\Samvad

Margshirsha Krishna 1 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 November, 2024: SM 6016 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: GITA JAYANTI 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHACHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI SHAKHA SANGAM 4. FIRST ASIAN BUDDHIST SUMMIT
5. ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFLUENCE BY SWAVALAMBI BHARAT ABHIYAN 6. HINDU SPIRITUAL & SERVICE FAIR
7. HSS UK REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES 8. HSS KENYA VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV
9. HSS SOUTH AFRICA VIJAYADASHAMI 10. HSS TAIWAN DIWALI MILAN
11. DIWALI CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD 12. SOLIDARITY AGAINST RISING ATTACKS ON HINDU MANDIRS IN NORTH AMERICA
13. PRAVASI TEERTH DARSHAN YOJANA 14. CHINESE SCHOLARS HIGHLIGHT RAMAYAN’S FOOTPRINTS IN CHINA BURIED IN BUDDHIST TEXTS
15. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: MAHILA SAMANVAY: THE SANGH PARIVAR ROLE MODEL OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT


1. FESTIVALS: GITA JAYANTI: Gita Jayanti celebrates the day Bhagwan Krishna imparted the core of Vedic knowledge and the principles of Dharma to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It falls on Marghshirsha Shukla Ekadashi (December 11 this year).

Gita Jayanti is not just a celebration of Bhagwan Krishna's discourse with Arjuna, but also a day to meditate on the Gita's everlasting lessons. Devotees honor this day by reading the Bhagavad Gita, participating in Satsangs, kirtans and discussions about the morality, ethics & purpose of human existence. The festival emphasizes the significance of inner strength, moral ideals and pursuit of truth. Gita Jayanti encourages people to seek knowledge and implement Gita teachings in their everyday lives, promoting spiritual development and a stronger connection with the divine. -GoTop


2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat attended an event of Yog Mani Vandniya Late Dr Urmila Tai Jamdar Smriti Prasanga under the aegis of Yog Mani Trust Jabalpur on November 10. Speaking on the topic of ‘Relevance of Hindutva for World Welfare in the Present Times’, he said that today the whole world is looking towards Bharat with hope for spiritual peace.

He said that the whole world got divided into two ideologies, atheist and theist and later on it also became a subject of conflict.  In Bharatiya philosophy of life, a co-relation of both is necessary to maintain balance in material and spiritual life. This has been accepted in Hindu Dharma and hence it has no extremists and fanatics. The concept of Dharma is truth, compassion, purity and penance, and living together with diversity is Hindu Dharma.
Speaking during the centenary celebrations of Pandit Ramkinkar Upadhyay in Chitrakoot on November 6, Dr. Bhagwat attributed Bharat’s strength to the foundation laid by ancient sages and seers and described it as a “resilient, unifying nation” dedicated to overcoming challenges and standing firm against injustice. He added that Dharma is achieved through our actions and as a nation rooted in Dharma, we stand on the side of righteousness. He said that despite the nation’s diversity, Bharat is unified in its commitment to righteousness.
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3. RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI SHAKHA SANGAM: On November 10, Rashtra Sevika Samiti Delhi Prant organised a Shakha Sangam, which presented a distinctive example of self-confidence and nation-building by women. More than 1,000 sevikas, including young girls, youth, middle-aged women, elderly women and more than 150 dignitaries graced the event. Sevikas from 30 shakhas of Delhi Prant performed suryanamaskar, showcased group exercises, and demonstrated yoga.

Smt. Riva Sood, Managing Director of Agriva Naturally, and Smt. Shashi Bubna, a social worker, attended the program as chief guests. Akhil Bharatiya Pramukh Sanchalika Shanta Kumari described this event as an essential step for nation-building and the advancement of women, aiming to inspire the youth and girl children and instill in them a strong sense of national consciousness regarding the role of women in society. -GoTop


4. FIRST ASIAN BUDDHIST SUMMIT: The First Asian Buddhist Summit themed ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in strengthening Asia’ was organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on November 5-6 in New Delhi. Around 700 participants from 32 countries with over 160 international participants including members of the Mahasangha, patriarchs of various monastic traditions, monks, nuns, members of the diplomatic community, professors of Buddhist studies, experts and scholars enthusiastically participated in the summit.

The arrangement of two parallel forums allowed for a rich convergence of ideas, with one focusing on the foundational teachings of the Buddha and their modern-day applications, while the other explored the ways in which Buddhist principles can contribute to sustainable development, social harmony, and international cooperation. Many presentations highlighted the vast areas in Central Asia, East Turkestan and the Russian Autonomous Republics of Kalmykia, Buryatia and Tuva that Buddhism had impacted with its influence in architecture, worshiping practices and the philosophical way of life. Traces of this influence is evident archaeologically as well in ancient texts that are still available.
Speaking at the event, Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu said that the Buddhist community has much to offer to humankind at a time when the world is facing an existential crisis on many fronts. She expressed confidence that the summit will go a long way in strengthening cooperation among the Asian nations, based on shared heritage of the Buddha’s teachings.
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5. ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFLUENCE BY SWAVALAMBI BHARAT ABHIYAN: Under the Swavalambi Bharat Abhiyan (SBA), a one-day ‘Udyamita Sangam’ (Entrepreneurship Confluence) was organised at Siri Fort Auditorium on August Kranti Marg in Delhi on October 18. The programme focused on building a fully employed, poverty-free and prosperous Bharat.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Krishna Gopal, RSS Sah Sarkaryavah, elucidated that the spiritual consciousness of Bharat is deep rooted and with it, the people of society are ready to promote entrepreneurship with a spirit of service. Bharat should have its own model of entrepreneurship taking into account the conditions prevailing in the country. Akhil Bharatiya Coordinator of SBA Bhagwati Prakash Sharma emphasised Bharat’s entrepreneurial tradition, the importance of swadeshi products and contribution of entrepreneurship in building a self-reliant Bharat. A plan to set up district self-reliance centres at the local level with the aim of encouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurship was also highlighted. Through these centres, employment opportunities will be created in rural and urban areas to strengthen the Bharatiya economy. -GoTop


6. HINDU SPIRITUAL & SERVICE FAIR: The Hindu Spiritual & Service Foundation’s (HSSF) Hyderabad chapter’s annual Seva Pradarshini was inaugurated with grandeur on November 7 at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad. The event held on November 8–10 highlighted the collective efforts of spiritual and social service organizations, NGOs, and dedicated individuals from across Bharat.

More than 120 spiritual and community service organizations registered to participate in the fair, displaying their contributions to society through various service initiatives. More than 150 stalls showcased the various seva activities. Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami, while delivering the keynote address, commended the event as a unique embodiment of Bharatiya spiritual ethos and urged the attendees to encourage and support initiatives that demonstrate the depth of Bharatiya values. -GoTop


7. HSS UK REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES: A number of HSS (UK) shakhas participated in various Remembrance Day services on November 10. In Harrow, swayamsevaks and sevikas marched alongside with members of the armed forces and various other groups, such as Air Cadets, Scouts and Girl Guides to Harrow Town Centre.  Dhiraj M Shah, Zonal President had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of HSS (UK) alongside the Mayor of Harrow, Local MPs, Councillors and other interfaith leaders in remembrance of not just the British but also Bharatiya soldiers who fought under British command.

Remembrance Day is observed to honour the armed force members who have died in the line of duty. 1.3 million Bharatiya soldiers fought in WW1 with over 74,000 deaths and 2.5 million Bharatiya soldiers fought in WW2 with over 87,000 deaths. -GoTop


8. HSS KENYA VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV: On October 27, more than 184 swayamsevaks and sevikas, from 14 shakhas of HSS Nairobi, took part in a Path Sanchalan from Jalaram Mandir to Arya Samaj via Shiv Mandir, Sai Dham Mandir and Pattni Brotherhood. The Vijayadashami utsav was celebrated at Arya Samaj with Shastra Pujan. Swayamsevaks and sevikas of all age groups demonstrated traditional Bharatiya games, martial arts, acrobatics and yogasan.

The Chief Guest Dr. Rajendra Saini, Chairman of Arya Samaj, spoke about the significance of Vijayadashami and the historical struggles and victory of good over evil. Chandraprakash Bagrana, the Sharirik Pramukh of Kenya, highlighted the importance of unity and brotherhood amongst all communities. The Chairperson of Hindu Council of Kenya Mrs. Sujata Kotamraju, Deputy High Commissioner of Bharat Shri Rohit Vadhwana and many other Chairpersons and committee members of different communities were also present on the occasion. -GoTop


9. HSS SOUTH AFRICA VIJAYADASHAMI: On October 20, around 105 swayamsevaks and sevikas of HSS South Africa participated in the Vijayadashami Utsav at the Tongaat Town Hall in Durban. They displayed a demonstration of vyayamyog, geet, surya namaskar, yogasana, niyudhya, and yogachap. The ghosh demonstration was a major highlight of the program.

The chief guest, esteemed social worker Mr. Shaun Sivlingam, elaborated on the importance of values in character building which is critically needed in today's society. The main speaker Mr. Amith Singh (HSS National Sampark Pramukh) highlighted the effective shakha methodology in HSS and made a humble appeal for everyone to join the divine mission of HSS. -GoTop


10. HSS TAIWAN DIWALI MILAN: The first ever Diwali Milan celebration by HSS Taiwan took place on November 2 at the Community Center in Guishan District of Taoyuan City.  35 people, including two non-Bharatiyas and 9 children participated in the celebrations which commenced with the Ram Aarti, followed by heartfelt puja ceremonies dedicated to Bhagwan Rama, Devi Lakshmi, and Ganesh Bhagwan.

An introduction session provided a platform for individuals to share about themselves, fostering personal connections and a sense of community among the participants. This was followed by a drawing session centered on Ramayana, where parents and children engaged in creative expressions. The cultural segment was filled with captivating performances including chanting and the melodious rendition of the śrīrāmastōtram. Informative talks on Diwali Utsav were shared alongside soulful bhajans sung by the attendees. Collective chanting of the Ekatmata Mantra emphasized the belief in unity amidst diversity, acknowledging the singular divine essence despite different paths and forms. -GoTop


11. DIWALI CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD: For the first time in Kenya’s history, the Hindu community gathered to celebrate Diwali at the State House in the presence of His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya who, dressed in traditional Hindu attire of pyjama kurta and coat, actively participated in the festivities.

Mrs. Sujata Kotamraju, Chairperson of the Hindu Council of Kenya (HCK), highlighted the profound cultural significance of Diwali and Dr. Bimal Kantaria, a Trustee of the HCK, emphasized the significant contributions of Kenya’s Hindu community over the past 200 years. In his address, H.E. President Ruto praised the Hindu community as an integral part of Kenya’s social fabric and commended their dedication to the nation’s welfare.
Around 600 guests gathered at the White House Diwali celebrations on October 28 where President Joe Biden led the lighting of the Diwali lamp, marking the festival’s spirit of light in the nation’s highest office. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams delivered a heartfelt video message from the International Space Station. From 260 miles above Earth, Williams shared how her father had instilled an understanding of Diwali and other Bharatiya festivals in her, preserving their cultural roots.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited the Bharatiya Mandir in Montgomery Township on October 31, and joined in the Diwali traditions by lighting a diya and receiving blessings, and extended heartfelt wishes for a prosperous Diwali.
On October 30, One World Trade Center in New York, which is the tallest building in the US, lit up with diyas on the occasion of Diwali.
The ‘Diwali Fest’ organized by Ektaa Center on October 26 at the Great Park amphitheater in Irvine, CA, drew around 7,500 attendees over the course of the day. The event featured live performances, traditional cuisine, and stalls displaying handcrafted artwork and Bharatiya apparel, creating a vibrant community gathering.
The iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House glowed in golden hues as part of annual Diwali celebrations, marking a decade since the New South Wales government initiated this radiant tribute. NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper attended the spectacular illumination, sharing Diwali greetings with those celebrating.
On November 5, WOSY (World Organisation of Students and Youth) organized its annual Diwali Milan event in Hyderabad, creating a vibrant celebration of Bharat’s festival of lights that brought together 450 students from 45 countries.
The Ayodhya Deepotsav set a spectacular new record this year as 1,100 devotees performed an aarti and over 25 lakh diyas illuminated the city, creating a breathtaking display of light and devotion. Nischal Barot, a Guinness World Records official, confirmed the achievement, marking Ayodhya’s Deepotsav as one of the most awe-inspiring celebrations.
Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu greeted citizens on the eve of Diwali and said the festival is also an opportunity to help the deprived and needy and share happiness with them. While extending Diwali greetings to all Bharatiyas living in the country and abroad, she said that we should be proud of the glorious heritage of Bharat.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel in the Sir Creek area of Gujarat's Kachchh. He visited the BSF outpost along the Pakistan border, interacting with soldiers and sharing Diwali greetings.
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12. SOLIDARITY AGAINST RISING ATTACKS ON HINDU MANDIRS IN NORTH AMERICA: The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS-USA) condemned the violent attack on the Hindu Sabha mandir in Brampton, Canada, which took place on November 3 during the Diwali celebrations. HSS expressed deep concern for the safety and human rights of the Hindu community in Canada, as well as the safeguarding of properties owned by the Hindu community.

HSS also said that the recent attacks on mandirs in New York and California underscore that the incident in Brampton is not an isolated event but part of a worrying trend affecting Hindus of North America as a whole. HSS-USA implored U.S. authorities to take prompt and decisive action against these hate groups and to hold accountable those who explicitly or implicitly endorse violence against Hindus.
Over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton to protest against the repeated attacks on Hindu mandirs and called on to stop the Hinduphobia in the country.
The organisers of the rally pressed Canadian politicians and law enforcement agencies to not give further support to Khalistanis. The details were shared by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) on social media platform X.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi strongly condemned the “deliberate attack” and said that “cowardly attempts to intimidate” Bharatiya diplomats were appalling and New Delhi expects Canadian authorities to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) strongly condemned the attack on the Hindu mandir in Canada by Khalistani extremists. In a statement, VHP International Working President Alok Kumar said that the attack on Hindu mandir violated Canada’s fundamental principles of democracy, rule of law and secularism.
Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
The Delhi Hindu Sikh Global Forum protested in front of the Canadian Embassy and submitted a memorandum to the Bharatiya Ambassador to Canada, demanding an immediate investigation and swift action against the criminals involved in the incident. More than 1,200 members of the Sikh community participated in the protest, including over 300 women.
They requested the Canadian Ambassador to provide security for minority communities and enhance security measures for Hindu mandirs, Sikh gurdwaras, and communities.
There has been a string of attacks on Hindu community documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance in Canada.
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13. PRAVASI TEERTH DARSHAN YOJANA: Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY) was introduced in FY 2018-19 for elderly generation of PIOs between the age group of 45-65 years from seven Girmitiya countries (Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and Reunion Island).

The scheme is aimed towards providing the PIOs an opportunity to reconnect with their Bharatiya roots through a sponsored pilgrimage tour across Bharat. The programme is targeted at those PIOs in Girmitiya countries who belong to lower income group and are unable to afford a visit to Bharat. It is a 17 days programme conducted in coordination with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC). So far, four editions of PTDY have been conducted with the participation of 160 PIOs, 40 in each group. The entire process for applying, processing etc. is through the portal https://kip.gov.in. -GoTop

 
14. CHINESE SCHOLARS HIGHLIGHT RAMAYANA’S FOOTPRINTS IN CHINA BURIED IN BUDDHIST TEXTS: At a symposium on “Ramayana- A Timeless Guide” organised by the Bharatiya Embassy on November 2, a host of Chinese scholars associated with longstanding research on religious influences, made candid presentations tracing the historical routes through which Ramayana reached China and its influence on Chinese art and literature.

Dr Jiang Jingkui, Professor and Dean of the Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University said that the earliest content related to Ramayana in China was introduced into the Han cultural sphere primarily through Buddhist scriptures. “A famous example is that Hanuman was transformed into a Monkey King who obeyed Buddhist teachings, blending into classic Buddhist moral narratives,” Jiang said. In his presentation, Pro Liu Jian of the National Institute of International Strategies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said “Chinese scholars generally agree that the image of Sun Wukong comes from that of Hanuman.”. China has had footprints of the stories of Ramayana cloaked in Buddhist scriptures for centuries, scholars have said, bringing to the fore perhaps for the first time, the influence of Hinduism in the country’s checkered history. -GoTop


15. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: He who regards all men as equals is religious. – Guru Nanak Dev
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 JAI SHRI RAM
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MAHILA SAMANVAY: THE SANGH PARIVAR ROLE MODEL OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
DR V SUJATHA

In Bharat since ancient times women have been an integral part of the nation’s history and culture. That women had continued to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s socio-political narratives was shown by their great contribution towards the country’s freedom struggle against the British Empire. That women had enjoyed equal rights with men was evidenced by their involvement in framing the constitution as well, fifteen members of the constituent Assembly were women. When we achieved freedom in 1947, in the advanced countries like Britain that had built up empires by exploiting the rich resources of nations like India, their women had no right to vote. It prompted the feminist movement in Europe during the early 20th century, the initial stage of which had to focus on women’s suffrage along with other legal rights. Whereas in India’s splendid culture women have always been enjoying not only equal rights with men but an added privilege granted to motherhood also, as has been pointed out by famous thinkers like will Durant, Arthur L. Basham etc. Even in the spiritual tradition that forms the cornerstone of Indian culture, right from the ancient period we had eminent women personalities like Gargi, Maitreyi, Ahalya, Anasuya, Sabari, Amba, Gandhari and so on.
But the Neo-liberals of today do not understand that in Bharat men and women have always been considered as two sides of the same coin and that it is based on the Ekātma theory that recognizes the truth of one fundamental principle not only in all living beings but in the whole of creation as well. Since this holistic vision forms the hallmark of Hinduism, it is more spiritual than religious and so referred to as Sanatana Dharma, i.e. values of life based on one ultimate eternal truth. This eminent tradition has continued throughout the ages in spite of frequent foreign invasions, as an ever-burning lamp. It started blazing now with the great measures undertaken in favour of women by the Narendra Modi Government.

Mahila Samanvay Vedi
It is a national forum of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh, the most prominent national volunteer organization that comprises Karma – yogis who do self-less service in the interest of our nation’s prosperity and well-being. The RSS is a collection of around 40 organisations together known as the Sangh Parivar doing service in various fields such as social, political, economic and religious. Of the Parivar Organisations some are comprised exclusively of women, for instance Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Siksha Bharati, Durga Vahini and so on.
Samanvay Vedi is a forum meant to discuss and exchange the ideas and the nature of activities undertaken by the various organizations of the Parivar. It helps to integrate the varied functions of the Parivar in different domains under the common banner of national welfare. Mahila Samanvay Vedi reflects the attitude of the Indian society that women share with men equal rights and responsibilities in shaping the future of the nation.
The Vedi has been constituted especially to conduct programmes that promote the cause of equal opportunities for women and also protection of women against atrocities. The activities of the Mahila Samanvay clearly depict the significance that the Sangh Parivar grants to the progression of women.
The National Mahila Samanvay has been conducting seminars in various states to bring home the various aspects of women upliftment. Last year as its special programme the Mahila Samanvay put in a massive exertion to back up the stupendous efforts of the Modi Government towards the upliftment of women. The initiatives taken include
1. Conducting of seminars at the national, state and district levels to identify the various difficulties that dissuade women from undertaking social activities;
2. Motivate women to take up challenging opportunities and become leaders in profession and business;
3. Provide opportunity for the women folk of villages also along with that of the metropolitan cities to assume leading roles in public activities in their own respective communities and organizations;
4. Make women aware of their equal rights and duties as citizens;
5. Alert women against their being exploited;
6. Address means of providing secure environment for women to progress.
In addition the Samanvay conveys to women the importance of their financial freedom. Economic independence provides them with opportunities to make free choices about their lives. It also makes them participate in enhancing the national economy as well as the domestic. Today India has become the fastest growing economy of the world. The country can reach the pinnacle of economic growth if its women constituting nearly half of the population, also reaches out to help national advancement.
Mahila Samanvay in Kerala
Within the last one year the National Mahila Samanvay conducted more than 500 mass conferences in various parts of the country each attracting thousands of women. The activity of the Mahila Samanvay in Kerala deserves special mention in that it was widely recognized and acclaimed by the public. It was quite unprecedented in the history of Kerala to platform such huge gatherings for the cause of women empowerment. Covering all the districts 14 mega conventions were held each one assembling thousands of women participants. The meetings were notable in that they were all organised, chaired and participated exclusively by women including Central Ministers and other national dignitaries as chief guests. Other leading women in various professions and business enterprises at the state-district- taluk-village levels also took part in these grand symposiums.
In Kerala during the modern period several Hindu Acharyas and writers had taken up the cause of women liberation. But today’s vote bank politics is of the nature of foiling the efforts of those great reformers. Of course disguised as social workers some activists bring women to public forums raising slogans of gender equally, equal opportunity, freedom etc. but with devious intentions. The true nature of their under hand tactics has come to light recently in a programme run by a Marxist-Jihadi alliance. It was a public function of recitation of poetry conducted in memory of Nabi. A large number of poets including office-bearers of Kerala Sahitya Academy participated in it, but female poets were not allowed to take part, though there are innumerable poetesses in Kerala. There arose accusation in certain quarters that women were not permitted since the function was held in connection with the religion of Islam. The contradiction here is two-fold. How could the Islamists accommodate recitation of poems since even the display of innate human creativity is considered illegitimate (harām) by the fundamentalists who excluded women from the programme? The other contradiction is that the Marxists who joined hands with the Jihadis washed their hands of their own dogma of dialectical materialism that ‘religion is the opium of the people’. On one side we come across dogmatists pulling the wheel of women’s progress backwards by conducting such ridiculous programmes with the blind belief that they are marching forward and call themselves ‘neo-liberals’. On the other side we see forums like Mahila Samanvay putting in great effort to move the machinery of progress in favour of women.
In fact the women liberation movement initiated by the early reformists in Kerala is now being continued by the activities of the Mahila Samanvay.
A special programme of the Mahila Samanvay conducted last year on November 5th as a prelude to the grand convention in Thiruvananthapuram deserves mention in this context. It was a unique performance where 21 poetesses recited their own poems. The subject of all the poems was woman oriented-the various trials, disadvantages and stumbling blocks women face at home and work place that impede their progress. As a continuation of the programme, a book was published, i.e. a collection of poems on the subject “Pañca Kanya Smŗti” released by the well-known writer Prof. George Onakkur and received by Yedu VijayaKrishnan the film director and writer. Earlier on the 1st of November 2023 another notable event arranged by the Mahila Samanvay was “Kalari ppayattu”, a traditional martial art form of Kerala, where more than 30 girls displayed their martial skills.
Personal freedom for everybody to grow is the primary indication of any culturally advanced society and forms the ideal of a nation. Thus gender equality and sufficient opportunities for the fair sex to grow determines the culture of a country and its economy too. To quote the RSS Sarsanghchalak, Dr Mohan Bhagawat: “To progress, allow women equal rights and freedom to work. If women are given freedom they can help everyone grow”.
This expression contains respect and esteem regarding the women of Bharat, for they can shoulder responsibilities both inside and outside their homes.
Individual freedom as we know is not unfettered or absolute as some neo-liberals imagine. When the neoliberals demand absolute individual freedom, their aim is not progressive but misleading. They are actually asking for unrestricted sensory pleasures. Sensory craving is not freedom but enslavement. Since we have to respect every one’s freedom to grow, it necessitates certain standards of conduct. These standards are prescribed not merely by the law of the land but by the basic values of life or dharma. While the law points out the wrong-doings and the punishments thereof, dharma equips as with the wisdom that reveals the right path. Bharat is the mother land of a great variety of cultural communities speaking different languages and following different religions. Yet they stand united because the humanitarian import of the culture of this land based on dharma cannot be denied by anyone. Thus in Bharat along with the Law, Dharma is also held in high esteem since every living being has a proper place in it. Gender discrimination cannot be admitted either in the system of Law or according to our dharma.
Today many of the old customs have become obsolete throughout world. Even ‘the established truths’ of the physical sciences, for instance some of the concepts of Newtonian physics have turned out false. In this context some people call this age as one of post-realism. But for Bharat, the Land of the ultimate wisdom, there exists nothing like post-realism. For it this is the age of awakening of its traditional wisdom that supports life, culture and progress. The narratives of an age should not be left to immature minds to dictate. It should be determined by those who have judicious vision and synoptic insight. The Amrtotsav period of Bharat should be the initiation of an age of spiritual and moral wisdom and women have a major role to play in making it meaningful. https://organiser.org/2024/11/10/264539/bharat/mahila-samanvay-the-sangh-parivar-role-model-of-women-empowerment/ 
 -GoTop