SAMVAD

Bhadrapad Krishna 9, Vik.Samvat 2074, Yugabda 5119: August 16, 2017


1.    FESTIVALS: Sharadiya Navaratra 2.   Rashtrapatiji to the Rashtra
3.  PRADHAN MANTRIJI LAL QILE SE 4.  Vishwa Sangh Shikha Varg Concluded
5.  SANGH SEWA 6.  Build Ram Temple at Babri Masjid site, Shia board tells Supreme Court
7.  WORKSHOP ON SANSKRIT AND VEDAS IN JAPAN 8. THE RAMAYAN RECITED AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT
9.  HSS volunteers visited elected and public Officials to tie Rakhi 10. UK armed forces celebrate Raksha Bandhan
11.  Soon ‘Tricolor’ set to get unfurled on Moon 12. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A BHARAT IN CAMBODIA  

1.    FESTIVALS: Sharadiya Navaratra, the nine nights of worship of Durga, are the first nine days of the Shukla paksha of the month of Ashwina, corresponding to September 21 to 29 this year.At one stage, the Gods felt powerless against the onslaughts of the demonic forces headed by Mahishasura. In answer to their prayers, they were ordered to part with a portion of their divine powers to form into a new Goddess. It was thus that Mahishasura Mardini, took a physical form as the combined might of 33 crore Gods. Mahishasura was slain by Chamundeshwari after a ceaseless fight of nine days and nights. Could there be a more telling message to the present-day disorganized Hindus - many of them individually good and pious but who have remained incapable of overcoming the forces inimical to them and their culture? Truly has it been said, ‘Sangheshaktih kalau yuge’- Organisation holds the key to strength in Kaliyuga.

Navaratras are followed by Vijaya Dashami, the festival of victory of good over evil. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Rashtra Sevika Samiti, both were started on this day in 1925 and 1936 respectively. Vijaya Dashami is celebrated in both of them with Patha Sanchalan, Shastra Poojan and Bauddhiks etc. - GoTop

 

2.   Rashtrapatiji to the Rashtra: New Bharat Must Be Compassionate, Inclusive. Rashtrapati Shri Ram Nath Kovind pitched for a partnership between citizens and the government to create a New Bharat by 2022 that is a "compassionate society" and includes the "humanist component integral to the nation's DNA". In his maiden address to the Nation on the eve of 71st Independence Day, Kovind remembered the role of leaders of Independence struggle including Jawaharlal Nehru.

"The stress on the moral basis of policy and action, belief in unity and discipline, faith in a synthesis of heritage and science, and promotion of the rule of law and of education all of it is located in a partnership between citizen and government," he said.

"There are so many people and organisations that work quietly and diligently for the poor and the disadvantaged. We should also work with unity and purpose to ensure that the benefits of government policies reach all sections of the society," he said.

He said a New Bharat means some obvious parameters like a house for every family, power on demand, better roads and telecom, a modern railway network, rapid and sustained growth.

"And yet there is more. New Bharat must include that integral humanist component that is in our DNA, and which has defined our country and our civilization. New Bharat must be a society rushing towards the future, but also a compassionate society," Kovind said.

The single most critical factor for building our nation is to equip our coming generation. We need to ensure that not one child is left behind. As such I would urge you, as fellow nation builders, to help educate underprivileged children in our society, he said. Rashtrapatiji urged people to help at least one child other than their own get educated by enrolling in school, paying their fees and buying them books.- GoTop

 

3.  PRADHAN MANTRIJI LAL QILE SE: Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modi unfurled the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 71st Independence Day. He recalled the great women and men who worked hard for Bharat's freedom. He said the people of Bharat stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected due to natural disasters, and the tragedy in Gorakhpur. Pradhan Mantriji noted that the current year is special, because it marks the 75th anniversary of the Bharat Chhodo Movement; the 100th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha; and the 125th anniversary of the celebration of Saarvjanik Ganesh Utsav inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. 

Pradhan Mantriji called for an end to the 'chaltahai' attitude of complacency, and its replacement with an attitude of  'badalsaktahai' for positive change. Shri Narendra Modi said that Bharat's security is our priority, and the surgical strike had underscored this. He added that Bharat's stature in the world is rising, and several countries are cooperating with Bharat in fighting the menace of terrorism. On demonetization, he said that those who have looted the nation, and the poor, are not able to sleep peacefully, and honesty is being celebrated today. He asserted that the fight against black money will continue, and technology will help bring about transparency. He encouraged people to further promote digital transactions. 
Pradhan Mantriji described the implementation of GST as a key illustration of cooperative federalism. He emphasized that good governance is about speed and simplification of processes. On Jammu and Kashmir, Pradhan Mantriji emphasized that neither abuses, nor bullets, but only embracing, can solve the problems in the State. (Na gaali se, na goli se, parivartanhoga gale lagaane se).         
Describing his vision for New Bharat, Pradhan Mantriji said that people would be the driving force behind the establishment, rather than the other way around Tantra se Lok nahin, Lok se tantra chalega.  He appreciated the farmers and the agriculture scientists for record crop production this year. Pradhan Mantriji said the changing nature of technology is resulting in the requirement of different skill-sets for employment. He also added that the youth is being nurtured to become job-creators, and not job-seekers.
Mentioning women who have to suffer due to Triple Talaq, Pradhan Mantriji said that he admires the courage of those who have stood up against this practice, and added that the nation stands with them in their struggle. Pradhan Mantriji said Bharat stands for peace, unity, and harmony. He said casteism and communalism will not help us. He strongly condemned the use of violence in the name of faith, and said this will not be accepted in Bharat. He said the call of the Quit Bharat Movement was Bharat Chhodo," but the call today is Bharat Jodo."

Pradhan Mantriji said significant attention is being paid to the development of eastern and north-eastern Bharat. He said the Government has taken Bharat on new tracks of development, without slackening pace. He called for a New Bharat where the poor would have houses, and access to water and electricity; where farmers would be free from worry, and would earn twice of what they earn today; youth and women would get ample opportunities to fulfil their dreams; a Bharat free from terrorism, communalism, casteism, corruption and nepotism; and aBharat which is clean and healthy. - GoTop    

       
4.  Vishwa Sangh Shikha Varg Concluded: Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg (DwitiyaVarsh) and Vishwa samiti shiksha varg (Dwitiya and Tritiya Varsh)were held separately at Nagpur.The course for men was organized at Suraburdi - Nagpur from 15th July 5th August. A total of 65 participants from 13 countries including USA, Europe, Guyana, and Australia took part in various activities like Yoga, traditional Bharatiya games, discourses on Hindu culture and heritage etc.  The course for women was organized at Smriti Mandir Parisar, Reshimbag from 20th July to 5th August. A total of 47 participants from 5 countries took part in the course.

The course for sevikas (women) was formally inaugurated on 20th July. Padmashree Kalpana Saroj, was the Chief Guest for the program and she gave an inspiring address. RashtraSevika Samiti PramukhSanchalika Shantakka spoke at the occasion where she appealed to all the participants to gather as much knowledge as possible from various activities of the course. Therewere several sessions like discourses, group discussions and workshops on Bharatiya tradition, role of women in society, contemporary global challenges and Hindu thought etc. A visit to seva projects including Shakti Peeth, National Cancer Institute, Jamthaand and a visit to a village near Ajni to give insight about village life was also arranged. RSS Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat also paid a visit to the varg.

Both the courses separately organized path sanchalan programs on 29th July. It was welcomed enthusiastically by the residents of Nagpur where men and women marched in unison on the tunes of the band on the streets of Nagpur.

The course for men was at a picturesque location at Suraburdi where the participants enjoyed the scenic natural beauty and excellent arrangements making their daily routine of the course most joyful. Besides physical programs like Yoga, traditional Bharatiya games and Lezim, the participants had an opportunity to see the demonstration of the games like Aatya - Patya, Kabaddi and Kho-Kho. A visit to Nagalwadi village was the most memorable one as the participants saw firsthand the development of the village with cemented roads, underground drainage system etc. They were overwhelmed by the warm welcome of the villagers and the hospitality of every household they visited. One of the participants Viswajeet said, "I can really see the change in villages and rising Bharat as I am visiting Bharat for the past 20 years."

There were sessions on Sanskrit speaking, Vedic mathematics, Ancient Bharatiya science and also lecture on Geeta and Karmayog, Triguna Personality quotient etc.  At night, there used to be light games and song and skit competitions. The age group the course was from 17 to 45 and all enjoyed the varg in a brotherly atmosphere.

A public program was organized jointly for the two courses on 4th August at Reshimbag. The program started with ceremonial welcome to the Chief Guest Bibek Debroy and report presentation of the courses by Adv Alok Kumarji, Course In charge for the men’s course. The physical demonstrations from both men and women participants included yogasan, pyramids and other techniques. The audience enthusiastically cheered the demonstrations especially that of Lezimby the women participants.

The dignitaries on the daiswere Shri Bibek Debroy, RSS Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, RashrtraSevika Samiti Pramukh Sanchalika Shantakka, Course In charge for men Adv. Alok Kumar and Course Incharge for women Sushree Kirtida Bhat.

Shri Bibek Debroy emphasised and elaborated on the meaning of Dharma, the principles of Dharma and its importance in life of a Bhartiya. He said that Karma and Dharma are related and the people who feel that Dharma that is the principles can be removed from the lives of people of Bharat are wrong in their thought. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat spoke about the vision of  Dr. Hedgewar behind starting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the emergence of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and the necessity of it for the world. He said that Dr. Hedgewar used to say that  "the reason behind the problems of Hindus is the Hindu society itself and hence it is necessary for the Hindu society to fix those problems."

Dr.Bhagwat said when we try to fix these problems, we do so because we consider the society as our very own, there is "aatmiyata" in doing so. We try to help not because we think we are great or the society needs our help, we help because of the feeling of oneness and the need to empower the Hindu society. Whenever we go into the root cause of the problems faced by the world, it is found to be the destruction of Dharma. Bharat can lead the path for the betterment of world, since it is Bharat which has Dharma in its soul.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh grew because of the efforts of the Swayamsevaks who went abroad and the next generations which kept the work going on. The first such Shakha was started in Kenya. The impact of Sangh is such the societies of the respective countries have realized the need for this kind of work.

Recently, a similar effort has been  initiated by taking inspiration from HSS. He concluded by saying that, it is the Hindu society which has the potential to lead the world and in true sense the Hindu Samaj is getting united to lead the World. - GoTop

 

5.  SANGH SEWA: Heavy rains in Rajasthan and Gujarat in the last week of July have caused huge devastation. As the floods started displacing people, the Sangh Swayamsevaks reached the spot with food packets and drinking water. The Swayamsevaks collected food packets from the families of Pali, Rani and Sanderao and distributed among the flood victims in many villages of Rajasthan.

In Gujrat, the swayamsevaks joined relief acitivities at Banaskantha, Patan, Radhanpur and Ahmedabad areas. Taking benefit of the weather forecast system, they timely alerted the people in 125 villages and shifted them to the safe places and distributed 2, 10,000 food packets and drinking water pouches in affected areas.

 

6.  Build Ram Temple at Babri Masjid site, Shia board tells Supreme Court: The Uttar Pradesh Shia Wakf Board has urged the Supreme Court to mediate in the Ayodhya issue and suggested that a Ram temple be built at the disputed site and a mosque in a nearby Muslimdominated area as a way out of the acrimonious court battle over the land. The board, which is not a party to the Ayodhya title suit, said also the two structures should not be contiguous to prevent any future incidents of discord and disharmony. It called upon the top court to mediate between the warring parties: currently the Sunni Central Wakf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the deity, who has been named as a party to the case and represented by a VHP leader. - GoTop

 

7.  WORKSHOP ON SANSKRIT AND VEDAS IN JAPAN: Dr Ram Vaidya, sah samyojak Vishwa Vibhag and a renowned Sanskrit scholar, conducted a lecture titled "Essence of Indian Philosophy" to inaugurate the VCC - Vivekanand Cultural Center  Workshop on Sanskrit and Vedas for August - September 2017 at BharatiyaDootaavaas in Japan on August 10. MsMuanpuiiSaiawi, FS (IEC) & Dir (VCC) welcomed the audience, after which Dr Ram Vaidya spoke on various facets of Bharatiya philosophy. The programme was well-attended by over 60 VCC students. - GoTop      

 

8. THE RAMAYAN RECITED AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT: In an event hosted by Bob Blackman MP, organised by Lakshmi Kaul and attended by Michael Ellis MP, Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, as well as Matthew Offord MP, Richard Harrington MP, Royston Smith MP and David Tredinnick MP, in the first week of August, Dhruv Chhatralia gave a powerful and mesmerising recital of the Ramayan. The speech of two hours, covering an in-depth commentary of the Ramayan from beginning to end took six years to research, compile and perfect with the love of a devotee and the meticulousness of a lawyer.

Dhruv said that the holy verses of the Ramayan contain the secrets to success in life that bestow intelligence, strength and virtue to all those who contemplate and meditate upon it. - GoTop

 

9.  HSS volunteers visited elected and public Officials to tie Rakhi: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA (HSS) reached out US Congressmen and local public officials during the month of August to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and spread the message of communal harmony and that of social service. HSS celebrates Raksha Bandhan as Universal Oneness Day where our individual responsibilities towards the society are remembered. 

This year, HSS volunteers greeted Congressman Frank Wolf, 10th district VA, Congressman David G Reichert's Office, 8th district WA, Congressman Jim Moran, 8th district, VA, office of Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, second district of North Carolina, and Congresswoman Judy Biggert, of 13th Congressional volunteers and children. Everyone appreciated this festival, the unique message it brings along with and as well as social service HSS offers. - GoTop

 

10. UK armed forces celebrate Raksha Bandhan: The UK Armed Forces Hindu Network organised Raksha Bandhan celebrations in the lead up to Rakshabandhan festival at the Ministry of Defence in London besides a tour of several temples in Newcastle, Swindon, Liverpool, and London. "As we exchange our multi-coloured bands, it's a unique opportunity to remind ourselves of the multifaceted ties that bind our great Hindu community and our Armed Forces together. To defend ourselves we must unite: speaking up for those beliefs of tolerance, fairness and dignity, that make us who we are," said UK defence minister Earl Howe.

Serving personnel from the Armed Forces and ministry of defence (MoD) had a Rakhi tied to their wrist during recent festivities at the MoD headquarters in London. - GoTop

 

11.  Soon ‘Tricolor’ set to get unfurled on Moon: Bharat will launch twin Moon missions from its own soil in early 2018. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its Chandrayaan-2 mission and another mission by Team Indus, a group of space enthusiasts who want to unfurl the Tricolour on the moon's surface as part of a global lunar competition.

ISRO Chairman, Kiran Kumar said that these two missions are different from each other and will even use different instruments. Team Indus will use a PSLV to launch its lunar spacecraft, whereas Chandrayaan 2 will launch via GSLV MK II. - GoTop

 

12. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Saumitra Gokhale, samyojak Vishwa Vibhag returned to USA after the pravas to Singapore and Indonesia. Shri Ravikumar sahsamyojak will return to Bharat after touring Thailand and Singapore. Dr Ram Vaidya sah samyojak returned to UK after the pravas of Japan. Visitors:Suraj Dhanpaul. Sainarain Satoo, Chitramattie Dhanraj Guyana, Dillon Shah and Mahesh Chhiba UK. - GoTop

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Perform all work carefully, guided by compassion. – Bhagwad Geeta  - GoTop

JAI SHREE RAM

 --

A BHARAT IN CAMBODIA

Prof C Upender Rao

Cambodia is officially known as Kingdom of Cambodia and is one of the environmentally rich countries situated in South East Asia. Cambodia and India posses a long relation from ancient time.

The arrival of Indian scholars in Cambodia improved the Cambodian culture in very ancient period Cambodia was known as Kambuja-desaIsanapura was its capital city in the 7th century A.D. But from 9th to 13th centuries the Angkor Empire had flourished with its new capital 'Yasodharapura' near the present day Slam Reap City. Cambodia has a magnificent past. The only reliable source to know its history is the stone inscriptions and luckily most of them were collected during the French rule in Cambodia. The language used in most of these stone inscriptions was Sanskrit, which was widely used in India during that period. These Sanskrit inscriptions are the real source to reconstruct the history of Cambodia. The inscriptions in ancient Kambuja constitute the most valuable information of Sanskrit and Sanskrit based Indian culture, they serve like epigraphic records of Bharat. They are the only evidence for recognising the flourishing situation of Sanskrit language and literature in Cambodia which is situated far off from India. They suggest about the survival of Indian language and culture for more than 800 years. A large number of Sanskrit inscriptions have been found all over the Cambodia from 5th to 14th century A.D.

Number of Sanskrit inscriptions published as far back as 1885 and many other came into the notice of scholars from time to time especially after the foundation of the 'Ecole Francaised'Extreme orient' in 1900. But for many years, scholars, mainly Indians were unaware of this fact. Ironically, the study of ancient Indian culture in south-east Asia is still in its infancy in India. This happened mainly due to the fact that the research of recent past, ongoing and other information which gained momentum during the French rule was mainly developed in French and other foreign languages like Dutch and these languages are not known to most of the Indian scholars. The other reason being the lack of well established academic relations between Southeast Asia and India may be due to the political compulsions of many countries, especially of Cambodia in Southeast Asia. The only popularly known foreign language in India is English, in which a little information was available about the Southeast Asia, till some years ago.

Inscriptions

Most of the Sanskrit inscriptions found in Cambodia are Saivite in character but some belong to Vaisnava and few of them belong to Buddhist texts also, though it sounds surprising as Buddhism is the main religion in Cambodia now. Indeed, these inscriptions prove the fact of association of Hindu traditions by royal families of Cambodia.

Even today the Buddhism is the state religion of Cambodia. We must understand that all these Sanskrit inscriptions were basically prepared by the Royal families and therefore obviously Saivism  and Vaisnavism  are the significant themes of these inscriptions.

Saivism and Vaishnanvism

 All Sanskrit inscriptions of Cambodia reveal the Indian culture and civilization in all aspects. When Indian teachers and kings reached and settled in Kambuja in 1stcentury A.D. the local people were almost semi-savages without wearing their cloths, but gradually Indian social and religious ideas got deeply implanted in them. They started worshiping Siva, Visnu and Buddha. The interesting fact is that they worshipped Visnu and Buddha side by side, and this system continues even today in Cambodia.

Many religious sects of India like, Bhagavatha, Pancaratra and Pasupata were prevalent in Cambodia. The Devadasi system and caste system were also there. Vedangas and Upavedas and other Vedic literature were studied in Kambuja. The adaption of purely Indian names was prevalent among not only kings and nobles but also among common people of the society.

The baying temple inscriptions dated 546 A.D. engraved on a single face of a sandstone stele contains 12 Sanskrit verses composed in Vamsastha, Upajati, Vaitalikaand Anustubh metres. The inscriptions record the pious works of a brahmana named Vidyavindu who was a grandson of Dhruva and Dhruva Punyakirti. The complete rendering of the inscription is not available as some fragments of verses were dilapidated. But the word Dhruva Puny-akirti appears to be an epithet.

The Sdokakthom stele inscription of King Udayadityavarman is historically an important inscription among all Kambuja inscriptions, it relates to the history and religious foundation of a priestly family for two centuries and a half (902-1052 A.D.) and incidentally gives account of various things of this priest family and the details starting from Jayavarman II to Udayadityavarman II. This inscription was edited by Finot. The temple sdokakthom stele is 15 miles away from Sisophon. The inscription contains 192 lines in Sanskrit, 29 likes in khmer followed by 2 lines in Sanskrit and 117 lines in Khmer. The Sanskrit text consists of 110 verses; the meters which were used to compose this inscription are Sloka, Indravajra, Upendravajra, Malini etc. Several facts can be revealed by the intense study of this inscription and several names of Hindu Gods can be found in it. The inscription starts with a salutation to God Shiva –"Namahsivayastuyadatmabhave…" in verse no. 4 it also mentions the God Visnu.

LaksmipatirvvovatuyasyalaksmirvaksasthitaKaustubha-bhusanaya

Snihyamisaharhkathinasvabhavesvapyasritesvyatrasadetinunam

His majesty Paramasivaloka founded the town of Yasodharapura. Then the king erected the central mountain Vamasiva, the preceptor installed the linga in it with the aid of Royal service and informed the King. He was anxious to make another foundation and requested the King to grant him a land in Varnavijaya close to Bhadragiri which belonged to Sten an rudracarya. He founded their villages called Bhadrapattana and Bhadravasa. The King gave him the linga more than two cubits high of the central mountain to be installed at Bhadrapattana. He also gave an image of Bhagavati which was installed in the country of Bhadravasa in the land of Bhadrapattana. In the kingdom of Sri Suryavarman interestingly, he installed the images of Sankara (Lord Shiva), Sarngi (Visnu) and Saraswati (Goddess of education) in Bhadrapattana following the rules of Sanskrit scriptures, and worshipped them for a long period.

In this way the entire Sdokakthom stele inscription of Udayadityavarman is full of the descriptions of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses and Tantrism and the use of actual tantric texts which are well known in India.

The Sanskrit inscriptions were found in many countries but those found in Kambuja are indeed the extraordinary compositions as they were written in a beautiful and impeccable Sanskrit Kavya style. It is not difficult to understand the Sanskrit scholars, who were living in Kambuja, and their thorough acquaintance with different meters of Sanskrit practices. The Vat Thipedi inscription of Isanavarman II dated 832 A.D. is a fine example of this. The Vat Thepedi (Adhipathi in Sanskrit) is a name of a small temple in the district of Siem Reap. This inscription is written in Sanskrit and contains 19 verses in it.

After invocation of Siva, Visnu, Brahma and Uma, it continues a eulogy of King Yasovarman (He ascended the throne in 811 A.D. of Saka era) and of his two sons Harsavarman I and Isanavarman II. These three kings and highly honoured a learned ascetic named, Sikhasiva whose learning and virtues are highly described in this inscription.

The Vat thipedi inscription of Isanavarman II offers a good specimen of Gaudi style (Gaudi-riti of Sanskrit poetics). The French scholar G. Coedes had regarded the author to be the inhabitant of Gauda region. The exquisite Kavya style can be found in the following verses of the inscriptions-

Namo’nangana-nirbhanga-sangine’plviragine

anganapaghanallnga-linardhangayasambhave… verse 1

Fatu vahpundrikaksavakso-viksiptakaustubham

Laksmistanamukhaklista-kasanaksama-candanam --- verse 2

Bodadhva-dhvantasamrodha-vinirdhuta-prajadhiye

Dhvanta-dhvad-dvedanadarddhi-medhasevedhasenamah …. Verse 3

In eastern Baray stele inscription of Vasovarman, we can find figures of speech used in many verses e.g. one of the verses of this inscription explains the composer’s profound knowledge of Sanskrit poetics.

Krodhadivahnayoyasyanamanaksekuriksitum

Tannivasesvarasiro-gangaraya-bhayadiva

Which means the fires of anger etc. could not venture to disturb the mind of Siva as if they are afraid by the waters of river Ganges which is on his head. Here, we can find figure of speech named Utpreksa. According to Sanskrit poetics the words: manya, sanke reveal Utpreksa and the world iva also capable of revealing Utpreksa.

King Yasovarman was described as a conqueror of Poet Pravarasena. Poet Pravarasena and his famous Prakrt poem, 'Setubandha' are very phenomenal in Indian Prakrt literature. By this we can understand that not only Sanskrit even Prakrt has entered from India to Kambuja.

Vedic Literature

In Pre Rup stele inscription of Rajendravarman dated 883 A.D. (edited by G. Coedes) (I C - 73) one can find many references of  Vedic scriptures. It testifies to an intimate knowledge of literature on the part of the author. Apart from allusion to epic and Puranic legends and mythology there are evident references to Atharvavada, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Panini. One of the verses reveals the knowledge of Atharvaveda which its composer possessed.

Vyatitavatyamsaradi-kramena

Discarkravalattatvappalaksamya

Hemanta-lakshmirabhisektumasad

Yamyogyamatharvanikiva-siddhih .. verse 94

Like wise, Vedas, Vendangas and Upangas were mentioned in various verses of Sanskrit inscriptions of Kambuja.

Ramayana and Mahabharata

In the same Pre Rup stele inscription of Rajendravarman dated 883 A.D. we can find the references of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The enemies of the king were afraid like the demon Marica was afraid of Rama. In another verse of the same inscription the legend of Mahabharata can be found. In this verse all important names of warriors of Mahabharata are revealed like; Yudhisthira, Bhisma, Duryodhana etc. Also a subsequent verse reveals the legend of Mahabharata.

Puranas

The Pre Rup stele inscription of  Rajendravarman dated 883 A.D. reveals the knowledge of puranas in many places describing the qualities of the King Rajendravarma. The author of the inscription says that in which way Lord Krishna had protected the cows by lifting a mountain named Govardhana steadily in the same way the King had ruled the earth.

Vyakarna

Vyakarna, the science of grammar is considered to be the most important science in ancient India (prathme hi vidvarhsovaiyakaranah etc - Anandavardhana in the 1st Udyota of Dhvanyaloka). The Pre Rup stele inscription of Rajendravarman dated 883 A.D. also gives the profound knowledge of Sanskrit grammar of its composer. Describing the qualities of the king the poet says.  

Nakevalampadavidhouyadvagvarnna-vidhavapivyaprtanopameyalvasamartha-paribhasaya

In this verse the poet describes the method of ruling the way of the King giving the example of Paribhasa sutra of grammar. This inscription begins with the eulogy of Lord Siva, Brahma, Vasudev and Narayana. The Sdokkakthom stele inscription of Udayadityavarman consists of 130 Sanskrit verses composed in various meters were used.Some of the meters used in this inscription are Sloka, Indravajra, Upendravajra, Malini, Aupacchandasika, Vasantatilaka, Puspit-agra and Samavrtta. Likewise, Pre Rup stele inscription of Rajendravarman also consists of many Sanskrit meters such as Vamsastha, Upajati, Vasantatika, Mandakranta, Sardulavikridita, Sragdhara and arya.

The four Eastern Baray inscriptions of kind Yasovarman were written in North Indian script. Each one of these inscriptions contain the 108 verses. They have many parameters of Asramas in which fresh arrivals from India lived and they were not acquainted with the local script of Kambuja and therefore they followed their own script. Such migrations were depicted in several inscriptions. (The writer is Professor of Sanskrit and Pali, Special Centre for Sanskrit Studies, JNU) - GoTop


SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in www.shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com



SAMVAD

Shravan Shukla 9, Vik.Samvat 2074, Yugabda 5119: August 1, 2017


1. FESTIVALS: Ramayana Masam

2.  Swagatam! Swagatam! SHRI Ramnath Kovind

3.  Excerpts from the SPEECH BY SHRI RAM NATH KOVIND ON HIS ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE AS Bharat ke Rashtrapati

4. Behdienkhlam Festival

5. Mohan Bhagwat Stresses Discipline, Self-restraint for Nation-building

6. Violence over cow protection is unacceptable, must punish convict

7.  APJ Abdul KalAM Memorial Inaugurated: Modi calls for developed BHARAT by 2022 as fitting tribute to Kalam 8. YOGA HELPS STAY YOUNG, HEALTHY: STUDY
9. NEED TO BUILD POSITIVE NATIONALISTIC NARRATIVE: J NANDKUMAR 10.  Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg: Dwitiya Varsh
11. 'We're here to stay': Hindu community celebrates 10th anniversary of temple with Trudeau, Tory 12. First Sikh woman MP in Britain joins key House panel
13. 'Wish You Were Our PM,' Pak Woman Praises Sushma Swaraj After Visa Help 14. Bharat electrifying a remote village in Egypt with solar project
15. PIO academician named dean of MIT's engg school 16. POK IS BHARAT’S, SO PAK NOD NOT NEEDED FOR PATIENT’S VISA - SUSHMA
17. Asians now recognised as Kenya’s 44th tribe 18. Connecting NRIs to their Roots
19.  Pak, separatists, terrorists biggest enemies of Kashmir: RSS leader Indresh Kumar 20. Over 51,000 RSS Shakhas in the country
21. Initiate to Cure Ills: Bhaiyaji Joshi 22. US resumes H-1B premium processing for certain BHARATIYA visa categories
23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

article:

Aiding Hinduism in Pakistan

 

1. FESTIVALS: Ramayana Masam (Karkkidakam Masam: 17 July - 16 August) is an important festival in the state of Kerala. It is observed in the month of 'Karkkidakam' of the Malayalam calendar while in the Gregorian calendar it corresponds to the months of July to August. The Masam is held sacred for Hindus, especially in the southern parts of the country. The epic Ramayana written by saint Valmiki in Sanskrit was translated in the Malayalam language by Thunchath Ezhuthachan and is known as 'Adhyatma Ramayana Kilippattu'.

Starting from the first day, every day during the Karkkidakam Masam, all the members of the house gather, after sunset. After lighting the evening lamp, they sit close to the 'Nilavilakku' or the traditional Kerala lamp and narrate the verses of 'Adhyatma Ramayana' (the Malayalam version of Ramayana). The reading of Ramayana is managed in a way that it ends on the last day of the Karkkidakam Masam. Hindu organizations perform this ritual in almost all temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Karkkidakam Masam is the last month in the Malayalam calendar. Owing to the heavy rains in the month, Karkidakam Masam is also known as 'Panja Masam' or the period of scarcity.

Several religious and spiritual organisations conduct plays, public discourses, recitals and quiz competition based on Ramayana during this month.

Hindu devotees actively participate in these events with full enthusiasm. During Ramayana Masam, Hindus undertake pilgrimage to the four temples of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna, located in the Kottayam and Thrissur districts. This ritual is known as 'Nalambalam Darshanam'. -goTop

 

2.  Swagatam! Swagatam! SHRI Ramnath Kovind has been sworn-in as the 14th Rashtrapati of Bharat. His oath was administered by Mukhya Nyayadhish of Bharat JS Khehar at a ceremonial function in the Parliament House on July 25. The oath ceremony was attended by Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi, Mukhya Nyayadhish of Bharat, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Members of Council of Ministers, Rajyapals, Mukhya Mantris, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Members of Parliament and principal Civil and Military Officers of the Bharat Sarkar.

Shri Kovind defeated opposition's Meira Kumar by huge margins. Shri Kovind joined the BJP in 1991. He was the Adhyaksha of the BJP Dalit Morcha between  1998 to 2002. He also served as Rajya Sabha Sadasya from 1994 to 2006.

Rashtrapati Ram Nath Kovind, a former Rajyapal of Bihar, was born on 1st October 1945 in Paraukh village in the Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh. Only the 2nd Dalit leader ever to be elected to the post, Kovind did his graduation in law from a college in Kanpur. Before starting his career as a lawyer, He cleared the civil services examination but did not join as he was selected for an allied service.-goTop

 

3.  Excerpts from the SPEECH BY SHRI RAM NATH KOVIND ON HIS ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE AS Bharat ke Rashtrapati: I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution - of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra.

Our Independence was the result of efforts by thousands of patriotic freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Sardar Patel integrated our nation.

For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked.

The key to Bharat's success is its diversity. Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique.

As the gram panchayat must determine our consultative and community based problem solving, the Digital Republic must help us leapfrog developmental milestones. These are the twin pillars of our national endeavour.

Each citizen of Bharat is a nation builder. Each one of us is a custodian of Bharat's well-being and of the legacy that we will pass on to coming generations.

Our endeavours are not for ourselves alone. Down the ages, Bharat has believed in the philosophy of VasudhaivaKutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्) - the World is My Family.  

Bharat's voice counts in today's world. The entire planet is drawn to Bharatiya culture and soft power. The global community looks to us for solutions to international problems - whether terrorism, money laundering or climate change. In a globalised world, our responsibilities are also global.

We have achieved a lot as a nation, but the effort to do more, to do better and to do faster should be relentless. The citizens of this country are the real source of strength to me. I am confident that they will continue to give me the energy to serve the nation.-goTop

 

4. Behdienkhlam Festival of the Raij Tuber, one  of the most  colourful and the biggest festivals in the Jaintia  Hills region concluded on July 20 in Shillong  amidst thousands of spectators from across the state  and outside.Being the biggest of its kind, the  Tuber Behdienkhlam has under it over 50-60 villages.  The celebration was held at the sacred place called the 'Bear' situated in the heart of Tuber village which is about 25 kilometers from Jowai.

The festival was also witnessed by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma besides MLAs and MDCs and top district officials. Members of the Raij Tuber, both young and old, drawn from various villages that falls under the Raij Tuber brought their 'rots' and displayed them at the sacred place-at Kmaishnong Tuber. Altogether there were 61 'rots' finely decorated with colourful hues and built with unique designs brought to the 'Bear' with people dancing accompanied by drum beats which held spectators in awe. The ritual started early in the morning before the 'rots' were brought to the 'Bear' which includes the 'Knia Behkhlam' a ritual where a group of people holding rods made of bamboos used these to chase away plague and evil spirits. -goTop

 

5. Mohan Bhagwat Stresses Discipline, Self-restraint for Nation-building: "For any personal and social work or service to the nation - purushartha is important. Bharat is culturally rich, and we all want development. But this is only possible if we all follow a disciplined direction," said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat at Acharya Shri Mahashraman Education and Research Foundation in Kolkata on July 23. "I personally feel that one should be disciplined to achieve goals. One should learn the art of self-restraint to build the nation. Above all, we can change the society by following the footsteps of santh (saint)," he added. -goTop

 

6. Violence over cow protection is unacceptable, must punish convict: RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Manmohan Vaidya told reporters in Jammu on July 20 that instead of connecting violence in the name of cow protection, with RSS, action should be taken against those found guilty.Vaidya, who was replying to questions on incidents of lynching and violence linked to cow protection, said "Sangh does not support any kind of violence. We have said it earlier and made it clear earlier too". The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) three-day conclave in Jammu ended on 20th July, the first such meet in Jammu and Kashmir since independence, during which issues related to the situation in the state, country and various other topics were discussed. As many as 195 pracharaks (preachers), heads of all allied organisations of RSS and top leaders took part in the conference, in which its chief Mohan Bhagwat, senior leaders Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Dattatreya Hosabale and Krishna Gopal also participated. -goTop

 

7.  APJ Abdul KalAM Memorial Inaugurated: Modi calls for developed BHARAT by 2022 as fitting tribute to Kalam: Paying glowing tributes to former Rashtrapati APJ Abdul Kalam, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi has said a fitting tribute to the late leader would be to develop Bharat in all spheres when the country celebrated its 75th independence day in 2022.

Addressing a public meeting at Mandapam, near Rameshwaram after dedicating to nation, the memorial of former president APJ Abdul Kalam on July 27, he said Shri Kalam had dreamt for a developed Bharat and called upon the youth to resolve to fulfil his dream by 2022. "This will be the fitting tribute to Shri Kalam", he added.

The centre has come out with the start up Bharat and stand up Bharat programmes for the younger generation, not to help them to seek employment but make them become entrepreneurs and provide employment to others, he said.

Stating he missed 'Amma' (former Mukhya Mantri Jayalalithaa) Shri Modi said had she been around, she would have greatly appreciated the workers for building a wonderful memorial for Shri Kalam. At the request of Shri Modi, those gathered at the function gave a standing ovation for the more than 450 workers who worked overtime but never claimed extra payment. Shri Modi also complimented DRDO for building the memorial within a short span of time. -goTop

 

8. YOGA HELPS STAY YOUNG, HEALTHY: STUDY: A group of medical researchers from Britain, Belgium and Netherlands have found scientifically that regular practice of yoga and meditation would help people to stay young and keep away diseases and depression. Frontiers of Immunology, an internationally respected scientific journal, which is the official publication of the International Union of Immunological Society, has come out with a peer-reviewed research paper on yoga and meditation. The research was held by scientists of Coventry University of Britain, Radboud University of Netherlands and Antwerp University of Belgium. Interestingly, the research team had scientists only from Britain, Netherlands and Belgium and there were no Asians in it.

"This is a stunning research finding. Yoga and meditation could turn back molecular reactions within your DNA that causes diseases and depression," said Mike Adams, chief editor, Natural News, described as the Health Ranger of the United States. -goTop

 

9. NEED TO BUILD POSITIVE NATIONALISTIC NARRATIVE: J NANDKUMAR: The culture of narration and dialogue exemplified in our "shastras" by Nachiketa, or Narad or Sanjay needs to be rediscovered by scholars and made relevant in the context of present times, said J Nanda Kumar, Akhil Bharatiya Samyojak, Pragya Pravah, while addressing a "Prerna Shivir'' of Panchnad Research Institute in Kurukshetra. He exhorted scholars to undertake intense research, create content and build a nationalistic narrative. He also underscored the need to make learning of Sanskrit more accessible to people, particularly to the younger generation of today because the whole repository of culture and philosophy of the land was scripted in Sanskrit. Nandakumar said, in fact, in the past Sanskrit was the national language of the country which was the tool of narrative across the land.

Mukul Kanitkar, organising secretary of the Bharatiya Shiksha Mandal, said, the Bharatiya culture held the nature in reverence, whereas West always sought to exploit the nature for advantage of mankind which has brought the world on the verge of a serious environmental crisis.

Former MP Tarun Vijay stressed the need to decolonise the mind of the present day youth. Dr BK Kuthiala, director of the Panchnad, and Dr KS Arya, acting president, laid down the blueprint for the future course of the organisation and exhorted its members to shape the narrative in the society.  -goTop

 

10.  Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg: Dwitiya Varsh was inaugurated on July 15 at a scenic location, Surabirdi Meadows near Nagpur. A total of 65 shiksharthis from 13 countries are participating in the varg. A similar varg is being held at Reshimbag Smriti Mandir complex for sevikas where 47 shiksharthis from 5 countries are participating. Apart from regular physical and intellectual activities, special programs like path sanchalan, gram darshan and matru haste bhojan are taking place during thevarga. Vishwa Vibhag adhikaris from HSS Global coordinating team, Saumitra ji Gokhale and Dr Ram Vaidya in the camp for the whole period while Ravikumarji, Dr Sadanand Sapre and Shyam Parande are visiting the varg as per their programs. RSS Sarsanghchalak  Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarkaryavaha Bhayyaji Joshi, Dattatreya Hosabale and other senior sangh adhikaris shall also visit the camp. A grand pathasanchalan was organized on 29th July.

It started from Madhav Nagar ground and passed through Bajaj Nagar, Abhyankar Nagar and came back to Madhav Nagar ground. 65 course participants, ably guided by the volunteers from Nagpur marched to the tunes of the band expressing confidence and resolve of the Hindu society abroad to work for the cause of 'VasudhaivKutumbakam' (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्).

There are several Hindu organizations working for the preservation and promotion of Hindu culture outside Bharat like Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS ) - USA, HSS Australia, HSS Canada, Sewa International USA etc. Many men and women are contributing selflessly and relentlessly for imparting our traditions and culture to the younger generations of Hindus and making aware the larger society in those countries about the glorious traditions of Hindu culture. They organize weekly gatherings for youth, carry out various kinds of seva  ( charity ) works and other such endeavours.  Volunteers taking up this work have a strong desire to visit Bharat, experience the uninterrupted stream of Hindu civilization and the rising Bharat and learn the skills like Yoga, Sanskrit, traditional Bharatiya games etc. For many participants like the ones from Caribbean countries of Guyana, Trinidad, it is their first visit to their ancestor's land and they look at it as a pilgrimage.

The pathasanchalan was enthusiastically welcomed by the residents of Nagpur by showering flowers and slogans like 'Bharat Mata ki Jay', 'Vishwa Dharmki Jay'. The dignitaries present during this event were Shri Suresh Soni - RSS joint general secretary, Adv Alok Kumar - Course in charge, Prof Ravindra Joshi - Course Coordinator and Anil Vartak, Sangathak of the Varg. -goTop

 

11. 'We're here to stay': Hindu community celebrates 10th anniversary of temple with Trudeau, Tory: Thousands from the Hindu community in Toronto and beyond turned out July 22 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of an iconic temple that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called "without a doubt one of Canada's architectural wonders." The celebration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, temple, located in Etobicoke, also saw His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj be given a key to the City of Toronto by Mayor John Tory. Prime Minister Trudeau recalled opening of the temple on July 22, 2007 when the then-prime minister Stephen Harper was in attendance." Today I feel that history is repeating itself," said BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir spokesperson Nilesh Mehta. The gleaming structure is something he says symbolizes the Hindu community's love for Canada. -goTop

 

12. First Sikh woman MP in Britain joins key House panel: The first Sikh woman MP in Britain, Preet Kaur Gill, has been selected as a member of an influential parliamentary select committee which scrutinises the work of the home office.

The Labour MP, who won the Birmingham Edgbaston seat in the UK elections 2017, will be one of 11 MPs on the cross-party home affairs committee, which investigates the spending, policy and administration of the ministerial department. -goTop

 

13. 'Wish You Were Our PM,' Pak Woman Praises Sushma Swaraj After Visa Help: Videsh Mantri Sushma Swaraj has directed the Bharatiya High Commission in Islamabad to issue a visa to a Pakistani national for medical treatment in Bharat.Touched by Swaraj's prompt response, the woman, Hijaab Asif, praised the minister and even said Pakistan would have changed had she been the Prime Minister of her country. “@SushmaSwaraj What do I call you? Superwoman? God? No words to describe your generosity! Love you ma'am. Cannot stop praising you in tears!!!," she said. -goTop

 

14. Bharat electrifying a remote village in Egypt with solar project: A solar project with state-of-the-art technology has been launched in a remote village in Egypt.  The village named Agaween village is in the Western Desert in Matrouh Governorate, close to the Libyan border.

The off grid system is ideal for remote locations. Egyptian government made arrangement for the location of the project. Bharat provided all the solar panels and sub-systems, machinery, equipment and technical support, as well as training for technicians. "The project harnesses the sun and enriches the life of the villagers. The project is a demonstration of Bharat's technical capabilities, especially in renewable energy, and can be replicated at other locations in Egypt," Bharat's ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya said while inaugurating the project. Major General Alla Fathi Abou Zeid, Governor of Matrouh inaugurated the project. -goTop

 

15. PIO academician named dean of MIT's engg school: A Bharat-born academician at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been named as the dean of its engineering school. Anantha Chandrakasan, the Vannevar Bush Professor and head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) assumed his new role effective July 1.

The Chennai-born academician had previously headed the MIT's largest academic department, spearheading a number of initiatives that opened opportunities for students, postdocs, and faculty to conduct research, explore entrepreneurial projects.

MIT President Rafael Reif said in the statement that in a time of significant challenges, from new pressures on federal funding to the rising global competition for top engineering talent, he is confident that Chandrakasan would guide the school of engineering to maintain and enhance its position of leadership. He is a recipient of several awards including the 2009 Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) University Researcher Award, the 2013 IEEE Donald O Pederson Award in Solid-State Circuits, an honorary doctorate from KU Leuven in 2016, and the UC Berkeley EE Distinguished Alumni Award. He was also recognised as the author with the highest number of publications in the 60-year history of the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), the foremost global forum for presentation of advances in solid- state circuits and systems-on-a-chip. -goTop

 

16. POK IS BHARAT'S, SO PAK NOD NOT NEEDED FOR PATIENT'S VISA - SUSHMA: Videsh Mantri Sushma Swaraj allowed a medical visa to be given to an ailing resident of Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK), Osama Ali, saying he is a resident of an area which is part of Bharat, currently illegally occupied by Pakistan. "POK is an integral part of Bharat. Pakistan has illegally occupied it. We are giving him a visa. No letter required," Sushma tweeted. The Ministe's line is clear indicative of the fact that Bharat would remain assertive on POK and the residents of the region may be allowed to travel to Bharat in future as well without any hindrance. Osama (24) - a resident of Rawalkot in POK - has been diagnosed with a tumour in his liver and he wants to come to Delhi.-goTop

 

17. Asians now recognised as Kenya’s 44th tribe: “I do hereby recognise, proclaim and order, 1. that Kenyans of Asian Heritage constitute a Community that is one of the Tribes of Kenya; 2. that from now hence forth the Community of Kenyans of Asian Heritage are Kenya’s 44th Tribe,” declared Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in a proclamation which appeared in the official presidential journal made public on July 22.

The term "Asian community" in Kenya generally designates those of Indo-Pakistani origin who made their homes in the east African nation from the late 19th Century as the then British colonial power was constructing a first railway link from the port of Mombasa to Kampala in Uganda. According to Kenya's most recent census of 2009, the South Asian community numbers some 46,000 people. There are a further 35,000 who do not have citizenship.-goTop

 

18. Connecting NRIs to their Roots:  Nine Kathakars associated with the Ekal Abhiyan visited the US in the month of February. They included Teerthchand Kaushik from Sikkim, Priya Sahachari from Guwahati, Johan from Madhya Bharat, Sumitra from Mahakaushal, Geetmala from Silchar, Meena from Jammu and Dileshwar, Radheshyam and Sandip Kumar from Jharkhand.

They participated in more than 50 programmes under 'Ekal Sur, Ekal Tal' programme in 27 states of the US during six months. Big events were organised on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They joined various Bhajan Sandhyas and Satsang in different temples.

The NRIs participated in all the events with great enthusiasm. An eagerness to connect to their roots was also seen among them. It also strengthened the Ekal Abhiyan. All these Kathakars returned Bharat recently. They were honoured for the successful trip. -goTop

 

19.  Pak, separatists, terrorists biggest enemies of Kashmir: RSS leader Indresh Kumar: Pakistan, separatists and terrorists are the biggest enemies of Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat, the RSS said on July 27, advising Islamabad to "keep off Kashmir" and reminding it of how its "hate-Bharat" campaign cost it dearly in the past. Talking to the media on the sidelines of a function organised by the Bharat-Tibet Sahyog Manch in Jammu, RSS leader Indresh Kumar minced no words and asked Pakistan to mend its ways before it becomes "too little, too late" for the neighbour. -goTop

 

20. Over 51,000 RSS Shakhas in the country: RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Dr. Manmohan Vaidya briefted the media after the Prant Prachark meeting on July 20. He said this year, 87 Sangh Shikha Vargs took place wherein 23,223 shiksharthis participated.

A total of 15,816 shiksharthis below the age of 40 years participated and 3,000 shiksharthis were in the second year Varg and 899 were in third year camp. At present, there are 51,688 daily shakhas and 13,432 weekly milans in the country.

There are 2,965 Pracharks, Vistaraks across the country. Number of persons joining the RSS is increasing as in the last three years - 31,800 in 2015, 47,209 in 2016 and 71,872 in the last six months. -goTop

 

21. Initiate to Cure Ills: Bhaiyaji Joshi: "We are undoubtedly heading towards leading the world, but at the same time we must not ignore the weaknesses of our own society. Wherever and whatever wrong one finds, initiate steps to correct it," said RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi, while felicitating newly recruited civil servants on July 23, at a function organised by Sankalp. Bhaiyaji said despite many efforts on part of the society and governments still many do not have access to medicines, etc., therefore such type of necessities needed to be addressed. Earlier Dr Krishna Gopal said civil service is a mean to serve the nation. Shri Madan Das extended best wishes to the new civil servants. -goTop

 

22. US resumes H-1B premium processing for certain BHARATIYA visa categories: The Trump administration has come out with a new set of conditions of exemptions which seem to benefit the Bharatiya immigrants who come under the H1B visa status. The US will resume the premium processing for certain cap-exempt H-1B visa applications if the H-1B petitioner is: *An institution of higher education; *A nonprofit related to or affiliated with an institution of higher education; or *A nonprofit research or governmental research organization.

Premium processing will also resume for petitions that may also be exempt if the beneficiary will be employed at a qualifying cap-exempt institution, organization or entity. -goTop

 

23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Saumitra ji Gokhale, samyojak Vishwa Vibhag will travel to USA after the VSSV in Bharat, Ravi Kumar ji, sahsamyojak is in Singapore, Dr Ram Vaidya, sahsamyojak will travel to Japan.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: As long as someone cries out "O God! O God!" be sure that he has not found God, for whoever has found Him becomes still.- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886) -goTop

JAI SHREE RAM

--

Aiding Hinduism in Pakistan

Couple reports progress on some fronts, though many issues remain for the nation’s Hindus

(LAVINA MELWANI, NEW YORK)

In December 2016, Sanjesh Dhanja and his wife Kiran Kumari were hosted by the Hindu American Foundation for a US tour to enhance awareness of issues faced by Hindus in Pakistan. In 2009 these two tireless human rights workers co-founded the Pakistan Hindu Seva Welfare Trust (PHS, www.pakistanhinduseva.org), a charity organization whose mission is to create a peaceful Pakistan, free from discrimination and to strengthen human values through opportunities for minorities and deprived communities. Dhanja, the president of PHS, says, "Our goal is secular, not political: to work for education, health and human rights in Pakistan, largely for the millions of deprived Hindus there."

The current estimate of Hindus in Pakistan is 1.9 million. This is considered low. The long overdue national census in 2017 should provide higher numbers, if one includes Dalits, who will instead be designated as a separate religion even though the vast majority practice Hinduism. Says Dhanja, "Just about 2% are in the middle class, and at least 90% are very poor. Many are from scheduled castes. About 8% of the Hindus are wealthy, in business or serving in the legislature. Though they represent the entire Hindu community, they don't always support poor Hindus. We need funds to help this poor population."

Kiran Kumari, secretary of PHS, explains the disappearance of Pakistan's Hindus: "Some converted, some migrated and some lost their lives in various crises. Some Muslim groups do try to pressure Hindus to convert. We are working to resist this. Educated Muslims do not want Hindus to leave their faith. Because their strength is with us, we are able to raise our voices." PHS works on a broad array of fronts: burial and cremation matters for Hindus, an education center in Karachi, bringing the community closer by organizing cricket tournaments and preventing vandalization of temples. In 2014 six Hindu temples were attacked. Dhanja shares, "We believe every religion is a good religion," and the challenge is to teach Hindus about their faith in an Islamic nation.

"Ours is a painful story," confided Dhanja. "With no laws protecting Hindus, there is no access to justice. But there is some change today. We are trying to create awareness of our society, for we, too, are part of Pakistan." Kiran reports that at least 25 new cases of rape and forced conversion are registered every month, mostly in the poverty-stricken interior of Sindh. These include forced conversions and "love jihad," where girls are compelled to convert in order to marry Muslim men who use social pressure to take advantage of women's poverty. If poor Hindus cannot feed their family, conversion can seem attractive. Ten percent of the girls convert willingly, but the majority are compelled. Dhanja and Kumari have led protests against forced conversions and even rescued two girls. Threatened because of this activism, they focus now on societal issues for minorities. "Health, education and women's empowerment are the next phase of our work, and these will alleviate the problem of forced conversions," says Dhanja. "We want to teach the tenets of the Hindu faith to our children and want our Hindus to be aware of their religion so they won’t convert out of duress; if they do convert, it will be after a thoughtful process."

"In every religion, people try to teach the tenets of their faith to their children from birth, but this does not happen with Hindus in Pakistan," she noted. "We live in a society which does not allow us to learn about our own faith."

Ninety percent of Hindus are bonded laborers and receive no education. Says Dhanja, "The hate material in the school textbooks is not good for our children. What is falsely written about non-Muslim minorities needs to be corrected." PHS holds Bhagavad Gita quiz challenges for young Hindus to teach them a correct view of Hinduism.

Working with the government and with other NGOs, the couple are seeing incremental changes. In 2017 the government made some changes in the school textbooks, and included chapters on Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi and Navratri. The government has given Hindus plots to build new temples. Cremations, disallowed in many Islamic countries, are available to Pakistani Hindus. Yoga is better accepted; there is even a popular yoga program on television. In 2016 the government announced holidays on Diwali and Holi for the Hindu community. "Also," Dhanja adds, "68 years after Independence, Hindu marriage is now recognized under the law, but only in Sindh. We hope it may become law on a national level in the future." Travel for Hindus to India is also easier now. "We get visas to go to India, and this year a group of 90 Hindus traveled to India for a yatra. We went to Vrindaban, Rishikesh, Haridwar and also the Akshardham temple in Delhi," states Kiran Kumari. Dhanja would like Hindus from India to come and visit the pilgrimage spots in Pakistan, such as the ancient Shiv Temple in Chatwal, where Shiva's first tear had fallen and become a pond. He says,"The very name Hindu comes from the Sindhu River in Sindh. We should be very proud of that." Dhanja concludes, "We Hindus live together with the Muslims, who are very good neighbors. Extremism is the only problem we face." The couple see Pakistan as the home of all its citizens. "Our work is for all Pakistanis: we are working for the larger community. We work to benefit all humanity in Pakistan, not only the Hindus. We have to live in Pakistan - we are born of the soul of that country! Pakistan is our vatan, our homeland. We are facing the problems of the country together - we would not want to leave but rather stay and solve the problems we face together." (http://www.hinduismtoday.com/Magazine Web Edition > July/August/September 2017) -goTop