Magh Krishna 3 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 January, 2025: SM 6020 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
SARASWATI PUJA: Saraswati Puja, also known as Basant Panchami or Shree
Panchami, heralds the arrival of spring season. Dedicated to Devi Saraswati, the
Devi of knowledge, language, music, and arts, this celebration on Magha Shukla
Panchami (February 2 this year) holds a special place among Hindus.
2. PROGRAMS OF RSS SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT:
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat said at the 23rd
celebration of Sahjeevan Vyakhyanmala (lecture series) in Pune on December 19
that since time immemorial, we have been living harmoniously with each other and
if the world wants to live so, then Bharat has to be the model of harmony
within.
Dr. Bhagwat attended the 'Swar Shatak Malwa' program in Indore where 870 Sangh
swayamsevaks played traditional musical instruments in a group performance.
3. IMPOSSIBLE TO DOCUMENT BHARAT WITHOUT HISTORY OF
VANAVASIS: HOSABALE: The anniversary celebrations of the Vanavasi Kalyan
Ashram (VKA) were held at the YMIS building in Koti, Bhagyanagar on December 29.
RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale attended the event as the distinguished
guest.
4. 18TH PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS CONVENTION 2025: The
18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD), 2025 was held in Bhubaneshwar
from January 8 to 10. A large gathering of delegates from over 75 countries
participated in PBD 2025.
The first day of the Convention was dedicated for the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas where the Guest of Honor was Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO, Newsweek. The first
plenary titled, ‘Beyond Barriers: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized
World’ was chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Youth Affairs and
Sports and Labour and Employment.
Plenary sessions in PBD 2025 included topics on diaspora contributions to
sustainable development, Nari Shakti, stories of migrant skill and cultural
connection and belongingness.
During PBD 2025, EAM and other Union Ministers present interacted with diaspora
groups from USA, UK, Qatar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar,
UAE among others.
The valedictory session was presided over by the Hon’ble Rashtrapati of Bharat,
Smt. Droupadi Murmu. In her address, Murmu expressed her appreciation for the
indomitable spirit of the Bharatiya diaspora. She made a special mention of the
contribution made by women, students and the youth who she termed as the torch
bearers for the future generations of the diaspora. She also conferred the
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on 27 individuals from 24 countries. PBD 2025
came to a close with a soulful santoor concert by Maestro Shri Abhay Rustum
Sopori. -GoTop
5. UPRASHTRAPATI DHANKHAR STRESSES PANCHPRAN FOR NATIONAL
TRANSFORMATION: UpRashtrapati of Bharat Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the NCC
Republic Day Camp 2025 at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi, with an inspiring
address to over 2,000 NCC cadets from across Bharat. The UpRashtrapati praised
the NCC for instilling discipline, unity, and a ‘Nation First’ approach among
the youth.
6. OM BIRLA VISITS BAPS MANDIR IN UK: During his visit
to the United Kingdom, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla offered prayers at the BAPS
Shri Swami Narayan Mandir in north-west London’s area of Neasden on January 12.
7. MAHAKUMBH COMMENCED: The 45-day-long Maha Kumbh Mela
2025, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, officially began on
January 13 at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. This sangam of the Ganga,
Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers is drawing millions of devotees, saints, sages, and
visitors from across the globe. The event will continue until February 26.
The Mahakumbh saw a turnout of 60 lakh pilgrims who took a sacred dip at the
Triveni Sangam by 9:30 am on January 13. More than 1.6 crore devotees took holy
dip at the Sangam on Makar Sankranti. This massive gathering underscores the
spiritual significance and global appeal of the event, celebrated as one of the
largest religious congregations in the world.
The Netra Kumbh to provide easily accessible eye care to devotees attending the
Mahakumbh began on January 12 at Bajrang Das in sector 6 of Kumbh Mela.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna
Akhara, Swami Avdheshanand Giri said that through the Netra Kumbh, light will
enter the lives of millions of people, allowing them to witness the vibrant
world around them. Sah Sarkaryawah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr
Krishna Gopal also attended the inauguration function.
Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas is also organizing the Gyan Mahakumbh - a
transformative discourse on Bharat-centric education - emphasising the
integration of indigenous knowledge systems with modern learning. -GoTop
8. RAM MANDIR PRAN PRATISHTHA DWADASHI: The first
anniversary celebrations of the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya started
on January 11 with a large number of devotees reaching the holy city to take
part in events. Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the
nation and recalled the centuries of sacrifice, penance, and struggle that
culminated in the construction of the mandir and emphasised its significance as
a symbol of Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
9. 24TH NATIONAL TRIBAL SPORTS COMPETITION BY VANAVASI
KALYAN ASHRAM: The 24th National Tribal Sports Competition, held in Raipur,
the capital of Chhattisgarh, concluded on December 31 with great fanfare. Nearly
600 tribal boys and girls participated in the football and archery events, with
athletes from around 30 states across Bharat, including the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, joining the competition. Additionally, a team of archers from Nepal
also participated.
10. SDSS WINTER CAMPS: In December, Sanatan Dharma
Swayamsevak Sangh conducted Winter Camps in all 6 vibhags of Myanmar. More than
800 people including around 650 shiksharthis, 60 shikshaks and 100 prabandhaks
participated in these camps. -GoTop
11. SEWA USA ACTIVITIES: San Diego chapter of Sewa USA
raised $30,000 during its first banquet-style fundraising event on December 14.
The event drew over 130 attendees, including notable guests such as Antonio
Martinez, a San Ysidro School District Board Member; Alicia Jimenez, Co-founder
of Hearts & Hands Working Together; Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food
Bank; and representatives from Interfaith Community Services.
Sewa Bay Area hosted its Annual Banquet 2024, bringing together over 250
attendees. More than 50 donors contributed during the fundraiser and raised
nearly $800,000 to further Sewa's mission.
12. BHARATIYA AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS REACHING OUT TO FIRE
VICTIMS: As multiple wildfires continue to ravage Southern California,
leaving devastation in their wake, several Bharatiya American organizations have
mobilized to provide critical aid to the affected communities.
Nearly 35,000 acres have been consumed by the fires, claiming at least 10 lives
and destroying hundreds of homes. More than 180,000 residents have been forced
to evacuate. -GoTop
13. SEWA DIWALI FOOD DRIVE 2024: The Sewa Diwali Food
Drive collected over 717,000 pounds of non-perishable food items and distributed
to support those in need across the USA.
Around 3,000 volunteers from all walks of life contributed to this milestone by
hosting food drives, coordinating logistics, and spreading awareness. The
enthusiastic participation of children and youth from the community was
remarkable. -GoTop
14. CANADA MANDIR HONOURS GURU GOBIND SINGH’S LEGACY:
The Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton had faced an attack from pro-Khalistan
protestors on November 3. On December 25, the mandir hosted a Hindu-Sikh unity
event to mark the martyrdom of the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj. The
function was organized by the Hindu-Sikh Unity Forum Canada along with Canadian
Hindus for Harmony, the Vishwa Jain Sangathan Canada, and the Canadian Hindu
Chamber of Commerce.
15. 6 BHARATIYA AMERICANS TAKE OATH AS MEMBERS OF US HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES: Six Bharatiya-Americans - Ami Bera, Suhash Subramania,
Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar and Raja Krishnamoorthi - were sworn
in as members of the US House of Representatives on January 4. All six Bharatiya-American
lawmakers are Democrats.
16. BHARAT SENT HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO BOLIVIA: On
January 3, Bharat dispatched the first batch of humanitarian assistance to
Bolivia to support the country's efforts in tackling devastating forest fires.
Reports suggest that millions of hectares of forest have been charred in the
wildfire, which has also caused considerable damage to homes and fields among
others, causing widespread loss of crops that has triggered shortages of food
and water in the country.
Earlier, Bharat had sent humanitarian assistance consignment compromising of
1000 metric tonnes of rice to Lesotho to help in addressing the food security
and nutritional requirements of people of Lesotho. -GoTop
17. BHARAT TO FUND SRI LANKA’S BOATYARD: The Bharatiya
High Commission in Sri Lanka said that Bharat will provide Sri Lankan Rupees 290
million to develop the Karainagar Boatyard in the Northern Province of the
island nation.
The project envisages rehabilitation of Karainagar Boatyard of the Cey-Nor
Foundation Ltd, incorporated under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and
Economic Development and operating under the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and
Ocean Resources.
18. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Avanish
Mistry—UK., Dr Yashwant Pathak — USA
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What ever given should be given with joy and modesty.
– Taittiriyopanishad – 1.11.3 -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
----
RSS AT100: SHAKHA – A SATSANG OF PATRIOTISM
Madhubhai Kulkarni
As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh approaches the centenary year, Organiser
introduces a special column RSS@100
The first 50 years of the 20th
century was a period filled with utmost enthusiasn for the freedom movement.
Sangh founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (April 1, 1889-June 21, 1940) was a
leading freedom fighter. Be it revolutionary work or raising funds for Lokmanya
Tilak’s Home Rule League or Non-Cooperation Movement led by Gandhiji, or Khadi
campaign, or running Swadeshi Bhandar, or operating Swaatantrya daily, his
active participation was seen everywhere.
Raising Voice Against Oppressors
Dr Hedgewar insisted on Sampoorna Swaatantrya (Absolute Freedom) and not just
self-rule under the British Empire. In the Nagpur Congress session of 1920, the
proposal sent before the working committee exuded the burning desire for freedom
in his heart. “The goal of Congress is to free the countries of the world from
the oppression of the capitalist nation by creating a republic of Bharat.” Dr
Hedgewar wanted Congress to accept this proposal. It would not have been
convenient for Congress to make such an official declaration at that time. The
intensity of achieving independence in his mind is evident from his defence
assertions in court at the time of his conviction in 1921. “Is there really a
law that gives the people of one country the right to rule over the people of
another country? This is my question to the public prosecutor. Is this not
against nature? Who gave the British the right to rule over the people of Bharat?
Just as the people of England rule over England, the people of Germany rule in
Germany, we the people of Bharat wish to rule as masters here. We want absolute
freedom and we will get it.”
One important reason anyone will realise is fitur (treachery). Raja Dahir was
the emperor of Sindh. He was renowned as Maha Parakrami (The Mighty Warrior). He
lost to the invasion of Muhammad bin Qasim. It is said that King Dahir’s
commander defected to Qasim.
Did Veer Prithviraj Chauhan, who repeatedly defeated Muhammad Ghori, lose in the
end due to treachery? He did.
Mighty Prithviraj was ambushed and captured by his own father-in-law Jaichand.
The enemy will be confused with temptations, ‘I will kill him, and make you
emperor’. The ambition of becoming an emperor rose so high that the thought of
an enemy entering the country did not occur to him. If this continues, will the
freedom gained after much hardships may be lost again? Why is patriotism
considered a virtue of only a few?
Instilling Patriotism
Every citizen should be naturally patriotic; patriotism should be the primary
attribute of everyone. This question is as significant as freedom itself. The
practice of fitur must stop. The extent of turbulence in Keshav’s mind by the
question of how the Independence was lost is evident from his correspondence
with his uncle Shri Abaji Hedgewar. Keshav became a Doctor and returned to
Nagpur from Calcutta. Naturally, the discussion of marriage started among the
relatives. Abaji wrote him a letter. Lokmanya Tilak, Gandhiji, Veer Savarkar,
Doctor Munje are married and are actively participating in the freedom movement,
when are you planning to get married? We get to understand the dilemma in
Keshav’s mind from the response he gives. He writes, “Everything you say is
true, but my mind is clouded with one question. Is it not possible to stop our
defeat and enslavement to the enemy because of the treachery of our own people?
If I can do anything to stop this, I will consider myself blessed. It is true
when you say that one can be active in the freedom movement even after getting
married but my mental makeup is different. I will not be able to divide my heart
in two parts for home and country. I have decided that I don’t want to get
married, please stop discussing about my marriage.’ The flame in his heart is
seen from his statements from time to time.
Gandhiji was sentenced to six years imprisonment on March 18th, 1922. Until his
release from prison, Gandhi Day was observed on the 18th of every month.
Here is a statement from Doctorji’s speech on one such Gandhi Day. “Today is the
day to hear and reflect on the qualities of a virtuous man like Gandhiji.
Gandhiji’s most important virtue is immense selflessness for the task
undertaken. To be called a follower of Gandhiji, leave for the battlefield with
a basil leaf on your house (Leave household worries aside)’. Doctorji’s heart
was burning with these thoughts.
While being a pioneer and active in all kinds of efforts for the attainment of
Independence, seeing his trailblazing thoughts during this time, his distinctive
feature as a freedom fighter becomes apparent.
It is impossible to create a lasting form of patriotism without effective
inculcation of samskaras (moral values). Until this happens, integrity in social
conduct is not possible.
Efforts must be made to solve the problems experienced in the society today, but
if these vexing problems are to be solved for good, then a large number of
citizens who are constantly vigilant for the betterment of the country should be
raised with the sense of devotion to motherland across the nation as a tradition
for a few generations.
From the above thoughts, it can be seen that Doctorji was thinking about how
society should be prepared for attaining freedom.
Building a Resilient Society
The debate about freedom first or social reform first also arose in these days.
Doctorji was not involved in this debate. There is a famous English phrase –
eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. It seems that Doctorji had thought in
detail on how to build a society with the necessary qualities for eternal
vigilance.
Rationale Behind Creating RSS
Doctorji did not just stop thinking, while participating in all kinds of
movements for Independence with utmost perseverance. He started working on
something that was different from agitations and movements. It is known by the
name of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
We saw that Dr Hedgewar wanted to build a society imbued with national spirit,
which does not succumb to personal selfishness and ambition on being initiated
with patriotism. His heart was telling him that it would
take a few generations to inculcate the feeling of patriotism in society.
Keeping in view the objective of raising a large number of citizens in the
entire country, who would be unceasingly alert throughout their lives for the
good of the country, he established a unique work, ultimately known as the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Shakha: A Conglomeration of Patriots
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is known for the daily one-hour Shakha. It is the
conglomeration of patriots. Patriotism must be the primary quality in every
person. Dr Hedgewar added a new dimension to the concept of Satsang – good
thoughts, good deeds which is an empirical expression of society. Saints,
promoters of sects, call for participating in Satsangs. It enhances personal
virtues. Satsangs that inculcate devotion to God and Guru are inherent there in
the society.
Ishwar Bhakti, Deva Bhakti, Guru Bhakti are not less, immense patriotism is
missing. It is impossible to develop a lasting form of patriotism without a
fully effective dispensation of Samskaras. Until this, integrity in social
practices is difficult to come by.
There is a need for satsangs that can effectively inculcate a sense of
patriotism, every Shakha is a satsang of patriotism. Dr Hedgewar’s accurate
contemplation is evident in this regard.
No photo or image of any deity or great hero is kept in the Shakha. If a special
tithi of such a person is to be celebrated on behalf of the Shakha then only a
photo is put up for that event. There is no photo in the daily Shakha. Neither
is of Dr Hedgewar’s as the Sangh founder. No slogans such as ‘Sangh Amar Rahe’
(Long Live Sangh), ‘Dr Hedgewar Amar Rahe’ (Long Live Dr. Hedgewar), ‘Jai Shri
Ram’, ‘Jai Jagat’ and ‘Jai Bheem’ are given in the Shakha.
There is no Hanuman Chalisa, Navagraha Stotra in the Shakha. Shakha means pure
patriotism, only Bharat
Mata ki Jai, Rashtra Devo Bhava emotion should be cultivated. Patriotism does
not depend on what I get. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar expressed his thoughts in his
last speech in the Constituent Assembly that patriotism cannot be a subject of
bargaining.
“Now we are accepting multi-party democracy, every party will try to come to
power, when the question of party interest and national interest arises, will
each party give priority to the national interest? This question troubles my
mind. Will the freedom attained after such a long time go in vain?
I am a Bharatiya first, a Bharatiya in the middle and a Bharatiya last, if the
time comes to sacrifice for Bharat, I will be there in the front row. No one
will be able to attack the unity of Bharat. There is a deep cultural unity in
our society (that should be recognised by all).”
Whether you are a Marxist, a Lohian, a Gandhian or an Ambedkarite, it is
important to be patriotic. For every citizen, it should be Nation First, this is
what Sangh is trying to achieve through its efforts. An illustration of Japan
has been heard many times. A Bharatiya family travelled to Japan. After having
their meal at a restaurant, the waiter takes their bill amount and says, “It was
not nice of you to waste so much food on your plates.” The Bharatiya traveller
says “Haven’t you got all the money? It is up to us whether we eat or not.” The
Japanese waiter says, “The money is yours but the food belongs to the country.”
Today more than 80,000 patriotic Satsangs (shakhas) are going on; there is an
effort to take it to 1,00,000 soon. The Sangh is running a single-point agenda
to open Shakhas in every village, every colony. Sarsanghchalak travels to the
State, province, holds meetings with karyakartas and plans to open shakhas in
every mandal and colony.
There was Satyagraha, readiness to suffer imprisonment, even ultimate sacrifice
if necessary for the attainment of freedom. If anyone ever thought about what
qualities are essential in society in independent Bharat, it was Dr Hedgewar.
That is his uniqueness as a freedom fighter. We want citizens wanting to live
for the country. We want citizens who are patriotic in daily practice, follow
discipline, live with integrity, have an environment-friendly lifestyle, who do
not accept discrimination, and have self-respect. There is a line of poetry
which says ‘Krantdarshi (visionary) Keshava saw a divine dream’. He had strong
confidence that the work he had started would make Independence a possibility.
He always said that Sangh work is divine work. https://organiser.org/2024/12/30/271418/bharat/rss-at-100-shakha-a-satsang-of-patriotism/
(the Writer is Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s senior Pracharak )
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
