Saturday, March 16, 2024
Phalgun Shukla 7, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 16 March, 2024: SM 5024 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
VARSH PRATIPADA: Varsh Pratipada i.e. Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, Sobhakrt
namsamvatsar 2081, Yugabada 5126 and the first day of Chaitra Navratri will be
celebrated on April 9 this year. Telugu people celebrate new year calling it
Ugadi and the Kannadigas use the term Yugadi for this festival. Maharashtrian
celebrate it as Gudi Padwa. The Sindhis call it Cheti Chand. Manipuris also
celebrate it as Sajibu Nongma and the people of Odisha celebrate this auspicious
day as Maha Vishubha Sankranti.
The birth anniversary of RSS founder Dr Keshavrao Baliram Hedgewar also falls on
this very day and swayamsevaks in all shakhas will perform Aadya Sarsanghchalak
Pranam during the commencing the shakha on this day.
On the occasion of New Year, several programs, processions and various other
related events will be organised all over Bharat as well as in many other
countries by Bharatiya Diaspora. -GoTop
2. RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH (RSS) FOUNDER DR. KESHAV
BALIRAM HEDGEWAR'S BIOGRAPHY LAUNCHED IN ENGLISH: RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya
Hosabale, on March 1, launched a biography of RSS founder Dr. Keshavrao Baliram
Hedgewar titled “Man of the Millennia - Dr Hedgewar” in English. While speaking
on the occasion, Hosabale said that Dr Hedgewar was a person with holistic
national thinking. "The feeling of patriotism was innate in him. He dedicated
his entire life for the nation. Today's generation takes inspiration from his
patriotism and national ideas", he said.
At the same event, chief guest Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice (Retd) S Abdul
Nazeer said that today the whole world is taking inspiration from the work of
the organization which was founded by Dr. Hedgewar. The Book was published by
Suruchi Prakashan and the English translation was done by late Dr. Anil Naine
from the original Marathi version, authored by Nana Palkar. -GoTop
3. BHARAT IMPLEMENTED CAA: The Bharatiya ministry of
home affairs has notified the Citizenship Amendment Act's (CAA) rules on March
11, paving the way for the law's implementation across the country. The CAA
rules aim to confer Bharatiya citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants -
including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians - who migrated
from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in Bharat before 2014.
Applications have to be submitted online through a newly formed portal with
citizenship hopefuls declaring the year in which they entered Bharat without
travel documents. The government has previously taken steps to address the
plight of refugees, including amendments to the Citizenship Rules in 2004 and
notifications in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018. CAA will not apply to regions
mentioned under the Sixth Schedule of the Bharatiya Constitution, which include
Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. -GoTop
4. AKHIL BHARATIYA PRATINIDHI SABHA MARCH 15-17, NAGPUR:
On March 15, Sarasanghackalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sarakaryavah Dattatreya
Hosabale inaugurated the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) of RSS in
Nagpur. Earlier on March 13, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar
briefed media that the ABPS will be held this year from March 15 to 17 at Reshim
Bagh in Nagpur, Maharashtra. During this meeting, all the works and Sewa Karya
done by Sangh in the year 2023-24 will be reviewed, and there will also be a
wide range of discussion on Sangh's plan for the year 2024-25.
5. UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS CONFERS HONORARY DEGREE OF DOCTOR
OF CIVIL LAW ON RASHTRAPATI DROUPADI MURMU: The University of Mauritius
conferred Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor of Civil Law on the Rashtrapati of
Bharat
6. CHENNAI LIT FEST 2024 WITH THEME OF RAM MANDIR: The
Chennai Literature Festival had its fourth edition this year from February 23 to
25 at Hotel Savera in Mylapore, Tamil Nadu featuring personalities from the
literary, academic and journalistic world across Bharat and also had few book
launches and a series of discussions with eminent speakers and authors. It was
anchored around the theme of Ram Mandir, a cultural Renaissance bridging the
North-South divide bringing to light the footprints of Shri Ram across the
Southern parts of Bharat. 
7. HSS USA PARTICIPATED IN CAMELLIA PARADE – 2024: On
February 24, volunteers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh’s Uttar-LA Vibhag marched as
Ghosh Gana in the Camellia Parade and represented HSS and Hindu-American
community. The parade was a part of the annual Camellia Festival organized by
the city of Temple City, Los Angeles County, California. This is HSS’s second
appearance in the parade, after a gap of 3 years, due to Covid and
weather-related cancellations. A total of 30 Bala Kishores, 3 Yuvas and 8 Tarun
Gana karyakartas, from 6 Shakhas of the Vibhag, participated in this year’s
parade. Along with Aanak, Vamshi, Panav, Shankh vadaks, a few kishores walked
with Patakas. 
8. HSS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH: During February
2024, volunteers of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA engaged with and honored
African American community leaders to commemorate Black History Month. HSS
chapters in Buffalo Grove, IL, Chandler, AZ, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL,
Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, IN, Parsippany, NJ, Plainsboro, NJ, Sacramento, CA,
and Woodbridge, NJ invited distinguished African American personalities as a
part of the Black History Month celebration.
Public Speaking Champion and Author Ant Blair delivered a powerful speech at the
HSS event in Columbus, IN. In Chicagoland’s HSS chapter, Aurora City’s
diversity, equity, and inclusion, (DEI) officer Clayton Mohammad presented the
‘Annual Black History Month Lecture’. At the Buffalo Grove, IL Chapter, State
Senator Adriane Johnson highlighted the significant contributions of the African
American community to American society. At other places also eminent community
leaders were invited to share their thoughts on the occasion. These events
served as a platform for celebrating the rich history and achievements of
African Americans while fostering understanding and collaboration between the
Hindu and African American communities. -GoTop
9. HSS NEPAL’S SWAMI VIVEKANANDA GYAN PARIKSHA: HSS
Nepal’s Swami Vivekananda Gyan Parikshya is an annual competition aimed to test
6th to 10th grade students' knowledge and understanding of the teachings of
Sanatan Dharma, Culture and Philosophy. For this Swami Vivekananda Gyan Pariksha
Book is a comprehensive guide that delves into various cultural aspects, Dharma,
Vedanta, places of significance, national interest, nationalism, and national
heroes.
10. HSS AND SEWA MAURITIUS SERVES DURING MAHASHIVRATRI:
During the Mahashivratri festival in Mauritius, around five hundred thousand of
devotees and pilgrims converge to the sacred lake Ganga Talao to offer prayers
and seek blessings each year. 
The Medical Sewa camp was set up in proximity to the pilgrimage site of Ganga
Talao to serve the large gathering facing physical strain and other medical
issues during the pilgrimage. The sewa camp was staffed by a total of 16
volunteers which included 6 doctors, 8 health care assistants, 1 holistic nurse
and 1 physiotherapist. The volunteers operated on a shift system. The camp
provided basic first aid for minor injuries or ailments like blood pressure,
blood sugar, etc. The medical camp was also equipped to handle more serious
medical emergencies and to stabilize patients before they could be transported
to the nearest hospital. Pilgrims were given free medications for common health
issues such as headache, flu, hypertension, fever, and muscular pains among
others. Physiotherapy sessions and massage service were also included for the
needy people.
To raise awareness of the Medical Sewa Service that was offered by Sewa
International Mauritius and HSS Mauritius for Mahashivratri at Ganga Talao, the
event was communicated to the public through the social media and on the
channels of Mauritius Broadcasting Cooperation. -GoTop
11. SEWA TT’S MAHASHIVRATRI 2024 FOOD DRIVE: SEWA
Trinidad and Tobago organised a ‘Food Drive’ during the week of Mahashivratri
festival in the country. During the drive, SEWA TT packed 815 food packages
totaling 30,155lbs and those were delivered to families in need across Trinidad
and Tobago.
12. HINDUS IN YOGYAKARTA AND CENTRAL JAVA CELEBRATE
GALUNGAN AT PRAMBANAN TEMPLE: Hundreds of Hindus from the Special Region of
Yogyakarta (DIY) and Central Java took part in the Galungan procession in the
Prambanan Temple area, Yogyakarta on February 28. This Galungan moment was held
to commemorate the creation of the universe and to give thanks for what has been
given by Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (literally “The Divine Order,” the Supreme God of
Indonesian Hinduism.)
13. DEVOTEES SOAK IN FERVOR AT PASHUPATINATH MANDIR AT
KATHMANDU, NEPAL ON MAHASHIVRATRI: Lakhs of devotees from all over the world
including Bharat, on March 8, thronged to the Pashupatinath Mandir Kathmandu the
capital of Nepal to observe the festival of Mahashivratri. Since early morning,
devotees were gathered in nearby rivers, ponds and temples to worship Bhagwan
Shiv. 
Mahashivratri marks the convergence of ‘Shiva’ and ‘Shakti’ and also celebrates
the night when Bhagwan Shiv performed the ‘Tandav’–the cosmic dance.
Some 6,000 volunteers which includes HSS Nepal’s swayamsevaks and sevikas and an
equal number of security personnel were mobilised to provide security and manage
the crowd at the temple. -GoTop
14. SSUK ORGANISES SHIVOHUM FESTIVAL: On March 9, the
Sanatan Sanstha of UK (SSUK) organised its maiden Shivohum Festival in London.
The event brought together a diverse community to celebrate the auspicious
occasion of Mahashivratri in a grand manner that London has never witnessed
before. It also brought a new level of creativity and devotion blended during
‘The First Shiva-Festival’. On the occasion SSUK Founder and President Abhi Yogi
informed about the various initiatives of SSUK and its mission to spread Sanatan
Dharma. Nearly 500 people attended this event, filled with cultural performances
including bhajans by children. 
15. NEW YORK’S TIMES SQUARE LIGHT UP FOR MAHASHIVRATRI:
Mahashivratri celebrations have not just gripped Bharar or Nepal but also
several parts of the world. New York’s Times Square was lit up on March 4 night
with chants of ‘Shiv’ and ‘Shambhoo’ echoing in the air. 
16. GYANVAPI: THOUSANDS THRONG TO VIYAS JI KA TEHKHANA TO
WORSHIP ON MAHASHIVARATRI: In a remarkable event that unfolded after more
than three decades, devotees gathered in massive numbers at Vyas ji ka Tehkhana
beneath the Knowledge Seat (Gyanvapi) in Varanasi, following the auspicious
Mangala Aarti at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the occasion of Mahashivratri on
March 8. The sacred darshan at Vyas ji ka Tehkhana, renowned as the seat of Sage
Vyas, was made accessible after an extensive wait, witnessing an overwhelming
attendance of thousands of devotees.
17. INDIAN NAVY RESCUED MISSILE HIT CREW IN GULF OF ADEN:
Once again the Indian Navy responded swiftly to a distress call from the
Gulf of Aden where a merchant vessel caught fire after being hit by a missile,
and rescued 21 crew members, including one Bharatiya national. The Navy said
Barbados Flagged Bulk Carrier MV True Confidence was hit by a drone/ missile on
March 6, resulting in a fire onboard and critical injuries to some of the crew
members forcing the crew to abandon the ship.
18. UNDER MISSION DIVYASTRA BHARAT TEST-FIRED AGNI-V:
On March 11 Bharat successfully conducted the first flight test of the
indigenously designed Agni-5 missile capable of deploying multiple warheads. The
nuclear-capable missile named ‘Divyastra’ can hit targets at range of more than
5,000 kms including China. 
19. FIRST ALL WOMEN MARITIME SURVEILLANCE MISSION: A
maiden all-women maritime surveillance mission was undertaken by the Andaman and
Nicobar Command on the 40th anniversary of INAS 318 and International Women's
Day on March 8. The crew based at INS Utkrosh comprised Lt Commander Shubhangi
Swaroop, Lt Commander Divya Sharma and Lt Vaishali Mishra. The occasion
highlighted the crucial role played by women combatants in all the walks of the
Naval Air Arm, which included pre-flight briefing, meteorological briefing,
medical check-up and Air Traffic Control (ATC) briefing, all of which were
conducted by women officers.
20. 10,000-YEAR-OLD ROCK ART CARVING FOUND IN MAHARASHTRA:
An anthropologist has unearthed eight ancient geoglyphs, potentially dating
back around 10,000 years, in Ratnagiri district. Among these, seven have been
uncovered in Umbarle village within Dapoli taluka, with one measuring
approximately 17 feet in length. The eighth geoglyph was found in Borkhat
village situated in Mandangad taluka. Geoglyphs represent a type of prehistoric
rock art carving, and numerous clusters of them span over 900 kilometres along
the Konkan coast in Maharashtra and Goa.
21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Independence can be meaningful only if it becomes an
instrument for expression of our Culture.- Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
HOW THE BHARATIYA WAY OF THINKING IS INFLUENCING THE WESTERN THOUGHT PROCESS
PANKAJ JAGANNATH
JAISWAL
The globe has begun to consider the
underlying causes of the difficulties we face in the twenty-first century.
Many countries around the world have seen various permutations and combinations
of ideologies, including socialism, communism, secularism, feminism and fascism.
They are adequate for fixing specific problems, but full and integral answers
can only be discovered by investigating humanity’s moral, social, and spiritual
ideals.
Economic and fiscal policies are only tools for achieving the social needs and
ends. A study of Bharatiya approaches to these ideals will be beneficial for
this activity.
Swami Vivekananda, who had previously highly praised the achievements of
Bharatiya intellectuals, also condemned intellectuals for imposing some obsolete
practices on Bharatiya society. Swamiji had explored the Western world with open
eyes and an open heart. He remarked, “The West has studied mostly outwardly,
while Bharat has studied mostly inwardly.” Cultural philosophy and ideology
principles are interior manifestations of minds. The main difference between the
approaches of the West and the East is that the West perceives things outwardly,
whereas the Bharatiya mind sees things from both within and outside.
Consequently, the Bharatiya approach has always been holistic. The technique
begins with an individual and progresses in a spiral pattern to family, society,
nation, world, and finally, universe. So it includes the individual (Vyashti),
society (Samashti), nature (Shrushti), and the Almighty (Parmeshti). It thinks
that the Almighty (Parameshti) is a common thread that connects everything in
one string.”
The eternal nature of the soul is one of the key principles defined by Krishna
in the Bhagavad Gita. Even in recent management literature, the concept of a
soul is gaining popularity. In his book The 8th Habit, Stephen Covey advises
professionals to listen to their “inner voice.” When introducing the entire
person paradigm, he discusses the four dimensions of a person: spirit, body,
heart, and mind.
A careful investigation of our ancient Bharatiya scripture, which includes the
Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Arthashashtra,
yields a genuine treasure trove. This jewel offers the best instructions for how
an individual should behave towards his family, society, and colleagues. Hindu
texts are a corpus of knowledge that guides people in understanding the divine
nature of the “ultimate truth” and mapping their own path to self-realisation.
They are fully spiritual knowledge that teaches spiritual principles using
numerous analogies from the temporal cosmos and the natural world around us. The
Bharatiya scriptures provide extensive knowledge in science, spirituality,
psychology, and management. A single person’s well-being and activities can have
an impact on the overall success of an organisation. The Bhagavad Gita discusses
current (Western) management themes such as vision, leadership, motivation, work
excellence, goal achievement, purposeful work, decision-making, and planning.
There is a considerable difference. While Western management theory typically
addresses challenges at the material, external, and peripheral levels, the
Bhagavad Gita addresses issues at the fundamental level of the human mind. When
a person’s basic thinking improves, so do the quality of his actions and the
outcomes.
Workshop by a think tank at Devon (UK)
A workshop hosted by a think tank for ‘Holistic Economics’ in November 2007 in
Devon (UK) was a significant step toward such a study. The following passage
from the report on the ‘think tank’ attests to their work: “We need Renaissance.
We must reconsider everything we now take for granted, beginning with our
fundamental ideals. We don’t need to ‘wipe the slate clean’, but we do need to
take stock of all we have and start over withwhatever is good and worth
preserving, while letting the rest go; we don’t need to waste time on
philosophies, institutions, and technologies that are clearly failing. Above
all, we must think ‘holistically’, that is, consider everything in relation to
everything else. This is what the world is now failing spectacularly at.
“The current economy is purposefully geared to generate wealth, with the seeming
notion that if we have enough money, we can always buy our way out of
difficulties. Political leaders aspire, above all, to enhance the Gross Domestic
Product. However, GDP is only a measure of the overall economy in circulation
and has no direct bearing on human well-being. However, our entire society is
committed to the concept of personal accumulation and overall economic progress.
Economic growth will almost certainly be most effectively achieved through a
profit-making economic system. That system is neoliberalism, and that is what we
have.
“We need an economy that operates on its own terms while remaining firmly
founded in moral, spiritual, and social values, as well as being in tune with
the physical realities of the Earth. There are plenty of suggestions, but many
have already been implemented and proven to be effective.”
Professor Colin Tudge at Devon
“Today’s politicians enjoy arguing, and some genuinely feel that they are acting
in the best interests of the people. They want to maximise total happiness, yet
they are committed to the concept of maximising GDP,which has little to do with
happiness. It is easy to imagine societies in which GDP is maximised by
destroying the environment; wrecking local societies (the people who rely on the
forest or fish in the rivers); and all new wealth ends up in the hands of the
(hawkish) minority, who then use it to make changes that cause even more havoc
for the poor majority. Indeed, such examples are all around us. We should
measure success interms of Gross National Happiness rather than Gross Domestic
Product. Bhutan has already established this as a principle”.
“There’s one final irony. The Schumacher workshop that explored these concerns
came to this conclusion –Gross National Happiness rather than GDP – by
abandoning utilitarian ethics in favor of virtue ethics. But let us take a
closer look at the current economy. It serves us so poorly because it is
inherently materialistic and competitive. However, its failings are exacerbated
by several fundamental structural problems, which, sadly, few people comprehend,
including many of the world’s leaders.”
The entire spiral of individual, family, community, nation, universe, and
almighty, as well as their interconnections, needs in-depth analysis and action.
The book “The Key to Total Happiness” discusses all of these factors in length
and how they must be interlaced using sanatan principles that have previously
been successfully tested and confirmed. That is why the world is gradually
shifting toward Hindutva philosophy inorder to make the world a better place to
live, and communists, urban naxals, the world’s few wealthy families who
practice communism, and capitalists must comprehend this better and sooner.
Otherwise, their downfall would be much faster. - Organiser, 3 March 2024
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
Labels: Samvad: 16 March 2024
Friday, March 1, 2024
\ SAMVAD
Phalgun Krishna 6, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125:1 March 2024: SM 5023 (For Private Circulation Only)
1. FESTIVALS: HOLI (March 25 this
year) is a festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours. The day signifies the
triumph of good over evil, and commemorates the victory of Bhagwan Vishnu as
Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the end
of winter and is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season. It lasts
for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima in the Hindu month
of Phalguna. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as
Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. The main day of the celebration is known as ‘Holi’,
‘Rangwali Holi’ and ‘Phagwa’.
2. PROGRAMS OF RSS SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT:
In
an endorsement of Bharat’s traditional agricultural practices, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat,
the Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), extolled the virtues of
Bharatiya organic farming as a beacon for the world. His remarks came during the
conclusion of the ‘All India Rural Development’ seminar held at Shri Kshetra
Sarla Bet. He also underscored the significance of Bharat’s agrarian heritage in
addressing global agricultural challenges. The seminar, which convened 350
participants from across 45 Bharatiya states, served as a platform to deliberate
on various facets of rural development.
3. PM MODI PERFORMS UNDERWATER PUJA IN SUBMERGED DWARKA:
On February 25, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi dived into the Arabian Sea off the
coast of Gujarat to perform an underwater puja in the remains of the ancient
submerged city of Dwarka.
4.
VHP CENTRAL BOARD MEETING IN AYODHYA:
The three-day
meeting of the Central Board of Trustees and the Governing Council of Vishva
Hindu Parishad (VHP) concluded on February 27 at Karsevakpuram in the holy city
of Ayodhya. During the meeting, senior advocate Alok Kumar was elected as the
president of VHP and CA Bajrang Lal Bagra was elected as its general secretary.
After deliberating the current state of the nation, VHP has decided to expand
its organisation in its 60th year to meet the challenges facing the Hindu
society.
The meeting also passed two resolutions on the construction of the Ram Mandir
and 100% voting in the Lok Sabha elections.
-GoTop
5. RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI PRATINIDHI MANDAL BAITHAK:
The
two-day Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini and Pratinidhi Mandal baithak of Rashtra
Sevika Samiti was conducted on February 24-25 in Varansai. Pramukh Sanchalika
Shantakka and Pramukh Karyavahika Seeta Gayatri participated in the baithak held
at the Atulananda Convent School campus in Shivpur. 115 delegates from 35 prants
attended the baithak. According to the statistics collected for the baithak,
there are more than 3700 shakhas in 38 prants of Bharat.
6. PM MODI INAUGURATES SUDARSHAN SETU:
On February 25,
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sudarshan Setu, a four-lane
cable-stayed bridge connecting Okha to Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat. According
to an official statement from the Devbhumi Dwarka administration, the bridge
spans 2.32 kilometres, with a central double-span cable-stayed portion covering
900 metres, accompanied by a 2.45-kilometre-long approach road.
Beyt Dwarka, located near Okha port approximately 30 kilometres from Dwarka, is
home to the Dwarkadhish mandir of Bhagwan Krishna. With the completion of the
bridge, officials anticipate round-the-clock accessibility to the mandir.
-GoTop
7. HSS USA ‘HEALTH FOR HUMANITY YOGATHON’:
Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh HSS USA wrapped up its 17th annual ‘Surya Namaskar Yajna’,
widely known as the ‘Health for Humanity Yogathon’ on January 2. The 16-day
public health awareness initiative commenced on January 13, introducing
participants to the rejuvenating practice of Surya Namaskar.
The Yogathon unfolded across the nation in a relay format, blending virtual and
in-person events from the East Coast to the West Coast. Over 15,585 participants
from 36 states collectively completed nearly 925,051 repetitions of the Surya
Namaskar sequence. Notably, 4,640 teachers and students from 35 schools
contributed close to 50,000 repetitions, underscoring the program’s educational
impact. Mandirs, community centers, and marathon events further enriched the
initiative, with enthusiasts completing over 100 sets per person at various
locations.
Educators hailed the program’s merits, recognizing its potential to foster
mental tranquility and physical strength among students. A school administrator
reflected on her experiences, “In morning I got to do the sun salutations with
some experts here at PV and I have to say it was very invigorating. I feel both
rested and ready to start my day and if I can do it, I think anybody can do it.
Thank you so much for the instructors”.
The Yogathon stands as a testament to HSS’s commitment to community service and
the cultivation of a vibrant Hindu-American identity rooted in civic duty and
volunteerism.
-GoTop
8. HSS JAPAN ‘DESH PREM DIWAS’:
On the evening of
January 20, Desh Prem Diwas was hosted by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS Japan.
More than 300 people attended the event at Kawasaki City Education and Culture
Center. The event served as a poignant homage to the indomitable spirits of
Bharatiya freedom fighters Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Raas Behari Bose.
9. HSS THAILAND BLOOD DONATION CAMP:
On February 11,
Seva Prakalp of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS Thailand, in collaboration with
Vachira Hospital nominated by Thai Red Cross, organized a blood donation camp
and distribution of plants at Bharat Mata Mandir (Sangh Karyalay).
10. SEWA ACTIVITIES:
On February 20, the High
Commission of Bharat, in collaboration with Sewa International TT, organized a
workshop on ‘Healthcare For All’ with doctors from Bharat and local influencers.
The discussion focused on healthcare market, equipment, involvement of doctors
and networking among various stakeholders.
11. LAUNCH OF 1300 HOUSES IN SRI LANKA'S PLANTATION
ESTATES: On February 19, High Commissioner of Bharat Santosh Jha joined
President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo for the virtual launch
of the construction of 1300 houses under Phase IV of ‘Indian Housing Project’.
The houses would be constructed in 45 plantation estates across 10 Districts of
Sri Lanka. Under this Phase of IHP, Government of Bharat has committed to
construct 10,000 houses spread across Sri Lanka's six different provinces for
plantation workers who are Bharatiya Origin Tamils.
Government of Bharat's total commitment under the IHP currently stands at 60,000
houses. In first two phases, 46,000 houses were covered in Northern and Eastern
Provinces.
-GoTop
12. BHARAT'S FIRST SEPTIC TANK CLEANING ROBOT:
Bharat's
first septic tank cleaning robot, offering an end-to-end solution to eliminate
manual scavenging, is strengthening the Swachhata Abhiyan in different corners
of the country. The technology called ‘Homosep Atom’ solves manual cleaning
methods and transforms them into robotic cleaning methods.
13. HOLY RELICS OF BHAGWAN BUDDHA ENSHRINED IN BANGKOK:
The holy relics of Bhagwan Buddha have been enshrined at the Royal ground Sanam
Luang in Bangkok on February 23. Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin,
along with the Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister
of Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, were present at the ceremony. 
These relics are part of a special exhibition organized by the Ministry of
External Affairs, Bharatiya Embassy in Thailand, International Buddhist
Confederation, National Museum, and the State Government of Madhya Pradesh. This
marks the first time these relics will be showcased together, adding to the
historic significance of the event.
-GoTop
14. JAGANNATH MANDIR INAUGURATED IN GHANA:
The
pran-pratishtha of Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra and
inauguration of the Jagannath Mandir, constructed by Utkala Ghana Association,
has been completed in Accra, Ghana. The ceremony was a nine-day programme held
from January 27 to February 4. The mandir was inaugurated by the High
Commissioner of Bharat to Ghana, Manish Gupta and was witnessed by 1,200
devotees. 
The mandir complex boasts a shrine resembling the Puri Srikhetra. It includes
the main Srimandira, as well as mandirs dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, Bhagwan
Ganesh, Maa Bimala, Maa Laxmi, and Bhagwan Hanuman.
“We are extremely delighted with the successful completion of the mandir and the
idols’ pran pratishtha,” said Tapan Kumar Panda, joint secretary, Utkala Ghana
Association. “With the inauguration of the mandir and pran pratishtha, I am also
happy that our children are learning our culture and traditions,” he added.
-GoTop
15. ATTUKAL PONGALA IN KERALA:
Lakhs of women from all
over the state, other states and also from abroad offered Pongala on February 25
around the famous and ancient Attukal Bhagavathi Mandir, Thiruvananthapuram
city, Kerala. 
This world-famous festival got a place in Guinness World Records which described
the festival as the ‘largest religious gathering of women on a single day’. In
2009, the total number of women who attended the ‘Pongala’ ritual was 2.5
million.
-GoTop
16. GUYANA: GHDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY:
On January 21, the
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) commemorated its 50th anniversary at the
Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra on Ganges Street in Prashad
Nagar, Georgetown. On this occasion, President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali noted
that, as an organization, GHDS plays a pivotal role in producing well-rounded
leaders and driving positivity within society. He also noted that the GHDS has
shown that its existence is secure for decades to come, because of the
investment it has made and continues to make in young people and children,
producing some of the finest professionals in various fields.
17. GEETA BATRA BECOMES FIRST WOMAN DIRECTOR OF WORLD
BANK’S GEF: Geeta Batra, a Bharatiya economist, has been named as the new
Director at the Independent Evaluation Office of World Bank’s Global Environment
Facility. Batra, 57, is currently the Chief Evaluator & Deputy Director for
Evaluation at the GEF’s Independent Evaluation Office, affiliated to the World
Bank.
18. DUBAI INTRODUCES 5-YEAR VISA FOR BHARATIYAS:
In a
bid to promote economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties,
Dubai has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for Bharatiya tourists.
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the visa issued
within two to five working days allows a 90-day stay, extendable once for a
similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in a year. Through this
initiative, tourists can leverage multiple entries and exits, providing
operational flexibility for business engagements, leisure travel, and seamless
connectivity. According to DET, Dubai experienced a surge in tourism from
Bharat, welcoming 2.46 million overnight visitors in 2023.
-GoTop
19. SEVERAL BHARATIYAS DISCHARGED FROM RUSSIAN ARMY
FOLLOWING BHARAT'S DEMAND: MEA: Several Bharatiyas who worked as support
staff to the Russian army were discharged following Bharat's demand, the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on February 26.
According to media reports, several Bharatiyas have been working as security
helpers in the Russian military and they were forced to even fight with Russian
soldiers in certain areas along Russia's border with Ukraine.
"Each and every such case brought to the attention of the Indian embassy in
Moscow has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities and those brought
to the attention of the Ministry have been taken up with the Russian embassy in
New Delhi," the MEA said.
-GoTop
20. MADHYA PRADESH: WORLD’S FIRST VEDIC CLOCK INSTALLED IN
UJJAIN: The world’s first Vedic clock - which will display time according to
ancient Bharatiya traditional panchang - has been prepared and installed in
Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district and will be unveiled on March 1.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the Vedic clock installed
on an 85-foot high tower constructed at Jantar Mantar in Ujjain. The clock will
display information about Vedic Hindu Panchang, planetary positions, muhurat,
astrological calculation, predictions, etc. It will also show the Indian
Standard Time (IST) and the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). 
21. GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED:
Satellite
INSAT-3DS on launch vehicle GSLV-F14, was successfully launched by the ISRO from
the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. INSAT-3DS will
augment the country’s meteorological (weather, climate, and ocean related)
services with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR in-orbit
satellites.
22. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak
Saumitra Gokhale and Sah-Samyojaks Dr. Ram Vaidya and Anil Vartak will be
travelling to Bharat for ABPS. Sewa International Global Coordinator Shyam
Parande is travelling to Australia and New Zealand.
Visitors: Parvesh Hurdeen - South Africa, Vivek Singh - USA
-GoTop
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "The Sangh will uplift the nation just like Manu's
fish": Veer Savarkar at Guru Purnima Utsav, Pune in 1939.
-GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
TEMPLE FOR VIKSIT BHARAT
RAM MADHAV
What the world witnessed on January 22 was not just the
consecration of a temple but the rebirth of a nation and the reassertion of its
national soul. In Ramayana, Ram’s return after exile and war was celebrated by
citizens as Diwali. It signified the commencement of what famously came to be
called Ram Rajya — a statecraft of justice, prosperity and happiness. Ram
represented a value system that became the ideal for mankind. Sage Valmiki, the
author of the epic Ramayana, described him variously as “Maryada Purushottam”,
the epitome of virtue, and “Vigrahvaan Dharmah,” the most definitive example of
Dharma, the universal value system.
As we complete 74 years as a Republic and enter into the Amrit Varsh, we must
recall that the same spirit motivated the leaders of our Independence movement
to establish a national creed based on the genius of this millennia-old
civilisation. Gandhi called it Ram Rajya, adding that we should build, not a
theocratic state, but a just state “where the weakest shall have as much power
as the strongest”. Jawahar Lal Nehru, too, expressed similar sentiments. “As I
stand here… my mind goes back to the great past of India, to the 5,000 years of
India’s history, from the very dawn of that history which might be considered
almost the dawn of human history, till today. All that past crowds around me and
exhilarates me,” said Nehru on December 13, 1946, delivering his maiden address
to the Constituent Assembly. But then, Nehru admitted that he was “trembled” and
“overwhelmed” by “this mighty task”. Standing on “this sword’s edge of the
present between this mighty past and the mightier future”, Nehru was worried
about whether he was “worthy of that past”. Confounded, he opted for the easier
way out — discard this great heritage and take shelter in the new fad of the
times, the untested European ideas.
Seventy-five years later, the resurrection at Ayodhya signifies the end of that
Nehruvian dilemma. Modi was neither trembled nor overwhelmed by the mighty task.
Instead, he exhorted in his address that “January 22, 2024, is not a mere date
on the calendar, it is the origin of a new kaal chakra — wheel of time”.
Modi’s address was full of confidence and optimism about the glorious future
that lay ahead for this nation. He talked not about a century, but a millennium.
Dev (divine) to desh (country) and Ram to rashtra (nation) were the euphemisms
he used to exhort countrymen that the time has come for them to move ahead from
the temple and build a “strong, capable, grand and divine India”. He insisted
that the country will reach the goal of prosperity by following the path of
purity as well as the pursuit of modernity. “This grand Ram temple will become a
witness to the rise of Viksit Bharat (developed Bharat),” he confidently
exclaimed.
As Modi was pronouncing his dream of Viksit Bharat from the ramparts of the
Ayodhya temple came the news that the stock market had scaled up to overtake the
Hong Kong stock exchange and become the world’s number four. A day later, the
HSBC survey projected the Indian economy to be on a very strong footing. Another
report concluded that “Indian equity markets generate strong returns across time
periods” and “India’s growth story remains strong — expected to be the third
largest economy by FY2028”.
For some critics, January 22 marks the arrival of Hindu supremacy. This flawed
view existed even at the time of our Independence. Consecrating the temple at
Somnath on May 11, 1951, Rajendra Prasad, then President of India, clarified
that the restoration shouldn’t be seen only as an attempt at rectifying history.
“Our only aim here is to proclaim anew our attachment to the faith, convictions
and values on which our religion has rested since immemorial ages,” he
explained, a sentiment that aptly reflects today’s situation. He also reminded
the nation that the great truth that Sanatan Dharma proclaims is that every
individual should have full independence and opportunities for rising to the
highest glory of life.
Whether it was Rajendra babu then or Narendra Modi now, the emphasis was on
using the sacred symbol of the restored historic temple to infuse “new life into
the Temple of Prosperity of our people”. Building a prosperous Bharat requires
humongous effort and tremendous unity. A $5 trillion economy may make Bharat the
third largest in the world, yet not the most prosperous. To become truly viksit
requires a much bigger economic clout, which the Prime Minister wants the nation
to achieve by its centenary.
There cannot be a better way to explain Modi’s Viksit Bharat dream than turning
once again to Rajendra babu’s words of wisdom seven decades ago: “In my view,
the restoration of this temple of Somnath would be complete, not on the day when
a fine building would have been constructed on these foundations, but when we
raise the level of our culture to such a degree that if a modern Al Biruni sees
our country, he would express himself about our culture in the same eloquent
terms in which, a thousand years ago, Al Biruni had expressed himself about the
India of his day”.
https://www.rammadhav.in/articles/a-temple-to-progress/
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN vishwav@bol.net.in http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com https://svn.epapers.in
Labels: Samvad 1 March 2024
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]