\Samvad

Magh Shukla 7, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 16 February, 2024: SM 5022 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: MAHASHIVRATRI 2. DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT CALLS FOR UNITY, NON-VIOLENCE AND HARMONY
3. LOK SABHA ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON SHRI RAM MANDIR 4. ICCS : 8TH ELDERS CONFERENCE
5. ‘KALASADHAK SANGAM’: A CONFLUENCE OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE VISION OF ART 6. 'AHLAN MODI' PROGRAM IN ABU DHABI
7. MODI INAUGURATES FIRST HINDU MANDIR IN ABU DHABI 8. 8 FORMER BHARATIYA NAVY PERSONNEL RELEASED IN QATAR
9. RITUALS AT GYANVAPI COMPLEX AFTER COURT ORDER 10. FOREIGN LEADERS AT AYODHYA
11. BHARAT’S UPI REACHES SRI LANKA AND MAURITIUS 12. BHARAT’S NAVY RESCUES TWO HIJACKED BOATS
13. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL TO RAM MANDIR:SANGH’S ROLE IN NATIONAL AWAKENING


1. FESTIVALS: MAHASHIVRATRI: Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun (March 8 this year). Devotees stay awake all night, perform rituals like abhishekam and Rudrabhishekam, and chant mantras to seek blessings and attain spiritual awakening.

The origin of Mahashivratri is found in several Puranic texts, including the Skanda, Linga, and Padma Puranas. It is commemorated as the wedding anniversary of Devi Parvati and Bhagwan Shiva and the night when Shiva performs the Tandava - heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and regeneration.
Annual dance festivals called Natyanjali are organised on the occasion of the Mahashivratri at prominent Hindu mandirs like Konark, Khajuraho, Pattadakal, Modhera and Chidambaram.
In Mauritius, devotees celebrate Mahashivratri by observing ten days of abstinence preceding the celebration and walk miles on a pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Ganga Talao located in Grand-Bassin. The Pashupatinath Mandir in Kathmandu witnesses more than a million devotees on the eve of Shivratri.
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2. DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT CALLS FOR UNITY, NON-VIOLENCE AND HARMONY: On February 12, RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat addressed an event organised in Delhi to commemorate the 2550th ‘nirvana’ year of Jain Tirthankar Mahavira. He said that people in different parts of the world are suffering because of their materialistic way of life and is looking at Bharat for solutions to its problems. He called upon the people to follow the path of unity, non-violence and harmony. Dr. Bhagwat said that the people in Bharat and other parts of the world took different paths in search of absolute truth and eternal happiness.

“The difference between Bharat’s search and that of the rest of the world was that they stopped after searching for it in the visible world outside and we, after searching outside, began looking for it within (ourselves) and realised the truth,” he said.
He also said that Bharat has the highest order of life philosophy, which can usher in peace and eternal happiness across the globe.
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3. LOK SABHA ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON SHRI RAM MANDIR: On February 10, the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution on the construction of Shri Ram Mandir and Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala in Ayodhya, terming it a historic and glorious achievement for the country. The resolution stated that it is an unforgettable moment in the development journey of the country and it is important from social, cultural and historical perspectives.

Lauding the move, the resolution also said that Bhagwan Ram, Mata Sita and Ramayan are present in every aspect of Bharat's culture and civilization. It added that the country's democratic and constitutional values of justice for all have been inspired by the ideals of 'Ramrajya'. Reading out the resolution, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that the mandir of Bhagwan Shri Ram is not just a structure of stones, but full of infinite feelings of faith and devotion.
Referring to the resolution Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi said that it will give constitutional powers to the future generations of the country to take pride in its heritage.
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4. ICCS : 8TH ELDERS CONFERENCE: The 8th International Conference and Gathering of Elders organised by International Center for Cultural Studies (ICCS) with the theme of ‘Shared Sustainable Prosperity’ was held at Shiksha Valley School in Dibrugarh from January 28 to February 1. Around 250 delegates from more than 30 countries, including 126 international delegates representing 38 ancient traditions, participated in the conference. The ancient traditions were from all continents of the world and included Yezidi, Maori, Ubuntu, Ancient Greek, Mayan, Shinto, Romuva, Cherokee, Zulu etc.

The conference started with a procession of the delegates in their traditional attires and fineries, to the accompanying drums and devotional dances by some tribes of the North-Eastern region of Bharat.
The inaugural session was presided over by Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam with Dr Mohan Bhagwat being the keynote speaker. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhagwat emphasised the crucial need to preserve indigenous belief systems and said that ancient traditions knew the underlying aspect of spiritual oneness and hence respected diversity as the expression of oneness in different forms. Highlighting the interrelated nature of individuals, communities, society, and nature, Dr Bhagwat proposed a cultural approach to achieving peace and prosperity. On this occasion a new academic and research journal was launched by ICCS. It focuses on history, anthropology, and governance. A souvenir with insightful articles and highlights of earlier conferences was also released.
The conference included paper presentations and panel discussions on various facets of ’Shared Sustainable Prosperity’. Ceremonies, workshops and performing arts showcased the rich cultural heritage of the ancient traditions. The conference also adopted the ‘Dibrugarh Declaration’ with a three-point agenda of reviving traditions, ecological knowledge and collaborative governance.
Addressing the valedictory function of the conference, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said that sustainable development can be ensured only through sustainable consumption. He added that prosperity must not happen at the cost of Mother Earth’s exploitation. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
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5. ‘KALASADHAK SANGAM’ : A CONFLUENCE OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE VISION OF ART: The four-day Akhil Bharatiya Kalasadhak Sangam, organized by Sanskar Bharti, was formally inaugurated at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar International Centre, Bengaluru on February 1 in the presence of Maharaja Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar of Mysore and Maharaja Krishadevaraya of Vijaynagar. In his introductory speech, General Secretary of Sanskar Bharti Ashwin Dalvi said that Kalasadhak Sangam is an event of participation of people across the country, who establish nationalism and social harmony on the national stage through art. In his presidential address, Vasudev Kamat, National President of Sanskar Bharati said that combination of thought and culture in any art can convey an effective message.


At the closing ceremony of the Sangam on February 4, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that art has the responsibility of giving culture to the society. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who spoke in the program said that our culture is ancient and ever evolving therefore it is called Sanatan. Dr. Bhagwat also presented the Bharatmuni Samman awards during the Sammelan.
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6. 'AHLAN MODI' PROGRAM IN ABU DHABI: On February 13, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi addressed the Bharatiya community in the UAE at 'AHLAN MODI', an event organized in his honour by the Bharatiya community at the Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi. The event drew participation from Bharatiya Diaspora from across the 7 Emirates and included Bharatiyas from all communities. The 40000 strong audience also included Emiratis.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi shared his thoughts on the contribution made by the Bharatiya Diaspora to strengthen bilateral relations between Bharat and the UAE. He also thanked the rulers and the government of UAE for their graciousness and care shown towards the Bharatiya community.
Energetic and jubilant chanting, lively traditional dances and a fusion of Arabic and diverse Bharatiya languages infused a sense of pride in Bharatiya identity at the event. The event showcased a spectrum of cultural performances, ranging from Kathak, Garba, Rajasthani folk dances and Haryanvi dance to a classical rendition of Vande Mataram.
PM Modi also interacted with the first batch of students from the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi Campus and said that this not only begins a new chapter in bilateral collaboration between Bharat and the UAE, but also brings the youth from the two countries together.
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7. MODI INAUGURATES FIRST HINDU MANDIR IN ABU DHABI: On February 14, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi offered water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers in the mandir premises and then proceeded to offer prayers and do Aarti at the mandir.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the construction of the mandir. The UAE Government allocated a further 13.5 acres of land in January 2019 — making a total of 27 acres of land gifted for the Mandir, a mandir release said. It is the first traditional Hindu stone mandir in the Gulf region. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, the majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is also a reflection of the enduring friendship between Bharat and the UAE. The two countries have noted that the BAPS Mandir is a celebration of UAE-Bharat friendship, deep-rooted cultural bonds and an embodiment of the UAE’s global commitment to harmony. tolerance and peaceful coexistence.  -GoTop


8. 8 FORMER BHARATIYA NAVY PERSONNEL RELEASED IN QATAR: Qatar has released the eight former Bharatiya Navy personnel who were jailed nearly three-and-a-half months ago after they were handed death sentences in a case of suspected espionage. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that seven of them have returned to Bharat.
The Union government released an official statement welcoming the decision to set the veteran officers free, saying, "The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals."

The Navy veterans were given death sentences on October 26 by Qatar's Court of First Instance. Following diplomatic intervention by Bharat, the Qatar’s Court of Appeal had commuted the capital punishment on December 28 and sentenced them to jail terms for varying durations.  -GoTop


9. RITUALS AT GYANVAPI COMPLEX AFTER COURT ORDER: On January 31, the Varanasi District Court granted permission for Hindu devotees to worship inside the sealed 'Vyas ji Ka Tehkhana' area in the basement of the disputed Gyanvapi mosque. Executing the orders, the administration of the northern city of Varanasi allowed Hindu devotees to worship in the southern part of the Gyanvapi complex on February 1. A passage was cleared and barricades put up on both sides to facilitate smooth access to the southern cellar, ensuring unhindered observance of the rituals.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) earlier presented a conclusive finding that a large Hindu mandir once stood at the location of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.  -GoTop


10. FOREIGN LEADERS AT AYODHYA: A delegation from Fiji, led by Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, arrived at Maharshi Valmiki Airport in Ayodhya on February 8 to visit the Ram Mandir. In a media interaction, deputy PM Prasad, the first foreign leader to visit the Ram Mandir, highlighted the profound connection of Fijian citizens of Bharatiya origin with their root.

He said that during British colonial times, Bharatiya diaspora members who were taken to Fiji carried with them the teachings of Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana. The dissemination of these cultural treasures in Fiji has led to a strong cultural identity for the community. He emphasised that the mandir dedicated to Bhagwan Ram will further fortify the enduring ties between Bharat and Fiji.
Sri Lankan Member of Parliament, Namal Rajapaksa, visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on February 9 and said that he felt honoured and blessed to visit the mandir. He also said that with the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Bhagwan Ram, the old glory has been restored to the original birthplace of the deity.
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11. BHARAT’S UPI REACHES SRI LANKA AND MAURITIUS: On February 12, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi along with the President of Sri Lanka Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, and RuPay card services in Mauritius via video conferencing.

Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr Pravind Jugnauth informed that co-branded Rupay card will be designated as domestic card in Mauritius. President of Sri Lanka Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the centuries-old economic relations and hoped to maintain the momentum of connectivity and deepening of the relationship between the two countries.
PM Modi expressed confidence that connection with UPI will benefit Sri Lanka and Mauritius, digital transformation will get a boost, local economies will witness positive change and tourism will be promoted.
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12. BHARAT’S NAVY RESCUES TWO HIJACKED BOATS: Bharat’s naval forces rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi which was hijacked by Somali pirates and freed its 19-member Pakistani crew off the east coast of Somalia, a navy statement said. Later that day, the navy said in a statement that along with forces from Seychelles and Sri Lanka, it also rescued a Sri Lankan fishing vessel Lorenzo Putha 04 after three pirates hijacked it 955 nautical miles east of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

Bharatiya Navy called the operation a “coordinated multilateral response to the hijacking”. The Bharatiya navy has carried out several anti-piracy missions in addition to helping at least four merchant vessels that were attacked in the high waters amid Israel’s war with Hamas.  -GoTop

13. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak Saumitra Gokhale will be travelling to Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Visitors: Sooman Jewooth - Mautitius, Sumitra and Tapash Ghosh - Canada, Tamilarasan - Myanmar , Sandra Bharadwaj - Netherlands.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Resolve this in your mind that ‘I shall not forget Sangh as long as I live’. - Dr Keshavrao Baliram Hedgewar
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JAI SHRI RAM

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FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA ROCK MEMORIAL TO RAM MANDIR:SANGH’S ROLE IN NATIONAL AWAKENING
DR. MANMOHAN VAIDYA

The Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, who represents the aspirations of Bharat, concluded on January 22. Hindus in Bharat and across the world are filled with extreme joy and satisfaction. The day commemorates the fulfilment of a longstanding desire and resolution, which at times felt impossible to attain but is now in its final stages, leaving many awestruck. At this point in time, people are looking towards the Sangh (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, RSS).
Once, someone asked me, “What contribution has the Sangh made for Bharat after Independence?” I responded, “The Sangh has committed itself to the realms of individual development, social organisation and fostering national consciousness. Individuals nurtured with a national perspective, supported by societal awakening, will naturally accomplish everything that is required, expected, and doable. The Sangh will not do anything except social awakening and nurturing these individuals. Nevertheless, the absence of the Sangh could lead to a lengthy list of missed opportunities and unfulfilled achievements in Bharat.” Swami Vivekananda is known to be the proponent of Hindutva who not only propagated this ideology in Bharat but abroad as well. Swami Vivekananda, before going to America, embarked on a two year journey across Bharat. His odyssey culminated at Shripada Shila (rock) in Kanyakumari on December 25, 1892, where, following three days and nights of deep meditation, he attained profound insights into the purpose and direction of his life.
Reclaiming Disputed Site : The year 1963 marked the centenary year of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Hence, in 1962,the then Tamil Nadu Government proposed erecting a grand statue of Swami Vivekananda on the sacred rock as a memorial. However, the plan sparked controversy as Christian groups claimed ownership of the rock, announcing a memorial for Saint Xavier. In a bid to avoid conflict, the Tamil Nadu Government abandoned the idea of a memorial. At this point, the then-Sarsanghchalak Shri Guruji, entrusted the project to the then Sarkaryavah Eknath Ranade. With the help of Swayamsevaks, Shri Eknath Ranade began the process of reclaiming the disputed possession by Christians for the memorial. To fund the project, they sought symbolic contributions of Rs one, two or five from the public, amassing Rs eight lakh from 30 lakh people across all States of Bharat.

The Swayamsevaks also took a pledge for symbolic financial aid by all State Governments, which were mostly led by Congress (in 1963) at that time. Except or some States like Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir, all States fulfilled their commitments. This initiative transcending regional, linguistic, and religious diversity, sparked a revival of Hindu Dharma in villages and towns across the country. Today, the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, situated in the distant South amid the sea, stands as a focal point of faith for every individual in Bharat. While it is undeniable that Hindu society accomplished this feat with their unity, it is equally true that the Sangh played a crucial role in making it possible. In Hindu society, various traditions of spiritual worship, devotion and practice have been followed as pathways to moksha (liberation). The continuous emergence of new paths and their addition to the older ones contributes to the rich tapestry of Hindu Dharma. Back then, there felt a need for a platform uniting ascetics, saints, and leaders of monastic orders for discussions on the current state and future plans of Hindu society.
VHP formed under Guruji’s leadership: In pursuit of this goal, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was established in 1964 under the leadership of Sarsanghchalak Shri Guruji. The inaugural assembly of the VHP drew prominent representatives from Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism, alongside major heads of Akharas, Hindu monastic orders and practitioners of various traditions in Hindu society The first World Hindu Congress convened in 1966 at Tirthraj Prayag, marking the rare gathering of all Shankaracharyas from the four peethas, along with major heads of monastic orders and Dhamracharyas. Amidst concerns arising from forced conversion sand the subsequent desire of many converted Hindus to return to the Sanatan fold, a prevailing notion had taken hold that those who had converted were deemed impure (Mlechha). Hindu society, weakened in its ability to protect them, witnessed compelled conversions. Recognising the responsibility to welcome the convertees back, a unanimous proposal was passed at the religious conference, emphasising that a Hindu can never be impure.
The proclamation "
नहिन्दूपतितोभवेत्" became a resounding slogan. Likewise, the second Dharma Acharya Conference of the VHP convened in Udupi, Karnataka, in 1969. In Hindu society, which inherently believes in the common Divine essence shared by all Hindus as children of the same Ishwar (Bhagwan), issues like untouchability and caste-based hierarchy have emerged. At the Udupi conference, all religious leaders collectively passed a resolution disavowing untouchability as a basis for religion. They declared that all Hindus are brothers, a sentiment echoed by all the religious leaders, saints, others in attendance. This transformative shift was not initiated by the Sangh, but it is true that it became possible only because of the Sangh.
In this context, a new mantra was born: '
हिन्दव: सोदरा: सर्वे, नहिन्दूपतितोभवेत्।' In 1981, the mass conversion of people from the Scheduled Castes to Islam in Meenakshipuram, Tamil Nadu, sent shockwaves across the nation. To curb such conversions, the VHP devised comprehensive plans. In order to promote social justice and respect for the uneducated, marginalised and backward communities affected by conversions, several Seva Prakalps (service projects) were launched. These initiatives were also aimed at raising awareness, providing education, and instilling social consciousness.
To achieve these objectives, Sanskriti Raksha Nidhi was collected from across the country, and the volunteers reached out to the people in as many as 5,500 villages.
Following this conference, an additional verse complemented the earlier proclamation
: हिन्दव: सोदरा: सर्वे, नहिन्दूपतितोभवेत्।ममदीक्षाहिन्दू: रक्षा,मममंत्र: समानता।। All the political parties, irrespective of their ideologies, showed the same concern, empathy and collective response to the massive conversion going on in the small village of Tamil Nadu.
Launching Yatras to unite Bharat: Taking inspiration from this accomplishment, the VHP laid down a plan for three major yatras aimed at uniting the entire Bharat and imbibing a sense of unity. These yatras, known as Ektama Yajna Yatra, set forth with chariots embarking on three routes: Kathmandu to Rameswaram (Pashupati Rath), Haridwar to Kanyakumari (Mahadev Rath), and Ganga Sagar to Somnath (Kapil Rath). People with murti of Bharat Mata and Gangajal Kalash (sacred water) in hand began the yatra. Over 300 chariots traversed various locations across Bharat within a span of 1,000 days. People from each destination brought Gangajal (sacred water) in kalash as, with a total of 38,526 places contributing 77,440 kalashas for worship. Of the 564,342 places (including hamlets) in India, a remarkable 7,28,05,520 individuals from 184,592 locations actively participated in this event, with 49 per cent being women.
The profound emotional awakening experienced during this Ektama Yajna Yatra instilled a sense of unity throughout Hindu society, transcending caste, region, language, and worship diversity. In the midst ofthis yatra, during a religious assembly in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Daoodayal Khanna, a Minister of the then Uttar Pradesh Government, highlighted the locked status of the Mandir of Bhagwan Ram in Ayodhya. He brought attention to the fact that except for the pujari, no devotee of Sri Ram was permitted inside for darshan.
The Mughal invader Babar committed the crime of demolishing the Mandir of Sri Ram Lalla and constructing a mosque on the same site, solely to display aggression. Scholars of Islam emphasise that forced occupation of land or a building does not make Allah accept prayers. However, this non-Islamic act was carried out to humiliate Hindu society. Subsequent to this incident, persistent efforts were made to rebuild the Mandir. During British rule, a court order in 1938 restricted the entry of the Muslim community within 100 meters of the disputed site. In 1948, after Ram Lalla appeared at the disputed site, the Mandir was locked and regular worship of Ram Lalla continued, with only the pujari allowed inside to perform rituals.
VHP boosted morale of Hindu society: Since then, the VHP started organising public awareness programmes with demands to unlock the Mandir of Ram Lalla. In February 1986, following the order of the Allahabad High Court, the Mandir was opened, allowing devotees easy access for darshan. This development, coupled with emotional awakening and the subsequent triumph of truth, bolstered the morale of Hindu society. Plans were set in motion to construct a grand Mandir for Bhagwan Ram at the disputed site, symbolising victory over aggression rather than maintaining the disputed structure. To garner public support, nationwide programmes were organised for the Pujan (worship) of Ramshilas, which began their journey to Ayodhya. Just like the Mandir in Somnath, the vision to build a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is not against Islam or a mosque; rather, it is a concerted effort to restore Bharat’s pride.
As a result, an unprecedented mass awakening happened across Bharat. The Pujit (worshipped) Ramshila, inscribed with the name Shri Ram, from distant villages of Bharat started coming to Ayodhya for the construction of the Ram Mandir. This initiative sparked extensive nationwide public outreach and awareness. Six crore people in 2,75,000 villages performed the puja of Ramshilas, and the entire country was ‘Rammay’ (coloured in the idea of Ram). The impact of this initiative, indeed surpassed the organisational strength or network of the RSS and its entities. To claim that only the Sangh accomplished this feat would be unjust. The people of Bharat, devotees of Bhagwan Ram, played a crucial role in it with the Sangh being an integral part of the collective effort. Without the Sangh, such extensive, systematic public outreach and awareness might not have been possible. Just as a building’s entire load relies on strong pillars/columns during construction and the unseen skeleton of iron bars plays a supportive role. This iron frame provides strength to those pillars to bear the load of the building, else they will collapse. In a similar manner, the Sangh endeavours to create a similar societal structure that will empower the society in every welfare task, with the society itself undertaking the actions consciously.
Kar Seva on December 6, 1992, marked the outcome of this awakening. The constant delays in the judgement of the court despite the completion of all legal proceedings was distressing for as many as two and a half million Kar Sevaks, who had assembled in Ayodhya that day. While it seemed unimaginable and impossible for such a robust structure to collapse in just five hours, Kar Sevaks maintained self-discipline in such an uncontrolled atmosphere. There was an order in disorder. This is why the removal of the Murti of Ram Lalla during the commotion, the construction of a temporary shed and its Pran Pratishtha (consecration) became possible. Ayodhya, a town with a population of 55,000, where approximately 10 per cent are Muslim and there are about 15 mosques, remained peaceful. None of the lakhs of Kar Sevaks disturbed any of those mosques. There was no misconduct towards any Muslim resident. This contrasted sharply with the violent behaviour of Left-wing extremists towards the depressed during their movements. Despite being less in numbers, their movement involved damage to homes, shops and vehicles. However, approximately two and a half million Kar Sevaks from all over Bharat did not engage in any violent behaviour. Their remarkable self-discipline, even in an uncontrolled situation, was unbelievable. Such discipline resulted from two facts, one being that this movement was not against Islam or a mosque and the other was the Sangh’s organisational iron skeleton which not only provided the strength but also the patience to this movement. Individuals who contemplate and engage in the rejuvenation and progress of Bharat, guided by its inherent ‘self’ across all facets of life—be it students, farmers, laborers, scientists, artists, lawyers, and more—are the ones poised to contribute to personal development.
The Sangh’s role extends solely to fostering this vision, anticipating that awakened individuals with a national perspective will collaborate and garner support from society to establish new systems.
The Sangh is dedicated to the holistic development of the nation, with selfless service. For this, initiatives are being taken by Sangh through the implementation of education rooted in Bharatiya values, with12,000 schools and 84,000 Ekal Vidyalayas currently functioning in society. Collectively, the Sangh, without any Government aid, is developing as many as 2,000 villages and 1,000 urban colonies. Eliminating social disparities, efforts are being made to create a harmonious and united society.
Various initiatives, including training, inspiring, and supporting self-employment over job-seeking, are actively led by society with the help of Sangh and Swayamsevaks.
The foundation of Bharat’s ‘self’ is deeply rooted in its spirituality, with one of its symbols as Bhagwan Ram. Amidst the global impact of the deadly corona virus pandemic, Bharat witnessed a unique collaboration of the government machinery with 5.5 lakh swayamsevaks and a large segment of society to provide assistance. This crisis showcased the spiritual expression of Bharat’s general society. Another pillar of Bharat’s ‘self’ is its societal (national) systems, which are driven by society rather than being state-controlled, as evident during the corona virus period. A poignant Sangh song echoes the sentiment: ‘Do not anticipate transformation solely from power; the eternal society will arise from the centers of awakened knowledge.’ The Sangh operates Shakhas as awakening centres for individuals who envision a society driven by awakened minds, capable of establishing a structural framework (iron skeleton) across various sectors of societal life. These centres provide strength and direction, unlike the static skeleton between RCC pillars that enhances load-bearing capacity. Instead, the dynamic structure of a vibrant society is carried by living individuals who remain steadfast and resilient throughout their lives. To achieve this, the Sangh prepares dedicated, selfless, committed, and unwavering Swayamsevaks (volunteers) who tirelessly contribute to these efforts. The Sangh has been preparing these Swayamsevaks in the past and doing it to date.
As the saying goes, ‘Rome was not built in a day.’ Similarly, this national awakening did not occur overnight but is the result of continuous efforts and consistent support from society. The result of the2014 parliamentary elections was announced on May 16. On May 18, 2014, an article was published in The Guardian, stating, “Today, May 18, 2014, may well go down in history as the day when Britain finally left India.” The editorial further notes, “It should be obvious that underlying changes in Indian society have brought us PM Modi and not the other way around.”
This national awakening has begun and will continue. It became easier due to devotion to Bhagwan Ram.
It is necessary to do it, to keep doing it. It is necessary to walk, to keep walking. “Charaiveti-Charaiveti” –Keep Marching Ahead! https://organiser.org/2024/02/03/219793/international/intl-opinion/from-swami-vivekananda-rock-memorial-to-ram-mandir-sanghs-role-in-national-awakening/ 
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