\Samvad

Ashwin Krishna 14 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 1 October, 2024: SM 6013 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS:  VIJAYADASHAMI 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. FOR BHARAT, ONE EARTH, ONE FAMILY, ONE FUTURE IS A COMMITMENT: PM MODI AT UN 4. HINDU SPIRITUAL AND SEVA MELA 2024
5. PRE-LOKMANTHAN 2024 - HERBAL HEALING IN FOCUS 6. ABVKA’S KARYAKARTA SAMMELAN
7. WOSY CEC MEETING HELD IN CHANDIGARH 8. SEWA INTERNATIONAL USA HONOURS 9/11 HEROS
9. SANSKRIT CONFERENCES 2024, AUSTRALIA 10. SANSKRIT DAY AND BHARAT WEEK IN GUYANA
11. HINDU AND CHRISTIAN INTERFAITH DIALOGUE, AUSTRALIA 12. ONAM CELEBRATIONS
13. MURUGAN MANDIR OF SAINT LOUIS HOLDS CONSECRATION CEREMONY 14. CANADIAN MP CONCERNED OVER ATTACKS ON BANGLADESHI HINDUS
15. US LAWMAKER RO KHANNA CONDEMNS DESECRATION OF BAPS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR IN SACRAMENTO 16. BHARAT TO OPEN CONSULATES IN LOS ANGELES, BOSTON
17. BHARAT CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS OF INTERNATIONAL DECISION-MAKING STRUCTURES 18. BHARAT WINS HISTORIC DOUBLE GOLD IN CHESS OLYMPIAD
19. BHARAT RANKS AS 3RD MOST POWERFUL NATION IN ASIA 20. SHRADDHANJALI SABHA - M. BHISHMACHARY
21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT  

Article: RSS SAMANVAY BAITHAK AND ITS IMPORTANCE


1. FESTIVALS:  VIJAYADASHAMI: Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is celebrated on Ashwin Shukla Dashami (October 12 this year). Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, commemorating Bhagawati Durga's victory against Mahishasura. It also marks the end of Ramlila and commemorates Bhagwan Ram's victory over Ravana.
Vijayadashami celebrations include processions of statues of Durga which are immersed in water. The 9 day performance of Ramlila is concluded with the burning of towering effigies of Ravana with fireworks.
Mysuru procession and Kullu mela are other famous events of Dussehra. Dashain celebrations in Nepal include the elders blessing youngsters for success and prosperity by applying tilak and jamra on their foreheads.

On this day in 1925, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. To commemorate this day, RSS, in its shakhas, performs Shastrapuja and Pathsanchalan and Sarsanghchalak delivers the Dussehra bouddhik from Nagpur.  -GoTop


2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: “Vedas are the treasure of physical and spiritual knowledge and the root of the whole universe. They work to connect the whole world” said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat on September 18 at the launch of the third edition of the Hindi commentary of the Vedas by Shripad Damodar Satvalekar in New Delhi. “Both Vedas and Bharat are one. They are the basis of Sanatan Dharma”, he added. “The time has come for the rise of Sanatan Dharma. The attitude of the world is also changing regarding this. We also know that these Vedas are our means to move forward,” he said.

Dr Vishnu Pratap Thosar, Working President Swadhyay Mandal Pardi, VHP Patron Dinesh Chandra, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Balakanand Giri Ji Maharaj and many other dignitaries were present at the event.
On September 16, Dr Bhagwat called upon the RSS swayamsevaks to embody five key areas in their lives: social harmony, environmental conservation, family awareness, a sense of selfhood, and civic discipline. He was addressing a RSS shakha of over 4000 swayamsevaks at the Indira Gandhi Sports Ground in Alwar. He noted that next year marks the 100 years of the RSS. He urged swayamsevaks to understand the ideas behind the RSS work and always keep those principles in mind.
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3. FOR BHARAT, ONE EARTH, ONE FAMILY, ONE FUTURE IS A COMMITMENT: PM MODI AT UN: On September 23, while addressing the UN’s ‘Summit of The Future’, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said that ‘One earth, One Family and One future’ is a commitment for Bharat.

He further said, “This commitment is also reflected in our initiatives such as ‘One Earth, One Health’, and ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’. Bharat will continue to work in thought, words and deeds to protect the interests of all humanity and for global prosperity.” He added that Bharat has elevated 250 million people out of poverty and shown that sustainable development can be successful. He called for balanced regulation at a global level for safe and responsible use of technology. “Digital Public Infrastructure should be a bridge, not a barrier. For global good, Bharat is ready to share its digital infrastructure with the entire world,” he said. At the UN Summit of the Future, world leaders adopted a Pact for the Future that included a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.  -GoTop


4. HINDU SPIRITUAL AND SEVA MELA 2024: On September 26, Uprashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered the inaugural address at the 5-day Hindu Spiritual and Seva (HSS) Mela 2024 in Jaipur. He underscored the fundamental values of Sanatan Dharma and expressed concern over religious conversions. Sadhavi Ritambhara; Swami Chidananda Saraswati, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh; Dr Chinmaya Pandya of Gyatri Parivar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

During the Mela, ‘Abhivyakti 2024’ themed activity has held Science Model Exhibition, Short Film Making and Photography competitions. The ‘Art Festival - Prakriti to Sanskriti’ theme of the Mela explored participants' artistic expertise by organising art competitions based on subjects like nature and culture. Beside this hundreds of stalls of organisations including religious books and scriptures were set up. The aim of HSS Mela 2024 is to inspire citizens to uphold the values of Sanatan Dharma and Seva in present challenges.  -GoTop


5. PRE-LOKMANTHAN 2024 - HERBAL HEALING IN FOCUS: The two-day international conference on the non-codified herbal healing systems used by Janjatiya Samuh was concluded on September 22 in Bhopal. The event ended with the presentation of a policy draft to Minister of Higher Education Inder Singh Parmar.

The conference was inaugurated on September 21 in the presence of Durga Das Uike, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs and J Nandakumar, National Convener of Prajna Pravaah. Nandakumar spoke about the upcoming Lokmanthan 2024 in November in Hyderabad. He said that the current Pre-Lokmanthan event was aimed to address the health sector, specifically non-codified health practices. Over 100 traditional healers from Thailand, Nepal, Russia and Bharat showcased their herbal healing practices at event. A mela for tribal communities was also organised by IGRMS from September 21 to 25.  -GoTop


6. ABVKA’S KARYAKARTA SAMMELAN: The Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (ABVKA) organised its triennial three-day karyakarta sammelan from September 20-22 at Samalkha, Haryana.

Bhagwat Kathakar Ramesh Bhai Ojha inaugurated the sammelan in the presence of RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Ramdatt. ABVKA representatives from all states of Bharat and Nepal participated in the Sammelan. While addressing the gathering on the concluding day, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that after analysis of situation we should expedite the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram’s work across the nation. Dr Bhagwat added that we must not be afraid of problems as every problem paves the way for its solution. ABVKA President Satyendra Singh has called upon the tribal community to set up its own narrative that Aranya Sanskriti is the core culture of the community.
During the sammelan, VKA discussed and addressed various issues including its activities and programs. VKA is running 22152 projects at 17394 places all over Bharat for upliftment of tribal society.
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7. WOSY CEC MEETING HELD IN CHANDIGARH: World Organisation of Students and Youth (WOSY) conducted Central Executive Committee (CEC) Meeting in Chandigarh on September 27. The event witnessed participation from students representing more than 20 countries. Besides the WOSY’s office bearers, Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University and Ashish Chauhan, National Organisation Secretary of ABVP were present during the CEC.

WOSY CEC was divided into three sessions: Review of activities conducted in the past year, focusing on global student engagement; discussion on the challenges faced by international students, particularly in terms of accessibility and support and planning for upcoming events to strengthen WOSY’s mission of global youth development. The event was concluded with the strengthening of ties between students and youth leaders from around the world.  -GoTop


8. SEWA INTERNATIONAL USA HONOURS 9/11 HEROS: On September 14, Sewa International DFW commemorated the 9/11 Day of Service at the Coppell Senior Center by honouring the courage and dedication of Veterans and First Responders . The event welcomed over 30 active military personnel, veterans and first responders. Coppell Mayor Pro Tem, Kevin Nevels, initiated the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance. Over 150 community members attended the event. On September 11, Sewa International's South Jersey Chapter in partnership with Chesterfield Township unveiled a new 9/11 memorial in Chesterfield to honour the victims and heroes of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Three monuments, symbolizing the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93, now stand as a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of the American spirit. Special guests were Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska, a hero of the 9/11 rescue efforts, Senator Latham Tiver, and Mayor Matthew Litt.  -GoTop


9. SANSKRIT CONFERENCES 2024, AUSTRALIA: BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, Australia, held two-day Sanskrit Conferences in Brisbane and Sydney in the month of September. A special delegation from Central Sanskrit University in New Delhi, Bharat, along with Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami were the main guests at the conferences. Many scholars, community leaders, students and enthusiasts participated, exploring the profound significance of the Sanskrit language while appreciating the timeless wisdom found in ancient shastras.

Both conferences comprised three sessions: Inaugural, Sanskrit for Youths and Sanskrit in Australia. Round table discussions with social, religious, and community groups explored how to promote Sanskrit in Australia.  -GoTop


10. SANSKRIT DAY AND BHARAT WEEK IN GUYANA: On September 7, the Badrinath Ashram, in collaboration with the Bharatiya High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, hosted World Sanskrit Day and Bharat Week in Guyana. The event at the Badrinath Ashram in Spring Garden, Region Two, featured a variety of cultural activities, including singing, dancing, and prayers. On the occasion Bharatiya High Commissioner Guyana Dr. Amit Telang said that the celebration of Sanskrit Day reflects the preservation of traditions and that the cultural performances offered unique and enriching experiences.

Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre Rudra Jayanta Bhagawati explained that Viswa Sanskrit Diwas, initiated by the Government of Bharat, is an annual event focused on reviving and promoting the ancient Sanskrit language. During the programme, students who had successfully completed the Sanskrit examination were awarded certificates.  -GoTop


11. HINDU AND CHRISTIAN INTERFAITH DIALOGUE, AUSTRALIA: On September 25, Charles Sturt University (CSU) hosted its inaugural Hindu-Christian dialogue event at the Port Macquarie campus. The event focused on the shared spiritual tenets between Hindu Dharma and Christianity, aiming to build mutual understanding and respect between the two faiths. Professor Ross Chambers, Kate Wood-Foye, CSU’s External Engagement Director and Amita Krautloher, Educational Designer at CSU shared their passion for dialogues that build understanding and respect across diverse faith communities. Rev. Professor Sathi Clarke from the CSU School of Theology and a minister in the Church of South India presented a Christian theological perspective.

Sai Paravastu, President of the Hindu Council of Australia, presented practical and philosophical approaches to fostering interfaith understanding. Professor Nihal Agar, Chair of the Hindu Council of Australia, reflected on the shared spiritual values between Hindu Dharma and Christianity.  -GoTop


12. ONAM CELEBRATIONS: From September 6 to 15, Keralites celebrated Onam with gifts, group games, new clothes, floral decorations, dances, fireworks, house visits and a lavish traditional spread served on emerald green banana leaves. It also saw a revival of harvest season games played on fallow fields like Ola Panthu, Kuttiyum Kolum and Uri Adi.

On the occasion Malayalee diaspora expressed their cultural identity in foreign lands including Gulf, USA, England and Europe. Australia: The Bundaberg Indian Malayali Association (BIMA) hosted 2024 Aavesham Onam celebration where over 300 attendees marked the cultural festival.
Mayor Helen Blackburn and MP Tom Smith graced the occasion. UAE: On September 15, over 10,000 people attended a grand Onam celebration in Sharjah, with traditional fervour, cultural performances and delicious cuisine.
The healthcare workers at Burjeel Medical City hospital in Abu Dhabi created a special pookkalam, a traditional Malayali floral carpet, with 600 kg of flowers.
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13. MURUGAN MANDIR OF SAINT LOUIS HOLDS CONSECRATION CEREMONY: On September 14-15, a consecration ceremony of smaller deities – Utsava Vigraha – was held for the Murugan Mandir of Saint Louis. Priest Shri Bharadwaj conducted the ceremony and explained the significance of a Utsava Vigraha. “Since we don't have a proper structure of a mandir, Murugan mandir of St Louis has decided to at least bring the Utsava Vigrahas to Saint Louis so that the mandir can function for the next couple of years until construction is complete” Bharadwaj said.

Devotees started a 501(c)(3) organization and purchased the land located off Turkey Track Lane in 2021. Last August, two idols made out of stone were installed in the mandir. At the moment the Murugan Mandir awaits city approval to start construction.  -GoTop


14. CANADIAN MP CONCERNED OVER ATTACKS ON BANGLADESHI HINDUS: Canadian MP Chandra Arya on September 16 expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. In a statement in the Canadian Parliament, Bharatiya origin Arya highlighted the troubling situation faced by religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists and Christians in Bangladesh. The Canadian MP shared his statement in his verified Facebook page.
He also said that the share of religious minorities in the population of Bangladesh has significantly decreased since it achieved its independence in 1971. In this connection, he said that from 23.1 percent, including about 20 percent Hindus, it has now come down to just about 9.6 percent, including about 8.5 percent Hindus.
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15. US LAWMAKER RO KHANNA CONDEMNS DESECRATION OF BAPS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR IN SACRAMENTO: Bharatiya-American Congressman Ro Khanna, in a post on X, has condemned the desecration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir with anti-Hindu messages in California’s Sacramento and called on the US Department of Justice to investigate these hate crimes. He made the statement in response to a social media X post shared by BAPS Public Affair on September 17 which stated, “Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, BAPS Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.”
Bharatiya American Congressman Ami Bera, the Consulate General of Bharat in New York, Bharatiya-American Congressman Shri Thanedar and many other US authorities condemned the attack and demanded strict action against the culprits.
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16. BHARAT TO OPEN CONSULATES IN LOS ANGELES, BOSTON: While addressing a packed crowd at Nassau Coliseum in New York on September 22, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi announced that Bharat will open two new consulates in the United States, one in Boston and another in Los Angeles. Bharatiya diaspora welcomed this announcement.

Boston, often regarded as the “education and pharma capital” of the U.S., will benefit from the new consulate as it serves as a hub for academic and biotech collaborations. Los Angeles, home to Hollywood and set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, will also gain a consulate, further solidifying Bharat’s presence on the West Coast. The new consulates will provide essential services not only to the Bharatiya diaspora in Greater Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix but also to the many Bharatiya students studying in over 40 universities in the region.  -GoTop


17. BHARAT CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS OF INTERNATIONAL DECISION-MAKING STRUCTURES: Bharat has called for urgent reforms of the international decision-making structures, especially the UN Security Council, to give the Global South its due representation.

Speaking at the Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the G20 in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on September 25 said that the United Nations is a prisoner of the past and it must evolve with the world. He said, as a result, the UN Security Council struggles to fulfil its mandate of maintaining international peace and stability, undermining its effectiveness and credibility. He stressed that the Global South must be given their legitimate voice.
He emphasised the urgent need to reform the UN to ensure it is representative, credible, and effective. Dr. Jaishankar said the reforms should include the expansion of both permanent and elected seats on the Security Council.
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18. BHARAT WINS HISTORIC DOUBLE GOLD IN CHESS OLYMPIAD: Bharat’s men’s and women’s chess teams both won their first-ever gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad on September 22. The men’s team, featuring young and talented grandmasters like D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Praggnanandha, displayed their skills in the final round and defeated Slovenia 3-0.

At the same time, the women’s team of D. Harika, Divya Deshmukh, R. Vaishali, and Vantika Agrawal achieved a strong 3.5-0.5 victory over Azerbaijan, giving Bharat a rare double gold at the prestigious tournament. Previously, Bharat won bronze medals in the men’s (2014, 2022) and women’s (2022) categories.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi acknowledged Team Bharat’s double gold victory at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad and said that “Bharat is full of energy and dreams”.
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19. BHARAT RANKS AS 3RD MOST POWERFUL NATION IN ASIA: Bharat has become 3rd most powerful nation in Asia in Asia Power Index report for 2024. Report indicated that strong post-COVID economic growth has led Bharat to increase its economic capability by 4.2 points.

The report also highlights that Bharat performed well across all other resource measures, especially in future resources, where its score rose by 8.2 points. Bharat’s Diplomatic Influence has also risen in the Asia Power Index. In 2023, Bharat increased its tempo of diplomatic activity, participating in the sixth-highest number of dialogues with countries included in the Asia Power Index. This helped Bharat surpass Japan, reinforcing its status as the third-largest power in the index. The Asia Power Index ranks 27 countries reaching as far west as Pakistan, as far north as Russia, and as far into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.  -GoTop


20. SHRADDHANJALI SABHA - M. BHISHMACHARY: A Shraddhanjali Sabha was held in Bhagyanagar on September 22 to pay the tributes to M. Bhishmachary. Mallapuram Bhishmachary, a senior RSS pracharak, passed away on September 12. He held various responsibilities in countries like Bharat, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

During the tribute ceremony messages from RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya V. Bhagaiah, and Governors of Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland, Sri Bandaru Dattatreya and Ila Ganeshan, were read. Manohar Shinde, a member of Prajna Pravaah national team, Shyam Parande, Global Coordinator of Sewa International, Rameshwar, a member of Uttar Kshetra karyakarini, Bhishmacharyji’s younger brother Kripachari and many others recalled their association with Bhishmacharyji while paying their rich tributes. Bhishmacharyji’s outstanding contributions to the society was also remembered during the Shraddhanjali Sabha .  -GoTop


21. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.- Mahrishi Sri Valmiki
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JAI SHRI RAM
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RSS SAMANVAY BAITHAK AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Ratan Sharda

The Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will be organised in Palakkad, Kerala, from August 31 to September 2, 2024. The three days Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak is generally organised once in a year. During this meeting, activists of Sangh inspired organisations will share the information and exchange experiences about their respective work.
How RSS came into existence?: A small organisation that began in an open ground with around 14-15 teenage boys brought together by a former revolutionary and political leader has blossomed today into a giant banyan tree with so many branches and roots that it is difficult to distinguish between the main trunk and various branches that have struck roots on their own and many that have grown independently under its benign shadow.
It reminds me of the legendary giant banyan tree in Kolkata described thus in a Times of India report – “Estimated to be more than 250 years old, the Great Banyan is occupies an area of 4.67 acres! […] We all know how banyan trees extend their aerial roots, and they spread and cover a very large area. But is it possible without the main trunk? Looks like it is. The Great Banyan lost its original trunk to disease after being struck by two massive cyclones, and so in 1925, its original trunk had to be removed in order to stop the spread of the disease. That didn’t stop the tree from growing, and grew it did! A total of 3772 aerial roots to be precise!”

From Shakha to mass organisation: This is the closest one can get to understand the vast expanse of RSS through its various allied organisations working in almost every field of social and national life. There are 36 national level organisations inspired by RSS philosophy – beginning with Rashtra Sevika Samiti (RSS of women in 1932), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP in 1948), followed by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (in 1951) to Bharatiya Janata Party (1951), Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (1955) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (1964) – all mass based giant organisations to the youngest Saksham (2008 – working with the divyang or differently abled people) working in a niche area; people inspired by RSS philosophy are working to the best of their abilities with full dedication.
Those who have a little idea about these mass organisations know that many of them have more membership than even RSS. Scholars like Nalin Mehta tell us that BJP (with 18 crore members) has many times more members than RSS and RSS can no more influence BJP or dictate BJP the way it could earlier. Others indifferent social sphere are number one organisations in their respective fields. In 2008 VHP claimed to have 68 lakh members, ABVP has 45 lakh student members. BMS has a membership of nearly 1 crore with 5000 unions under its flag. There are smaller specialised organisations that have changed the direction of Indian history, like Itihas Sankalan Samiti established by renowned archaeologist Haribhau Wakankar by discovering evidences that demolished the Aryan Invasion or Migration Theory. Then there is Sewa Bharati, an apex body coordinating work of social service with over 150 thousand social service projects. Ekal Vidyalaya (single teacher, any time schools in remote areas) has crossed a figure of 1 lakh schools, replicated by many other organisations independently.
In such a scenario, how does the trunk that fed the original sap to these huge branches keep track of its expanse and keep nurturing them with the vital spirit of philosophy without which they may be cut off from the huge family some day even as they survive on their roots that they have struck.
Spirit of extended family: This is the question that many inquisitive people ask. It is a question that has baffled many social scientists. They have tried to find answers in their western organisational models. The answer, however, lies in the Bharatiya roots of this organisation. It is a unique organisation in terms of management and organizational structure though it looks like a typical pyramid like structure if one looks at it superficially. You can see the hierarchy from the local units of an RSS shakha at the base, you see a mandal (a local geographical group of a few shakhas, tehsil, district, state, region and finally an elected Pratinidhi Sabha and a national executive presided over by the Sarsanghchalak. Similarly, you see such organisational structures in all its allied organisations. What is the difference between other organisations and RSS then? What helps it work harmoniously for nearly 100 years within and without, with its allied organisation?
Answer lies in a pithy observation made by the fourth Sarsanghchalak, Prof Rajendra Singh aka Rajju bhaiyya. He noted that RSS is a family organisation, not a cultural or social organisation etc. With family comes, affection, taking care of each other, mutual bonding, readiness to sacrifice for others in the family and readiness to listen to each other and respecting the elders’ views and ability of the senior members to take along other members of the extended family – samyukta parivar.
Consensus building is not a much valued quality in today’s organisations. Fierce competition, influencing decisions with lobbying and pushing your ideas with majority vote, to win at any cost are the major attributes in other organisations – commercial, social and political. In our nation, where we enjoy multiplicity of views and respect every view, where we love to argue endlessly, ending up with misuse of this respect for multiplicity and creating more fault lines; RSS has perfected the art of consensus building. It is easier to achieve this consensus because the relations between its members are built selflessly and like a family. The warmth of relations doesn’t allow any argument or discussion to go beyond a point of no return. It delays the decisions, but it also helps take everyone along.
Now, extend this logic to the larger ‘parivar’ of RSS inspired or allied organisations. Since, all of them are generally started by an RSS swayamsevak or aligned organisations, he or she carry with them this skill of consensus building and also relationship building. As I note elsewhere in my writings, RSS doesn’t just build IQ, it builds EQ and SQ – Emotional quotient and social quotient. Thus, none of its allied organisations split. A few members may have walked out, some returning subsequently, but none tried to break their organisations.
As RSS ecosystem grew over years, a need was felt to have some kind of co-ordination, so different organisations knew what their sister organisations were doing in their own field. Therefore, periodic ‘samanvay baithaks’ or co-ordination meetings began taking place. It helped them appreciate each other’s work and also empathise with their area of work. This understanding of each other’s work and conditions in which they worked, helped avoid any clash that might develop when they come from fields that may be considered as antagonist to each other.
For example, a Laghu Udyog Bharati member may have some problem with a Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh trade union in his factory. Or a Swadeshi Jagaran Manch or Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh may not like some policies of BJP. And we see them criticising BJP or opposing a policy. But there are occasions when both sides meet in a ‘samanvay baithak’ and understand each other and try to work out some consensus or hold their ideas till a solution is found. Here, the role of the RSS is only that of a facilitator; it does not guide or push its views on others.
How does RSS control its urge to dictate terms to its allied organisations? It is the spirit of autonomy. It is a misunderstanding that RSS does micro-tunes its organisations. Its role is only to share its views on various issues and it is upto the other organisation whether to accept it or not. Yes, there is a strong moral pressure when the Sarsanghchalak or Sarkaryavah make a point. This is the reason that the top leadership thinks multiple times before it shares its views with the other organisations. Generally, the leadership responds when the other organisation reaches out for a solution or advice.
Autonomous, still connected: The spirit of autonomy is kept alive by treating organisations as equals. In early days, it was RSS that was the providing necessary human resources and even pracharaks for a particular work. At that time too, it would urge the organisation to create its own cadre. Slowly, most of the organisations have been able to have their own workers/karyakartas and own working style depending on the field they are in. Thus, RSS may have been the provider of seed capital, but it does not hold equity beyond that. Understanding this, the RSS seniors try to give advice but not force it, respecting an organisations own compulsions and area of expertise.
I have been reading about Communist party these days for my new project. I find that this spirit of giving autonomy to the others in the organisation, creating consensus with serious efforts and nurturing the spirit of affection of a family is missing there. It is a structure that holds people in certain hierarchy for organisation purpose, nothing more. So, is it in most of the organisations.
We recall the construction of Vivekanand Rock Memorial, struggle against Emergency for restoration of democracy, Ram Mandir movement, campaign for ‘shat pratishat matadaan’ (100 per cent voting) conducted by the larger ‘Sangh Parivar’ in a coordinated manner in 2014 and its enormous impact on the society of all these activities. As time passes, the direction of RSS founder Dr KB Hedgewar that RSS should not be an organisation within the society, but an organisation of the society is coming to fruition. Even without formally attending RSS Shakha many are imbibing or following Sangh way of thinking and functioning–that is the biggest success. There are more Sanghis who have never been to Shakha than Shakha trained swayamsevaks, that is the success of coordination –the RSS Way. The evolution of RSS from an organisation to a movement is the result of this coordination or samanvay managed by RSS since years.
Fortunately for RSS, and unfortunately for other organisations, no one has studied or researched RSS with this view point. Their gaze on RSS has always been to find fault. For RSS, samanvay or harmonious co-ordination within and with organisations allied with it is a serious business, and that is the secret of the harmonious existence of this large Hindu Undivided Family.
https://organiser.org/2024/08/30/104009/opinion/sangh-parivar-where-coordination-is-the-crux/
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