\ SAMVAD
Kartik Krishna 3, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125:1 November 2023: SM 5015 (For Private Circulation Only)
1. FESTIVALS: DIWALI:
Diwali (November 12 this year), the festival of lights, is celebrated as the day
Bhagwan Ram returned to his kingdom in Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman after
defeating Ravan. It is also widely associated with Devi Lakshmi, the goddess of
prosperity, and Bhagwan Ganesha, the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles. 
The festivities are held from two days before amāvasyā, on Dhanteras, until the
second day of the month of Kartik. -GoTop
2. RSS VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV: RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan
Bhagwat paid tribute to the founder of the organisation KB Hedgewar and also
performed the 'Shastra Pooja' on the occasion of Vijayadashami on October 24.
Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan was the Chief Guest of the function in Nagpur.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis were also present at the event.
However, by plunging education, culture, politics and social environment into
confusion, chaos, and corruption to create a cycle of fear, confusion and
hatred, efforts are being made by some people to ensure that this transformation
is not achieved. The right answer to this has to be found only through the unity
of the society. We are fortunate to have inherited an all-inclusive culture with
a tradition of unity. It is our way of life that transcends the differences
between worship, tradition, language, region, caste etc., and extends our
affinity from our own family to the entire world-family. We will have to work
with the actual situation on the ground, and not be misled by propaganda or
guided by assumptions. It is pertinent to persevere with our efforts for a long
time, with patience, restraint and tolerance. He concluded by saying that when a
nation, full of vigour and glory has a culture like Bharat’s Sanatan culture,
that nation restores the balance of the world and brings the world the blessings
of a happy and peaceful new life. This is the real purpose of the revival of our
immortal nation that is Bharat in the present times. -GoTop
3. SANSKRIT IS THE LANGUAGE OF OUR IDENTITY - PM MODI:
On October 27, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said at Shri Tulsi Peeth Seva Nyas
in Madhya Pradesh’s Chitrakoot that Sanskrit is not only the language of
traditions, but it is also the language of our progress and identity. He further
said that Sanskrit got refined with time but did not get polluted adding that
our culture is still intact and steadfast.
4. PM MODI INVITED FOR PRAN PRATISHTHA OF AYODHYA'S SHRI RAM
MANDIR: On October 25, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi met office bearers of
Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, as he was being invited for the Pran
Pratishtha of Shri Ram Mandir.
"The consecration of the new idol of Ramlala in Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will take
place on 22 January 2024. PM Narendra Modi will himself be present on this
occasion. 4,000 saints, Mahatmas of the country and 2,500 eminent personalities
of the society will witness this historic occasion," General Secretary of Shri
Ram Janambhoomi Trust Champat Rai posted on X. -GoTop
5. WORLD IS IN CRISIS BECAUSE ‘WE’ HAS BEEN REPLACED BY ‘I’:
DR JOSHI: On October 26, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, eminent thinker and former
Union Minister attended the launch of the book ‘We and the World Around’ at Dr
Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi. Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada and
spiritual Guru Swami Avdheshanand Maharaj graced the occasion as Chair.
While talking about RSS, Dr Vaidya said that it is difficult to understand RSS
from outside. However, if one enters into Sangh, it becomes very easy. The book
also mentions how a section of people tried to create misconceptions about Sangh,
and also how people change their perspective about Sangh after knowing it. Dr
Vaidya also said that the title of this book clearly says that Bharat’s view to
see the world is different than others in the world. He added that we believe in
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and always see the world as one and never divide it.
-GoTop
6. VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAV IN DARLAGHAT: The Vijayadashami
Utsav of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Darlaghat, Solan, Himachal
Pradesh, began with the shastra-pujan.
7. DAKSHIN LA VIBHAG HINDU HERITAGE CAMP: Dakshin LA
Vibhag of HSS USA conducted Hindu Heritage Camp in the Aliso Viejo Area on
September 8 to showcase what HSS can offer. Outreach was done using evite,
grocery door flyer handouts and door-to-door invites. The program started with
ice-breaker games.
8. DUSSEHRA-MILAN IN JAPAN: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS
Japan celebrated 8th Dussehra-Milan along with first ever Path Sanchalan in
Edogawa city, Tokyo. More than 200 participants including sevikas and bal
swayamsevaks attended the sanchalan which concluded in the premises of a local
Japanese school. The Dussehra-Milan witnessed participation of social workers
from 20 different nationalities including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet,
US, UK, Austria, Czech Republic, South Korea, Vietnam, and Philippines. Many
people who have recently started Hindu Mandir projects in various parts of Japan
also attended the event.
9. HSS VIJAYADASHAMI UTSAVS: On October 29, Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh, HSS Botswana conducted the Vijayadashami Utsav at Botswana
Hindu Society in Gaborone.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Taiwan conducted their first Vijayadashami Utsav on
October 28. Around 40 people participated in the event. The program included
‘aayudh puja’ and yogabhyas. Participants shared their thoughts on how
Vijayadashami is celebrated in different parts of Bharat.
HSS Thailand also celebrated the Vijayadashami utsav on October 29 at the Hindu
Dharma Sabha Vishnu Mandir. Vishnu Mandir President Shyam Vihari Singh and
president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Thailand Sushil Saraf were the guests of
honour at the event. Swami Vigyananad, Akhil Bharatiya General Secretary of VHP
was the main speaker on the occasion. The event included a path sanchalan,
collective Suryanamaskar and yoga. -GoTop
10. HSS USA CELEBRATED RAKSHA BANDHAN: Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh HSS USA celebrated Raksha Bandhan, also called Universal
Oneness Day, which underscores the values of unity, love, and protection in
society.
While appreciating on behalf of his team, Fire Chief James Blanchfield, Wilton,
CT, said, “It’s nice when we get together for something like this. On behalf of
all the emergency services here today, we thank you guys for coming out here and
spending the day with us.” -GoTop
11. UK PARLIAMENT CELEBRATED J&K DAY: The House of
Commons (UK Parliament) celebrated Jammu & Kashmir Day on the eve of the 76th
anniversary of the accession of the then princely state to Bharat on October 26,
1947. The program was organised by the J&K diaspora based in the UK and hosted
by Rt Hon Bob Blackman, MP Harrow East. Other parliamentarians attending the
event included Rt Hon Jonathan Lord, MP Woking, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, and MP
Chipping Barnet.
MP Theresa Villiers spoke about the importance of Jammu & Kashmir Day and also
highlighted the significant progress made by the region since the revocation of
Article 370.
The event was well represented by political and community activists based in the
UK, the wider British Bharatiya and J&K diaspora. -GoTop
12. PARANITYA NARASIMHA MANDIR DEDICATED IN NEW YORK:
In the small town of Elmira, New York, USA, Swami Paramahamsa Vishwananda
completed the inauguration of the Paranitya Narasimha Mandir and ashram on
September 3.
13. NEW YORK CITY MAYOR HOSTED DIWALI CELEBRATIONS: On
October 17, New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted the annual Diwali celebration
at his New York residence, Gracie Mansion.
14. RAM JANMABHOOMI TRUST RECEIVES FCRA CERTIFICATION:
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has received FCRA certification from
the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. It will allow the trust to receive
contributions from foreign sources for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Mandir Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra shared through an
interview that the construction of the ground floor of the three-storey Ram
Mandir in Ayodhya will be completed by end of December and the ’Pran-Pratishtha’
ceremony is expected to take place on January 22, 2024.
-GoTop
15. BHARAT REPORTS RECORD FOODGRAIN PRODUCTION:
Bharat’s total foodgrain production is estimated at a record 3296.87 lakh tons
for 2022-23 which is 140.71 lakh tons higher than the corresponding figure of
3156.16 lakh tons achieved during 2021-22, according to the final estimates of
the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare released on October 18.
16.NAVRATRI CELEBRATED AT ANCIENT SHARDA PEETH: For the
first time since Bharat became independent, Navratri has been celebrated at the
ancient Sharda Peeth, located across the LoC, in Kashmir's Teetwal. In a social
media post on X, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "It is a matter of
profound spiritual significance that for the first time since 1947, the Navratri
pujas have been held in the historic Sharda Mandir in Kashmir this year."
The mandir is considered to be the oldest among 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. It is
believed to be built on the place where the right hand of Sati fell. The Sharda
Peeth is significant as a Hindu and Buddhist mandir university and it also
housed several students from many countries, including Tibet, China, Thailand,
Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Iran, Afghanistan and Cambodia.
The 14th century literary and cultural text 'Madhaviya Shankaravijayam' refers
to the 8th century Vedic scholar, Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have
established the university within the mandir premises. The 11th century Kashmiri
poet Bilhana details the ornaments of the Devi and the famous 12th century
Kashmiri Historian Kalhana's seminal work 'Rajatarangini' certifies the exact
location of the mandir. -GoTop
17. NEW HEALTH CENTRE AT KASHI VISHWANATH MANDIR: In
the wake of the surge in number of devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath mandir,
steps have been taken to provide medical relief to them by setting up a health
centre in close proximity of the mandir.
18. BHARAT’S HUMANITARIAN AID FOR PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
ARRIVES IN EGYPT: The humanitarian aid sent by Bharat for the people of
Palestine arrived in Egypt on October 22, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
The Bharatiya envoy to Egypt, Ajit Gupte, handed over the relief material to the
Egyptian Red Crescent for onward transmission to Palestine.
Taking to X, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “India sends Humanitarian
aid to the people of Palestine. An IAF C-17 flight carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of
medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the people of
Palestine departs for El-Arish airport in Egypt." -GoTop
19. SCIENTISTS SUBRA, GADGIL GET NATIONAL MEDALS: On
October 24, US President Joe Biden honoured two Bharatiya American scientists —
Subra Suresh and Ashok Gadgil — with National Medals for their pioneering
contributions in the fields of science and technology innovation at a ceremony
in the White House. In his remarks at the ceremony in the East Room, Biden said
that for this year’s recipients, ‘outstanding’ may be an understatement and that
they have paved the way for a generation of other scientists and innovators to
pursue their own discoveries.
The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was awarded to Ashok Gadgil of
the University of California Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
for providing life-sustaining resources to communities around the world.
-GoTop
20. TEEN WINS SECOND SPOT IN 3M YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE:
Bharatiya-American teen Shripriya Kalbhavi has won second place at the
annual 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a premier science competition for
middle school students.
Apart from Kalbhavi, five other Bharatiya-American teens were among the top ten
finalists and each of them received a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card.
-GoTop
21. JP MORGAN ELEVATES BHARAT TO ‘OVERWEIGHT’ RATING:
JP Morgan, a leading global brokerage firm, has upgraded Bharat to an
“overweight” rating, reaffirming the country’s growing appeal to investors.
Several factors underpin this decision, including the robust growth in emerging
markets’ nominal GDP, and the expansion of the domestic bond market which is
expected to reduce risk premiums.
22. OBITUARY: RANGA HARI: Senior pracharak and
ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Ranga Hari passed away in
Kochi on November 29 at the age of 93. He served as the Akhil Bharatiya Boudhik
Pramukh from 1991 to 2005 and remained an active member of the executive
committee.
His contributions extended beyond Bharat, as he provided guidance to the Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh in Asia, America and Australia from 1994 to 2005, traveled
extensively to 22 countries, and participated in global conferences on
pre-Christian religions and tradition.
Hariji commanded excellent proficiency in Malayalam, Sanskrit, Hindi, Konkani,
Marathi, Tamil and English. Hariji authored 20 books in Malayalam, 8 in Hindi,
and one in Konkani. He also compiled three Malayalam books and a comprehensive
compilation of Golwalkar’s works, titled ‘Shri Guruji Samagra,’ consisting of 12
volumes in Hindi. His range of works varies from organisational matters to epics
to history to philosophies.
In a condolence message RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah
Dattatreya Hosabale said that the sad demise of Shri Ranga Hari ji had robbed us
of a profound thinker, practical worker and ideal of behaviour and most of all a
loving and encouraging elder. They added that Ranga Hari ji had lived his life
fully and meaningfully. -GoTop
23. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is
this: the man or woman who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person,
is the most successful. —Swami Vivekananda -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
BHAGWAT’S MANTRA FOR BHARAT
RAM MADHAV
RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat’s address at the
annual Foundation Day function in Nagpur on Vijaya Dashami earlier this week
provides significant insights into the organisation’s thinking about
contemporary issues and challenges. 
Bhagwat delineated the contours of that self-identity as devotion to the
motherland, pride in forefathers, and common culture.
“These three elements make us stand out proudly as one nation by tying together
all the diversities of language, region, sect, caste, sub-caste etc,” he
averred. Bhagwat acknowledged the fact that ours is a remarkably diverse society
and insisted that there are good people in all religions — “Hindus, and also
those who are called Muslims and Christians because of their way of worship” —
who believe that “fitna, fasaad, and kitan” (discard, strife and violence)
should be rejected and “sulah, salamati, and aman” (reconciliation, security and
peace) should be pursued.
Bhagwat suggested that such discussions shouldn’t become transactional. As “the
children of one motherland, and the inheritors of one culture,” we have to
understand our inherent unity and “get connected again on that basis”.
Talking about the “destructive, all-devouring forces” out to destroy that unity,
Bhagwat referred to “cultural Marxists or wokes”, blaming them for capturing
institutions like media and academia and plunging education, culture, politics
and social environment into chaos. He held them responsible for creating a
“vicious cycle of fear, confusion and hatred”. He described their modus operandi
as “mantra viplav”.
In his criticism of cultural Marxism and wokeism, Bhagwat will find many
supporters in the West. Cultural Marxism can be traced to the Frankfurt School
in Germany and scholars like Antonio Gramsci in Italy in the early 20th century.
Cultural Marxists deviated from Karl Marx’s economy-centric theory of
proletarian revolution and argued that the culture and traditions of a society
are the real oppressors of mankind and hence they should be uprooted for the
oppressed classes to get justice.
Gramsci argued that classical Marxist ideas like violent revolution should be
abandoned, and the ideologues should instead infiltrate institutions to create a
new cultural worldview. Fidel Castro of Cuba, the darling of the American New
Left in the late 1950s and early 1960s, confessed that he had agreed to address
Harvard students in 1959 only because “that is where you find the real ‘military
spirit’: In students, not in the barracks.”
In the West, the cultural Marxists theorised that the entire Western
civilisation, including its governments, rules, norms, behaviours, traditions
and mores are all manifestations of “White Supremacy”. Family, nation, god,
religion — all these are oppressive institutions according to them, and
destroying these edifices was the only way to secure freedom for the
“oppressed”. They invented the new classes of the “oppressed” based on race and
gender.
In Bharat, the ideological fellow-travellers of the cultural Marxists have
wreaked havoc by capturing premiere institutions and academic and intellectual
spaces for decades after independence. Like their Western counterparts, the
native cultural Marxists developed a narrative that projected Hinduism, caste
and social institutions like the family as oppressive and exploitative. They
challenged the national identity of Bharat and advocated for the dismemberment
of the country, acquiring in the process, the sobriquet “tukde-tukde gang” too.
Western cultural Marxists developed Critical Race Theory (CRT) holding white
people to be the fount of all oppression. Their Indian counterparts replaced
race with caste and sought to equate Hinduism with upper-caste hegemony and
oppression. Cultural Marxists are as much the enemies of the liberal order as
they are of the conservatives. Sadly, not realising these pitfalls, some
politicians in our country are trying to walk into that minefield in the name of
caste census, etc.
Fortunately, in India, unlike in the US, these cultural Marxist campaigners
encountered organised resistance from the nationalist forces led by
organisations like the RSS. Still, their efforts to demonise Hinduism and equate
caste with race to sow seeds of discord in society continue.
Bhagwat took up cudgels against them. But he also wished to caution activists
against being trapped in the action-reaction syndrome. He invoked Babasaheb
Ambedkar and the Constitution of India as the basis for achieving “emotional
unity”.
“There exist bitter experiences, ranging from not being able to get a house in
each other’s localities, to being treated with mutual contempt. Blame games
ensue over incidents of violence, riots, harassment, etc. The misdeeds of an
individual are extrapolated and portrayed as the misdeeds of an entire
community, and then a war of words ensues, followed by provocative invocations
and calls to action. Forces that want to break the country by making us quarrel
also take full advantage of this situation,” he warned.
Bhagwat’s important message to all citizens was about building a climate of
trust and harmony in the country. That is possible only by increasing “mutual
dialogue and understanding with a calm and stable mind and evolving respect for
each other’s beliefs,” he insisted.
The only response to the “mantra viplav” of the cultural Marxists should be “to
follow law and order, and abide by the Constitution” — this is Bhagwat’s mantra
for Bharat. (The article was originally published in Indian Express on October
28, 2023 as a part of Dr Madhav’s column titled ‘Ram Rajya’.)
https://www.rammadhav.in/articles/bhagwats-mantra-for-bharat/
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com
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