\SAMVAD  श्री विश्व निकेतन SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

Kartik Krishna 8, Vik. Samvat 2075 Yugabda 5120: 1 November 2018


1. FESTIVALS: Vijaya Dashami 2. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat ADDRESSES SWAYAMSEVAKS AT NAGPUR
3. KAILASH SATYARTHI URGES SWAYAMSEVAKS TO HELP BUILD NEW BHARAT ON ‘PANCHAAMRIT’ 4. DUBAI DEEPAVALI UTSAV 2018
5. MODI UNVEILS 182-METER TALL STATUE OF UNITY IN HONOUR OF SARDAR PATEL 6. Fastest Growing Language in U.S. is Telugu
7, SEWA INTERNATIONAL-CLEVELAND CHAPTER RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT FOR ASPIRE PROGRAM 8. GRAND OPENING OF SOUTH DAKOTA'S FIRST HINDU TEMPLE
9. OVER 17 LAKH PEOPLE VISIT BADRINATH AND KEDARNATH TEMPLES 10. HINDU REFORMERS THEME FOR DIVALI NAGAR 2018 IN TRINIDAD
11. ISRO successfully tests lander for soft landing on the moon 12. HRSC KANGUNDO SCHOOLS DONATIONS
13. ENACT LAW TO PAVE WAY FOR RAM TEMPLE, MATTER OF NATIONAL PRIDE: RSS 14. SEWA AMIDST SHOCK
15. AGNI-1 BALLISTIC MISSILE NIGHT TRIAL SUCCESSFUL 16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN
FOOD FOR THOUGHT  

Articles:

The three day lecture series was an unqualified success

 

1. FESTIVALS: Vijaya Dashami, the festival of victory, celebrated this year on October 18 as well as October 19, was preceded by Navaratras, nine nights of the worship of Shri Durga, the Goddess of Strength. Both of the festivals are celebrated in all parts of Bharat as well as in most of the countries of the world where Bharatiyas reside in sizable numbers. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded on this day and as such it was observed everywhere by carrying out Pathsanchalans and performing Shastrapuja. The festival was organized on October 19 in Port Blair with participation of 143 Swayamsevaks and general public. Sah Prant Pracharak of Dakshin Bang Prashant Bhat graced the occasion. In Imphal (Manipur), RSS swayamsevaks conducted a pathsanchalan on October 21. Around 300 swayamsevaks in full uniform carried out the route march of three km. In Kishtwar (J&K), the pathsanchalan was addressed by Kshetra Sewa Pramukh Suresh Kumar. He spoke about the various works done by the RSS swayamsevaks since 1925. In Prayagraj RSS Sahsarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal addressed the swayamsevaks at Parade Ground on October 20. In Delhi, RSS National Executive Member Shri Indresh Kumar addressed the swayamsevaks. A rare display of harmony was seen in Ajmer on October 19 when Muslims showered flowers to welcome the Pathasanchalan. Colourful effigies of Ravana along with those of Meghnath and Kumbhakaran were set on fire across Rajasthan on October 19 as the people celebrated the symbolic triumph of good over evil. People across Kerala celebrated Vijayadasami with thousands of children, aged

 two to three, being initiated into the world of learning and writing. Vijayadasami  (in Kerala) is observed as the day of 'Vidyarambham' the beginning of learning. -GoTop

 

2. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat ADDRESSES SWAYAMSEVAKS AT NAGPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was initiated at Nagpur on Vijayadashami day in 1925 and as such it is celebrated there with some physical demonstrations and an address by the Sarasanghachalk Dr Mohan Bhagwat. Translation of some excerpts from the address of Sarasanghachalakji is reproduced below.

National Security : The military, government and administration has displayed its clear intent to maintain peaceful and cordial relations with all the countries including the neighbouring ones in words and deeds, at the same time standing and acting firm and making prudent use of our capabilities while initiating bold actions wherever necessary in the context of national security. In this regard efforts are being initiated and accelerated to enhance the morale of our armed and security forces, making them well-equipped and to provide them with latest technologies. This is one of the reasons that the prestige of Bharat is rising in the world. The country cannot be assured about its security without the total self reliance in the field of defense production even while continuing with the multilateral exchanges wherever necessary. The pace of national efforts in this direction has to be accelerated.

Disturbing Trends: During the last four years, the forces with selfish motives have succeeded in sowing and growing the seeds of doubt, Detachment, imprudence, rebellion, hatred and violence in the weaker sections of the society. The selfish power hungry politics with sheer disrespect for the social harmony, legal and Constitutional discipline and with an eye on votes in the upcoming elections have been apparently clear behind these machinations. But this time an atmosphere of divergence, separatism, violence, acerbic hatred and going to the extent of fueling anti-national sentiments is being created by exploiting these grievances. The leading faces of the groups from whom the slogans like ‘भारत तेरे टुकड़े होंगे’ were emanated, have been at the forefront with their provocative speeches in such incidents at some places. To eliminate such tendencies, the Government and administration have to alertly ensure that such incidents, of which trouble mongers can take advantage of do not take place. At the same time, they will have to keep a constant vigil on such incendiary elements and forces so that they are not able to perpetrate such nuisance. We need to see the diversity of sects and religions, castes and sub-castes, languages and provinces as expressions of unity. Bhagini Nivedita has also considered civic consciousness as the manifestation of patriotism in the daily life of a citizen.

Necessity of Sanskar in the family: It is necessary to see whether we are fulfilling our responsibility towards the new generation to shape their minds with virtues of natural affection, self discretion, family and social responsibility and by setting our own example of prudence in an informal and pious environment or not. A need is being felt world over to be extra attentive due to the changing times. The entire society, including luminaries and leading intellectuals, need to take up the duty in this direction.

Integrated thinking: All those who are leading the society in various fields should keep in mind that every action, speech and thought of ours should nourish all including the individual, family, society, humanity and the environment. The decisions taken without considering all aspects and patiently creating the mindset of the society, will neither be adopted in actual practice nor will they help in creating a new social order in tune with changing times and positions. The situation arising out of the recent verdict on Sabarimala temple shows the similar predicament. The nature and premise of the tradition that has been accepted by society and continuously followed for years together were not taken into consideration. The version of heads of religious denominations and faith of crores of devotees was not taken into account. The plea by a large section of women, who follows this tradition, was not heard to. The legal verdict has given rise to unrest, turmoil and divisiveness in the society in place of peace, stability and equality.

‘Swa’ based systems for an independent nation: Aspirations of people of Independent Bharat have been articulated in the four different parts of our Constitution, namely, the preamble, fundamental rights, the directive principles, and fundamental duties. We will have to establish our own model of development in the light of these provisions. Even after adopting the noble principles from the world, it is absolutely essential for the progress of the nation that we devise our own distinct model of development and corresponding framework based on our philosophical foundation.

Shri Rama Janmabhoomi: In this very same context of honouring the ‘Swa’ of the nation, Sangh has been associated with the sentiments of crores of countrymen, in the efforts of constructing a magnificent Ram temple at the birthplace of Shree Ram who is the personification of the life energy of the nation and an icon of upholding Dharma. The place of Janmabhoomi is yet to be allocated for the construction of the temple although all kinds of evidence have affirmed that there was a temple at that place. There is an obvious game-plan of a few elements to stall the judgment by presenting various newer interventions in the judicial process. It is in nobody’s interest to test the patience of the society without any reason. The construction of the temple is necessary from the self-esteem point of view; it will also pave the way for an atmosphere of goodwill and oneness in the country.

Elections: If we have to get the verdict which will not lead to repentance then the voters will have to rise above self, parochial feelings, petty egos of caste, language and provincial affiliations, keeping in mind that the national interest is supreme. The voters will have to ponder over dispassionately upon the sincerity and capability of the candidate, commitment of the party on the issues of national interest and for the integrity of the nation and experiences of past and present actions of both candidates and parties. Since its inception, RSS has kept itself aloof from the party politics and the politics influenced by castes and creeds and will continue to do so. But the number of Swayamsevaks spread all over the country, should fulfill their duty as citizens and stand in favour of putting their strength behind the overall national good.

Sangh wishes to establish a strong, invincible organised Hindu society and will comprehensively achieve this goal. Hindutva is behind Bharat’s capacity to embrace the entire universe with acceptance and appreciation of all its distinct diversities. That is why Bharat is the Hindu Rashtra. An organised Hindu society is the bedrock of unity, integrity and sustainable progress of the nation. The acceptance of eternal Hindutva ethos is the panacea for fundamentalism, petty selfishness, unrestrained consumerism arising out of hardcore materialism and insensitivity. Therefore, organizing Hindus is a mission leading to universal good, Bharat’s welfare, and wellbeing of humanity. It is an appeal to all of you to be part of this sacred divine task, in cooperation with the Sangh Swayamsevaks, to carry forward Bharat’s chariot of destiny in order to put Bharatmata at the pedestal of Vishwaguru. -GoTop

 

3. KAILASH SATYARTHI URGES SWAYAMSEVAKS TO HELP BUILD NEW BHARAT ON ‘PANCHAAMRIT’: Noble Laureate and global champion of child rights and founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) Kailash Satyarthi called upon the RSS Swayamsevaks to contribute their mite in building a new Bharat based on the principles of ‘Panchaamrit’.

Addressing the Vijayadashmi Utsav at Nagpur at Reshambag Ground as a Chief Guest, Satyarthi who was awarded Nobel Prize in 2014 for his pioneering work in child rights, explained the five qualifying terms which he referred to as Panchaamrit.

He called upon the swayamsevaks to strive for building new Bharat that would include elements of compassion, inclusivity, safety and security, self-reliance and self-respect. “I offer a Panchaamrit – the five element concoction for new India”, Satyarthi said adding “I clearly see the potential of building a ‘Samvedansheel Bharat (Compassionate India), ‘Samaaveshi Bharat (Inclusive India), Surakshit Bharat (Safe & Secure India), Swvalambi Bharat (Self-reliant India), Swaabhimaani Bharat (Self-respecting India)”.-GoTop

 

4. DUBAI DEEPAVALI UTSAV 2018: An amazing celebration was witnessed at the Etisalat Academy Ground on account of ‘Deepavali Utsav 2018’, organised by Friends of India - FOI on 26th Oct 2018, under the auspices of Consulate General of Bharat, Dubai. 

After the lighting of the lamp by the Consul General of Bharat and Lt. Col. Tareeq Vipul, Consul General of Bharat who was the Chief Guest, spoke about Unity in Diversity which is from Dubai Police, along with other officials; H.E. Shri the foundation on which the edifice of Bharat is built. 

The event commenced with play of national anthems of both countries by the Special band from “Dubai Police”. FOI events felicitated Shri. Ritesh Ramakrishnan, Vice Chairman of Transworld Group, with the title of ‘Yuva Pratibha’ for his leadership and for being a successful young entrepreneur.

More than 8000 people joined in the celebrations. The event started with ‘Rangoli’ competition that witnessed tremendous creativity from the participants. The ambience was live and energetic with traditional Bharatiya games such as, ‘AatyPaatya’, ‘Kho Kho’ and ‘Laghori’.

More than 14 different states artists performed the Folk Dance of the respective states which caught everyone’s attention by display of outstanding footwork and co-ordination in their choreography. There was a special inclusion dance along with the Special Children was performed by the Prerena team, which was appreciated by all. Award-winning singer Naresh Iyer featured along with Bennet and band that got the crowd all cheerful and excited with their electrifying performances.

Shri Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO, along with prominent Bharatiya community members and Pravasi Bharitya Samman Awardees Shri Vashu Sheroff and Shri Bharat Bhai, also Shri Naresh Bavnani, Consuls from Consulate of Bharat and many others participated in the event. -GoTop

 

5. MODI UNVEILS 182-METER TALL STATUE OF UNITY IN HONOUR OF SARDAR PATEL: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the much-talked about Statue of Unity in honour of country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31st October. Commencing his speech, Pradhan Mantri Modi gave a slogan to the large gathering ‘Sardar Patel – Amar Rahe, Amar Rahe’.

The 182-meter statue of Patel stands on Sadhu Island on the Narmada and is said to be twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US.

The statue has been built at a cost of about Rs 2,400 crore. Approximately 70,000 tonnes of cement in addition to 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel and 6000 tonnes of structural steel have been used to build the statue – also billed as an architectural wonder.-GoTop

 

6. Fastest Growing Language in U.S. is Telugu: Telugu is the fastest growing language in the U.S., says a study by an American think tank. The number of U.S. residents speaking Telugu rose by 86 percent between 2010 and 2017, according to an online video by the World Economic Forum. The study on languages spoken in the U.S. used data from the American Community Survey and compared the number of people who said they spoke a language other than English at home in 2010 and 2017, the BBC said. Out of the most commonly spoken South Asian languages, Hindi is first, followed by Urdu, Gujarati and then Telugu. -GoTop

 

7. SEWA INTERNATIONAL-CLEVELAND CHAPTER RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT FOR ASPIRE PROGRAM: Eaton Charitable Fund on 8th October awarded a grant of $15,000 in support of Sewa International’s Active Student Participation Inspires Real Engagement Tutorial and Mentoring Program to help at-risk high school students in Cleveland improve their grades in Science, Mathematics and English. This is the third year that Eaton has provided this support to ASPIRE. Rogerio Branco, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer at Eaton and a member of the Sewa International Cleveland Board of Advisors noted that Sewa International has one of the lowest overhead expenses of a charitable organization in this country as all of its leadership takes no salary, and most of the work is done by volunteers. He also noted that although the Sewa ASPIRE program began by assisting Bhutanese refugee children in 2009, the program has seamlessly been adapted to the needs of Cleveland high school students, many of them from economically disadvantaged communities. -GoTop

 

8. GRAND OPENING OF SOUTH DAKOTA'S FIRST HINDU TEMPLE: October 14th was the grand opening of the Hindu Temple of Siouxland. The celebration was open to the public. Temple members say everyone is always welcome to the Temple regardless of religion."We have been dreaming about this temple for the last nine years, and today our dream has come true," Ramesh Singh, Hindu Temple of Siouxland president, said. -GoTop

 

9. OVER 17 LAKH PEOPLE VISIT BADRINATH AND KEDARNATH TEMPLES: For the first time after the 2013 deluge, more than 17 lakh people have visited Badrinath and Kedarnath temples in the Himalayas over the past five months in this yatra season. The portals of Badrinath temple were opened for devotees on April 30, and till October 26, over 10 lakh people visited the shrine.

If one adds to it the number of people who have visited Kedarnath temple between April 29 and October 26, it comes to 17, 19,678.

It is a record high after the 2013 tragedy. Last year, the number of pilgrims to visit the two shrines during this period was around eight lakh. -GoTop

 

10. HINDU REFORMERS THEME FOR DIVALI NAGAR 2018 IN TRINIDAD: The works and times of Bharatiya Hindu reformers will form part of the 32nd annual Divali Nagar of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) scheduled to commence Sunday October 28 to Monday November 5 at Divali Nagar Facility, Endeavour, Chaguanas, according to Surujdeo Mangaroo, public relations officer. Raja Rammohan Roy, Debendtanath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidgesagar, Daboba Pandurang, Sriddharalu Naidu, Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Vivekananda profiles and their contribution to Indian society with specific reference to Hinduism and Indian Thought will be featured. Mangaroo said that the Folk Theatre will feature local artistes on a nightly basis showcasing their talents in song, music, dance, drama and folk items as well vegetarian food in the Food Court.

A precursor to the Nagar will be the annual Divali Yagna which will commence on Wednesday 17th to 23rd, featuring Bharat-trained Pundit Abhedanand Persad Sharma, Mangaroo said.  -GoTop

 

11. ISRO successfully tests lander for soft landing on the moon: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted crucial tests to ensure smooth and precise landing of Vikram, the lander aboard Chandrayaan 2 on 26th October. The aim of the Lander Actuator Performance Test (LAPT) was to assess the performance of the navigational system onboard the lander for steering the module horizontally and vertically to reach a predefined target.

“The test proved the navigation capability of Vikram. The test module had all the actual navigational system that will be sent to the moon on board. Only the mass had been reduced to 1/6th the actual lander” said K Sivan, chairman of ISRO. -GoTop

 

12. HRSC KANGUNDO SCHOOLS DONATIONS: Hindu Religious Service Center – Kenya held a program in which Text Books, Exercise Books, Biro Pens & Trophies were donated to the students of Mbondoni, Matetani and Kyaaka Primary Schools. The Books have been donated by Messrs Teenage Wears Ltd.  Around 800 students will benefit from these donations.

The event was overseen by the Chief Education Officer of Kangundo, Joanina Njuguna, Nancy Afandi Machakos County Education Assistant Officer and Simon Njiru County Projects Coordinator. All the officers commended HRSC for their continued School Feeding Program as well donations of Text Books, Stationery, Biro Pens and Water Projects, etc. -GoTop

 

13. ENACT LAW TO PAVE WAY FOR RAM TEMPLE, MATTER OF NATIONAL PRIDE: RSS: The RSS reiterated its demand for enacting a law or promulgating an ordinance to enable the speedy construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

RSS Joint General Secretary Manmohan Vaidya said that “construction of the Ram Mandir is a matter of national pride” and so far the Ayodhya dispute had not been resolved in the courts.

His comments came in the wake of the three-day Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s ‘Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarni Mandal’ held in Mumbai on 31st October to 2nd November.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat had first raised the demand for such legislation at his annual Dassehra rally in Nagpur. Vaidya said that issues concerning national and social importance shall be deliberated during the conclave. -GoTop

 

14. SEWA AMIDST SHOCK: Whenever there is any calamity, the RSS workers are always at the forefront with relief and help. It was once again proved correct when the Sangh workers reached the tragedy site at Joda Fatak on October 19 where a speeding train ran over hundreds of persons killing 61 who were watching Dussehra celebration.

Amritsar Vibhag Pracharak Akshaya Kumar rushed to the spot along with the swayamsevaks. They ensured every possible help to the victims particularly to the family members of those who were killed in the tragedy. A group of 20 workers from Sewa Bharati and Kreeda Bharati along with the swayamsevaks collected the dead bodies. Another group of 49 swayamsevaks rushed to Shri Gurunanak Dev, Shri Guru Ramdas and Civil Hospitals to help the injured persons undergoing treatment there. They served tea and water for the family members of the victims. Swayamsevaks also helped the victim families in cremation of the dead bodies.

On October 21, international working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Alok Kumar met the families of the victims alongwith Amritsar Vibhag Sanghchalak Dr Karunesh Gupta and other senior workers. -GoTop

 

15. AGNI-1 BALLISTIC MISSILE NIGHT TRIAL SUCCESSFUL: A night trial of Bharat’s indigenously developed nuclear-capable Agni-1 ballistic missile with a strike range of 700 km was successfully conducted on 30th October from a test range off Odisha coast as part of a user trial by the Army.

The trajectory of the trial was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, telemetry observation stations, electro-optic instruments and naval ships from its launch till the missile hit the target area with accuracy. -GoTop

 

16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Sahsarkaryavaha, RSS and Saumitra Gokhlae , Vishwa Vibhag samyojak will tour Australia and New Zealand. Visitors: Khanderao Kand – USA, Ashok Kshetrapal, Subhash Ahuja - Myanmar

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Who but the Atman is capable of removing the bonds of ignorance, passion and self-interested action? – Adi Sankaracharya. -GoTop

JAI SHREE RAM

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The three day lecture series was an unqualified success

Dr Manmohan Vaidya

The three day lecture series of Dr. Mohanji Bhagwat, was an unqualified success, and as expected conversations triggered by this first of a kind interaction still continue. Amongst those who attended there were many who were yet to hear the Sangh’s views first hand and had often been misled by propaganda, hence there was also some disbelief, since the Sarsanghachalak’s speech was contrary to what had been said and reported about the organization. Opponents of the RSS, were numbed into silence, trying to pick apart the speech but failing to come up with an incriminating utterance that confirmed their often repeated falsehoods. However their efforts (out of habit and hubris), saw a desultory revival, mostly centered on discredited repetitions of the past. So whilst critics closed to new thoughts and engagement continued to rehash old accusations, the new dialog that the Sarsanghchalak’s outreach has triggered, overwhelms past prejudice.

Surprisingly it is seen that in the process of countering Communist propaganda, some supporters of the RSS and even swayamsevaks, started parroting the same line, issuing argument as apologia when none was merited.

There seems to be some delight or surprise about the clarification, the Sarsanghchalak has given about the publication – Bunch of Thoughts, a collection of speeches and thoughts of Shri Guruji (the second sarsanghchalak). This analysis takes a further leap and goes so far as to assume that Dr. Bhagwat has distanced the Sangh from Guruji! This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the entire lecture of the Sarsanghachalak on day two about Hindu and Hindutva was based on the intellectual articulation provided by Shri Guruji to the Sangh movement.

Bunch of Thoughts must be seen in the context of its times – also it must be emphasised that the period it is associated with is from 1940 to 1965(not his entire tenure as Sarsanghchalak), a specific time in pre and post independent history which had its own unique circumstances, leading to wide debate and discourse on nationhood, identity and belonging.  Hence it is essential to view the opinions of that time as a subset of the larger dialog around these issues and the creation of a new country – Pakistan, based entirely on religion.

When Shri Guruji took over as Sarsanghchalak, he was a mere 34 years old and destiny had led to the mantle of responsibility being placed on his shoulders. It was a daunting task for the young man to expand and guide this  organization, which had no other parallel to emulate, and would need to forge its own destiny. At the time of his taking over as Sarsanghchalak, the call for Pakistan had taken on a pervasive note and echoed across the country. The Quit India movement had also gained force and many swayamsevaks had been incarcerated and some condemned to death as well. It was a tumultuous time, in 1946 there was an election held with the demand for Pakistan. In Muslim majority areas, Hindus were subjected to violence and persecution. As a result of Direct Action, Hindus in Bengal faced wide spread violence. India gained independence but it was also amputated. The largest movement of humanity took place, Hindus sought refuge in India, often after facing unspeakable violence and losing everything. The swayamsevaks were the only group who stood by this population, protecting them and playing witness to their trauma. The psychological impact of those years was profound and lasting on Hindu society and the nation.

On Gandhiji’s assassination, the RSS was targeted with falsehoods and a ban was imposed, even though the government was unable to prove the allegations. This was the beginning of the dirty politics of hate by the Congress party in independent Bharat.  The government was not ready to prosecute and prove the charges. No door was left open for conversation and Shri Guruji was incarcerated based on these false charges, swayamsevaks organized an unprecedented peaceful satyagrah against this injustice and eventually the unfair ban was removed. Correspondingly communist ideology was expanding and divisive thought that undermined national identity was systematically mainstreamed. This impunity was so stark that in 1962 when communist China attacked India and there was widespread despondency in the country, the communists openly praised the Chinese, clearly articulating their loyalty to their ideology over the nation. At the same time conversions by Christians gained ground. The Justice  Niyogi commission’s report led the Congress ruled states of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh to enact an anti conversion law, leading to wide spread protests amongst the Christian community.

During this time of upheaval, Shri Guruji continued to travel through the length and breadth of the country and addressed issues that plagued the national conscience, these contemplations and responses to the prevalent circumstances up to 1965 have been included in Bunch of Thoughts. However Shri Guruji continued to be engaged in public discourse for eight more years beyond the time span of the book. Hence on his centenary birth anniversary in 2006, a 12 volume edition, an authoritative compilation of his entire thoughts( Shri Guruji Samagra Darshan) during his time as Sarsanghchalak was published. This compilation  is worth reading for those who wish to understand Shri Guruji and the evolution of his ideas better, which were in many instances a response to the concerns of the day. No opponent of the Sangh has displayed the requisite intellectual rigour to study Guruji and his ideas entirely  in depth before lifting the pen to write on him.

If twelve volumes are too expansive then his ideas have been distilled into a book called – Shri Guruji- His Vision and Mission (Drishti and Darshan) a book which provides a deep insight as well and is shorter. Dr Bhagwat appealed to everyone to read this book, so where does the question of distancing from the second Sarsanghchalak’s thoughts come in?

The answer given by Dr Bhagwat to the query on the selectively quoted sections in Bunch of Thoughts is not any different from what Shri Guruji has himself said. There was an interview that he did with Dr Jilani in the seventies, in which he answered these direct questions, it is an interview that is rarely quoted either because critics develop selective amnesia or it doesn’t suit their motivated campaign. ……………………….

Well known journalist, Khushwant Singh also interviewed Shri Guruji in 1972 and if you were to read that interview then the protracted effort to malign and misrepresent Shri Guruji by the communists who exercised control on most of the media and academic disciplines will become clear.

In the beginning he writes- “There are some people against whom you build up malice without knowing them. Guru Golwalkar had long been at the top of my hate list. However, as a journalist, I could not resist the chance of meeting him.” In the end he writes-“Was I impressed? I admit I was. He did not try to persuade me to his point of view. He made me feel that he was open to persuasion.”

Both the interviews are worth reading in their entirety. However communists have made it an art form to discuss and defame Guruji without going through the vast literature on him, it is a style of propaganda that they have “excelled” at across the world.

In Bunch of thoughts the concerns raised by Shri Guruji are the same that the world today is vexed with and are specific to an ideology (within the faith) that propagates fundamentalism and the jihadist mindset that leads to horrors and oppression. Even in Bharat the existence of such elements cannot be denied. In addition forced and illegal conversion in violation of the law by missionary bodies, urban Maoism as well as the international support to such activities have once again in the recent past been highlighted through some incidents but have a long history of spreading disquiet and violence in society. Though it is necessary to take the Muslims and Christians of Bharat along in the nation building process, it is also important to be cautious about the extremists, Jihadi and divisive elements active in the name of so-called minorities. In this sense, Shri Guruji’s caution about the threats to the nation are relevant even today.

As Hindu way of life manifests itself with the changing times, same is true with the nature of Sangh work. There have been many ups and downs in the 92 years journey of the Sangh. Many efforts of opposition, suppression and venomous propaganda have taken place. Despite all this, the Sangh thought and work has been growing with all inclusive and all pervasive approach.  Perhaps the inherent qualities of the fundamental Hindu philosophy characterised by ‘flexible rigidity’ and transformation as per times is the real strength behind this. (Dr. Manmohan Vaidya is SahSarkaryavah( Joint general secretary of RSS. Vskbharat.com October 16, 2018) -GoTop


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