SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

Krishna Janmashtami, on Bhadrapad Ashtami, celebrates the birth of Bhagwan Krishna, the eighth avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu. The midnight vigil known as Jagran is integral to the celebration, symbolising the devotees' readiness to welcome the divine child into their lives. The day-long fast is broken only after midnight, following the ritual of worshipping the baby Krishna.

In Maharashtra, Goa and parts of the Terai in Nepal, human pyramids are built to break an earthen pot filled with curd and butter suspended high in the air. In Mathura, Vrindavan and Manipur, local communities stage colourful dance-dramas and plays illustrating scenes from Krishna's playful childhood.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat hoisted the Tiranga at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the 80th Independence Day, saying the national flag reminds citizens of the values of sacrifice, dutifulness and knowledge. Debate, dialogue, opposition and protest are all part of democracy, he said, but people must remain mindful of their responsibilities; differing ideas and views are natural in a democracy, where people can present their arguments and respond to those of others.

Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale hoisted the Tricolour at the RSS office in Kolkata and called on people to contribute to the nation's development and uphold its unity, integrity and security, adding that everyone should help fulfil the aspirations of the freedom fighters.

Sah Sarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal hoisted the national flag at the Keshav Kunj office in Delhi. The country became independent after nearly a thousand years of struggle, he said, recalling the heroism of Rana Sanga, Raja Dahir and Rani Chennamma among others who fought against foreign invasions, and the sacrifices made in every province after the British arrived.

The three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak of organisations inspired by the RSS concluded on 21 August at the Vignana Vihara Residential School campus in Gudilova, near Visakhapatnam, after extensive deliberations on the nation, society, social challenges and the future course of work. More than 300 representatives of 32 organisations took part.

The meeting was not an executive or decision-making body but a platform for sharing information and strengthening coordination and cooperation among the organisations, which presented their activities, experiences, views and suggestions on issues facing society.

Addressing the press on 21 August, Sah Sarkaryavah CR Mukunda said the meeting had reviewed flood relief and rehabilitation work, social harmony programmes linked to the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas ji, demographic changes and imbalance, and growing drug-related concerns among the young.

The 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort were led by Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi under the themes '150 Years of Vande Mataram' and 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047'.

For the first time, the national song Vande Mataram was formally performed by an Army band at the Red Fort ramparts on the Pradhan Mantri's arrival. A gathering of 2,500 NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers took part, seated so as to form the words वंदे मातरम् across the Gyanpath. Around 5,000 special guests were invited to witness the event, among them PM Vishwakarma artisans, PM Mudra Yojana women entrepreneurs, street vendors and taxi drivers.

In his address, the Pradhan Mantri spoke of the Vande Mataram milestone, the resolve to become the third largest economy, the focus on youth and technology, and national security.

▸ Watch the full programme

'Grit & Glory: How India's Northeast was Transformed One Heart at a Time', by Abhijit Joag, details the untold stories of volunteers and workers who dedicated their lives to nation-building and to fostering peace in Northeast Bharat. The book examines the region's shift away from a history marked by alienation and insurgency towards greater integration, development and trust.

It focuses on ordinary young workers who left the comforts of home for a path of silence, sacrifice and service in communities where outsiders had historically struggled to find acceptance. Rather than relying on statistics or government documents, the narrative holds to individual lived experience, relationships and the quiet efforts that transformed the region one heart at a time.

▸ Read the review in Organiser

▸ Buy the book

More than 5,000 people from 85 cities across 39 US states, and 250 students from various universities, attended the 'Universal Oneness Celebration' at Madison Square on 29 August. According to the organisers, the AHEAD forum — American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue — more than 250 organisations partnered for the event, among them Hindu-American organisations, mandirs, yoga groups and cultural organisations.

The programme was an interfaith, cultural and spiritual event around the themes of unity, service, dialogue and harmony. It brought together  interfaith  leaders representing more than 180 faith leaders from 30 countries, with cultural performances drawn from Africa, Latin America, China, Europe and the Middle East, carrying a message of unity in diversity and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

In his keynote address, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that human intelligence carries a moral obligation to sustain the world through right thinking and selfless service. Every nation has a message to deliver and a mission to accomplish, he said; the mission of Bharat is to realise, and from time to time make the world realise, the truth of unity in diversity. The duty of a Bharatiya is to give this message to the world through practice, not merely preaching, and the diaspora should be loyal to their Karmabhoomi while living by the values that Janmabhoomi Bharat has imparted.

Before the keynote, interfaith leaders spoke on oneness, kindness and compassion. They included Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, chief executive of the Rabbinical Assembly; Reverend Adriene Thorne, eighth senior minister of the historic Riverside Church in New York City and the first African American woman to hold that position; and Talib M Shareef, president and Imam of Masjid Muhammad in Washington, DC, known as 'The Nation's Mosque'.

▸ Watch the full programme

Bharat marked its 80th Independence Day with celebrations led by the diaspora, foreign governments and international landmarks. Bharatiya communities gathered at diplomatic missions from Paris to Chile and across the Pacific, Gulf and Americas for flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural events, with missions synchronising the hoisting across time zones in 54 countries, beginning in Fiji and moving westward to San Francisco.

Iconic sites lit up in the tricolour, among them the Floralis Genérica and the Puente de la Mujer in Buenos Aires, and the Empire State Building and the Space Needle in the United States.

In Wellington, more than 500 members of the diaspora and local friends joined the celebrations, where High Commissioner Muanpuii Saiawi hoisted the Tricolour and read the President's address. In Tokyo, school students and members of the community added patriotic songs honouring those who fought for Bharat's independence. In Moscow the celebrations began with floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue followed by a collective singing of Vande Mataram; in Rome a cultural programme carried a rendition of the same; and in Riyadh the embassy staged a semi-classical dance on Vande Mataram.

Hundreds of Namibians and members of the diaspora gathered at the High Commission of Bharat in Windhoek, while the High Commission in Pretoria hosted a reception bringing together senior South African officials, the diplomatic corps, business leaders and the Bharatiya community. In several Northeastern and Midwestern states of the USA, proclamations marked the day and recognised the contributions of the Bharatiya-American community.

HSS Taiwan celebrated Gurupournima Utsav on 25 July at the Swami Vivekanand Shakha in Nangang District, Taipei City, where 19 swayamsevaks and sevikas took part. The Utsav was an occasion to revisit and reflect upon the sacred Guru-Shishya Parampara.

Thirteen karyakartas took part in the Gurupournima Utsav organised at the Guruji Golwalkar Shakha in the Guishan and Linkou area on 22 August. The gatherings brought everyone together to reflect on the ideals of Gurupournima and to strengthen the spirit of collective participation and dedication.

HSS Mozambique celebrated Rakshabandhan at the premises of the High Commission of Bharat, bringing together members of the Mozambican Defence Force and representatives of the High Commission staff to mark friendship, solidarity and mutual respect. Around 12 members of the FADM attended, a mark of the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The event was graced by H.E. Robert Shetkintong, High Commissioner of Bharat to Mozambique, and the broader message of friendship, solidarity, gratitude and service was highlighted throughout.

The HSS Japan team in Edogawa visited the Ward Office, the Fire Station and the Police Station to exchange Rakshabandhan greetings. This year marked the tenth anniversary of children visiting these community institutions to share their regards and express their thanks.

As part of HSS's celebration of Raksha Bandhan as Universal Oneness Day, the children also prepared special thank-you cards for the people who keep the community safe, supported and connected.

On 7 August, HSS San Antonio Vibhag visited the Prue Road SAPD station and shared the significance of Rakshabandhan with the police officers, an occasion to express gratitude to those who work to protect and serve the community. Through this simple tradition, the idea was celebrated that the bonds which unite can extend beyond family, culture and background.

The HSS Shiv-Shakti Shakha of Iowa City celebrated Rakshabandhan with the firefighters of the North Liberty Fire Department, swayamsevaks tying rakhis in gratitude for their courage, service and commitment.

HSS also hosted its annual Raksha Bandhan celebration in Naperville on 11 August, honouring officers of the Naperville Police Department and members of the Naperville Fire Department. The event drew a strong turnout, with the Mayor of Naperville, the Police Chief and the Fire Chief joining officers, firefighters and HSS families. It was organised by the HSS volunteer team in partnership with the two departments.

The School of Vedic Sciences (Aust), also known as the Sydney Sanskrit School, hosted a celebration at The McKell Room in the NSW Parliament to mark 20 years of Sanskrit teaching, with the official release of its Commemorative Multicultural Pin. Around 50 guests attended, among them NSW Premier Hon. Chris Minns and Minister Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong.

The programme included a Ganesha Vandana performance and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp accompanied by Vedic mantras. Attendees heard the Australian national anthem sung in English and Sanskrit by students and teachers, an overview of the school by its President Karthikeyan Subramanian, and the story of the pin's creation by the student Manognya Ghanalinga. The afternoon closed with the release of the pin and an address by the Premier.

Morari Bapu commenced a nine-day recital of the Ramcharitmanas, titled 'Manas Guru Prasad', at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre on 15 August, coinciding with the 80th Independence Day celebrations of Bharat. The opening brought together sadhus, spiritual leaders, Katha narrators, scholars, musicians, artists and international academics. The Katha continued until 23 August, with a three-day scholarly discussion from the 16th to the 18th, and the programme also commemorated Tulsi Jayanti on 19 August, the birth anniversary of the poet-saint Goswami Tulsidas.

Lord Dolar Popat, a member of the UK House of Lords, drew a connection between Harvard's motto Veritas and Morari Bapu's core message of Satya, Prem and Karuna — truth, love and compassion. Morari Bapu said the gathering was not simply an academic or historical occasion but a spiritual convergence.

Severe floods and landslides have caused widespread loss of life and property across several districts of Nepal, with the situation most critical in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and East Nawalparasi. More than 500 tourists remain unaccounted for, including 466 foreign nationals. Difficult terrain, damaged roads and bridges and disrupted communications have made it hard to establish contact with many travellers.

Sewa International Nepal, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Nepal, and many other organisations have launched a relief and service operation for affected families. A team of relief workers has reached Nuwakot, where they are assessing the situation, identifying urgent needs and coordinating assistance, working with local communities to determine the most pressing requirements and to reach people cut off by damaged roads and bridges.

Relief materials and food supplies are being collected in Kathmandu, where volunteers are gathering essential items and arranging transport. Food, drinking water, clothing, hygiene supplies and first-aid materials are being prioritised according to need. Workers remain active both on the ground and in Kathmandu, and the campaign is expected to expand further as needs emerge.

The Houston Chapter, with Jain Vishwa Bharti, organised a Nutrition and Wellness Session and Body Mass Composition Scan on 16 August at the JVB Preksha Meditation Center. Led by Dr Ajay K. Bhora, the session focused on the role of nutrition, maintaining a healthy body composition and making informed lifestyle choices. Participants received complimentary assessments and personalised health reviews covering body fat, muscle mass and water levels.

Sewa International also celebrated its Summer Interns Class of 2026, bringing together high school graduates, their families and core team members. The keynote speaker, Judge Surendran Pattel, shared his journey as an immigrant, and Dr Kamini Muzumdar encouraged the students to remain resilient. Over the summer the interns contributed more than 3,200 hours of service.

Long before the word bioethics entered any scientific vocabulary, Bharat had already given the world a founding principle for how living beings ought to treat one another: ahimsa. Mahavira preached it as the highest duty. The Buddha built an entire path of liberation around it. Ashoka, after Kalinga, carved it into stone and sent it across an empire as state policy.

Compassion for all sentient life, karuna, was never a sentiment reserved for the temple or the sermon in this civilisation; it was meant to be lived, legislated and practised. Two and a half millennia later, in laboratories from Bengaluru to Faridabad to Hyderabad, that same conviction is quietly reshaping the frontiers of Bharatiya science — not through renunciation of progress but through the invention of it.

The question of how new medicines are tested has long carried an uncomfortable answer: animals. Rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and primates have for decades borne the first burden of humanity's search for cures, absorbing toxicity that might otherwise fall on human patients. It is a practice the world still leans on, Bharat included, because complex biological systems have been notoriously difficult to replicate outside a living body.

Across three of Bharat's premier scientific establishments — the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Department of Biotechnology — a quiet movement is under way to build human-predictive alternatives. These are not confined to showcase laboratories; they are spread across 71 institutes and laboratories nationwide, a footprint that speaks to how deeply the philosophy has been absorbed into the research establishment rather than kept as an isolated experiment.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has moved in step. Eight CSIR laboratories now report active capabilities in one or more alternative approaches — advanced in-vitro and cell-based systems, three-dimensional organoids, organ-on-chip platforms or in-silico modelling — each contributing distinct strengths to a shared national capability rather than duplicating effort. Among them is the Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, advancing organoids, stem-cell-based models and other cell-based platforms as tools of predictive, human-relevant science.

What distinguishes this moment is that compassion has not been allowed to remain an abstraction; it has been engineered into capability. Several DBT-backed projects are already under development, including a lung-on-chip platform designed to assess monoclonal antibodies and a lab-on-chip device engineered to mimic human kidney function, both offering researchers a way to study drug response without a single animal subject.

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council has gone further, opening a dedicated funding call for the Establishment of Preclinical Models for Drug Discovery, inviting proposals to build robust organoid and organ-on-chip platforms alongside other innovative in-vitro approaches — a signal that this is now a funded national priority rather than economic self-reliance alone, but ethical self-definition: a nation building its own scientific future on the foundations of its own philosophical inheritance.

There is something fitting in the image of a scientist in Bengaluru or Faridabad growing a liver organoid in a petri dish so that no rabbit need suffer for a new medicine to reach a patient in Varanasi or Vijayawada. It is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family, extended at last to the animal kingdom that has silently served human medicine for centuries — a civilisation that never forgot the debt every act of healing owes to compassion.

First published in Organiser  Read the Original Article