Ashadha Shukla 10 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 July, 2024: SM 6008 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
GURU PURNIMA: Guru Purnima, observed on Ashadha Purnima (July 21 this
year), is a festival dedicated to offering respect to all the spiritual and
academic gurus. It is also known as Vyasa Purnima, for it marks the birthday of
Veda Vyasa, the sage who authored the Mahabharata and compiled the Vedas.
2. MUSIC OF MANGESHKAR FAMILY PREACHES DEVOTION AND
PATRIOTISM: DR. BHAGWAT: On June 28, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat launched the book ‘Swarswamini Asha’ at the
Deenanath Mangeshkar Auditorium in Mumbai. This autobiography of the legendary
singer Asha Bhosale, who turned 90 last September, has articles by 90 writers
and some rare photographs of the singer.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhosale recalled her association with Swatantryaveer Savarkar. Her brother, music director Hridaynath Mangeshkar, was also present at the event. -GoTop
3. ADHYATMA IS THE SOUL OF BHARAT: DATTATREYA HOSABALE:
On July 29, RSS Sarakaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale launched a Kannada book titled
‘Vachana Darshana’ at Hubbali. The book compiled by an editorial team of Dr.
Niranjan Poojar, Janamejaya Umarji, Chandrappa Barangi and Dr. Santosh Kumar PK
is about the preaching of Basavanna during his lifetime.
4. PM MODI ADDRESSED BHARATIYA DIASPORA IN RUSSIA: On
July 9, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi interacted with the Bharatiya diaspora at
an event in Moscow. He was on a two-day visit to Russia.
5. RSS PRANT PRACHARAK BAITHAK CONCLUDED: The Prant
Pracharak Baithak of RSS was held on July 12-14 in Sarla Birla University,
Ranchi, Jharkhand. 227 karyakartas were present during this baithak.
While answering a question, Sunil Ambekar said that Sangh does not directly participate in elections. It engages in awareness and lokmat parishkar (refining public opinion) during every election. On a question about religious conversion, he clarified that conversion should not happen through deception, greed, or force. There are laws to stop this, and everyone should follow the laws. -GoTop
6. RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI’S SEMI-ANNUAL MEET CONCLUDED:
The semi-annual meeting of Kendra Karyakarini and Pratinidhi Mandal of Rashtra
Sevika Samiti was held at Reshim Bagh, Nagpur, from July 12-14. 400
representatives from 35 provinces participated in the event. Pramukh Sanchalika
Shanta Kumari inaugurated the event by lighting a traditional lamp. In her
keynote address, Pramukh Karyavahika Sita Gayatri Annadanam provided a
comprehensive review of the Samiti’s progress and the current social situation
and emphasised the importance of dedicated and diligent efforts in various
fields to make Bharat even more radiant and prosperous. She also said that a
resolute society can find solutions to all problems, and we need to create such
a society. She added that around 6000 Sevikas received training in various camps
conducted by the Samiti. Samiti has also planned to conduct 300 programs to
spread awareness about the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashloka Ahilyabai
Holkar.
7. ABVP MARKS 76TH FOUNDATION DAY: Akhil Bharatiya
Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) celebrated its 76th Foundation Day with various
programs across the country.
76 students who performed well in the 10th and 12th standard examinations were
felicitated in a program organised at Bhanjakala Mandap in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Speaking on the occasion, Yagyavalka Shukla, National General Secretary, said
that ABVP is committed to national reconstruction and has been moving ahead with
the goal of nation-building by developing the personality of students and
instilling patriotism in the youth.
8. BHAGWAN JAGANNATH RATH YATRA: Around 1.5 million
devotees from across the country thronged the town of Puri in Odisha to pull the
three wooden chariots carrying Bhagwan Jagannath and his siblings on the main
thoroughfare as the historic Rath Yatra began on July 7. The yatra started
around 5.20 pm after Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanada Saraswati visited
the chariots of Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra with his
disciples and Puri’s titular king completed the Chhera Pahanra (chariot
sweeping) ritual.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra also commenced in Ahmedabad, drawing large crowds of devotees on July 7. Lakhs of people gathered on both sides of the route to have a glimpse of the deities. -GoTop
9. RATH YATRA CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD: Hindus
and devotees of Bhagwan Jagannath also observe Rath Yatra in different parts of
the world.
According to reports, Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannanth is observed in more than
200 cities around the globe.
In North Carolina, USA, the Jagannath Committee of the Hindu Society of North
Carolina (HSNC) celebrated the Rath Yatra with religious fervor. They pulled a
26-foot tall and 13-foot wide Rath, which is one of the largest chariots in the
Americas.
In Paris, Rath Yatra was celebrated through a vibrant four-hour procession through the streets of Paris. At the culmination point, various Bharatiya art forms, dances, and devotional music were showcased.
In Rome, devotees pulled a large wooden chariot of Bhagwan Jagannath on the streets. Rath Yatra is being celebrated in Rome since 2015. -GoTop
10. GOVT DECLARES JUNE 25 AS 'SAMVIDHAAN HATYA DIWAS':
On July 12, Union home minister Amit Shah said that June 25, the day on which
ex-PM Indira Gandhi imposed an Emergency in 1975, will be observed as 'Samvidhaan
Hatya Diwas'.
Shah also shared on X that lakhs of people were thrown behind bars for no fault
of their own, and the voice of the media was silenced. He also said that the 'Samvidhaan
Hatya Diwas' will commemorate the massive contributions of all those who endured
the inhuman pains of the 1975 Emergency.
PM Modi also shared the announcement and said June 25 will "pay homage to each
and every person who suffered due to the excesses of the Emergency". -GoTop
11. UK NATIONAL JYESTHA SHIBIR 2024: Camping out at the
Beaumanor Hall, 81 senior swayamsevaks came together over the weekend of June
3-4 to enjoy, catchup, listen to inspiring talks and do some physical exercises
during the National Jyestha Shibir. The theme of the shibir organized by HSS UK
was ‘Vishwa Dharma Prakashena Vishwa Shanti Pravartake’ - peace and harmony will
prevail with the establishment of universal Dharma.
12. WEST LONDON VIBHAG BALA SHIBIR 2024: West London
Vibhag of HSS UK organised an overnight Bala Shibir with parents on June 22-23.
The objective was for the Balas to have fun and to get the young parents to
understand the journey in Sangh. The theme of the shibir was Siyaram, to learn
from the qualities of Shri Ram. 143 people participated in the shibir.
13. EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW ROYAL GUN SALUTE: June 15 was
marked as an official birthday celebration of His Majesty King Charles III. On
this occasion, there were a lot of activities planned at Edinburgh Castle. 10
kishor and kishoris from Edinburgh & Glasgow shakhas of HSS UK attended the
activities and engaged with the Royal Army Corps.
14. SEWA IN ACTION AT HURRICANE BERYLE AFFECTED AREAS:
In association with District F Councilwoman Tiffany D. Thomas, an advocate for
the people of Alief, Briar Meadow and surrounding areas, and Council Member
Edward Pollard, owner of Pollard Legal Group, LLC, Sewa volunteers distributed
over 2,200 crates of bottled water to more than 1,000 families in the Hurricane
Beryl affected areas of Houston. Sewa International received a call from the
Consulate General of Bharat, Houston, about more than 150 graduate students of
the University of Houston, living in Stratford House Apartments who were without
electricity and could not go out to get food and were suffering from
heat-related stress. Within hours, Sewa volunteers mobilized to set up a hot
meal table. Additionally, Sewa offered 2-night accommodation to over twenty
students at a nearby facility.
15. SEWA USA AT THE BMM CONVENTION-2024: Sewa
International USA collaborated with the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal of North
America (BMM) in organizing the three-day BMM Convention-2024 at the San Jose
Convention Center, California, from June 27 to 30. The event drew over 6,000
attendees from across North America.
16. NEW YORK CONSULATE PORTAL FOR STUDENTS TO FIND
INTERNSHIPS: The Consulate General of Bharat in New York has launched an
initiative to assist Bharatiya students studying in the northeastern United
States with internship opportunities, legal referrals, and access to medical
professionals. A major focus of the initiative is a new online platform that
connects Bharatiya students with internship opportunities at various companies
across the US.
17.UK ELECTS RECORD NUMBER OF BHARATIYA-ORIGIN MPS: The
UK poll results in the recently concluded election saw the largest number of 26
Bharatiya origin MPs being elected to the House of Commons. Out of the 26 MPs,
six belong to the Conservative party.
18. UPI POISED FOR WIDESPREAD ADOPTION: NPCI
International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), in partnership with Network International, a
leading digital commerce enabler across the Middle East and Africa, has
facilitated the acceptance of QR-code-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
payments across point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UAE.
UPI has expanded its footprint to the heart of Paris, with the flagship store of Galeries Lafayette on Haussmann Boulevard now accepting UPI payments. This expands the acceptance of UPI in Paris after a successful launch at the iconic Eiffel Tower. Ambassador of Bharat to France and Principality of Monaco Jawed Ashraf launched UPI by live use at the store in the presence of Nicolas Houze, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, and Alain Lacour, Chairman of Lyra Group. -GoTop
19. OBITUARY : CHUNNIBHAI HARIA: Chunnibhai Haria, 93,
a senior swayamsevak in Kenya, passed away on July 3. Chunnibhai was a
long-serving Swayamsevak of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Kenya (formerly known
as Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh – BSS). His life was devoted to Sangh. He held
the responsibility as East Africa Sanghachalak from 1992 to 2010 and as Kenya
Sanghachalak from 1992 to 2010.
Chunnibhai leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service. He is survived by his two sons and their family members, who will cherish his memories and lessons. His life exemplified simplicity, humility, and devotion.
In his condolence message, RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that on hearing the news of Chunnibhai’s demise, his determined efforts to spread Sangh thought throughout the East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda came up in a flash. He added that Chunnibhai’s life is inseparable from the life of Sangh in East Africa. He had an indomitable spirit, and his conviction for Sangh work has inspired countless Karyakartas. A few words from him were enough to soothe a Karyakarta who was in distress, or was dejected. Be it challenges within Sangh or in personal life, Karyakartas always found solace after meeting Chunnibhai. He expressed confidence that Karyakartas will take inspiration from the life of Late Chunnibhai and take Sangh work to new levels in Africa. Chunnibhai Haria, 93, a senior swayamsevak in Kenya, passed away on July 3. Chunnibhai was a long-serving Swayamsevak of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Kenya (formerly known as Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh – BSS). His life was devoted to Sangh. He held the responsibility as East Africa Sanghachalak from 1992 to 2010 and as Kenya Sanghachalak from 1992 to 2010.
During his lifetime, he facilitated the smooth progress of Sangh's work, and oversaw welfare projects and the construction of ‘Madhav Smriti’. He maintained good relations with karyakartas and all Hindu organizations and tirelessly advocated for Hindu Religious Education in schools, providing material support for HRE class textbooks.
Chunnibhai leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service. He is survived by his two sons and their family members, who will cherish his memories and lessons. His life exemplified simplicity, humility, and devotion.
In his condolence message, RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that on hearing the news of Chunnibhai’s demise, his determined efforts to spread Sangh thought throughout the East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda came up in a flash. He added that Chunnibhai’s life is inseparable from the life of Sangh in East Africa. He had an indomitable spirit, and his conviction for Sangh work has inspired countless Karyakartas. A few words from him were enough to soothe a Karyakarta who was in distress, or was dejected. Be it challenges within Sangh or in personal life, Karyakartas always found solace after meeting Chunnibhai. He expressed confidence that Karyakartas will take inspiration from the life of Late Chunnibhai and take Sangh work to new levels in Africa. -GoTop
20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: I have never said that there is no need for a guru. All
depends on what you call guru. He need not be in a human form. – Ramana
Maharshi -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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BHARATIYA CULTURE FOCUSES ON PRESERVING NATURE AND PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT
Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari
Human-induced climate change,
especially in South Asia, is causing extreme weather conditions like more
intense and frequent heat and rainfall that are challenging to negotiate. April
and May 2024 have recorded the highest temperatures, especially in Asia. World
Weather Attribution Group report states that the combined effect of global
warming caused by climate change and the El Nino phenomenon has pushed the
temperature to record high, causing intense heatwaves. It is estimated that
climate change turned the heatwave 1°C hotter while El Nino made the heatwave
further 0.2°C hotter this year. The unprecedented and accelerated warming of the
Indian Ocean is likely to continue unless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are
capped.
It is stated that global warming due to GHGs made El Nino events stronger during
the last six decades.
Consequently, hotter heat waves, drier droughts, bigger storm surges, erratic
rainfall, thinning of Ice caps and sea-level rise are becoming the new normal.
Heatwaves are making life much tougher for people, especially those living in
poverty-ridden areas across Asia. As a result, energy consumption is soaring,
and the supply chain is disrupted. These events demonstrate that humans have
proved to be poor custodians of Mother Earth and are struggling to sustain its
ecosystem. Climate change leads to widespread socio-economic impacts, viz.,
food, water, breathable air, energy insecurity, and migration, significantly
affecting terrestrial and aquatic diversity. These impacts threaten our health
by affecting the quality of food, water, air, and weather. Even the ongoing
democratic process of elections in India is also impacted by the low turnout of
voters owing to soaring heatwaves. This scaring scenario invites our attention
to climate action, biodiversity protection, and circular economy.
Environmental ethics are deeply rooted in Bharatiya culture, which promotes
faith and action in the conservation of the environment to maintain ecological
balance.
The Vedas are at the core of Bharatiya philosophy and also a storehouse of
wisdom and insights practised from time immemorial. Several Vedic hymns identify
the man as part of his environment, not apart from it. For us, nature was never
an entity to be conquered. Vedas inspired us to believe that all biotic and
abiotic creatures are intrinsically connected within the fabric of Brahman, the
Supreme Reality. Sanatan culture strongly believes that GOD is omnipresent and
omnipotent and is the ultimate source from which everything emerges and returns.
This philosophy is similar to the unified field in quantum physics from which
all forces and particles
Humans, being the mightiest and wisest of all life forms, should be acting as the promoter of interconnectedness among all living and non-living forms Sanatan culture imbibes ecological ethics and duties to take care of nature. Rites, rituals, and customs of the Vedic culture embody a plethora of knowledge and wisdom that helps preserve nature in its entirety. Worshipping of various elements of nature, namely rivers, mountains, animals, plants, etc., was aimed at creating a social awakening about their role in sustaining the environment and ecology. Vedic literature accords the sacrosanct status of Mother to Earth. Atharva Veda says, ‘O mother earth, with your oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water, you give us land to grow grains, on which our survival depends’. Ancient Indians used to perform “puja” before ploughing, digging a well, fetching excess water from the river, cutting trees or any other action that was considered to wound Mother Earth. We believe that every plant has some medicinal value. Nature occupies centre stage in our beliefs, values and actions. Over-exploiting of nature was forbidden.
We believed that all living and non-living world elements have a divine presence.
Lord Krishna bestowed the honour on Govardhan Parwat and made Yamuna free from the poisons of Kalia Nag as a symbol of protecting nature. Bhagavad Gita teaches the oneness of Lord Krishna with Nature, where He says, ‘I am the Self seated in the heart of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.
All beings have, therefore, to be treated alike. I pervade the Universe. All objects in the Universe rest on me like pearls on the thread of a garland. Hence, India has numerous holy shrines, holy rivers, holy mountains, sacred places and sacred plants and animals. The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Semphasisedhagavad Gita, Ramayana and Mahabharata emphasise all pervasive divine presence. The resting of Lord Vishnu on the lap of Sheshanaga in the Ksheer Sagar also teaches us that we can co-exist even with deadly animals. The interaction of Lord Rama with various facets of nature while in search of Goddess Sita and conquering Lanka with the help of monkeys is an excellent example of co-existential and collaborative civilisation.
However, concerted efforts were made by some sections of society to drive us away from such practices, brandishing these as a symbol of uncivilised inferior intellect.
Many of us, especially affluent individuals, are now engrossed in the ‘More is Less’ instead of the time-tested ‘Less is More’ frame of mind. That is why the consumption of materials has reached much beyond our basic needs, defying the essence of the first shloka of Isho Upanishad, which says, ‘Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the GOD. One should, therefore accept only those things utmost necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and one should not accept other things, knowing well to whom they belong’. As a result, footprints of water, energy, polluted air, and GHG emissions are increasing alarmingly. The affluent class can mitigate the adverse impacts of these footprints through air conditioners, fridges, air-purifiers, climate-resilient food and beverages, air-conditioned cars, marginalised, lower-order life forms, and landforms (hills, rivers, mountains, etc.) that face the burnt most. These footprints can be curtailed considerably through simpler, environmentally friendly and climate-resilient lifestyles. This implies that we need to revive our ancient practices and restore Mother Earth’s ecosystem for the survival of all living and non-living components.
Humans, being the mightiest and wisest of all life forms, should be acting as the promoter of interconnectedness among all living and non-living forms and sustainer of ecological balance necessary for the survival of humanity. It is a god-gifted responsibility bestowed on humans to preserve all animals, plants, rivers, hills, mountains, ice-caps and oceans to conserve the environment and maintain ecological balance. Contrarily, humans are busy destroying the habitats of all creatures, even their own.
We cover some portion of the earth with four walls and call it our home, misbelieving that we are safe inside it. Earth’s environment is our home, and we are not safe until our actions and deeds ensure the environment’s safety. We should remember that we have only one earth on which human civilisation with diverse life and landforms flourish and proliferate. The saying is, ‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children’. Let us commit ourselves to this World Environment Day to protect and conserve the earth for future generations. The environment and ecology are deeply conditioned by human societies’ cultural beliefs and practices. The role of Bharatiya belief and value system and interaction with nature largely remain unexplored. This aspect has the potential to become a new research area for environmentalists. https://organiser.org/2024/06/13/242505/bharat/bharatiya-culture-focuses-on-preserving-nature-and-protecting-environment/ -GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
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