SAMVAD

Phalgun Shukla 8, Vik.Samvat 2072. Yugabda 5117: March 16, 2016


1. festivals: MahaShivaratri Celebrations 2. ACCELERATE PROCESS TO STRENGTHEN PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE: RSS
3. WE SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN OUR HERITAGE: MODI 4. WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL CONCLUDES ON A SUCCESSFUL NOTE
5. PSLV-C32 PLACES BHARAT'S SIXTH NAVIGATION SATELLITE IRNSS-1F IN ORBIT 6. FYULIKAUTHIG SEWA INTERNATIONAL
7. DU'S FOREIGN STUDENTS COUNT HITS RECORD 8. CANADA'S NEW FIRST LADY IS A YOGA TEACHER
9. RSS DROPS SHORTS, WILL PULL ON BROWN PANTS 10. PRESIDENT GUYANA JOINS HINDUS IN MAHA SHIVARATRI
11. 'SAKSHAM' TO MAKE BHARAT FREE FROM CORNEAL BLINDNESS IN 3 YEARS 12. RSS TRAINING CAMP IN TAWANG
13. CHITRA BHARATI FILM FESTIVAL: FEAST OF FILMY FEST 14. TRIBUTE TO VEER SAVARKAR ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY
15. BHARAT SUCCESSFULLY TESTS FIRES AGNI-I AT ABDUL KALAM ISLAND 16. OBITUARY: Senior RSS pracharak Shri Suryakrishna ji passed away
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

ABPS 2016: Resolutions

1. Need for effective health care and easy access to affordable medical services

2. Accessible, affordable and quality education for all

3. Practice Samarasata in day to day life


1. festivals: Thousands of devotees made beelines to Shiva temples across western Odisha on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri on 7th March.

With Shaivism flourishing in the region due to the rule of Chauhan dynasty in the region, Shiva temples dot the landscape. In the undivided district of Sambalpur, a large number of Shiva temples were built during the Chauhan rule. Prominent among them are Asta Sambhu Pitha comprising Bimaleswar in Huma, Kedarnath in Ambabhona, Vishwanath in Deogaon etc. These temples though small in height are of great artistic beauty. The presiding deity Bimaleswar of leaning temple of Huma is the chief among the Asta Sambhus and continues to raise curiosity due to its architectural marvel of leaning temple.

In most of the temples 'Khichidi Bhog' is offered to the Lord and distributed among the devotees while many other keep fast. -goTop

 

2. ACCELERATE PROCESS TO STRENGTHEN PEOPLE'S CONFIDENCE: RSS: The recent anti-national outbursts in country's premier institutions, indiscriminate and mindless violence in the name of reservation in Gujarat and Haryana, repeated attacks on security forces and communal frenzy over petty incidents notwithstanding, the change in the political sphere has instilled a new confidence in the people of Bharat and Bharatiyas living abroad. Their expectations have increased with the atmosphere of confidence that was developed. Therefore, those in power are expected to accelerate the process that has paved the way for this new-found confidence and make it more pronounced.

Setting this tone on the contemporary national scenario, in the annual report presented to the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS - the highest decision-making body of the RSS) meeting held at Nagaur - Rajasthan from 11-13 March; Sarkaryawah Suresh alias Bhayyaji Joshi expressed serious concern over the issues related to temple entry for members of fair sex, attacks on security forces, growing communal frenzy and university campuses becoming hotbeds of anti-national activities in the recent past.

The annual meeting attended by elected representatives of RSS from all over the country besides the all Bharat office-bearers of RSS Kendriya Karyakarini and RSS inspired organisations was formally inaugurated by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohanrao Bhagwat and Sarkaryawah Suresh alias Bhayyaji Joshi.

Giving vent to his concerns over the 'use' of universities for breeding anti-Bharat activities, the RSS Sarkaryawah in his report said that when the renowned and premier institutions and universities generate people raising slogans calling for breaking of and destroying the nation, it naturally becomes a matter of grave concern for all the patriotic people. The report also referred to the violent agitations in Gujarat and Haryana in the name of reservation and observed that these agitations are not only a challenge to the administration but also weaken the social harmony and erode trust.

Taking a very serious view of the attacks on security forces, Pathankot Airbase attack being the latest, the RSS report said that these frequent attacks have become a big challenge to our security arrangements. However, the RSS praised the security forces for repulsing these attacks with valiant fight. The report after paying homage to karyakaeras and prominent personalities from society who passed away during the last year traced various achievements of RSS activities throughout Bharat. Sarsahghachalak ji Dr Mohan Bhagwat toured all the 11 Kshetras where Baithak of important sanghy Karyakartas and five ‘Gatividhis namely gauseva, dharmajagaran, kutumb prabodhan, gramvikas and Samarasta were held. He also had personal meetings with more than 60 prominent persons and dignitaries. Prominent among them are Hon. President Shri Pranav Mukharjee, Saint Devsingh Adwaiti of Valmiki Samaj, Shri Chandra Swami of Udasin sect. He also had meetings with industrialists Shri Venkat Krishnamurthy of G.V.K. group, Shri Venu Srinivasan of T.V.S. motors and media barons like Shrimati Shobhana Bhartiya of Hindustan Times, Shri Arun Puri of Aajtak,

A Shrung Shibir 'Swaranjali' was held in Bengaluru from 7-10 January where a total of 1993 shrung vasaks took part. Prachar vibhag organized special programs like Column writers meet, Workshop for Social media etc.

Seva Vibhag conducts 1,52,388 activities are conducted by the various trusts and organizations run by Swayamsevaks in various states. Current Sewa Karyas category wise are Education - 81,278, Health - 22,471, Social - 26,388, Self reliance - 21,981.

A three day 'Gram Sangam' organised at  'Prashanti Kutiram' on 12-14 June 2015 aimed at creative interaction between karyakartas active in the field of 'Samagra Gram Vikas' [Total village development]. 1819 people participated from 673 villages of 13 districts in the 'Gram Sangam'.

A mammoth gathering of over 80,000 swayamsevaks in uniform, 'Shivshakti Sangam', was organized on 3 January 2016 in the august presence of P. P. Sarsanghachalak Ma. Mohan ji Bhagwat. -goTop

 

3. WE SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN OUR HERITAGE: MODI Inaugurating the three-day World Culture Festival on 11th March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar saying he had "introduced" Bharat to the world.

"India has the cultural heritage and richness which the whole world is looking for.We can fulfil those needs... But it can only happen, if we take pride in our heritage," he said while praising Ravi Shankar's efforts.

He lauded Sri Sri for spreading his message to more than 155 countries and representing Bharatiya culture on a world stage. Through Art of Living the world has got to know about Bharat, he added. -goTop

 

4. WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL CONCLUDES ON A SUCCESSFUL NOTE: Sri Sri Ravishankar's World Culture Festival organized by the Art of Living Foundation concluded on a successful note on 13th March. On 11th March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest at the inaugural function, attended by thousands of people who came from all over the world.

Leaders across the world hailed Art of Living (AoL) and its founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for holding the World Culture Festival and invited him to their countries. British Prime Minister David Cameron invited Ravi Shankar to address the House of Commons, the lower house of parliament, while Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull invited AoL to Australia for the next World Culture Festival. Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos also sent a message, news agencies reported.

Among the foreign dignitaries who attended the event were HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan from the UAE, Vice-President of Suriname HE MrAshwin Adin, PM of Japan HE Shinzo Abe, Crown prince of Al Fujairah HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Kamal Thapa, Member of the European Parliament HE Ryszard Czarnecki, Former PM of France HE Dominique de Villepin, Governor of Sverdlovsk Region Evgeny Kuyvashev and Speaker of the Sri lankan parliament  Karu Jayasuriya.

Speaking at the event, HE Shinzo Abe "Sri Sri's message is to spread peace and that is the most essential ideology. We also preach harmony and peaceful coexistence and that is imperative to us."

HE Ashwin Adhin, Vice President of Suriname said in his address, "Today we have the opportunity to spread the message of cultural diversity. We need to adopt a society with diverse culture and tradition. Today we all have come together due to Sri Sri's broad ideology."

Billed as one of the biggest cultural gatherings in recent times, the festival was hosted across 1,000 acres of the Yamuna floodplain. Environmental concerns dogged the event days before it kicked off as green activists, fearing environmental degradation of the fragile floodplain, sought cancellation of the festival.

The World Cultural Festival was a musical and cultural ode to the spirit of humanity, teamwork and diverse traditions that bind citizens of the world into a 'One World Family'- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, an official statement from the organizers said.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the man behind the show thanked all those who attended the festival and made it a resounding success.

"To all of you who have come from nearby and faraway destinations, from different faiths and nationalities, a heartfelt thank you. It's your faith, love and compassion that have enabled the teams at Art of Living to present the biggest and the happiest family get-together - The World Culture Festival," he said.  -goTop

 

5. PSLV-C32 PLACES BHARAT'S SIXTH NAVIGATION SATELLITE IRNSS-1F IN ORBIT: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on 10th March accomplished the penultimate step in developing the country's own navigation system with the textbook launch of IRNSS-1F navigation satellite.

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C32 on carrying the 1,425kg IRNSS-1F (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 4.01pm. Around 20 minutes after liftoff, PSLV C32 successfully placed IRNSS-1F in orbit. "Satellite has been placed in orbit safely," mission director Jayakumar B said.

IRNSS-1F is the sixth of seven satellites that would form a constellation of Bharat's own navigation satellite network. -goTop

 

6. FYULIKAUTHIG SEWA INTERNATIONAL: Sewa international Uttarakhand celebrated FYUNLI KAUTHIG, a festival dedicated to the spirit of womanhood on the eve of International Women's day at the Anchal dairy ground in the scenic village Simli situated on the banks of Pinder River, on 8th March, 2016. This event was attended by more than twelve hundred women who came from the farthest corners of Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand. There were Tribal women, College girls, housewives, women from various socio-economic backgrounds who are today on the same platform because of the community mobilization efforts by Sewa International.

Sewa international also honoured 9 women who have done exemplary work in the fields of environment conservation, women empowerment, education, health, public welfare and sports.

Different cultural activities of Garhwal were presented by the Sewa Sakhis including dancing, folk songs singing, awareness skits and interactive sessions. Stalls were also put up by different SHGs showcasing their products like woollens, farm produce, herbs etc. -goTop

 

7. DU'S FOREIGN STUDENTS COUNT HITS RECORD: The Delhi University (DU) has become a favourable study destination for many foreign students. The number of foreign students seeking admission in DU has registered a significant increase in the current academic year.

According to a senior official, women from Middle East are enrolled in regular courses. Overall students from 57 countries including Tibet, China, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Turkey have got admissions in Delhi University.

"This is the first time when girl students from Turkey have enrolled in the DU while students from Iran are studying law," said the official.

In year 2015, 498 foreign students from 66 nations were registered. However, the number of total students in the university was 1,184 whereas in 2014, the total number of students was 1,030.  -goTop

 

8. CANADA'S NEW FIRST LADY IS A YOGA TEACHER: Canada's First Lady Gregoire-Trudeau is actually a yoga teacher, having done her 200 hour training in 2012, and been a practitioner for years prior. As she told feminist site Pure Vision, yoga brings her a feeling of peace and union:

"I also get inspired a lot from my yoga practice. I think that it brings me to that little person inside of me that's the same as in everyone else. As yoga philosophy mentions, that person is in a continuous state of gratitude and peace....a person that's both male and female - the perfect balance between the two." -goTop

 

9. RSS DROPS SHORTS, WILL PULL ON BROWN PANTS: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh arrived at a landmark decision on 13th March, discarding its 90-year-old trademark khaki shorts for brown full pants on the final day of the Akhil Bharathiya Pratinidhi Sabha at Nagaur - Rajasthan.

"In place of khaki half pants, we've decided to make brown full pants part of our uniform. In normal course, too, full pants are the trend and we accept that," said RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi. Adding that the switch-over to full trousers will not have any impact on its identity, Joshi maintained that RSS is recognized for many other characteristics and not just because of khaki knickers. "We are not a rigid people but keep changing with time. No grassroots organization can make progress without that," added Joshi. -goTop

 

10. PRESIDENT GUYANA JOINS HINDUS IN MAHA SHIVARATRI: President David Granger on 7th March joined with the Hindu community at the Guyana Sevashram Sangha at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara for Maha Shivaratri observances. Though not a calendar holiday, Maha Shivaratri is a very significant festival for Hindus in Guyana. It is marked by fasting, prayers and other rituals that last for a duration of 24-hours. The President was accompanied to the Ashram by Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally.In his address at the Ashram, the President said that this auspicious festival, which is characterized by acts of devotion and veneration of Lord Shiva, enriches the culture of the entire country. "We recognize and respect the right of Hindus to observe their religious festivals and to propagate their religion, including through education," President Granger said. -goTop

 

11. 'SAKSHAM' TO MAKE BHARAT FREE FROM CORNEAL BLINDNESS IN 3 YEARS: RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi launched the Corneal Andhata Mukta Bharat Abhiyan (CAMBA) in New Delhi on March 5. The Abhiyan was launched by Saksham in association with various like-minded organizations. The Abhiyan aims at making Bharat corneal blindness free in three years.

Apart from conducting survey of the corneal blind people the existed eye banks will also be equipped with desired infrastructure so that the transplant rate is increased.

It is necessary today because over 50 per cent of the eyes donated in the country are not successfully transplanted in time due to various reasons. Union Minister of Health JP Nadha, president of Indian Medical Association Dr SS Agrawal, RSS Delhi Prant Sanghachalak Shri Kulbhushan Ahuja and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.  -goTop

 

12. RSS TRAINING CAMP IN TAWANG: At a height of more than 12,000 feet in the frozen cold atmosphere of minus 7 degree temperature and at a distance of just 45 kilometers from Bharat’s international boundary with Tibet, RSS held its first training camp at the backdrop of the 1962 War memories with China where more than 2,400 brave solders had sacrificed their precious lives while protecting the motherland.

In total, 38 trainees from 25 villages of the Tawang District participated in the camp. The seven day Initial Training Camp (ITC) concluded on March 1 at General Parade Ground, Tawang, with an attractive public meeting, which was addressed by Dr Lhaboe Rikya Rimpoche, and also RSS Arunachal Prant Pracharak Dr Sunil Mohanty. Dr Lhaboe Rikya Rimpoche eulogised the selfless service of RSS. He recalled the statement of the Dalai Lama who during his visit to RSS headquarter at Nagpur on January 10, 2014, had said that "Sangh is a patriotic organisation and always works for the welfare of the country and countrymen".  -goTop

 

13. CHITRA BHARATI FILM FESTIVAL: FEAST OF FILMY FEST:  The Film Festival organised under the aegis of Chitra Bharati at Indore on 26-28 February not only revitalised new source of energy for upcoming artists and producers but also encouraged film making based on values and culture of Bharat

The festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Famous television and film actor Manoj Joshi and Eminent director Madhur Bhandarkar also spoke at the event. In the inaugural function, producer of the Sanskrit Film Priya Manasam Vinod Bhaskar, Total 207 films were screened in three categories. On the third and last day of the festival, selected short films, documentaries and animation films were screened. In the documentary section, Mahesh Mishra of Mumbai received the first prize, while Mahesh Kumar from Kerala won the prize in short films section. A special prize was given to Daulat Rathod for his documentary film. The winners were felicitated by noted film-maker Madhur Bhandarkar and Rahul Rawail in the valedictory session. -goTop

 

14. TRIBUTE TO VEER SAVARKAR ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY: South Andaman unit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh organised a pubic function at Veer Savarkar Vatika in Port Blair to pay tribute on his 50th death anniversary. Veteran Sangh Pracharak Shri Madhubhai Kulkarni was present on the occasion. Prior to the function, all the dignitaries and also the general public paid tribute to Savarkar at his room in the Celular Jail. Floral tribute was paid at his statute installed at the Vatika. Zilla Karyavah Shri S Sarathi welcomed Shri Madhubhai Kulkarni, Dakshin Banga Prant Pracharak Shri Bidyut Mukherjee, Nagar Sanghachalak Shri Vijay Kumar and Swami Shuddhananda Saraswati of Chinmaya Mission. Swami Shuddhananda called upon the people to draw inspiration from Savarkar and work for the nation. Shri Madhubhai Kulkarni highlighted various aspects of Savarkar's life. -goTop

 

15. BHARAT SUCCESSFULLY TESTS FIRES AGNI-I AT ABDUL KALAM ISLAND: Bharat on 14th March successfully test fired Intermediate range ballistic missile Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Orissa. The Agni-I missile is a surface-to-surface, single-stage missile, which is capable of hitting a target 700 kms away and capable of carrying nuclear warheads.According to reports, Agni-I has a sophisticated navigation system, which enables it to reach the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision. Agni-I was developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. It is a single-stage missile developed after the Kargil war to fill the gap between 250 km range of Prithvi-II and 2,500 km range of Agni-II. It was first launched on January 25, 2002, from a road mobile launcher at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Wheeler Island, Orissa. -goTop

 

16. OBITUARY: Senior RSS pracharak Shri Suryakrishna ji passed away on 13th March due to age related ailments. Hailing from Saharanpur UP, he became pracharak in 1954 and held various responsibilities in sangh and VHP, Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad etc. He donated his body to the Safdarjang medical college. A shraddhanjali Sabha was held on 16th March at Keshav Kunj, New Delhi attended by RSS Sarkaryavaha Bhayya ji Joshi, Hon Governor of Goa Smt Mridula Sinha, his close relatives and other prominent karyakartas. -goTop

 

17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Saumitra Gokhale, Vishwa Vibhag samyojak will leave Bharat for USA, Dr Ram Vaidya, sah samyojak would leave for UK.

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Indian religion has always felt that since the minds, the temperaments and the intellectual affinities of men are unlimited in their variety, a perfect liberty of thought and of worship must be allowed to the individual in his approach to the Infinite. - Sri Aurobindo  -goTop

JAI SHREE RAM

 

(Following resolutions were passed at the RSS ABPS meeting)

Resolution No.1

Need for effective health care and easy access to affordable medical services

It is most essential to pursue healthy and hygienic life style and provide access to medical facilities to the common people, for ensuring healthy and disease free life for all the citizens. Today, when the diseases arising out of unhealthy life styles are growing fast, medical services are becoming out of access for common citizens due to forbidding cost. Consequently, innumerable families are either getting indebted or large number of families are even deprived of their means of subsistence for want of treatment of the earning members of the family. Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha expresses its deep concern over this state.

For the sound health, it is most necessary to accord significance to healthy diet, way of living and lifestyle along with virtuousness, spirituality, yog, daily exercise and cleanliness. Children should be vaccinated timely. It is also very significant that society becomes free from all kinds of intoxications.  Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is of the opinion that all the conscious citizens, including the sawaymsevaks should endeavour to arouse wider public awareness in this direction.

On account of concentration of medical facilities in the large towns, there is shortage of medical facilities in the remote and rural areas. Large number of people are deprived of medical facilities due to inadequate medical facilities and shortage of medical personnel, and the long queues for admission,  diagnosis and treatment. Rising cost of medical education is one of the major causes for the expensive medical services and deterioration in their quality and credibility. Quality medical services should be accessible to all citizens, including women and children in the country. For this, well functioning medical services of all kinds and systems need to be expanded across the country especially in rural and tribal areas. Information technology should be effectively used for the continuity in treatment and expert counsel.

Hospitals run by various social, religious and community organizations with charitable and philanthropic attitude at various places in the country, have been providing treatment to the common people in society very effectively and judiciously. Government support needs to be extended to such endeavours, worth emulation. Appreciating all such endeavours, the Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon the country's industry groups, voluntary and social organizations and charitable trusts to further come forward in this direction. From this perspective, public and community partnerships and co-operative institutions  need to be promoted.

The schemes of free distribution of medicines started in some states in last few years and the proposal made for 3000 medicine centers by the central government in the recent budget are welcome moves. To bring medicines within the reach of common people, promotion of generic medicines, effective control of drug prices and making of the patents regime humane is necessary. To ensure the quality of medicines, they should be regularly tested in the laboratories. Standardisation and development of methods of testing of medicines of Ayurvedic, Unani and other systems is also important.

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon all the countrymen, including swayamsevaks, voluntary organizations and the government to endeavour to make lives of all citizens disease free by awakening the society for healthy life style, child and mother's healthcare, eradication of malnourishment and de addiction against intoxication. For making all kinds of medical services accessible to common people, the central and state governments should bring requisite improvement in the infrastructure, policies and procedures, with the allocation of adequate resources. For this, coordinated expansion, regulation, teaching and research be promoted in all the systems of medicine, and the regulatory mechanism and statutory provisions be executed transparently. -goTop

 

Resolution No. 2

Accessible, affordable and quality education for all

Education is an essential means for the development of any nation and society for which; both the society and government are responsible for nourishing, promoting and patronizing it. Education is a tool for nurturing the seeds of attributes and potentialities of a pupil for development of his holistic personality. It is a primary responsibility of the government in a welfare state to ensure education and healthcare to every citizen along with food, clothing, shelter and employment.

Bharat is a country with the highest number of youngsters. It is the responsibility of the government and society to make unhindered appropriate education available to its youth according to their aptitude, ability and quality for their participation in the scientific, technological, economic and social development of the nation. Today, all the parents want to impart good education to their wards. Where there is appreciable rise in the number of pupils acquiring education, it has become difficult for them to get affordable quality education. Inadequate allocation on education and lack of priority to education in government policy during the preceding years has left open this field to the institutions with the motive of profit. Today, poor students are deprived of appropriate quality education. As a consequence, the growing economic disparity in the society is a serious concern for the whole nation.

In the contemporary education scenario, the governments must come forward towards its responsibility of allocating adequate resources and formulating appropriate policies. There is a need to curb the rising commercialization of the education sector so that the pupils are not compelled to acquire education at unaffordable costs. 

The government should strengthen the autonomous self regulatory mechanism for the education institutions in terms of their quality, infrastructure, service conditions, fees and standards so that its policies are implemented in a transparent manner.

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is of the opinion that every child should get value based, nationalistic, employment oriented and skill based education in an atmosphere of equal opportunity. It is utmost essential to ensure proper training, appropriate salaries and strengthen the dutifulness of the teachers to enhance their standard; both in state run and private schools.

Traditionally our society has played a vital role in providing affordable quality education to the common man. In today’s context also, all the social, religious organizations, corporates, educationists and eminent people should come forward in this direction owning their responsibility.

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon the Central and State Governments and local bodies to ensure availability of requisite resources and necessary statutory mechanisms for imparting affordable quality education to all.  It also appeals to the society to come forward in this noble cause of imparting education especially in the rural, tribal and undeveloped areas so that a worthy, able and knowledge driven society is created which will play its important role in the development and upliftment of the nation. -goTop

 

Resolution No. 3

Practice Samarasata in day to day life

Bharat is an ancient nation and it has a hoary tradition of thought process. It is our realization and conviction that both the animate and inanimate world are born out of a single element and the same element resides in all the living beings. All the human beings are equal as the same divinity uniformly pervades every being. Rishis, Munis, Saints, Gurus and social reformers have strengthened this truth by their experiences and conduct.

Whenever our social structures and day to day conduct remained commensurate with these pre-eminent ideals then Bharat has been an integral, prosperous and invincible nation. When there was an erosion in practicing this noble philosophy of life, the society degenerated, a feeling of caste based disparity increased and an inhuman evil like untouchabilty was born.

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is of the opinion that each individual should conduct oneself with samarasata (social harmony) in day to day personal, family and societal life on the basis of our eternal and timeless life ideals. It is this conduct that will eradicate caste discrimination, untouchability and mutual distrust from the society and all of us will experience an integral and samaras life free of exploitation.

Nation draws its strength from the society and strength of the society lies in the integrity, spirit and conduct of harmony and fraternity.  Our eternal ideals have the ability to create this. One should have conduct based on affinity, dignity and equality for all others as described in ‘Atmavat Sarvabhooteshu’  (all other beings treated as oneself), 'Adweshta Sarva Bhootanam'  (malice towards none) and 'Ek Noor te sab jag upja, Kaun bhaley, kau mandey' ( From that one light the whole world was born, so how one is superior and other inferior). Any kind of discriminatory behavior and evil like untouchaility should be uprooted altogether. For the smooth functioning of the society, it is utmost essential that all the social and religious institutions in the society need to steer the course based on our hoary ideals of life.

Since time immemorial several great personalities and social reformers of our society have  presented an integral view point of the ideal social life to the nation, emphasizing on the changes in the individual and community conduct consistent with time, place and circumstances for the creation of the society based on equality and free of exploitation. Their lives, ideals and actions are forever a source of inspiration to the society.

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha humbly appeals to all the revered Saints, preachers, intellectuals and social activists to actively contribute to the enlightenment of the society in this context. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha exhorts all the citizens alongwith swayamsevaks to maintain a conduct with samarasata and appeals to all the social and religious organizations to make every possible effort to strengthen this feeling of samarasata. -goTop


@Shri Vishwa Niketan www.shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com vishwav@bol.net.in


SAMVAD

Phalgun Krishna 7, Vik.Samvat 2072. Yugabda 5117: 1 March 2016


1. festivals: Ramakrishna Jayanti 2. MAHAMAHAM FESTIVAL CONCLUDES, AT KUMBAKONAM
3. Non-political committee should decide eligibility for reservation: Bhagwat 4.  We are bonded by our tradition of spirituality, says Modi
5. Hindu Dharma Seminar for Teachers BY HSS Dallas and HUA 6.   'Research For Resurgence'
7.  Govt to set up Sanskrit cells in IITsto research ancient science 8. Mahatma Gandhi Day in Colorado
9. Yoga in School - Sanskaar SHAKHA - Dallas 10.  Bharat sends aid to cyclone hit fiji
11. Pakistan's Sindh allows Hindu marriages to be registered 12.  Similarities between Vedic, Latvian cultures
13. ISRO upbeat as indigenous cryo engine passes test 14. Bharat Ranks First in Milk Production
15. NINE-DAY CAMP TO PROMOTE SOCIAL VOLUNTARISM 16. CONGRESSMEN WELCOMED AT SANGH KARYALAYA
17. BHARAT LEADS IN CSR SPENDING GROWTH 18. ISRO BOOSTS SPACE COOPERATION WITH ASEAN NATIONS
19. Amar Singh appointed as Police Commissioner of Kuala Lumpur 20. 7,000 Hindus in Malaysia wrongly documented as Muslims
21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas & Visitors FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Articles:

 

OUTSTANDING SOCIAL REFORMER

 

Bharatanatyam with benefits

 


1. festivals: Ramakrishna Jayanti, falls on Phalugun Shukla Dwitiya (10th March 2016), the day on which revered saint Ramakrishna Paramhans was born at Kamarpukur in West Bengal in 1836. He became a priest of Dakshineshwar Kali temple and dedicated his life to Bhagwati Kali. He was married to Sarada Devi who later became his spiritual counterpart. Young Narendra who transformed into Swami Vivekananda by Ramkarishna was one of his famed disciples. He founded Ramakrishna Math which works for the welfare of poor and spread the spiritual movement known as Ramakrishna Movement worldwide. Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. -goTop

 

2. MAHAMAHAM FESTIVAL CONCLUDES, AT KUMBAKONAM: The nine-day Mahamaham festival, known as the 'Kumbh Mela of the south', concluded in Tamil Nadu's Kumbakonam on February 22, with conduct of the most important event 'theerthavari', witnessed by lakhs of people. The theerthavari event is considered the most sacred to take a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank.

Over ten lakh people took a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank on this occasion. To the chanting of Vedic 'mantras' by the 'Sivacharyas' and the 'Bhattacharyas', accompanied by resounding play of traditional musical instruments including Nadaswaram in the backdrop, the 'theerthavari' ritual - bathing the principal deities - both at the 'Mahamaham tank' and on the Cauvery bank for the Saivite and Vaishnavite deities, came as the high point of the festival.

The 'Mahamaham' occurs once in 12 years when devotees sprinkle holy water on them and others. -goTop

 

3. Non-political committee should decide eligibility for reservation: Bhagwat: Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said on February 22 in Kolkata that a non-political committee should be formed to decide eligibility for reservation. Bhagwat also told an interactive session of a Chamber of Commerce that a time bound program should be chalked out regarding it.

"Many people are demanding reservation. I feel a committee should be formed to decide who are eligible for reservation. The committee should be apolitical so that there are no vested interests," Bhagwat said, adding, "Which section of the society should be brought forward, for how long they should be given reservation - a time bound program should be chalked out regarding it. The committee should be given powers for execution." -goTop

 

4.  We are bonded by our tradition of spirituality, says Modi: "We are not people bonded by communities, communities come and go with time, different sects and traditions develop. But we are bound by an unbreakable bond of spirituality, this is what provides us strength," Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said. He was addressing a function in Kolkata to mark the centenary celebrations of Gaudiya Mission, a Vaishnav missionary organization following the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 15th century spiritual leader from eastern Bharat, and one of the pioneers of the Bhakti movement.

Referring to the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and other saints of the period, Modi said "seeds of Bharat's freedom struggle were sown with the Bhakti movement." Speaking on social and religious reformers of the country, Modi said: "In Bharat, you must have seen that in every age when the society is ridden with evils, it is from the Hindu society that a reformer emerges and challenges the existing system." -goTop

 

5. Hindu Dharma Seminar for Teachers BY HSS Dallas and HUA: On February 15th, three workshops were conducted for the teachers of four different schools i.e. Pinkerton and Lakeside elementary in Coppell, Old Settlers Elementary in Flower Mound and Middle School West, Coppell. Altogether more than 150 teachers attended the workshop conducted in collaboration with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and Hindu University of America (HUA). Teachers were curious to know about daily Bharatiya life style, dynamics of relationships especially that of arranged marriages, upbringing of kids of Bharatiya origin and current status of caste system in the country and elsewhere. They were also interested to know about diversity of Bharat such as languages, food, clothing, life style and Gods. -goTop

 

6.   'Research For Resurgence': More than 700 academicians, researchers, bureaucrats, politicians and decision makers/policy makers from corporate houses attended the 'Research For Resurgence' conference that sought to chalk out a framework for ensuring research in the laboratories/academic institutions is made applicable for the development of Bharat. The conference held during 11-13 February was aimed at initiating a paradigm shift in research orientation so as to make it indigenous, holistic, integrated, and meaningful, and also imbibe an all-perspective 'Bharatiya' approach.

Smriti Irani, Union HRD Minister, inaugurated the three-day conference in the presence of Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Prof Aniruddh Deshpande, senior educationist. The conference 'Research For Resurgence' was organised by Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal and supported by Bharat Niti.

"Why demonize Bharatiya Science? Why demonize what was good in ancient Bharatiya Science?" Irani asked during the inaugural ceremony. "When I say modern Physics is exemplification of Indic knowledge, it is seen as saffronization attempt, but when I say that this is scientist Oppenheimer’s statement, it becomes acceptable." Fadnavis announced on this occasion that his government will set up 'Model Laboratories' on the lines of one developed by IIT Bombay in all districts of the state. Prof Deshpande, the senior educationalist and a patron of the conference, said, "Resurgence does not mean sticking to old prescriptions. It has to be a product of actualization (anubhuti)." -goTop

 

7.  Govt to set up Sanskrit cells in IITsto research ancient science: Premier engineering and scientific institutes run by the Centre, including the IITs, should have a Sanskrit cell to help students study ancient literature related to their fields, a panel set up by the education ministry has recommended. It also wants these institutes to let students opt for internship in Sanskrit institutions for credit during the course of their study. "If financial support is provided to such students their talent could be utilized in unraveling the scientific knowledge hidden in Sanskrit literature through small but focused projects," told the panel headed by retired IAS officer N Gopalaswami to the government.

The panel - that was tasked with coming up with a 10-year roadmap for developing the language - recommended introducing Sanskrit as an optional language in undergraduate programmes and integrating it with other subjects. "Atharavaveda, Vaisheshika Darshana etc. are acknowledged treasure house of scientific concepts; there are hundreds of works like Siddhanta Shiromani, Vriksha Ayurveda.., which are of great relevance in the context of research and innovation," the Gopalaswami panel said. The panel also advocated setting up model Sanskrit-medium schools in every state. -goTop

 

8. Mahatma Gandhi Day in Colorado: An historic event for Colorado occurred on February 12, 2016, when both state legislative chambers - the House of Representatives and the Senate - honoured the life of Mahatma Gandhi in a joint resolution.  House Resolution 1008 stated that Mahatma Gandhi "dedicated his life to fighting injustices with nonviolence and peaceful resistance," and has "left behind a legacy of peace, nonviolence, and acceptance of others in his efforts for justice, unity, and freedom."  The observance was initiated by Sudhir Verma, Sanghchalak, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Denver, and sponsored by House Representative Dr. Janak Joshi, originally from Gujarat, the sole Bharatiya legislator in the state. A dozen House Representatives and Senators, all of non-Bharatiya origin, joined Joshi to speak on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, in enthusiastic support of the Resolution, which was unanimously adopted by both the House and the Senate.

The same day, Colorado's Governor John W. Hickenlooper issued a proclamation declaring "forever after, February 12, 2016, as Mahatma Gandhi Day in the State of Colorado," stating that "Colorado is home to an active and engaged Bharatiya diaspora and our Bharatiya-American community has made significant and lasting contributions to our civic, cultural, religious, and economic heritage." -goTop

 

9. Yoga in School - Sanskaar SHAKHA - Dallas: Sanskaar Shakha of HSS USA organized a Sun Salutation Demo at Liberty Elementary School from 9-11 February. The Yoga demo, which was as part of their PE (Physical Education) session; included a warm up session with students, demo for the poses, doing the actual yoga for all and then fun (Shakha style) games for the kids. Total 620 students participated in 13 sessions of 40 minute each. 9 karyakartas planned and executed Yoga in School event with the help of 2 PE teachers. -goTop

 

10.  Bharat sends aid to cyclone hit fiji: Bharat rushed financial and material aid to Fiji that suffered the biggest cyclone in recorded history. Tropical Cyclone Winston, a category 5 cyclone, hit the Pacific Ocean island nation on February 20, claiming 44 lives. Bharat extended 1 million dollars as immediate assistance. The relief material such as basic food supplies, medicines, tents, kitchen sets etc. was airlifted from Chennai to the Fiji capital Suva.

The National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs coordinated the relief operations with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Food Processing, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defense, Indian Red Cross Society and NDRF.

The island nation of Fiji was hit by category five cyclone Winston with wind speed 325 km and waves up to 12m high. The cyclone has caused widespread damage to the housing stock and power disruption in the island nation. -goTop

 

11. Pakistan's Sindh allows Hindu marriages to be registered: Sindh province in Pakistan has become the first in the largely Muslim country to give Hindus the right to register their marriage officially. The bill was passed on February 15 by lawmakers in Sindh - home to many of Pakistan's three million Hindus.

Christians, have a colonial-era law recognizing their marriages. However, Hindus have never had any legal framework to register their unions until now. Under the new law, Hindus above the age of 18 in Sindh can register their marriages. It can be applied retroactively to existing unions. The National Assembly is considering a wider bill on recognizing Hindu marriage rights, including issues such as inheritance, divorce, and child maintenance. -goTop

 

12.  Similarities between Vedic, Latvian cultures: Addressing the two-day conference on Indo-Baltic cultural similarities, Dr Vladis Steins the leader of the Latvian delegation, a former Member of Parliament and a social leader and a guru from Latvia informed the gathering of scholars about similarities between the two cultures, peoples and customs. The two-day conference was organized by International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) Pune to explore the similarities in Indo-Baltic cultures.

Dr. Vasant Shinde, Vice-Chancellor, Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute - deemed university, delivered the key note address. Scholars of Sanskrit -Vedas and Upavedas, Indology, archaeology, history participated in the academic programs.

During the academic sessions Dr. Jayashree Sathe, Pro Vice Chancellor spoke on significance of Agni in Vedic culture Dr. Lata Dani spoke of the footprints of Vedic culture in the world. Dr. Prasad Joshi spoke of linguistic connection between Bharat and Latvia. Dr. Hema Kshirsagar gave a very interesting speech about women's education in ancient Bharat. Dr. Manjushree Sardeshpande enlightened the audience with her studied presentation on Comparative Study of Latvian Poet Laureate Aspazija and Bharat's Nobel Laureate Ravindranath Tagore. -goTop

 

13. ISRO upbeat as indigenous cryo engine passes test: Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) bid to acquire the capability to launch heavier satellites into orbit received a boost on February 19 with the successful hotbed test of the cryogenic engine for the upper stage of the GSLV Mark 3 rocket. The long-duration test at the ISRO Propulsion Research Centre at Mahendragiri lasted 640 seconds.Using Liquid Hydrogen at -253 degrees C and Liquid Oxygen at -193 degrees C as propellants, the high-thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) generates power of approximately 2 MW. Developed at the Liquid Propulsion System centre (LPSC) here, the engine had already undergone two short-duration tests for engine ignition and steady state performance. ISRO chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar termed the test as a phenomenal achievement in the shortest time. -goTop

 

14. Bharat Ranks First in Milk Production: According to the Economic Survey 2015-16 presented on February 26 in the Parliament by the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Bharat ranks first in milk production, accounting for 18.5 per cent of world production, achieving an annual output of 146.3 million tonnes during 2014-15 as compared to 137.69 million tonnes during 2013-14 recording a    growth of 6.26 per cent. Whereas, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported a 3.1 per cent increase in world milk production from 765 million tonnes in 2013 to 789 million tonnes in 2014.

The per capita availability of milk in Bharat has increased from 176 grams per day in 1990-91 to 322 grams per day by 2014-15. It is more than the world average of 294 grams per day during 2013. -goTop

 

15. NINE-DAY CAMP TO PROMOTE SOCIAL VOLUNTARISM: Samartha Bharata, a voluntary organization dedicated to promote social voluntarism, organized a 9-day residential camp from January 23 to 31, called Social Transformation Empowerment Programme (STEP) in which 67 youth participated. Eminent personalities including Dr Deviprasad Shetty, Swami Paramananda, Shri Mukul Kanitkar, Dr MK Shridhar, Shri Ravi Iyer guided the youth.

STEP was divided into two phases. Phase-I was a weeklong orientation camp to enable volunteers to understand the lifecycle of social transformation initiatives, and to interact personally with leading social activists and their activities. Phase-II was a six month long execution activity where social volunteers pursued and worked in a social project of their choice under the guidance of a social activist or NGO. -goTop

 

16. CONGRESSMEN WELCOMED AT SANGH KARYALAYA:  Sometimes things take interesting turn. Congress workers in Indore organized a march towards the RSS office on February 22 insisting at hoisting tricolor there. As the march, headed by Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Arun Yadav and other Congress workers began, the police stopped them in midway fearing clash between the RSS and Congress workers. But what happened at Sangh Karyalaya stunned all. As the Congress workers reached there the swayamsewaks welcomed them by putting tilak on their forehead and later on accompanied them to hoist the national flag at the Karyalaya. After hoisting the flag, veteran Sangh pracharak Shri Prakash Solapurkar, welcomed the Congress workers and said that such interactions need take place. All the Congress workers were given refreshments at the karyalay. -goTop

     

17. BHARAT LEADS IN CSR SPENDING GROWTH: After the new Companies Act made it mandatory for companies with a net worth of Rs 500 crore or with annual turnover of Rs 1,000 crore to spend under CSR, Bharat's total CSR reporting increased by 27% in 2015, the maximum among 45 countries surveyed by international audit firm KPMG.

The performance of Bharatiya origin companies is far ahead compared to foreign-based companies operating in Bharat. While companies based in Bharat have a target of Rs 5,779.68 crore for 2015, they have spent Rs 4,708 crore. But out of the target of Rs 710.12 crore for foreign-based companies, only Rs 406.17 crore has been spent. Among Bharatiya companies, the private sector has performed far better than the public sector. Against the prescribed amount of Rs 2,306 crore, PSUs spent Rs 1,628 crore (71%). -goTop

 

18. ISRO BOOSTS SPACE COOPERATION WITH ASEAN NATIONS: In wake of boosting the Space Cooperation between Bharat and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), at the behest of Government of India, is working towards the establishment of a Satellite Tracking & Data Reception Station and Data Processing Facility in Vietnam for ASEAN Member countries. This facility is intended to acquire and process Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data pertaining to ASEAN region and disseminate to ASEAN Member countries.

ISRO has launched the fifth (IRNSS-1E) navigation satellite onboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle 'PSLV-C31' on January 20 from Sriharikota.  -goTop

 

19. Amar Singh appointed as Police Commissioner of Kuala Lumpur: A Bharatiya-origin Sikh Amar Singh has been appointed the Police Commissioner of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur. With this, he becomes first person of Bharatiya origin (PIO) and first Malaysian Sikh to achieve the highest police rank in the Muslim-majority country. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as deputy director of CID Amar Singh is a third-generation policeman from his family. His father Ishar Singh and maternal grandfather Bachan Singh were policemen in Malaysia.  -goTop

 

20. 7,000 Hindus in Malaysia wrongly documented as Muslims: Nearly 7,000 Hindus in Malaysia have been wrongly documented as Muslims on their national identity cards, according to a group of NGOs in the Muslim-majority nation. The problem was widespread throughout Peninsular Malaysia and involved mostly practicing Hindus from the lower income group who are documented as Muslims, Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Mohan Shan was quoted as saying by The Malaysian Insider.

Islam is the largest and state religion of Malaysia accounting for 61.3 per cent of the total population. Hindus account for about 6.3 per cent. -goTop

 

21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Saumitra Gokhale samyojak Vishwa Vibhag returned from his tour to Malaysia and Singapore. Dr Ram Vaidya sahsamyojak returned from Nepal. Visitors: Jagdish Sewhani, Arun Kankani - USA.

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If we think, "Dharma will protect itself; everything is God's will". When human beings act with enthusiasm and the proper understanding of Dharma that is when God's power protects us. That is when God starts walking alongside us, resting His arm across our shoulder, addressing us as Sakha(friend). - Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi -goTop

JAI SHREE RAM

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OUTSTANDING SOCIAL REFORMER

Dr Shreerang Godbole

Veer Savarkar did his stupendous work in the field of social reform after undergoing nearly a decade and a half of hellish prison life.  He was never motivated by narrow considerations of politics, power, pelf and  popularity

Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is largely known as a revolutionary freedom fighter and exponent of Hindutva.  It is not widely known that he was also an outstanding social reformer. The fiftieth anniversary of Savarkar's atmarpan (embracing death by self-denial of food and water) which falls on February 26,  provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate his contribution as a social reformer.  In his vigorous campaign for social reforms through his thoughts, words and actions, he had to face hostility of the religious conservatives as well as the Government that also with very meagre resources.

Savarkar penned his views on social reform and rationalism.   During his internment in Ratnagiri, he penned 'Jatyuchchedak Nibandh' (Essays on abolition of caste) and 'Vidnyan Nishtha Nibandh' (Essays on Scientific Temper). His drama 'Ushaap' (Antidote to a curse) deals with untouchability, kidnapping of women, shuddhi and the duplicity of conservatives.  He penned down poems on specific occasions such as temple entry. 

A Lifelong Social Reformer

It has been alleged that Savarkar carried out his campaign for social reform not because he had any sympathy for the lower castes but because he wanted to gain their support for Hindu consolidation.  The following passage conclusively nails this allegation, "To regard our 70 million co-religionists as 'untouchables' and worse than animals is an insult not only to humanity but also to the sanctity of our soul. It is my firm conviction that this is why untouchability should be principally eradicated. .. When I refuse to touch someone because he was born in a particular community but play with cats and dogs, I am committing a most heinous crime against humanity. Untouchability should be eradicated not only because it is incumbent on us but because it is impossible to justify this inhuman custom when we consider any aspect of dharma. Hence this custom should be eradicated as a command of dharma. (1927, Samagra Savarkar vangmaya, ed. SR Date, Maharashtra Prantik Hindu Sabha, Pune, 1963-1965, Vol 3, p.483; hereafter abbreviated as SSV, SSV 3: 483).

Another charge hurled at Savarkar is that he carried out social reform only because his political activities were forbidden by the British and he forgot about social reform after his unconditional release.  In a letter written in 1920 from the Andamans, Savarkar wrote, "Just as I feel that I should rebel against foreign rule over Hindusthan, I feel I should rebel against caste discrimination and untouchability."   This letter was written before he had made up his mind to consolidate the Hindus. His tours as President of the Hindu Mahasabha were never complete without a visit to the homes of the ex-untouchables.  He used to deliver lectures in the Ganesh festivities only on condition that these lectures would be open to ex-untouchables. 

Path-breaking Work

Though Savarkar was a lifelong champion of social reform, the period of 1924 to 1937 may be broadly considered as the phase of social reform in Savarkar's life. Ratnagiri district in Coastal Maharashtra was a bastion of conservatives.  Hindu society was bound by the following seven shackles in the social sphere. In 1925, Savarkar started a survey of the locality of the Mahars (incidentally Ambedkar belonged to this caste).  He started organised mass singing of bhajans.   He ensured that children of the so-called low castes such as Mahars, Chamars and Valmikis compulsorily attended school by distributing chalk and slates and giving monetary incentives to their parents.  While exposing the caste based segregation in schools, Savarkar made a presentation on behalf of the Ratnagiri Hindu Sabha in 1932 to ICS Officer Lamington who had been given special responsibility of the 'lower' castes.  Savarkar said, "Once the children are educated together, they will not observe caste hierarchy in later life.  They will not feel the need to observe caste division.  Therefore the Government regulation of 1923 must be strictly followed.  In addition, the Government should abandon the title 'special schools for low caste children'.  This very title creates a feeling of inferiority among children attending the school". (Balarao Savarkar, ibid, p. 159).

To ensure that untouchability disappeared not just from schools but also from homes, Savarkar visited numerous houses, accompanied by people from different castes, on the occasion of Hindu festivals like Dussehra and Makar Sankranti. Through gatherings of Hindu women, Savarkar ensured that women from ex-untouchable castes applied kumkum to women of 'higher' castes. Savarkar gave monetary assistance and raised a musical band of the ex-untouchables. He took a bank loan for this purpose. On May 1, 1933, Savarkar started a cafe open to Hindus of all castes including untouchables.  This was the first pan-Hindu café in the whole of Bharat.  He had employed a Mahar to serve water, tea etc.  Anyone who visited Savarkar had to first go to this pan-Hindu café and have at least a cup of tea. This seemingly simple act required great courage in those days.  

In the 1920's, inter-caste dining was unthinkable.   But Savarkar carried out this programme undaunted.  Savarkar's campaign for social reform encompassed all castes.  The Brahmins would not share meals with the Marathas who in turn would not share it with Mahars and Chamars; the Mahars and Chamars in turn would not share meals with a Bhangi. Sometimes, Mahars would challenge Savarkar to share meals with them.  Savarkar would readily comply but at the same time would ask them to drink water served by someone lower in the caste hierarchy. 

Savarkar organised the shuddhi (purification or reconversion) of those who had left the Hindu fold under threats and inducements. On February  22, 1933, amidst much fanfare, he organised a bonfire of the statue of untouchability.  He lent his support to Dr Ambedkar in his Mahad and Nashik campaigns against untouchability.  

Patitpavan Temple

Savarkar wanted to start a temple that would be freely open to all Hindus.  In this revolutionary venture, Savarkar found loyal associates in men like Bhagoji Seth Keer, Dr Mahadav  Ganpat Shinde, Kashinath Laxman Parulekar and others. On Mahashivaratri day i.e. March 10,  1929, Shankaracharya Dr Kurtakoti laid the foundation stone of this temple. Then Shivu Chavan.  Any Hindu who had a bath could perform puja.  The priest of this temple was not necessarily to be a Brahmin by birth.  The temple had a trust with one member each from the Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra and untouchable communities and one representative of Keer.   Savarkar felt that the entire Hindu society was in a degraded state under foreign yoke. Hence he called the temple 'Patitpavan temple' (redeemer of the degraded).  The temple was inaugurated on February  22, 1931 by Shankaracharya Dr. Kurtakoti.  The Chamar leader Rajbhoj of Pune washed the Shankaracharya's feet with his own hands.  Hitherto, the untouchables were denied the right to pay obeisance to the Shankaracharya directly.

Little wonder then that Savarkar's tireless efforts elicited admiration from those who differed with him in his political beliefs.  The Brahmo Samaj leader and head of the Depressed Class Mission Vithal Ramji Shinde visited Ratnagiri in February 1933.  After seeing Savarkar's work, he exclaimed, "I am so pleased with what Savarkar has achieved that I pray to the Lord that he should give the remainder of my life to Savarkar so that he may fulfill my ambitions and aspirations." 

Savarkar did his stupendous work in the field of social reform after undergoing nearly a decade and a half of hellish prison life.  He was never motivated by narrow considerations of politics, power, pelf and popularity. The least we can do in his memory is to follow the ideals for which he staked his home and hearth! (The writer is practicing diabetologist and writes on social issues. He has contributed to the making of www.savarkar.org-goTop

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Bharatanatyam with benefits

Priya Menon

When Bharatiya origin twins Poonam and Priyanka Shah decided to combine Bharatanatyam with their daily 'popping' exercises, and post a video of their routine on the internet, it soon went viral."We are learning hip-hop and practise our training 'exercises' for popping every day, so we just combined the two forms," says Chicago-based Priyanka, who along with her twin is now in LA trying to pick up hip-hop dance styles.

While the twins may be focusing on dance fusion, there is now a renewed interest in the health benefits of Bharatanatyam. "It gives a wonderful cardio workout, improves blood circulation, tones muscles and is good for bone density as it is a contact exercise," says danseuse Alarmel Valli.

Dancer and choreographer Anita Ratnam says Bharatanatyam has both physical and mental benefits. "The basic stance of araimandi (a squat in which knees are turn ed sideways) and keeping the torso steady while the hands and lower limbs are moving helps with balance," she says, adding that memory and imagination are stimulated as you have to remember long sequences and improvise when you forget on stage.

Practitioners also say the dance form is highly beneficial for the eyes. Dr Amar Agarwal, ophthalmologist, says it gives the eye muscles a good workout. "When you roll your eyes from side to side, you are actually using the muscles of the eye, which help in the movement of the eye," he says.

All poses and mudras go a long way in rejuvenating and restoring weak parts of the body, says dancer Roja Kannan. "For instance, the chinhamudra called Hamsasyam in dance, wherein the first finger and the thumb are joined together at the tips and the other three fingers are opened up facilitates the circulation of blood flow from the fingers to the other parts of the body while also having a calming effect on the mind," she says, adding that arthritis, muscle degeneration, nervous disorders, tennis elbow, tendonitis, and knee ailments can be restored by dance therapy.

Dr A V Satyanarayana, director, Shristi Center of Performing Arts and Institute of Dance Therapy, Bangalore, uses Bharatanatyam to keep pregnant women fit. "I design dance sequences that create flexibility and mobility, strengthen the back and pelvic floor and also the respiratory system," he says.

According to Mumbai-based paediatric orthopaedic and spine surgeon Dr Ashok Johari, the lateral gliding movement of the neck, commonly used in Bharatanatyam, helps treat children born with torticollis, in which the head is tilted to one side. "It is now a standard manoeuvre in physiotherapy," says Dr Johari. He has made a presentation on the link between dance and therapy at the Scoliosis Research Society of America.

The dance form also has great impact on mental and emotional well-being. Nalini Prakash, a US based dance/movement therapist for instance, uses dance and movement in her work with individuals who have mental illness. "I have used elements of Bharatanatyam, like the navarasas to work with some of my patients who struggle with impulse control and anger management," she says. (Times of India, February 28, 2016)  -goTop


Shri Vishwa Niketan: Email: vishwav@bol.net.in Blog: www.shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.in