Kartik Krishna 10, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 16 October, 2025: SM 7014 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS :
DIWALI: Also known as Deepawali, Diwali (October 18 to 23 this year) is one
of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated across Bharat with great joy
and splendour. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, it falls on the 15th day of
Kartik, marking the year’s darkest night.
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: On
October 8, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat attended the Maharshi Valmiki
Jayanti celebrations organised by the Valmiki Samaj Seva Mandal in Nagpur.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that Ramayan teaches every aspect of human
conduct, how a son, brother, friend, or ruler should act and how loyalty and
duty define character.
The Maharaja of Nagpur Trust released six books about the history and legacy of
the Bhonsale dynasty on October 10 at the Senior Bhonsla Palace in Nagpur. The
event was presided over by Dr. Bhagwat.
3. SANT ESHWER SAMMAN 2025: The 10th edition of Sant
Eshwer Samman was held on October 5 at the Bharat Ratna C Subramaniam
Auditorium, New Delhi. The event was marked by the presence of civil society
leaders, academicians, ministry officials, and social workers from across Bharat.
4. RSS VIJAYADASHAMI PROGRAM AT NAGPUR: On October 2,
the centenary year celebration of RSS was held at Reshimbagh in Nagpur with
former Rashtrapati Dr. Ram Nath Kovind as the Chief Guest. More than 21,000
swayamsevaks and international delegations that included religious leaders,
policymakers, academics, and journalists from around the world participated in
the event.
In his address, Dr. Bhagwat highlighted the hopes and challenges of the current
scenario and said that what strengthens our hope and reassures us is the
consistent rise of the nationalist spirit and belief and confidence in cultural
belonging across the country, especially in the younger generation. He also
spoke on the philosophical vision of Bharat and the vision of Sangh. He said
that because we have realized the principle that unites all, our spiritual,
holistic and integral approach has the power to ensure the material wellbeing of
an individual, alongside the development of the mind, intellect, and
spirituality; maintain collective progress and environmental sustainability
alongside individual development; and nurture a sense of duty and a sense of
belonging and oneness towards others while aspiring for economic wellbeing
according to individual needs.
Vijayadashami speech of Dr. Bhagwat: https://youtu.be/pYVGyCrEWHA
Dr. Kovind’s address: https://youtu.be/HwIVHlAPutk
-GoTop
5. PM MODI RELEASES COMMEMORATIVE COIN AND STAMP TO MARK RSS
CENTENARY: On October 1, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi released a
commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS) as the organisation marks its centenary year. RSS Sarkaryavah
Dattatreya Hosabale along with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Delhi
CM Rekha Gupta were present during the event held at the Dr. Ambedkar
International Centre in Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Hosabale said that the work of the Sangh is always
carried out while being rooted in society and society now understands the Sangh
by observing the work and conduct of swayamsevaks. He added that the ideas of
the Sangh are deeply rooted in the soil and culture of Bharat and in the 100
years of its journey, countless swayamsevaks have dedicated their lives to this
cause.
The full program can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X2jwn-l2p4
-GoTop
6. RSS AT 100 IN BHARAT: The cenetnerary year programs
of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh were held across Bharat on the day of
Vijayadashami.
The 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet, lauded RSS on its
centenary year, highlighting its unmatched contribution to Bharat’s spiritual
and material progress.
On the occasion of RSS cenenerary year, path sanchalans were organised
simultaneously in 34 nagars across four districts of Indore division.
Each sanchalan covered a distance of about 3 to 4 kilometres.
Korutla, the historic town where the first RSS shakha in the Telangana
region was established during the Nizam rule of the Hyderabad State, witnessed
history come alive once again.
On October 2, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria praised the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the organisation celebrated its
100th anniversary.
7. HSS
VIJAYADASHAMI CELEBRATIONS: The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Thailand brought
together families, youth, and community members for the Vijayadashami utsav and
sanchalan on October 5 at Dev Mandir, Hindu Samaj, Bangkok.
Around 150 people including swayamsevaks, sevikas and bals participated in the
Vijayadashami utsav at the Shiva Mandir, Pluit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
HSS Taiwan celebrated the Vijayadashami utsav on October 4 at the
Academia Community Center, Nangang, Taipei which was attended by 38
participants.
HSS Japan celebrated the 10th Dussehra-Milan in Edogawa City, Tokyo. More
than 200 people, including sevikas and baals, participated in the disciplined
sanchalan march symbolizing unity and forging deeper connections with the local
Japanese community.
HSS Ethiopia organized Vijaydashmi utsav in Addis Ababa on October 2. The
function, attended by around 100 people, started with pooja of Bhagwan Shriram
and offering floral tributes to Bharat Mata. HSS karyavah Rajeev Sharma spoke
about the Sangh ideology and the idea of ‘Sewa Paramo Dharma’. Various cultural
events were also featured during the event.
All the three shakhas in Hong Kong celebrated Vijayadashami in their
respective shakhas.
The annual Vijayadashami utsav of the HSS Kenya was celebrated with great
enthusiasm on October 12 at the Sri Sanatan Dharma Sabha (SSD), Nairobi. The
utsav commenced with a vibrant path sanchalan from Shiv Mandir to SSD.
HSS also conducted Vijayadashami utsavs in several other countries including
Australia, USA, UK, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Seychelles.
-GoTop
8. CHARAIVETI : CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SEVIKA KARYA IN UK:
On August 2, sevikas hosted ‘Charaiveti’ at Avanti Fields School in
Leicester to celebrate 50 years of sevika karya in the UK. 70 sevikas from all
over the UK, including the pioneer gruhinis who began sevika karya all the way
back in 1975 in Birmingham and Leicester joined for a day of reminiscing.
9. NORTHERN IRELAND’S ‘CHARAIVETI’ SHIBIR: 100
enthusiastic swayamsevaks and sevikas came together for ‘Charaiveti’ - this
year’s shibir in Northern Ireland. Many new families joined and shared that the
shibir was a wonderful example of Sangh discipline, values, sewa, and sanskars.
10. UK TARUNI SHIBIR: The first weekend of September
saw an energetic gathering of 38 tarunis along with 6 karyakartas, making a
total of 44 participants who came together from all vibhāgs for the Taruni
Shibir in North London. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was one of
learning, bonding, laughter, and growth.
There were also fun khel sessions including football, ring, and kho. The
highlight of the shibir was rafting, which showcased teamwork, focus, and plenty
of playful energy. Mukta Chintan provided a nice space for open and thoughtful
discussion.
Despite the packed schedule, everyone participated with great enthusiasm,
creating a shared sense of purpose and belonging. Participants expressed the
feeling that the Taruni Shibir was rejuvenating and energising and a unique
opportunity to make new friends with girls across the UK.
-GoTop
11. UK TARUN SHIBIR: The UK Tarun Shibir, held this
year in North London from September 5-7, welcomed around 85 participants. The
shibir provided a powerful environment where enthusiasm and friendship could
flourish.
The weekend began with a warm welcome and light-hearted activities to break the
ice. The shibir blended physical, intellectual, and creative sessions with
refreshing yog and khel. Bauddhik sessions and small-group charchas encouraged
taruns to reflect on meaningful topics, openly share their views, and explore
ways in which they could contribute both personally and to society.
After the closing samarop, the shibir came to an end with participants visibly
inspired and motivated. Many taruns expressed eagerness to take on projects in
their shakhas and to contribute more actively to Sangh karya.
-GoTop
12. VOLUNTEERS MARK 9/11 WITH SERVICE PROJECTS ACROSS 15
STATES: In a tribute to the resilience and unity shown by Americans after
the terrorist attacks on their homeland on September 11, 2001, Sewa
International organized a series of activities that engaged 2,345 volunteers in
41 cities of 15 states of the USA. Sewa organized 55 activities, including
preparing sandwiches and burritos, assembling hygiene kits, and donating
backpacks to schoolchildren. Volunteers also planted trees and native plants,
and restored park benches.
In Michigan, Sewa Detroit hosted a 9/11 remembrance event in Waterford Township
bringing together 150 volunteers. State Representative Sharon MacDonell
highlighted the power of collaboration, noting, “If we had more people doing
this today, we would be in a much better place.”
-GoTop
13. OVER 400 PERFORMERS RAISE FUNDS FOR ASPIRE: Over
400 dancers from 60 teams performed at the 9th Sewa Dancing Star event in
Houston on September 9. The competition featured classical, cinematic, and folk
styles, drawing a large audience to celebrate culture and talent.
14. 18TH HINDU MANDIR EMPOWERMENT COUNCIL: The 18th
Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC) conference, held jointly with the 12th
Hindu Mandir Priests’ Conference (HMPC), took place from September 12 to 14 at
Dallas-Fort Worth Mandir in Irving, Texas. The event conducted under the
auspices of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America was themed 'The MahaKumbh of
Sanatan Traditions' and drew participation from more than 67 organizations and
featured over 50 speakers. The gathering highlighted the role of mandirs and
priests in preserving and strengthening Hindu traditions within the diaspora.
The conference also recognized contributions to the community. Dr. Prakasa Rao
Velagapudi and Paramacharya Sadasivanatha Swami received the HMEC Key
Contributor Award. Awards for priests included six Archaka Bhushana and three
Archaka Shree honors. Parallel sessions covered mandir management, youth
engagement, and sustainability. A hackathon organized by the Hindu Students
Council explored future models for mandirs. Exhibitions and booths from groups
such as the Hindu University of America, Americans4Hindus, and the Global Hindu
Heritage Foundation added to the breadth of the conference. Special recognition
was given to the Bhutanese Hindu community for their resilience and community
building.
The conference concluded with a screening of the film 'The Caste Rush'.
-GoTop
15. CALIFORNIA OFFICIALLY RECOGNISES DEEPAWALI AS A
HOLIDAY: In a historic move, California has officially declared Deepawali a
state holiday, recognising the cultural significance of the Bharatiya festival
of lights. This makes California the third US state to grant Diwali official
holiday status, following Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Governor Gavin Newsom
announced on October 7 that he had signed Assembly Bill 268, authored by
Assembly member Ash Kalra, which enshrines Deepawali, the Bharatiya festival of
lights, as a recognised state holiday.
16. DEEPAWALI PROGRAMS IN AUSTRALIA: The Hindu Council
of Australia hosted a Deepawali Dinner at Waterview, Bicentennial Park, Sydney,
celebrating the festival of lights with the wider community. The event drew
around 400 guests from various community organisations and interfaith groups,
including leaders from the Ahmadiyya, Sikh, Jewish, Bahá’Ã, Buddhist, and
Christian communities.
The Deepawali Mela held at the Adelaide Showgrounds on October 4 brought
together more than 10,000 people from diverse backgrounds to mark the joyous
Bharatiya festival of lights.
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: This body is said to be the root of the tree of Samsar.
Through this body, the Self comes into contact with sons and other relations. If
the body is nonexistent, how can there be relations for the Self, which is asang,
unattached, with sons and relations? – Bhagwan Sri Ram
-GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
RSS AT 100: A CENTURY OF SEWA, SANGATHAN AND SACRIFICE
The RSS centenary is a testament to sacrifice, devotion, and resilience. Despite hardships and bans, swayamsevaks, families, and saints kept the mission alive. Rooted in public support, the Sangh's work now seeks deeper societal participation for nation-building.
In the centenary year, Sangh swayamsevaks will make focused efforts in the service of the nation, writes Dattatreya Hosabale.
The work of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh is completing 100 years. In this century-long journey,
countless individuals have offered their cooperation and participation. The path
has been marked by hard work and challenges, but the support of ordinary people
has always been its greatest strength. As we look back in this centenary year,
we remember those occasions and individuals who gave their all for the Sangh’s
mission.
The Sangh’s progress has always depended on society’s support. Because its work
has resonated with the sentiments of the common people, its acceptance has
steadily grown. Once, Swami Vivekananda was asked during his travels abroad: “In
your country, most people are illiterate; they do not know English. How will
your lofty ideas ever reach them?” He replied: “Just as ants do not need to
learn English to find sugar, my people of Bharat, with their innate spiritual
wisdom, can immediately recognize any virtuous (Sattvik) work, wherever it
happens, and quietly gather there. They will understand my message.” His words
proved true. Similarly, though Sangh’s work grew slowly, it continuously found
acceptance and support from ordinary people.
From the very beginning, families have offered blessings and shelter to Sangh
karyakartas. The homes of swayamsevaks themselves became centers of Sangh
activity. Mothers and sisters, with their steadfast support, gave Sangh’s work
its fullness. Inspired by Sangh, leaders like Dattopant Thengadi, Yashwantrao
Kelkar, Balasaheb Deshpande, Eknath Ranade, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Dadasaheb
Apte established organizations across diverse fields. These institutions, now
widely expanded, continue to drive positive social change. Among women, through
the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, figures from Mausiji Kelkar to Pramilatai Medhe
played vital and enduring roles in this journey of national service.
The Sangh has often raised issues of national interest, drawing support even
from those who seemed its opponents. It has sought broad cooperation on matters
of Hindu unity. In protecting national integrity, social harmony, democracy, and
dharma-culture, countless swayamsevaks endured hardships, with many making the
ultimate sacrifice.
In 1981, when Hindus were deceitfully converted in Meenakshipuram, Tamil Nadu, a
Hindu awakening movement gathered nearly five lakh people in a massive
conference attended by Dr. Karan Singh of the Congress. Earlier, in 1964, the
formation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad saw the prominent presence of Swami
Chinmayanand, Master Tara Singh, Jain Muni Sushil Kumar, Buddhist Bhikshu Kushok
Bakula, and Namdhari Sikh Sadguru Jagjit Singh. To reiterate that untouchability
has no basis in Hindu scriptures, Shri Guruji Golwalkar initiated the Vishwa
Hindu Sammelan in Udupi, blessed by revered Dharmacharyas, Sants and Mahants.
At Prayag, the conference had declared: “ ” (na hindu patito bhavet) — No Hindu
can be outcast. At another, the proclamation was: " " (hindavah sodarah sarve) —
All Hindus are children of Bharat Mata. Whether in the campaign for a cow
slaughter ban or the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Sangh swayamsevaks have always
received the blessings of saints.
After Independence, when the Sangh was banned for political reasons, people from
across society — ordinary citizens as well as eminent personalities — stood
firmly with it. The same was seen during the Emergency. Despite obstacles,
Sangh’s work never stopped. In those testing times, mothers and sisters
shouldered the responsibility of supporting swayamsevaks with quiet strength.
Such experiences remain lasting sources of inspiration.
In the centenary year, Sangh swayamsevaks will redouble efforts to reach every
household, seeking cooperation and participation across all sections of society.
The goal is to connect from cities to the remotest villages, involving all
segments of people. With the coordinated efforts of dedicated individuals (Sajjan
Shakti), the onward journey of nation-building will move smoothly and
purposefully. (The author is the Sarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh)
https://www.indiatoday.in/opinion/story/rss-at-100-a-century-of-sewa-sangathan-and-sacrifice-2795965-2025-10-01
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
