Jyeshta Amavasya , Vik. Samvat 2083, Yugabda 5128 : 16 May, 2026: SM 8004 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS : ADHIK MAAS 2026 (May 17 to June 15 according to Gregorian
calendar), is also known as Purushottam Maas or Mal Maas. Adhik Maas is a
scientific, astronomical correction method in the Hindu lunisolar calendar that
adds an extra month to align the 354-day lunar year with the 365-day solar year.
Sankranti is the time taken by the sun to transit from one rashi (30° sidereal
zodiac) to another, which usually occurs every month. The lunar month that does
not feature a solar Sankranti is labelled as Adhik month. This method is based
on the ancient Bharatiya astronomical texts of Surya Siddhanta and Vashistha
Siddhanta. This ensures that the Panchang remains accurate and in sync with
nature.
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: RSS
Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat attended a programme organized by Dr. Hedgewar
Smarak Samiti to felicitate the people under whose guidance the Ram Mandir was
constructed. The programme, held at Maharshi Vyas Sabhagruh in Reshimbagh, was
attended by Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, Suresh (Bhayyaji) Joshi, and Champat Rai,
among others.
Dr Bhagwat delivered a special lecture on ‘Social Harmony as a Catalyst for
National Development’ at JSS Mahavidyapeetha, Mysuru, on May 7. He also released
a book ‘Atmano Mokshartham Jagat Hitayacha’ along with Pujya Jagadguru Sri
Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur Kshetra.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Bhagwat said the Bharatiya concept of ‘samaj’ was
fundamentally different from the Western concept of ‘society’. He said that
Bharat’s civilisational thought was based on oneness, cooperation, duty, and
mutual responsibility rather than social contract theories. He stated that
Bharat viewed land, people, and civilisation collectively as the nation, and not
merely the state structure. Referring to Bharat’s spiritual traditions, Bhagwat
said that the idea of oneness of existence formed the foundation of Bharatiya
thought and social harmony. He stressed that social discrimination and
inequality existed in the mind and called for behavioural change, social
interaction, and emotional integration to remove divisions in society.
On April 24, Dr Bhagwat laid the foundation stone of Bharat Durga Mandir in
Nagpur. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Bharat must be understood from
its own civilisational values rather than through a colonial or Western lens
developed over 150 years.
3. YASHWANTRAO KELKAR CENTENARY CELEBRATION PROGRAM:
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Delhi organised a grand special
commemorative programme titled ‘Priya Kelkar Ji’ on the occasion of the birth
centenary year of ABVP’s organisational architect and former National President
Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civic Centre on May 10.
The programme was attended by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Sarkaryavah
Dattatreya Hosabale as the Chief Guest.
4. RSS CENTENARY PROGRAMS: A pramukh jan goshthi was
organised on May 3 in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, on the occasion of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary year. Suresh (Bhayyaji) Joshi, Akhil Bharatiya
Karyakarini Sadasya of RSS, addressed the gathering and said that individuals
must perform their duties with a sense of responsibility towards society and
nature.
On April 27, a pramukh jan goshthi of litterateurs and historians was organized
in Jabalpur in the presence of Suresh Soni, Akhil Baharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya
of RSS. Speaking on the occasion, Soni emphasised that Bharat’s ancient
philosophy and culture are inherently welfare-oriented for the entire world, but
over time this tradition became fragmented.
Akhil Bharatiya Sanyojak of Prajna Pravah J Nandakumar addressed a pramukh jan
goshthi organised at the Jagadish Chandra Bose Auditorium of Maharaja Chhatrasal
Bundelkhand University on April 27. He called upon swayamsevaks to reach every
section of the society, assess the strength within society, and channelise it
meaningfully in national service.
5. RSS AT 100 : A CIVILIZATIONAL DIALOGUE: In April
2026, as RSS completed its one hundredth year of selfless service to society and
nation, its General Secretary, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale undertook a
sequence of engagements across the United Kingdom, the United States and
Germany. Within a span of a single month, he addressed academic forums, policy
institutions, civic gatherings and members of the Bharatiya diaspora in London,
at Stanford University, at the Hudson Institute in Washington, and at leading
German institutions in Berlin. The arc of these engagements, considered
together, reflects a deliberate widening of the civilizational dialogue that RSS
has cultivated within Bharat. The visits were on invite of several institutions and organisations and were
exploratory, i.e., great civilizational traditions sought to understand one
another at the level of values, history, organisation and shared aspiration.
United Kingdom, April 10-15
The six days of engagements in London and Rugby included a session at Catham
House on ‘RSS View of the World’; a roundtable at the International Centre for
Sustainability on ‘Understanding Bharat from the Grassroots’; an academic
roundtable on ‘RSS and Civic Institutions’ with researchers from Oxford,
University College London, the School of Oriental and African Studies, the
London School of Economics, Cambridge and Sussex; a cross party dinner with
senior business leaders on the ‘Global Vision of RSS in the Present Geopolitical
Scenario’; a session with Hindu samaj leaders and community organisations; and a
Karyakarta Mandal baithak of HSS UK at Rugby.
United States, April 16-26
The ten days of engagement in the USA was anchored around two principal events.
The first was participation in the inaugural THRIVE 2026 summit at the Stanford
Faculty Club, convened by the Global Science Innovation Forum. The second was a
fireside dialogue at the Hudson Institute, Washington D.C., with foreign policy
thinker Walter Russell Mead.
Germany, April 28-29
In Berlin, Hosabale participated in two days of discussions with senior
representatives of leading German policy institutions – Stiftung Wissenchaft und
Politik and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung – alongside members associated with the
Abgeordnetenhaus of Berlin. He also addressed a community gathering of more than
200 volunteers of HSS Germany.
6. HSS ZAMBIA CONDUCTED A HINDU HERITAGE CAMP: On April
26, HSS Zambia successfully conducted a Hindu Heritage Camp at the campus of the
Indian School of Lusaka. The event saw participation of 142 campers, 15 youth
volunteers, and 10 senior volunteers, all of whom worked diligently to ensure
the successful execution of the program.
7. 6TH ANNUAL BOOK FAIR AT TREWYN SCHOOL: The 6th annual
Book Fair at Trewyn School, organized and sponsored by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS),
Peoria, and Hindu Mandir of Central Illinois, Peoria, was held on April 22–24.
It was a vibrant celebration of curiosity, joy, and possibility. For the sixth
consecutive year, students from kindergarten through 8th grade eagerly entered
the library, their excitement visible in their smiles and energy. For many, the
experience of holding, choosing, and purchasing a brand-new book was deeply
empowering.
Students arrived class by class, respectfully browsing under the guidance of
teachers and HSS volunteers. Younger children received thoughtful help selecting
books suited to their reading levels, transforming the experience into one of
confidence and discovery.
Community support made a remarkable impact. With $5,000 in donations, over 1,000
books were procured, and 876 ultimately reached students’ homes and classrooms.
Around 375 students purchased or received books, raising $450 for Trewyn School.
The book fair was supported by 100 individual donors, including 25 HSS members
from around the country. The book fair was executed by 25 volunteers who
contributed over 60 hours. The Principal of Trewyn school, Mr. Brown, Mrs.
Kineta Swan, and all the teaching and support staff supported the event with
their cooperation. -GoTop
8. HSS USA GURU VANDANA 2026: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
USA (HSS) Naperville-Aurora organized Guru Vandana event at the beginning of
Teachers’ Appreciation Week and National Teachers’ Day on May 3. The event
honored 71 educators and administrators from 15 schools in Naperville, Aurora,
Oswego and Plainfield by their students. School district 308 Superintendent Dr.
Andalib Khelghati appreciated all the teachers for their guidance to students
and congratulated HSS for organizing the program.
9. SEWA INTERNATIONAL USA NATIONAL CONFERENCE: A call
for collective, community-driven development and institutional reimagination
marked the 20th national conference of Sewa International USA, held on May 2–3
at Om Ashram in San Antonio.
More than 170 volunteers and leaders from 25 chapters attended the conference
themed ‘Strategic Horizons & Operational Excellence’. Participants included
members of Sewa International’s board of directors, advisory board, executive
team, chapter presidents, coordinators, and other functionaries. The conference
highlighted Sewa’s focus on volunteer-driven community engagement and long-term
social initiatives.
Among elected officials attending the conference were Jose Menendez, who
represents Texas Senate District 26, John Lujan of District 118, and Ivalis Meza
Gonzalez.
In his welcome remarks, Suresh Jain, chairman of Sewa’s Board, said that the
convention provided volunteers an opportunity to learn from one another and gain
inspiration through shared experiences.
Srikanth Gundavarapu, president of Sewa International USA, released the
organization’s annual report and the organization’s impact, describing it as a
reflection of “compassion in action”.
In his concluding remarks, Sewa advisor Saumitra Gokhale said that the
organization’s vision was to create a harmonious world where humanity
experiences oneness through service.
Sewa International also presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Ramesh Bhutada
and Houston-based community leader Ramesh Shah in recognition of their decades
of community service. -GoTop
10. SEWA BAY AREA ACTIVITIES: On April 26, Sewa Bay
Area organized a mindfulness session as part of the LEAD project, with around 20
youth participants actively engaging in the workshop. The session, focused on
‘Mindfulness Hacks to Stop Overthinking’ and was led by wellness coach Suparna
Chatterjee.
11. PALLIATIVE CARE VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZED BY
SEVA BHARATI: A palliative care volunteer training program was organized by
Seva Bharati for people from all wards of Pavithreswaram Panchayat in Kollam
district, Kerala, at Kaithakode Aishwarya Auditorium.
12. FIJI PM INAUGURATED REBUILT HINDU MANDIR: Fiji’s
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officiated the reopening of Tavua Laxmi Narayan
Mandir, marking a major cultural and spiritual milestone for the local community
nearly a decade after it was destroyed by Cyclone Winston. Speaking at the
ceremony in Tavua, the Prime Minister described the Mandir as more than a place
of worship, calling it a “living spiritual center” that will guide faith,
service and community life for generations. “This Mandir stands as a testament
to collective action,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of mandir trustees,
donors, volunteers and artisans who contributed to rebuilding the structure.
13. SAREE RUN MAKES US DEBUT: The first U.S. edition of
the Saree Run brought around 250 participants to Huntington Beach Central Park
East for a 5K fun run and wellness festival centered on health, culture and
community. The event featured yoga sessions, wellness workshops, vendor booths
and a ‘Saree Reimagined’ fashion presentation by local South Asian designers.
Organizers said proceeds from registration fees were donated to the
Artesia-based nonprofit South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency (SAHARA), which
supports abuse survivors.
The Saree Run movement began in Bengaluru in 2016 with a small group of women
and has since expanded to multiple cities across Bharat. -GoTop
14. 7-YEAR-OLD ISHANK CREATES HISTORY WITH PALK STRAIT
SWIM: In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, seven-year-old
Ishank Singh from Ranchi created history by successfully swimming across the
challenging 29-km stretch of the Palk Strait. The young swimmer completed the
demanding route from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu in
approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes on April 30. With this achievement, he has
been recognised as the “Youngest and Fastest Palk Strait Swimmer” by the
Universal Records Forum.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated the young swimmer, calling
his accomplishment an exceptional example of discipline and dedication that has
brought pride to the state and the nation. -GoTop
15. APPLICATIONS FOR OCI CARDS CAN NOW BE MADE ONLINE:
The Union Home Ministry notified an amendment to the Citizenship Act allowing
online application for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. The digital
application will be for both inclusion and renunciation. All applications can be
submitted electronically through the portal https://ociservices.gov.in.
Those registered as OCI will be issued OCI card in physical form or an
electronic e-OCI registration containing details. The authorities will maintain
a record of persons registered as OCI in electronic form.
Similarly, a declaration of renunciation of the card can be made electronically
on designated portal to Bharatiya Missions or Posts, or Foreigners Regional
Registration Officers. -GoTop
16. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Among a man’s many good
possessions, a good command of speech has no equal. Prosperity and ruin issue
from the power of the tongue. Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless
speech. – Thiruvalluvar -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM: INDIA’S CIVILISATIONAL PATH TO GLOBAL PEACE AND HARMONY
Kunwar Pushpendra Pratap Singh
In an era marked
by persistent conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, climate crises, economic
inequalities, and cultural tensions, the quest for global peace and harmony has
become more urgent than ever before. The modern world, despite its technological
advancements and interconnectedness, continues to struggle with divisions and
distrust among nations and communities. In such a scenario, India’s ancient
philosophical principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — meaning “the world is one
family” — emerges as a powerful and timeless framework for fostering global
unity, peace, and cooperation.
The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam originates from the Maha Upanishad, an
ancient Indian text that emphasises the universality of human existence. It
states that narrow-minded individuals discriminate between “mine” and “others”,
while those with a noble outlook consider the entire world as one family. This
profound idea reflects the inclusive and holistic worldview of Indian
civilisation, which transcends boundaries of nation, religion, language, and
culture. It promotes a sense of shared responsibility and mutual respect among
all human beings.
Historically, India has embodied this principle through its commitment to peace
and non-violence. The teachings of Lord Buddha and Mahavira emphasised
compassion and non-harm towards all living beings. In the modern era, Mahatma
Gandhi brought global attention to the power of non-violence (Ahimsa) as a tool
for political and social transformation. His philosophy not only played a
crucial role in India’s freedom struggle but also inspired civil rights
movements across the world. Gandhi’s vision was rooted in the belief that
humanity is interconnected, and that true peace can only be achieved through
understanding and non-violent coexistence.
In contemporary times, the relevance of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has only grown
stronger. The challenges facing the world today-such as climate change,
pandemics, terrorism, and economic instability-are inherently global in nature.
They demand collective action, shared responsibility, and a spirit of
cooperation among nations. India has consistently advocated this approach on
international platforms by promoting the idea of “One Earth, One Family, One
Future”, which reflects the essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in a modern
context.
India’s actions on the global stage further reinforce its commitment to this
principle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India launched the “Vaccine Maitri”
initiative, supplying vaccines to numerous countries, especially developing
nations that lacked access to medical resources. This humanitarian effort
demonstrated that India prioritises global well-being over narrow national
interests. Similarly, India has actively participated in United Nations
peacekeeping missions and has provided aid to countries affected by natural
disasters, reflecting its role as a responsible and compassionate global actor.
Furthermore, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is not limited to diplomatic or political
spheres; it also has profound implications for social and cultural interactions.
In a world increasingly divided by identity politics, religious extremism, and
cultural misunderstandings, this principle encourages dialogue, tolerance, and
mutual respect. It reminds us that diversity is not a source of conflict, but a
strength that enriches human civilisation.Education plays a crucial role in
promoting the values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. By instilling a sense of global
citizenship and ethical responsibility in younger generations, societies can
cultivate individuals who are more empathetic, inclusive, and cooperative.
Cultural exchange programmes, international collaborations, and people-to-people
connections can further strengthen this sense of global unity.
India’s soft power also contributes significantly to spreading this philosophy
worldwide. Practices such as yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, and Indian classical
arts have gained global recognition and acceptance. The celebration of
International Yoga Day across countries is a testament to how India’s cultural
heritage can unite people beyond geographical and ideological boundaries. These
traditions not only promote physical and mental well-being but also foster a
sense of inner peace and harmony, which are essential for building a peaceful
world.
However, the path of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is not without challenges. The
current global order is heavily influenced by power politics, economic
competition, and strategic interests. Many nations prioritise short-term gains
over long-term collective benefits, leading to conflicts and mistrust. Bridging
these differences requires strong leadership, moral courage, and a willingness
to embrace a broader vision of humanity.
Despite these challenges, the principle remains a viable and necessary path
forward. It does not demand the erasure of national identities or interests, but
rather encourages their alignment with global welfare. It calls for a shift in
perspective-from competition to cooperation, from division to unity, and from
self-centredness to shared responsibility.
In conclusion, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is not merely an ancient Indian ideal; it
is a universal philosophy with profound relevance in today’s world. It offers a
roadmap for building a more peaceful, just, and harmonious global society. By
embracing this principle, nations can move beyond conflict and rivalry towards
collaboration and mutual growth. As the world stands at a crossroads, grappling
with complex challenges, India’s civilisational wisdom provides a beacon of hope
— reminding us that we are all part of one global family, and that our
collective future depends on our ability to live together in peace and harmony.
The writer is a Post-Doctoral Fellow (ICSSR, Ministry of Education), Department
of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi; Views presented are personal.
https://dailypioneer.com/news/slug-lite/vasudhaiva-kutumbakam-indias-civilisational-path-to-global-peace-and-harmony?year=2026
-GoTop
