of states and other elite
dignitaries.
In this row, during his recent visit of three-nation, PM Modi
presented Silofar Panchamrit Kalash (Pot) to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu; Warli paintings to Brazilian President Lula da Silva; customised gift
hamper to leaders of CARICOM countries; Australian Prime Minister Anthony
Albanese was given Natural Rough Amethyst; etc. During the visit, PM carried
with him 8 gifts from Maharashtra, 5 from Jammu & Kashmir, 3 each from Andhra
Pradesh and Rajasthan, 2 from Jharkhand and 1 each from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Ladakh. -GoTop
17. LAOS: RAJNATH SINGH OFFERS PRAYERS AT WAT SI SAKET,
URGES WORLD TO EMBRACE BUDDHIST TEACHINGS FOR PEACE
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered prayers on November 22 at the Wat Si
Saket, a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos.
On November 21, Rajnath Singh,
while addressing the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus forum (ADMM) at
Vientiane, said that the world should embrace Buddhist doctrines to find
solutions to the ongoing conflicts and challenges to the international order.
ADMM is the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism platform for
ASEAN member states to strengthen security and defence cooperation.
-GoTop
18. BALI JATRA IN ODISHA TO CELEBRATE SEA-TRADING HISTORY:
Bali Jatra (Asia’s largest open-air trade fair), was started to celebrate
Odisha’s ancient sea-trading history. This year’s fair opened on Kartik Purnima
and concluded on November 22 in Cuttack.
Bali Jatra, meaning “Journey to Bali”,
honours old tradition of traders sailing to distant lands in boats called Boitas
from the Mahanadi River during Kartik Purnima. While the fair has changed, the
excitement and spirit remain the same. The festival stirs up warm memories of
Odisha’s rich heritage and amazes visitors. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
opened the festival. Each evening, cultural groups from Odisha and other states
performed dances like Odissi, Chhau, Bihu, Mahari, Gotipua, Sambalpuri, and
Santali folk.
Around 2,500 stalls were showcased crafts, household items, and foods for
visitors. High Commissioners and Heads of Mission of many countries and several
other diplomats attended the Bali Jatra Cuttack Utsav 2024.
-GoTop
19. BHARAT’S FIRST INDIGENOUS ANTIBIOTIC DRUG NAFITHROMYCIN
FOR RESISTANT INFECTIONS LAUNCHED: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on
November 20 in New Delhi formally launched the first
indigenous antibiotic “Nafithromycin” for resistant infections. The antibiotic
has been developed with the support of "Biotechnology Industry Research
Assistance Council" (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology. It is
the country's first indigenously developed antibiotic aimed at tackling
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
Dr. Singh described the three-day treatment regimen of Nafithromycin as a
game-changer in addressing drug-resistant pneumonia, a condition responsible for
over two million deaths globally each year.
Bharat, which bears 23% of the world’s community pneumonia burden, faces
challenges with existing treatments, including widespread resistance to drugs
like azithromycin. The new antibiotic is said to be ten times more effective
than current options and offers a safer, faster, and more tolerable solution for
patients. -GoTop
20. BHARAT SUCCESSFULLY TESTS HYPERSONIC MISSILE: On
November 16, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
successfully flight tested Bharat's first long range hypersonic missile from Dr.
APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. After launch, its speed can
reach up to 6,200 kilometres per hour, which is 5 times the speed of sound.
The
range of this hypersonic missile is more than 1500 kilometres. This missile can
attack the enemy from all three places, air, water and land. After the
successful test of the hypersonic missile, Bharat has joined the select
countries which have this advanced technology. Both conventional and nuclear
warheads can be installed on a hypersonic missile. The hypersonic missile moves
so fast towards its target that the anti-missile system is unable to track it.
-GoTop
21. JNU BECOMES FIRST UNIVERSITY TO INTRODUCE BHARATIYA
KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONS COURSE: Students across all disciplines at Jawaharlal
Nehru University (JNU), including engineering and management, will study
traditional Bharatiya knowledge as part of a newly introduced elective course.
JNU becomes first university to introduce this course.
'Indian Knowledge
Traditions' refer to indigenous systems of knowledge developed in Bharat over
centuries, covering areas like Vedic sciences, ancient engineering, traditional
medicine and philosophical texts. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has
been advocating for the inclusion of IKT in academic curricula as part of its
efforts to acquaint students with Bharat's intellectual heritage and values. The
university approved the proposal during a meeting last month and has asked all
schools to submit their suggestions for finalising the syllabus. To promote
Bharat's traditional knowledge systems, JNU recently established centres for
Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist studies in its campus. -GoTop
22. AYODHYA RAM MANDIR’S FIRST PRAN-PRATISHTHA ANNIVERSARY
TO BE CELEBRATED ON ‘PRATISHTHA DWADASHI’: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth
Kshetra Trust has announced that the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of
Ram Lalla’s 51-inch murti will be celebrated with great grandeur on January 11,
2025, in alignment with the Hindu calendar as ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’.
This date,
observed on Paush Shukla Dwadashi (Kurma Dwadashi), reflects the Trust’s
commitment to honouring Hindu traditions and rituals. The announcement was made
following a key meeting of the Trust, held at Mani Ram Das Cantonment in Ayodhya
on November 25. -GoTop
23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Mere book learning and discussions are comparable to a
man shaving the image in the mirror. – Ramana Smruti -pg 59.
-GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
FIRST BODOLOLAND MAHOTSAV:TESTAMENT TO UNITY AND INCLUSIVITY
Bharat’s strength lies in its unique
diversity. This was encapsulated in the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav which focused on
language, literature and culture of Bodo community. The two-day Mahotsav, which
concluded in New Delhi on November 16, was a triumph of national integration
Dr Velentina Brahma
Bharat is a nation defined by its
remarkable diversity and the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav, held in New Delhi on
November 15th and 16th, 2024, beautifully encapsulated this strength. The event,
a celebration of the Bodo community’s rich cultural heritage, was not merely a
festival—it was a powerful testament to the unity and inclusiveness that lies at
the heart of Bharat. By showcasing traditions and aspirations of the people of
Bodoland, the Mahotsav shattered long-standing perceptions of the North-East as
a distant, isolated region and reaffirmed its vital role in national integrity.
Remembering Bravehearts: What strikes the most about the Bodoland
Mahotsav was how it seamlessly showcased the geographical and cultural
continuity between North East and Delhi that was always misintepretated and
misrepresented previously due to lack of development and infrastructure in Seven
Sisters. The sheer scale of the event, with over 5,000 participants from
Bodoland gathering in Delhi, symbolised not just cultural pride but an essential
affirmation of Bodoland’s contribution to national integration. When the Bodo
community marched from Rajghat to India Gate—two of India’s most iconic symbols
of unity and sacrifice—it was more than a procession; it was a powerful
statement of how far we’ve come as a nation in embracing our diversity.
The significance of this cultural rally cannot be overstated. Rajghat, the
resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, is a symbol of peace, while India Gate
commemorates the sacrifices of soldiers who fought for our collective freedom.
The Bodo community, traditionally associated with North-East, linked these two
historic landmarks through music, dance, and art, offering a window into their
rich heritage while simultaneously affirming their place within the fabric of
India. This was not simply an expression of local pride; it was a declaration of
unity —an acknowledgment that Bodoland, with its unique culture and history, is
integral to India.
By organising this grand celebration in New Delhi, the gaps between the
North-East and the rest of the country have long gone. We are no longer India
defined by divisions, but one where every region, every community, and every
identity finds a place in the national conversation. For Delhi, a city that
often represents the political and cultural heart of the country, to embrace
Bodoland’s culture so warmly was an assertion of our journey toward greater
national integration.
Journey from Conflict to Peace: What is even more inspiring is how
Bodoland Mahotsav reflected the leadership of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)
and region’s journey from conflict to peace. Under visionary leadership of
Pramod Boro, the region has undergone a remarkable transformation.
The Bodo Peace Accord of 2020, which marked the end of decades of insurgency and
instability, created the space for economic progress, cultural revival, and
peaceful coexistence. The Mahotsav, as an outcome of this peace, symbolised not
only resilience of the people of Bodoland but also their aspiration to
contribute to the broader progress of the nation. The Mahotsav marked the 73rd
Foundation Day of Bodo Sahitya Sabha. The Sahitya Sabha’s efforts to preserve
and promote Bodo language were lauded by Prime Minister Modi, who remarked:
“Language is the foundation of culture. By nurturing the Bodo language, you are
enriching India’s collective heritage.” A country as diverse as India, where
thousands of languages and dialects are spoken, preserving linguistic and
cultural heritage is not just important—it’s essential. Prime Minister Modi’s
recognition of the Bodo language as a vital part of India’s multilingual fabric
was a poignant reminder that every language, every dialect, is a thread in the
intricate tapestry of our nation’s identity.
Showcasing Prosperity: But the Mahotsav wasn’t solely about cultural
pride—it was also a demonstration of economic progress. The exhibition of
Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products from Bodoland, such as handloom
textiles and silk, highlighted the region’s economic potential and the efforts
being made to revitalise traditional crafts. It was heartening to see how
initiatives like Bodoland Sericulture Mission and Handloom Mission are creating
sustainable livelihoods and providing economic opportunities for local
communities, while also contributing to the wider Indian economy.
The event also highlighted Bodoland’s ecological wealth, and this is something
that cannot be ignored. With Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
and other protected areas like Raimona National Park and Chakrashila Wildlife
Sanctuary, Bodoland is an ecological treasure trove. These areas are not only
critical for biodiversity but also hold immense potential for eco-tourism, which
can significantly contribute to both environmental conservation and economic
growth. Prime Minister Modi’s call for collective responsibility in protecting
these natural resources resonates deeply. Bodoland’s natural beauty is not just
its own—it is a national treasure.
Another highlight of the Mahotsav was the tribute paid to Bodofa Upendranath
Brahma, the “Father of the Bodos.” His vision of peace and coexistence has been
the guiding light for Bodoland’s integration into the national fold. Bodofa’s
philosophy of “live and let live” laid the foundation for the region’s peaceful
transformation, and it’s a message that resonates with all of India today. In
his tribute, Prime Minister Modi rightly emphasised that Bodofa’s ideals are not
just for Bodoland, but for the entire nation. His vision remains a beacon for a
unified, harmonious India.
In my view, the 1st Bodoland Mahotsav was not just an event—it was a turning
point. It was a celebration of India’s unity in diversity, a manifestation of
our collective strength, and a reflection of our progress as a nation that is
finally shedding old prejudices and embracing its vast cultural diversity and
geo-cultural continuity. The Mahotsav proved that North East is no longer the
“distant” region that people once thought of it as; it is at the very heart of
our national story.
This Mahotsav was about more than just Bodo culture—it was about celebrating the
soul of India. As we look to the future, Bodoland’s journey serves as a powerful
reminder of what can be achieved when communities work together toward mutual
respect and understanding. As we move forward, let us take inspiration from
Bodofa Upendranath Brahma’s vision and continue to build an India that truly
represents the best of all its people.
https://organiser.org/2024/11/27/267026/bharat/first-bodololand-mahotsav-testament-to-unity-and-inclusivity/
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.