\Samvad

Chaitra Shukla 8, Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 April, 2024: SM 6002 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: BHAGWAN MAHAVIR JAYANTI 2. SARSANGHCHALAKJI’S PROGRAMS
3. JALLIANWALA BAGH MARTYRS ALWAYS INSPIRES - MURMU 4. HINDU DHARMA, UNLIKE ANY OTHER RELIGION, IS KNOWLEDGE-BASED AND NOT DOGMA-BASED – SWAMI VIGYANANAND
5. GANGA AARTI HELD FOR FIRST TIME AFTER 75 YEARS AT KISHANGANGA CLOSE TO LOC 6. NATIONHOOD COMES FROM COMMON SENSE OF HISTORY - DOVAL
7. HSS CELEBRATES VARSH PRATIPADA UTSAV 8. DARSHANA EXHIBITION 2024
9. HSS GERMANY ORGANISED VEDIC SANSKRITI: UNIVERSAL SANSKRITI 10. RESOLUTION CONDEMNING ATTACKS ON TEMPLES AND HINDUPHOBIA INTRODUCED IN U.S. CONGRESS
11. SIKHS IN CANADA OBSERVE APRIL AS HERITAGE MONTH 12. OVER 3.5 LAKH DEVOTEES VISITED ABU DHABI MANDIR
13. BHARAT-NEPAL ALLIANCE ADVANCES SANSKRIT EDUCATION 14. CHANDRAYAAN-3 TEAM HONOURED WITH JOHN SWIGERT JR AWARD
15. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Article: BHARAT : CULTURAL CONTINUUM AND THE BEAUTY OF INHERENT UNITY


1. FESTIVALS: BHAGWAN MAHAVIR JAYANTI: Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavir, who played a significant role in preaching Jainism. Bhagwan Mahavir believed in and preached ahimsa or non-violence, satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment).

According to the Swetambar sect of Jainism, he was born on the 13th day of Chaitra, 599BC in Kundalagrama, Bihar. Digambar Jains believe that his birth took place in 615BC. This year it falls on April 21. The teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir about universal love continue to live and inspire thousands to this date. Jains around the world celebrate this day by doing charity, reciting prayers and observing fasts. Devotees also visit Jain temples, conduct mass prayers and meditate. Processions, Rath Yatras with the idol of Bhagwan Mahavir are organised. Abhishekam of Bhagwan Mahavir’s idol in honey, water, and milk is also performed.  -GoTop


2. SARSANGHCHALAKJI’S PROGRAMS: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat has said, “We had wanted a temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi for 500 years. Since last 30 years of this continued Tapasya and 'samarpan' of people led us to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.” The entire country was overwhelmed when the idol of Ram Lalla was consecrated, Dr. Bhagwat said on April 11 while speaking at the inauguration of the Dattaji Bhale Smruti Samiti Karyalaya at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar named ‘Samparpan’. The karyalay includes a hostel for underprivileged students and will provide them accommodation and many other livelihood skill training including Yoga.

Sangh pracharak Dattaji Bhale was a dedicated social worker who devoted his whole life for the welfare of the society. Dattaji Bhale Smruti Samiti Nyas (DBSSN) was founded in 1980. On the occasion many eminent personalities including (DBSSN) President Devanand Kotgire were present. Dr Bhagwat also launched a sport app which has more than 600 sports of 16 categories.
On April 7, Dr Mohan Bhagwat emphasised eliminating caste and gender discrimination in the society through “special deeds” and by “creating a network of noble power”. Dr. Bhagwat was speaking at the Prabbudh Nagrik Sammelan, organised by the Dr Hedgewar Janamshatabdi Seva Samiti in Vadodara. “The adherence of values, preservation of the environment, feeling of pride for indigenous values can be achieved by creating an equal society and bringing about enlightened families. Special efforts should be made to create a network of noble power,” said Dr. Bhagwat.
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3. JALLIANWALA BAGH MARTYRS ALWAYS INSPIRES - MURMU: Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu expressed heartfelt tributes on April 13 to the people who sacrificed their lives for the country in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and said that the spirit of patriotism of those martyrs will keep inspiring the coming generations.

Hundreds of people protesting peacefully against the Rowlatt Act, which granted repressive powers to the colonial administration, were gunned down by British forces without any provocation on this day in 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Punjab's Amritsar.
"I am sure that the spirit of patriotism of those martyrs will always inspire the coming generations," Rashtrapati said in a post in Hindi on X.
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4. HINDU DHARMA, UNLIKE ANY OTHER RELIGION, IS KNOWLEDGE-BASED AND NOT DOGMA-BASED – SWAMI VIGYANANAND: On April 2, the Centre for Hindu Studies, University of Delhi, organised a thought-provoking one-day National Conference on ‘Hindu Studies at the University of Delhi: Understanding Hindu Dharma and Hinduness’. Professor Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, delivered inaugural address.

The keynote address was delivered by Swami Vigyananand, the founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation. He highlighted that Bharatiyas need to get rid of the slavery mindset owing to centuries of foreign rule and that the Hindu Dharma is intrinsically knowledge-based, not dogma-based.
In Technical Session-I, Advocate Monika Arora shared her thought on the intricate relation between Sanatan Dharma and the Constitution, while Professor Nachiketa Tiwari from IIT Kanpur elucidated on ‘Jnana: The Foundation of Hindu Civilization.’ Prafulla Ketkar (Editor of Organiser) talked about contemporary Hindu Dharma.
In Technical Session-II, a historian and author Professor Kapil Kumar elaborated on ‘Psyche of Hindu Resistance: Past, Present, and Future’. Chandru Ramesh, an acclaimed author and researcher, shed light on ‘Mahabharata: A Myth or Itihasa’.
Balbir Punj, former MP, Rajya Sabha and a veteran journalist said in his valedictory address that the pluralistic, secular, and democratic character of Bharatiya people and Bharatiya nation came essentially from the tenets of the Hindu Dharma.
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5. GANGA AARTI HELD FOR FIRST TIME AFTER 75 YEARS AT KISHANGANGA CLOSE TO LOC: On April 10, the serene banks of the Kishanganga River witnessed the resumption of the age-old tradition of Ganga Aarti after a hiatus of 75 years. The sacred ritual, conducted at the newly constructed Ghat near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, marked a momentous occasion for devotees and pilgrims from across the country. The event, held for the first time since the partition, attracted scores of faithful devotees who gathered to partake in the spiritual ceremony.

The inauguration of the Sharda Devi Temple last year by Union Home Minister Amit Shah further underscored the renewed focus on revitalising religious sites and promoting cultural heritage in the region. The establishment of the temple in 2021 with local support has reignited calls for the reopening of the LoC for pilgrimage purposes, echoing sentiments expressed by various political factions and Kashmiri Pandit groups.  -GoTop


6. NATIONHOOD COMES FROM COMMON SENSE OF HISTORY - DOVAL : Nationhood is constituted by people who share a common sense of their history and a common vision of their future, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said as he released an 11-volume book series that charts different phases of the history of ancient Bharat and its accomplishments. Addressing a gathering at the launch event in New Delhi on April 9, the NSA said, “People who have got a different sense of history, ‘if my hero is your villain’, you and I cannot make a nation.”

Describing Bharat as a “civilisation of antiquity” and “civilisation of continuity” spanning thousands of years, Doval also said that it was a paradox that the first chapter about Indian history in any western narrative starts with Alexander. After releasing the series ‘History of Ancient India’, published by Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) and Aryan Books, he said it consists of scholarly papers contributed by a “large body of scholars”.  -GoTop


7. HSS CELEBRATES VARSH PRATIPADA UTSAV: On April 13 HSS Zambia celebrated Varsh Pratipada Utsav at Lusaka. HSS Senior Karyakarta Nachiket welcomed all & requested dignitaries to light up the lamp. Students recited different devotional shlokas, performed cultural dance & also showcased group Yoga demonstration.

Celebration was concluded with Prarthana. In his speecha, Lusaka Hindu Association Chairman Anil Desai highlighted the need of service to the community with utmost dedication.
On April 7, HSS USA Buffalo Grove Shakha Chicago celebrated Varsh Pratipada Utsav with grandeur. The cultural program included dance performance by the girls and sevikas. Bala and kishore demonstrated Ghosh and also recited the Hanuman Chalisa. One of the attractions in the event was Bal-Mela which featured a wide variety of games based on Hindu themes.
HSS USA Arizona celebrated the Hindu new year and the festival of Yugadi with a family picnic in Chapparal Park, Scottsdale. The event was attended by more than 180 people.
Varsh Pratipada is also the birth anniversary of the Sangh founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. In commemoration, HSS USA Cleveland Chapter, Sindhu Shakha, paid tribute to the legacy of this day.
HSS Japan Shivaji Shakha Yokohoma celebrated the Varsh Pratipada and birth anniversary of Dr Hedgewar.
Bal-sevaks performed several cultural programs and were briefed about the significance of Varsh Pratipada including life history of Dr Hedgewar.
HSS Nepal also celebrated Varsh Pratipada Utsav and the birth anniversary of Doctorji with organising Path Sanchalan and Ghosh in full Ganavesh at Kathmandu, Mahendra Nagar, Birganj, Butwal, Pokhara and at other places.
Varsh Pratipada also organised in all other HSS Shakahs all over the world including Ireland, UK, Germany, etc.
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8. DARSHANA EXHIBITION 2024: Hindu Yuva collaborated with the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre and Indian Heritage Cultural Centre to hold the “Darshana Exhibition” at the Iowa State Capitol on March 28.

The event featured stalls showcasing traditional Hindu clothing, Indian musical instruments, and games, along with samosas and chai. Over 100 visitors attended the exhibition, including 16 legislators and senators, with 5 of them providing testimonials about the event. The event was supported by 14 volunteers including faculty members, their spouses, residents and swayamsevak from Des Moines, people from the Temple committee, and ISU students.  -GoTop


9. HSS GERMANY ORGANISED VEDIC SANSKRITI - UNIVERSAL SANSKRITI: HSS Germany in association with Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar and Consulate General of Bharat, Munich organised a special discussion program "Vedic Sanskriti : Universal Sanskriti" on March 22 which was based on the scientific aspects of Bharatiya culture, including Yoga, Ayurveda, health, philosophy, Vedas, Upanishads, Geeta and Ramayana. Information about the ongoing research work of Patanjali Yogpeeth on Yoga & Ayurveda was also shared. Rakesh Kumar and Prof. Dr. Sadhvi Devpriya from Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar blessed the occasion and emphasized the importance of Yog and Ayurvada in daily life.

The event was organized at the office of Consulate General of India, Munich. In the program, a detailed account of the work of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in Munich and across Germany was explained by the Karyavah of Munich Shakha.  -GoTop


10. RESOLUTION CONDEMNING ATTACKS ON TEMPLES AND HINDUPHOBIA INTRODUCED IN U.S. CONGRESS: Celebrating the contributions of Hindus and Hinduism to the U.S., a prominent Indian-American Congressman has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives condemning Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry, hate and intolerance.

The resolution that was introduced by Congressman Shri Thanedar on April 10 has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The resolution reads that despite their positive contributions to the United States, Hindu Americans face stereotypes and disinformation about their heritage and symbols, and have been the targets of bullying in schools and on college campuses, as well as discrimination, hate speech, and bias-motivated crimes.
Recently, Bharatiya-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Thanedar, Ami Bera and Pramila Jayapal had written to the Department of Justice to request a briefing from them on the status of investigations concerning incidents of vandalism at houses of worship across the country including at Hindu temples. 
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11. SIKHS IN CANADA OBSERVE APRIL AS HERITAGE MONTH: With eight lakh Sikhs calling Canada their home, April is observed as Sikh Heritage Month to celebrate the rich history and contributions of the community there. There are about 27 million Sikhs worldwide, making Sikhism the fifth-largest religion.

According to the City of Surrey’s official account on X, “It is an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and educate about the vital role Sikhs have played, and continue to play, in our communities.” The celebration features a range of activities that promote Sikh culture, including Kirtan Darbars, music and dance performances, art exhibits, film screenings, lectures, and community gatherings. This year’s Vaisakhi Parade is on April 20. Langars - a community meal that is served at Sikh temples or Gurdwaras for all regardless of their background or beliefs - are also being organised.  -GoTop


12. OVER 3.5 LAKH DEVOTEES VISITED ABU DHABI MANDIR: Over 3.5 lakh devotees visited the first stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi within a month of its opening for the public, according to temple authorities.
The iconic temple which was inaugurated on 14 February by Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi was opened for visitors on March 1.

“In the first month, there were approximately 350,000 devotees and visitors, 50,000 of whom visited each weekend. It's important to note that on Mondays the Mandir conducts private prayers and is closed to visitors, meaning the complex was accessible for only 27 out of the 31 days in March,” a temple spokesperson said. The temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore.  -GoTop


13. BHARAT-NEPAL ALLIANCE ADVANCES SANSKRIT EDUCATION: Recognising the importance of preserving and promoting Sanskrit education, Bharat and Nepal have embarked on a collaborative journey. During the three-day Nepal-Bharat International Sanskrit Conclave from March 27 to 29 in Kathmandu, both Bharatiya and Nepalese scholars have decided to hold an International Sanskrit Conference annually.

Over 120 Sanskrit scholars, professors, and Government officials from both nations were part of this significant gathering which was orchestrated by Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan in collaboration with Central Sanskrit University, Delhi, and India Foundation, Delhi. Signalling a commitment to several collaborative endeavours, the five-point resolution has been adopted during the three-day meeting.  -GoTop


14. CHANDRAYAAN-3 TEAM HONOURED WITH JOHN SWIGERT JR AWARD: Chandrayaan-3 mission team received the 2024 John L “Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award for Space Exploration, a top award from the US-based Space Foundation. This annual award honours a space agency, company, or consortium of organizations in the realm of space exploration and discovery.

The award was presented at the Space Foundation’s yearly opening ceremony of the Space Symposium in Colorado on April 8. The Consul General of Bharat in Houston, DC Manjunath received the award on behalf of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 team.
Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle said, “Bharat’s leadership in space is an inspiration to the world”. He added, “The pioneering work of the entire Chandrayaan-3 team has again raised the bar for space exploration, and their remarkable lunar landing is a model to us all. Congratulations and we can’t wait to see what you do next!”
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15. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas:  Visitors: Dineshmani Dubey - Thailand.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: One who is virtuous and wise, just and merciful, is a true human. - Bhagwan Sri Ram.
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JAI SHRI RAM
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BHARAT : CULTURAL CONTINUUM AND THE BEAUTY OF INHERENT UNITY

The definition of a nation is different from that of a country. Bharat is not just a country, a piece of land,
a geographic territory that is merely confined to a state that is self-governed politically, but it is a living nation intellectually, ethnically, spiritually, esthetically, ethically, historically, linguistically, scripturally, philosophically, artistically and scientifically. The word nation comes from old French nacion, meaning a place of origin. The same principle is adopted by a few countries in the name of bhumiputra.

Significance of Sanskrit: A nation is bound by its physical boundaries. Bharat is known as Aryavarta, Jambudvipa and Bharatakhanda, geographically spans from Himalayas to Indian Ocean as written by the great poet Kalidasa. It is described as follows in the opening verse of Kumarasambhava – अस्त्युत्तरस्यां दि शि देवतात्मा हिमालयो नाम नगाधिराज, पूर्वपरौ तो यनिधीवगाह्यस्थि तः पृथिव्या मिवमा नदण्डः।
Himalayas, an abode of the divine, king of mountains, stands on the earth (Bharat) as a symbol of its pride, in the north, with seas on both its sides- the East and the West. It is said in Vishnu-purana that the nation (varsham) that lies North of the ocean and South of the snowy mountains (Himalayas) is called Bharat. The people who live there are descendants of Bharat.
उत्तरं यत्समुद्रस्य: हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षि णम् । वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम: भारतीयत्र संततिः ।।
It is identified as a nation created by the divine in a Sanskrit Subhashita –
हिमालयं समारभ्यया वत् इंदु सरेावरम् | तं देवनिर्मितं देशं हिंदुस्थादु स्थानं प्रचक्षते ||
Meaning that its span starts from the Himalayas and extends up to Indu Sarovaram (Indian Ocean) and it is a nation created by the divine called Hindustan.
Bharat as a Rashtra has preserved all the fundamental components of nationalism that have remained unfragmented. Over millennia, people developed their own languages in various parts of Bharat but the mother of all Indian languages is Sanskrit. There are a variety of scripts, but the mother is Brahmi. A known English scholar Monier Williams wrote, “India though it has … 500 dialects, has only one sacred language, and only one sacred literature, accepted and revered by all adherents of Hinduism alike, however diverse in race, dialect, rank and creed. That language is Sanskrit and that literature is Sanskrit literature… .,”
Bharat as a nation is identified by its distinct culture developed by the rishis and munis sitting on river banks and intensely meditating. They did not share any fixed ideology but left it to develop on internalisation of the philosophy of life.
A nation is a piece of land bound by political boundaries, nationalism is an emotion where everyone has patriotic feelings for a certain country; they love their motherland, have faith in the traditions of their fore-fathers; they aspire for its all-round development, those people become its identity, they live a life aiming at higher values, they respect its heritage, and cultural symbols built over centuries, they feel connected with their history and feel pain for painful moments and rejoice with joyful. Their country is their sacred land. The foundation of their culture is the same. People imbibe a collective approach towards nation, it does not matter whether they are living in huge palaces or straw-huts. Nationalism is their Dharma. The land is sacred and adorable through pilgrimages. Let us ponder over the idea of nationalism written by some visionaries.
Nationality is a corporate sentiment … … relating to a definite home country. It springs from a common heritage of memories of great achievements and glory or of disaster and suffering. (Prof. Hole Combe) …. A common language and literature, common customs and consciousness … … (Burgess) … … a common civilization gives a sense of unity, a common heritage of memories is history.. … (Blunsky) We Hindus are indigenous children of the soil always from time immemorial and are natural masters of the country. Here we have compiled our imitable Vedas, reasoned out our philosophy of the Absolute… …built our sciences and arts and crafts .. …. Here we … … flourished and prospered – a great nation of a great race – propounded the one religion …. … and built up a culture… (MS Golvalkar, We, Our Nationhood Defined: pg. 13)
The word nation consists of certain distinct notions fused indissolubly into a whole, which stands so long as its components exist in unison. (MS Golvalkar, We, Our Nationhood Defined: pg. 21)
Bharat has an unbroken distinct identity as a nation for millions of years. While several other countries either never could fulfil all the required pre-requisites or components of being a nation or they lost one or the other element. Let us look at the nationalism of a few countries which became fragmented due to several reasons. Egypt has lost its native identity. They are the people who built huge pyramids along the river Nile. They had built abodes of their own adorable Gods around 2000 BC. The amazing statues at Abu Simbal temple which were consecrated by the first rays of Sun twice in a year.
Collapse of : The civilisation and culture of the Greeks was destroyed. Their ancestors built a glorious culture, produced great poets and philosophers, Aristotle, a student of Plato and Plato whose teacher was Socrates.
They worshipped Zeus, Apolo, Athena, Athens, Delfi, temples, academies, glorious history, but it is now all gone. They wrote Iliad and Odissi like chronicles. The first University Academies established by Plato in the fifth century BC are in ruins after being destroyed in the fifth century AD, their libraries at Alexandria were burnt down. Greek Professors of Constantinople were thrown out. Memories of their ancestors went into amnesia. Their religion in Greece is finished. National heritage could not survive. Thus, their nationhood is fragmented.
Nationalism is Fragmented: In Iran, Islam was forcefully established. But Iran did not lose its language. They still wish to cherish the memories of their ancestors but unfortunately either they are faded or forgotten. Often, they hesitate to revisit the stories of their cultural achievements. Their heritage is destroyed. Today they have a short memory and think that the invaders were their own ancestors. Thus, their Nationalism is fragmented.
Let us talk about North America, which has a history of three-four centuries. People from several countries reached there, occupied the land, and became its citizens. The largest number was from Britain. So, English became their language, and Protestant their religion. Samuel P Huntington wrote books like Who Are We and Clash of Civilizations. They raise questions about the elements of American nationalism. The idea began to develop gradually during the 19th century. There are people of different ethnicities like Russian, Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Polish and so on. They contributed as Americans for nationalism by the 20th century. A new term was created as ‘American Creed’. It contains ideas of thousands of thinkers and says, “I believe in the USA as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign nation of many sovereign states, a perfect union, one and inseparable, established from those principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives - and fortunes.’
Fragmented Nations: Czechoslovakia was divided into two; forming two countries – Czech and Slovakia on the basis of different ethnicities. The wall between East and West Germany was pulled down for the sake of German identity.
China as a country comprises many ethnicities because of its policy of expansionism. North and South Korea are not in a position to be united. Look at Israel. It is a Jewish nation. It had lost its homeland but had preserved their language. When they were persecuted and were enthused by the pride of their language and ethnicity, they began to migrate to Palestine strategically and finally on May 14 in 1948 declared statehood. In Bharat the national cultural identity is based on the same principles and social collective consciousness. Rising above the daily needs of survival, our ancestors created a treasure of literature, built temples, enshrined deities, focused on understanding the self, meditating on complex issues of life and truth. Acharyas all over Bharat aspired to reach the highest, explored avenues of science and spirituality, established schools of philosophy and composed treatises which are equally important for the whole of the nation.
One of the components of our nationalism is Sanskrit because the entire monumental literature from Vedas onwards is the common heritage of the nation extending from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Gujarat to the easternmost part of Arunachal Pradesh. Literature has been created in all the regional languages, but their foundation is similar thought values. Sanskrit texts are written in various Indian scripts like Sharada in Kashmir, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and so on. The whole of Bharat has nurtured the same ethical values, esthetical expressions and approaches, the eternal and all-pervading philosophy of life. Every Indian worships the sacred rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sindhu, Narmada, Krishna and Kaveri. They are the source of life carrying pure waters for all without discrimination.
A former Prime Minister of England, Ramsay MacDonald wrote in the foreword of the book Fundamental Unity of India by Radha Kumud Mukharjee, Hindu at any rate from his tradition and his religion regards India as the outwards embodiment as the temple- nay, even as the goddess mother of his spiritual culture. India and Hindus are organically related as the body and soul. He made India his symbol of culture … … He filled it with his soul … … … In his consciousness it is his greater self. Bharat for all Indians is a temple, a divinity prayed as Bharat Mata.
We, the nationals of India, built temples all over and enshrined the divine. Across the country our sages taught us meditation, contemplation, transcendence, gave us various sciences equally to all the parts, we shared our narrative literature, we lived with the same ought values, social ethics, political and national thinking.
The twelve Jyotirlingas denote Bharat as one nation. These are Shaiva places of pilgrimage for everyoneBhimashankar in Maharashtra, Grishneshvar near Aurangabad, Kashi Vishwanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Nageshvar near Dwarka, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Ramanathaswami in Tamil Nadu, Somnath in Gujarat, Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga in Bihar.
Devotees from all over Bharat throng these places. Remains of a deceased person, i.e. a devotee from Tamil Nadu, may be taken to be immersed in the sacred Ganga and water from Ganga to be carried to Rameshwaram. A pilgrimage is not complete until we go to Kedarnath in the North and Rameshwaram in the South.
Hundred and eight divya deshams, temples dedicated to Bhagvan Vishnu are spread throughout the country, from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari. ”Divya” means “divine” and “Desam” indicates “place” (temple). The temples dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu, are called Sthalams in the works of the Tamil Azhwars (saints). Similarly, there are 18 Shakti Peethas and Pancha Bhoota lingams, the five elements of nature in south India, dedicated to Shiva. Everywhere the abode of Shiva is Kailash mountain. Adi Shankara established four mathas in the four directions of Bharat- Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam in Karnataka, Jyotir Matha in Uttarakhand, Kalika Matha in Dwarka in Gujarat and Govardhana Matha in Puri in Odisha. Ramanuja and Madhavacharya spread Vaishnava bhakti across India.
Ramanujacharya, a South theologian and philosopher, was born in Sriperumbudur and died in Srirangam. At the age of ninety he went to Kashmir on foot to get a copy of Brahma Sutras written by Bodhayana, the immediate disciple of Vedavyas, because it was required to write Sri Bhashya. All over Bharat Bhagavan Vishnu and Devi Lakshmi are worshipped together because Vishnu is the sustainer of the world and its sustaining is not possible without financial strength. The three commentaries written by Ramanujacharya hold pan-Indian value- Vedartha-samgraha, Sri-bhashya and Bhagavad Gitabhashya. Madhvacharya studied most of the shastras like the Vedas, Puranas, Gita, Brahmasutra, Mahabharat and Upanishad.
Divine knowledge and spiritual progression are key to India’s identity as a nation. The teachers are Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshvara. Alwars are known for their devotion to Vishnu. The word means drowned in the sea of divinity. There are 12 saint poets known for their devotion. Among them Andal was from Shri Ranganatha. She is adored as a gopi in Vrindavan. She was a daughter of Vishnuchitta, a saint, a yogi and a poet in the land of Pandyas called Perialwar meaning great Alwar. His poems are written in praise of Krishna as an infant and boyhood. His daughter’s mind was occupied by her passions for the divine. She went through a symbolic marriage with Shri Ranganatha, Vishnu in his temple at Srirangam as Meera was wholeheartedly devoted to Krishna in such a way that she accepted him as her husband, and had refused to marry anyone. Tiruppavai, a set of Tamil hymns, were composed by the poetess saint Andal. It is said to be Vedam Anaithukkum Vithagum, meaning its seed is in the Vedas. The essence of the Vedas are hidden there like a tree in a seed.
Ramayan and Mahabharat are the most outstanding epics of our nation. Over thousands of years different versions were created in various parts of India and even beyond its political boundaries. It is an impossible task to compile and bring out a single edition using all of them as there are more than 300 versions of Ramayan. It has percolated deeply in many spheres of our lives. Similarly Mahabharat has around 1,000 versions in India and beyond. Its main plot is the same but there are differences in various versions also. Moreover, there are abbreviated and oral versions, and special versions created for theatre and by strolling minstrels.
Historically, we are nationals of Bharat when our heart bleeds for the challenging times, the time of
invasions, destruction and genocide. When our head is high reading the glorious history, the achievements of our forefathers, they feel proud for being a cultural leader of the world. We feel proud of the policymakers like Chanakya, the valorous history of Vikramaditya, the knowledge of Rishi Kapila and Kanada, the grammar of Panini, the bravery of Shivaji, Durgavati and Lakshmibai, the great cities like Kashi, Mathura, Kanchi, Takshashila, Ayodhya and Puri.
Bharat has preserved its distinct unfragmented identity as a nation, lying at its core to unite it, over millennia and will continue to do that.
https://organiser.org/2024/04/11/231973/bharat/grasp-key-features-of-bharatiya-rashtriyata/ 
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Chaitra Krishna 7, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 1 April, 2024: SM 6001 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: VAISAKHI 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. SWAMI DAYANAND SARASWATI AWAKENED THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SOCIETY : ARUN KUMAR 4. PRATINIDHI SABHA CONCLUDED
5. 16TH LAKSHMANRAO BHIDE MEMORIAL  LECTURE 6. 11TH CHAMANLAL JI MEMORIAL LECTURE
7. ABPS RESOLUTION-SHRI RAM MANDIR TO NATIONAL RESURGENCE 8. DEVOTEES THRONG RAM JANMABHOOMI MANDIR FOR HOLI
9. RAM MANDIR RATH YATRA IN USA AND CANADA 10. HOLY RELICS OF BUDDHA RETURNS FROM THAILAND
11. GLOBAL SPIRITUALITY MAHOTSAV IN KANHA SHANTI VANAM 12. GEET RAMAYANA IN SAN JOSE USA
13. RUTGERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ON ELIMINATING HINDUPHOBIA 14. HINDUPHOBIA ON THE RISE IN THE US, SAYS CONGRESSMAN
15. HINDUS IN CANADA, USA BACK CAA 16. HINDUS FROM PAKISTAN GRANTED BHARATIYA CITIZENSHIP
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW|“PANCH PARIVARTAN IS THE NEED OF THE SOCIETY”: RSS SARKARYAVAH DATTATREYA HOSABALE


 1. FESTIVALS: VAISAKHI, also pronounced Baisakhi, marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and falls on April 13 this year.  Vaisakhi marks the day Khalsa was established by Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, on April 13, 1699.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on the day of Vaisakhi in 1801 (April 12). Sikhs hold kirtans, visit local gurdwaras, community fairs, hold nagar kirtan processions, raise the Nishan Sahib flag, and gather to socialize and share festive foods.
On this day, other regions of Bharat also celebrate New Year festivals such as Puthandu, Pohela Boishakh, Bohag Bihu, and Vishu. Vaisakhi is also celebrated as the Nepalese New Year and the idols of Devi Thimi Kumari are carried out in palanquins and are taken around the city.
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2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: Bharat Ratna Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar, through his life’s work, laid the foundation of exploitation free and harmonious society based on Dharma and Values, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat at Symbiosis University.

"Through the constitution, he gave fundamental guidance on how equality and freedom should be combined with the unity of the country." he added speaking at the felicitation ceremony after visiting Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Prernabhoomi memorial.
On March 27, Dr. Bhagwat attended the 101st anniversary event of Lokmanya Seva Sangh, a Mumbai-based organisation set up to build a socially vigilant, disciplined, cultured and progressive society. Speaking on the occasion, he said that organisations should pick various subjects to ensure social transformation. He added that the transformation should happen in the mind, and the intellect should accept it.  He also said that a country whose common man is great, is a great nation and a nation’s rise and fall are linked with society’s thought process and values.
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3. SWAMI DAYANAND SARASWATI AWAKENED THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF SOCIETY : ARUN KUMAR: On the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, a programme was organised on March 21 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Delhi. President of Akhil Bharatiya Dayanand Sewashram Sangh and Chairman of Jai Bharat Maruti Limited, Surendra Kumar Arya, was the chief guest, and Sah-Sarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Arun Kumar was the chief speaker.

Addressing the programme, Arun Kumar said that when we remember a great man, we also remember the challenges of that period and the contribution of that great man in facing those challenges. One of its objectives of celebrating the anniversary is to find answers to today’s challenges from the perspective of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati’s life, contribution and his path. He added that Swami Dayanand Saraswati ended the country’s inertia and awakened the consciousness of the society. -GoTop


4. PRATINIDHI SABHA CONCLUDED: The founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar had remarked that, “RSS is the organisation of the entire society”. We are experiencing it since the last 99 years. The work of the RSS is ongoing in 99 percent districts of the nation. This was stated by Dr. Manmohan Vaidya during the press briefing of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Nagpur.
Dr. Vaidya informed that RSS has 73,117 daily shakhas in 922 districts. The number of Shakhas has witnessed a year-on-year growth of 4,466. There are 27,717 saptahik Milan which is an increase of 840 over the previous year.
There have been 460 Mahila Samanvaya programmes in 44 prants and were attended by 5 lac 61 thousand women from Rashtra Sevika Samiti and other organisations.

Ahilyabai Holkar's birth tercentenary year is to be observed between May 2024 and April 2025. Efforts are on to spread awareness across the nation about her contribution.
Ramlalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya also saw a massive outreach program. The Akshat distribution campaign witnessed 44 lac 98 thousand 334 Rambhakts including Swayamsevaks reaching out to 19 crore 38 lac 49 thousand and 71 families across 5,78,778 villages and 4,727 nagars.
The Sangh Shiksha Varg will now have a new format and curriculum in which it will have a 3-day Prarambhik (initiation) varg, a 7-day Prathamik (Primary) varg, a 15-day Sangh Shiksha Varg followed by a 20-day Karyakarta Vikas varg-1 and a 25-day Karyakarta Vikas varg-2. The new system will specially include vyavaharik prashikshan (practical training).
During the ABPS, Dattatreya Hosabale was re-elected as the 'Sarkaryavah' (general secretary) and a resolution ‘Shri Ram Mandir to National Resurgence’ was also passed.
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5. 16TH LAKSHMANRAO BHIDE MEMORIAL  LECTURE: On March 22, Vishva Adhyayan Kendra organized the 16th Lakshmanrao Bhide Memorial Lecture at Wellingkar’s Management Institute, Mumbai, to discuss the “Impact of Pravasi Bharatiya on Geopolitics”.

National Security Expert Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) and Global Coordinator of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Saumitra Gokhale addressed the audience on how Bharatiya Diaspora has an influence on foreign policy of their host countries and in turn on geopolitics. Their engagement with the local communities and institutions, and the influence they have created by their economic, social, academic, professional, and cultural contribution has played a big role in creating a positive image of Bharat. This in turn has impacted the foreign policies of those countries. -GoTop


6. 11TH CHAMANLAL JI MEMORIAL LECTURE: On March 26, International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) organized the 11th Chamanlal Ji Memorial Lecture with the theme of ‘Rise of Civilizational Consciousness and Indian Nationalism’ at the Constitution Club of India, Delhi. The event chaired by Dr. Manohar Shinde, national committee member of Pragya Pravah had renowned social scholar S. Gurumurthy as the main speaker.

Gurumurthy spoke at length about the concept of nation-states, rise of the hegemony of nations and economic systems post World War II and the rise of civilizational consciousness especially after the end of the cold war era. He also spoke of the civilizational continuity of Bharat for thousands of years and how it is expressed in the underlying national ethos and unity of Bharat.
Other speakers at the event shared several inspiring anecdotes from the life of Chamanlal Ji.
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7. ABPS RESOLUTION-SHRI RAM MANDIR TO NATIONAL RESURGENCE: The grand and divine Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala vigrah on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, Yugabda 5125 (22 January 2024) at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is an ethereal and golden page of world history. A blissful resolution to a long chapter in the period of resistance has been achieved as a result of relentless struggle and sacrifice of Hindu society for hundreds of years, nationwide movements under the guidance of revered saints and seers and a collective resolve of various sections of society. The notable contribution of researchers, archaeologists, thought leaders, legal luminaries, media, entire Hindu society involved in the agitation including the martyred Karsevaks and government and administration is worthy of mention for this sublime opportunity of witnessing this sacred day in one’s life. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha pays homage to all the martyrs who had laid down their lives in this struggle and expresses its gratitude to all mentioned above.
The entire society has actively participated in the campaign for distribution of Akshat sanctified in Shri Rammandir. Lakhs of Rambhakts contacted crores of families in all the towns and most of the villages. Grand programs were organized on 22 nd January 2024 not only in Bharat but across the whole world. Spontaneous programs like processions in by-lanes and villages, organizing deepotsavs and adorning Bhagwa flags at homes and prayer ceremonies at temples and religious places etc have infused a new energy in the society.
The day of Pran Pratishtha at Shri Ayodhya Dham saw the participation of the top leadership of Dharmic, political and entire gamut of social life along with the dignified presence of revered seers from all faiths, sects and traditions. This points to the creation of an atmosphere for building a harmonious and organized national life based on the values of Shri Ram. This is also an indication of the beginning of a glorious epoch of national resurgence of Bharat. With the Pran Pratishtha of Ramlala at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, society is coming out of the lack of confidence and self-oblivion that arose during the period of foreign rule and struggle. The entire society immersed in the spirit of Hindutva is preparing to recognize its ‘Swa’ (Selfhood) and getting ready to live accordingly.
Life of Maryadapurushottam Shri Ram inspires us to sacrifice for the society and nation and remain committed to the societal obligations. His governance has earned a place in world history with the name of ‘Ram Rajya’ whose ideals are universal and eternal. This concept of Ramrajya is worthy of emulation even today for the entire world to face the challenges of deterioration of life values, declining human sensitivity, soaring expansionist violence and cruelty etc.
The Pratinidhi Sabha is of the considered opinion that the whole society should take pledge to infuse the ideals of Maryadapurushottam Shri Ram in its life so that the objective of reconstruction of Shri Rammandir will be meaningful. It is essential to infuse the society again with the eternal values of Dharma like sacrifice, affection, justice, valour, goodwill and fairness etc as reflected in the life of Shri Ram. Building a Purusharthi society based on harmony by eradicating all kinds of mutual strife and discrimination will be the true worship of Shri Ram. Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon all Bharatiyas to build an able Bharat that ensures fraternity, duty consciousness, value based life and social justice. On this basis, Bharat can play a prominent role in fostering a global order that ensures universal welfare.
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8. DEVOTEES THRONG RAM JANMABHOOMI MANDIR FOR HOLI: The festival of colours, ‘Rangotsav’ started on the first ‘Rangbhari Ekadashi’ after the pran pratishtha ceremony at the Ram mandir by applying colours to the deity in Hanumangarhi temple. 

Devotees arrived at the Ram Mandir in large numbers for the darshan of Ram Lalla on the occasion of Holi on March 25. They immersed themselves in Holi celebrations as they sang devotional songs and smeared each other in the colours of the festival inside the mandir. Amidst the celebrations, traditional sweets were shared, fostering a sense of amity and togetherness among the people, with devotees exuding the spirit of joy and love. -GoTop


9. RAM MANDIR RATH YATRA IN USA AND CANADA: Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) has initiated the Ram Mandir Rath Yatra which started from Chicago on March 25. The rally commemorates the historic opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya,  and is set to cover 851 Hindu mandirs across 48 states of the United States, with a culmination planned on the occasion of Shree Hanuman Jayanti (April 23) in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

The rally underscores the commitment of VHPA in promoting Hindu culture and heritage in the United States. According to Tejal Shah, representing the Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC), there is a crucial need for solidarity at this moment, particularly among present and forthcoming generations to safeguard and promote the essence of Hinduism on a global scale.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Canada will organise the Canadian section of the Rath Yatra. This separate initiative plans to visit over 150 mandirs across Canada.
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10. HOLY RELICS OF BUDDHA RETURNS FROM THAILAND: The most sacred Bhagwan Buddha Relics and those of his two main disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Maha Moggallana returned back to Bharat on March 20 amidst full state honours after a month long travel to Thailand. A delegation led by Tashi Gyalson, Chairman LAHDC and a number of monks from the Theravada and Mahayana traditions accompanied the relics on its return journey.

The 25-day exposition of the relics were arranged across four cities of Thailand. The relics were enshrined for public veneration at a specially built mandapam at Sanam Luang Royal Palace grounds during its stay in Bangkok. Later, the relics travelled to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi.
International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) said in a press release that the exposition in Thailand drew a phenomenal response with devotees waiting with offerings since the early hours of the day as the Holy Relics procession arrived in the city. IBC also informed that the exposition of the relics drew over four million devotees in Thailand.
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11. GLOBAL SPIRITUALITY MAHOTSAV IN KANHA SHANTI VANAM: A four day spirituality summit ‘Global Spirituality Mahotsav’ was organized by the Ministry of Culture along with Heartfulness at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness - on March 14-17. The summit themed “Inner Peace to World Peace” aimed to bring together the spiritual gurus of all faiths and communities on one platform to raise the collective human consciousness through interfaith dialogues and help people of every age and every walk of life connect with spirituality in daily life. The summit was graced by the presence of Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu and Uprashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankar.

The summit hosted various panel discussions, cultural programs associated with spirituality, an exhibition showcasing Bharat’s spiritual history, narratives of peace, and an immersive experience for spirituality through books and music. Wellness experience and immersive zones were also set up as part of the summit. ‘Sur ki sadhana’ – a musical rendition of melodies filled with themes of spirituality were performed by renowned performers and musical maestros.
Kamlesh D Patel, also known as Daaji, the president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission was conferred with the ‘Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth’ by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. Daaji said that around 300 spiritual organisations including Maharishis, transcendental meditation headed by Maharajas, and Brahmakumaris participated in the spiritual mahotsav.
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12. GEET RAMAYANA IN SAN JOSE USA: On February 24, theater company Rungmunch organized two shows of the Geet Ramayana, a Broadway-style rendition of the great Bharatiya epic. Hundreds of Bay Area residents attended the shows at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. Proceeds from the show will be donated to rural development projects run by the Uttar Pradesh Mandal of America (UPMA).

While the original collection of 56 songs was written by renowned poet and writer G.D. Madgulkar in Marathi, Rungmunch used the Hindi version translated by Dattaprasad Jog for their adaptation.
Smita and Madhav Karhade directed and produced the musical, while Pratima Shah and Archana Varshney were the executive producers. Smita Kharade said that the current generations growing up in America are inundated by Western philosophies and separated from Bharatiya schools of thought, creating a need to preserve Bharatiya culture.
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13. RUTGERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ON ELIMINATING HINDUPHOBIA: Hinduphobia is the irrational fear or prejudice against Hinduism and its followers. In recent years, it has been on the rise fuelled by misinformation, various stereotypes as well as misconceptions. It ranges from derogatory introduction in media to discriminatory policies and incidents of violence against the Hindu community.

During her testimony at the US Congress Briefing 2024, Rutgers University student Jaanhavi Ganesh highlighted the fact that there is a need for increasing awareness and education related to Hinduism and its practices and said that it should be our top priority to eliminate myths and stereotypes that lead to Hinduphobia. She added that for this, an inclusive curriculum is needed in schools and universities that accurately represent the Hindu cultural history. She also called for legislative action to strengthen protections for religious minorities and ensure that incidents of Hinduphobia are properly addressed and prosecuted. -GoTop


14. HINDUPHOBIA ON THE RISE IN THE US, SAYS CONGRESSMAN: The US of late has seen a rise in Hinduphobia which needs to be fought because there is no place for hatred in this country, Bharatiya-American Congressman Shri Thanedar said, as he joined a group of Hindu leaders and organisations seeking to fight this growing hate crime against the community.

Representatives of various Bharatiya American groups met on March 13 at the US Capitol during a meeting organised by HinduAction.
Suhag Shukla from the Hindu American Foundation said that college campuses in particular are experiencing rampant anti-Hindu bias and hate. She also listed out some of the major incidents of hate crime against the Hindu community in the US. There’s unfamiliarity and there is complacency amongst law enforcement, she said.
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15. HINDUS IN CANADA, USA BACK CAA: Calling the government’s decision to offer Bharatiya citizenship to persecuted minorities a “big win for human rights”, Hindu organizations in the US and Canada have hailed the announcement of the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The Hindu Forum Canada said in a statement said that Bharat has an obligation to provide asylum to persecuted individuals. US-based advocacy group, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), called the move a big win for Human Rights for the persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said that CAA protects some of the most vulnerable refugees in Bharat, granting them the human rights they were denied in their home country. -GoTop


16. HINDUS FROM PAKISTAN GRANTED BHARATIYA CITIZENSHIP: Eighteen Hindu refugees from Pakistan residing in Ahmedabad have been granted Bharatiya citizenship during a camp on March 16. Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi conferred Bharatiya citizenship to the 18 persons and urged them to work together to realise the dream of a new Bharat.

With this, a total of 1,167 Hindu refugees from Pakistan residing in Ahmedabad district have so far been granted Bharatiya citizenship.-GoTop


17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We should take inspiration from Sun and work constantly for the benefit of mankind, so that peace and prosperity prevails everywhere - Sam Veda. 
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JAI SHRI RAM
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW|“PANCH PARIVARTAN IS THE NEED OF THE SOCIETY”: RSS SARKARYAVAH DATTATREYA HOSABALE

It is beyond doubt that the work of the RSS is progressing steadily. Bharat is fast assuming a distinct and powerful identity on the global stage.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has contributed significantly towards social enlightenment by championing the aforementioned truth, and also by countering the challenges posed by demonic detractors of Bharat. To proliferate nationalistic thoughts at an even greater pace and to deepen and expand its work, the Sangh is now ready with the idea of ‘Panch Parivartan’ (Fivefold Transformations).

On the occasion of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha held in Nagpur from March 15 to 17, 2024, decisions have been made to work on dimensions that will mark the completion of a century of the Sangh’s existence. Regarding these aspects and the Sangh’s future plans, the newly re-elected Sarkaryavah of the Sangh Shri Dattatreya Hosabale had a candid conversation with Prafulla Ketkar, Editor, Organiser, and Hitesh Shankar, Sampadak, Panchjanya. Excerpts:
This year, the number of representatives present in the Pratinidhi Sabha seems to have suddenly increased. How did this happen?
It is not true that the number has suddenly increased; it has happened gradually. With the expansion of our work, the number of Swayamsevaks was bound to jump, and as a result, the number of representatives also increased. When the Shakhas grow, the number of active Swayamsevaks automatically increases, and based on that, the number of representatives also increases. Additionally, a large number of invited brothers and sisters are also present in this Pratinidhi Sabha. Several inspired organisations were also invited to send representatives in Nagpur. Finally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past three years, there were some restrictions on the number of representatives. We had to keep the number limited, so we didn’t invite some groups as expected. For example, in a certain year, the Vibhag Pracharaks were not expected, and in another year, workers from various fields were not expected. This is the reason why the number was low at that time, and now it seems to have suddenly increased.
What special goals and objectives have been set for the centenary year of the RSS?
In the context of the centenary year, we have identified two goals from an organisational perspective—increase the number of Shakha units and the qualitative improvement in the activities. All the members are expected to have this common goal in mind. By increasing the quality of work, its impact will increase too. The thrust is on qualitative growth along with the quantitative expansion. Secondly, from a social perspective, we have put forth the subject of Panch Parivartan (Fivefold Transformation). Our objectives include changing the intellectual narrative from a national perspective, and to mobilise the sajjan shakti ( righteous power of the society) for social change. Therefore, in the centenary year of the RSS, we have made plans to take initiatives on all these subjects at both organisational and societal level.
How do you propose to explain this entire concept of Panch Parivartan to the common masses and what challenges do we see there?
When times are favourable and circumstances are conducive, extra caution, more effort, and deep contemplation become all the more necessary.
Today, the time seems favourable for the dissemination of national thoughts. However, this favourability is not for sitting idly and enjoying the good time; it is a time to reach the very zenith of endeavours. The idea of Panch Parivartan is to deepen our approach to fundamental reforms by making the workers of the Sangh and various organisations its torchbearers. Anyway, today, Panch Parivartan is the need of the society in general. Panch Parivartan includes dimensions such as the insistence of practicing Samarasta in society (equality with fraternity), environmentfriendly lifestyle, family awakening to promote familial values, inculcating sense of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) based on Bharatiya values in all aspects of life and social awakening for the adherence of civic duties; all these issues concern the society at large. Secondly, these topics need to be addressed to individuals, families, and the areas in the vicinity of Shakha. It needs to be taken to a wider society. We have kept these topics in front of the Swayamsevaks in general. Therefore, there should be an effort to bring about change through self-examples. This is not just a subject of contemplation and academic debate, but one of action and behavior. Also, we hold meetings of social leaders on social harmony and goodwill. We have contacts in wider society. So, we will take this subject among them and appeal from this perspective.
In this year’s Pratinidhi Sabha, there was a special mention of Devi AhilyaBai Holkar. Do we have special programmes planned for her tercentenary year?
The name of the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a symbol of valour and Shakti, appears in our Ekatmata Stotra with reverence. If we analyse her history properly, she has presented several excellent examples in various fields—from society, religion, governance, to administration. Today, on her tricentenary (300th birth anniversary), we have identified two to three objectives. Generally, in Hindu society, there is a flawed perception that the deprived sections of society did not get any opportunity to contribute towards nation building. Similarly, there is a distorted perception about women. However, if we delve deeper, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s life provides a precise answer to all such flawed perceptions. From a social perspective, the way she emerged from her community, and the way she set a shining example of administration, even after her husband’s untimely demise, present a powerful statement in Hindu society. Secondly, there is a lot of discussion about the empowerment and participation of women in present society. This year as well, our sisters in the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Mahila Samanvay of other organisations have organised more than 400 conferences across the country, ensuring the participation of more than five lakh women. From this perspective, Devi Ahilyabai’s tercentenary is a good opportunity to further that good work too. Instead of organising programmes specifically by the Sangh, a Celebration Committee will be formed under a comprehensive plan, which will organise celebrations along with other women’s organisations and other members of society. We have plans for lectures and discussions on various dimensions of the great lady, including publishing literature.
The work of the Sangh is progressing steadily, but along with that, the strategies of the anti-Bharat and the anti-Sangh forces are also evolving. What is Sangh’s plan to tackle this challenge?
Our opponents are acknowledging our growth by opposing us. If the importance of Bharat and the influence of the Sangh did not increase, then there would be no reason for opposition. Opposition proves that we have risen in significance. The Sangh has resolved to respond to the strategies of the so-called opponents through extensive work of the Sangh and the participation of volunteers—by increasing its presence and engaging people in various social and intellectual activities.
You have been re-elected as the Sarkaryavah. Critics of the Sangh consider it an autocratic organisation, while common people remain either curious or confused about it. How would you analyse the type of democracy that exists in the Sangh?
I do not understand why the Sangh is accused of being an autocratic organisation, when Sangh is an organisation with very open atmosphere; anybody and everybody can participate in the Shakha. Former Sarsanghchalak Pujaniya Balasaheb Deoras ji had once said – “Even an ordinary Swayamsevak can ask a question to the respected Sarsanghchalak ji, who is the topmost leader in the Sangh, and the Sarsanghchalak ji himself answers it.” This is the type of democracy we see in the Sangh. Perhaps this does not happen in any other organisation. That’s why I fail to understand why critics make such baseless allegations. Sangh is an organisation with family atmosphere. All decisions at all levels in Sangh are taken after due deliberation and consensus.
There are upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country, and it is also an election year for the Sangh. How should we view the celebration of democracy, and what message would you like to give to the volunteers and society?
I have addressed this issue in the Sarkaryavah report. In his concluding speech to the pratinidhis, the revered Sarsanghchalak also emphasised on the duty of every citizen in the system of democracy. This has also been included in our Panch Parivartan mission. Every citizen must fulfill their duty to vote. We must make efforts to ensure 100% voter turnout. Our aim is to strengthen democracy by working in our respective areas. During “Panch Parivartan is the need of the society in general. Panch Parivartan includes dimensions such as insistence of practicing
Samarasta in society (equality with fraternity), environment friendly lifestyle, family awakening to promote familial values, inculcating sense of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) based on Bharatiya values” such times, national issues should be brought before society, and discussions should take place on social welfare, national unity, and the welfare of Bharat. Such topics should be broached and a conducive environment should be created. That is why we have called it Lok-Mat-Parishkar (Refining Public Opinion). Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya had insisted for Lok-Mat-Parishkar. Although this work should continue throughout the year, it should be emphasised even more during the election season.
It is beyond doubt that the Sangh is progressing in its work. What will be the next phase of this work?
As an organisation, the Sangh has a neatly defined organisational structure. It is the functioning body of the Sangh. The workers of the Sangh work within this organisational structure. However, the essence of the Sangh is a spontaneous national movement. Therefore, it is necessary to work towards bringing together all sections of society, awakening and mobilising the righteous soul of society, and thus to bring about comprehensive social change. There should be no divisions based on caste in society. The feeling of nationalism should sweep through every section of society. The Sangh must become a strong national movement, working towards change while enlightening the people. Therefore, the Sangh has always emphasised that it will not confine to work as an organisation within the society, but should rather work towards organising the society itself. Therefore, there should be no division between the Sangh and the society it serves. From this perspective, realising the spirit of nationalism that animates the righteous forces within society, one must participate in this movement for national rejuvenation. You may term
this as Sangh’s vision or the next phase of the Sangh. https://organiser.org/2024/03/26/229369/bharat/panch-parivartan-is-the-need-of-the-society-sarkaryavah-of-the-sangh-dattatreya-hosabale/
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