Chaitra Krishna 7, Vik. Samvat 2080, Yugabda 5125 : 1 April, 2024: SM 6001 (For Private Circulation only)
1.
FESTIVALS: VAISAKHI, also pronounced Baisakhi, marks the first day of the
month of Vaisakh and falls on April 13 this year. Vaisakhi marks the day Khalsa
was established by Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, on
April 13, 1699.
On this day, other regions of Bharat also celebrate New Year festivals such as Puthandu, Pohela Boishakh, Bohag Bihu, and Vishu. Vaisakhi is also celebrated as the Nepalese New Year and the idols of Devi Thimi Kumari are carried out in palanquins and are taken around the city. -GoTop
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: Bharat
Ratna Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar, through his life’s work, laid the foundation of
exploitation free and harmonious society based on Dharma and Values, said
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat at Symbiosis
University.
3. SWAMI DAYANAND SARASWATI AWAKENED THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF
SOCIETY : ARUN KUMAR: On the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, a programme was
organised on March 21 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Delhi. President of
Akhil Bharatiya Dayanand Sewashram Sangh and Chairman of Jai Bharat Maruti
Limited, Surendra Kumar Arya, was the chief guest, and Sah-Sarkaryavah of
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Arun Kumar was the chief speaker.
4. PRATINIDHI SABHA CONCLUDED: The founder of the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar had remarked that, “RSS
is the organisation of the entire society”. We are experiencing it since the
last 99 years. The work of the RSS is ongoing in 99 percent districts of the
nation. This was stated by Dr. Manmohan Vaidya during the press briefing of the
Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Nagpur.
Dr. Vaidya informed that RSS has 73,117 daily shakhas in 922 districts. The
number of Shakhas has witnessed a year-on-year growth of 4,466. There are 27,717
saptahik Milan which is an increase of 840 over the previous year.
There have been 460 Mahila Samanvaya programmes in 44 prants and were attended
by 5 lac 61 thousand women from Rashtra Sevika Samiti and other organisations.
Ramlalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya also saw a massive outreach program. The Akshat distribution campaign witnessed 44 lac 98 thousand 334 Rambhakts including Swayamsevaks reaching out to 19 crore 38 lac 49 thousand and 71 families across 5,78,778 villages and 4,727 nagars.
The Sangh Shiksha Varg will now have a new format and curriculum in which it will have a 3-day Prarambhik (initiation) varg, a 7-day Prathamik (Primary) varg, a 15-day Sangh Shiksha Varg followed by a 20-day Karyakarta Vikas varg-1 and a 25-day Karyakarta Vikas varg-2. The new system will specially include vyavaharik prashikshan (practical training).
During the ABPS, Dattatreya Hosabale was re-elected as the 'Sarkaryavah' (general secretary) and a resolution ‘Shri Ram Mandir to National Resurgence’ was also passed. -GoTop
5. 16TH LAKSHMANRAO BHIDE MEMORIAL LECTURE: On March
22, Vishva Adhyayan Kendra organized the 16th Lakshmanrao Bhide Memorial Lecture
at Wellingkar’s Management Institute, Mumbai, to discuss the “Impact of Pravasi
Bharatiya on Geopolitics”.
6. 11TH CHAMANLAL JI MEMORIAL LECTURE: On March 26,
International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) organized the 11th Chamanlal Ji
Memorial Lecture with the theme of ‘Rise of Civilizational Consciousness and
Indian Nationalism’ at the Constitution Club of India, Delhi. The event chaired
by Dr. Manohar Shinde, national committee member of Pragya Pravah had renowned
social scholar S. Gurumurthy as the main speaker.
Other speakers at the event shared several inspiring anecdotes from the life of Chamanlal Ji. -GoTop
7. ABPS RESOLUTION-SHRI RAM MANDIR TO NATIONAL RESURGENCE:
The grand and divine Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala vigrah on Paush Shukla
Dwadashi, Yugabda 5125 (22 January 2024) at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is an ethereal
and golden page of world history. A blissful resolution to a long chapter in the
period of resistance has been achieved as a result of relentless struggle and
sacrifice of Hindu society for hundreds of years, nationwide movements under the
guidance of revered saints and seers and a collective resolve of various
sections of society. The notable contribution of researchers, archaeologists,
thought leaders, legal luminaries, media, entire Hindu society involved in the
agitation including the martyred Karsevaks and government and administration is
worthy of mention for this sublime opportunity of witnessing this sacred day in
one’s life. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha pays homage to all the martyrs
who had laid down their lives in this struggle and expresses its gratitude to
all mentioned above.
The entire society has actively participated in the campaign for distribution of
Akshat sanctified in Shri Rammandir. Lakhs of Rambhakts contacted crores of
families in all the towns and most of the villages. Grand programs were
organized on 22 nd January 2024 not only in Bharat but across the whole world.
Spontaneous programs like processions in by-lanes and villages, organizing
deepotsavs and adorning Bhagwa flags at homes and prayer ceremonies at temples
and religious places etc have infused a new energy in the society.
The day of Pran Pratishtha at Shri Ayodhya Dham saw the participation of the top
leadership of Dharmic, political and entire gamut of social life along with the
dignified presence of revered seers from all faiths, sects and traditions. This
points to the creation of an atmosphere for building a harmonious and organized
national life based on the values of Shri Ram. This is also an indication of the
beginning of a glorious epoch of national resurgence of Bharat. With the Pran
Pratishtha of Ramlala at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, society is coming out of the lack
of confidence and self-oblivion that arose during the period of foreign rule and
struggle. The entire society immersed in the spirit of Hindutva is preparing to
recognize its ‘Swa’ (Selfhood) and getting ready to live accordingly.
Life of Maryadapurushottam Shri Ram inspires us to sacrifice for the society and
nation and remain committed to the societal obligations. His governance has
earned a place in world history with the name of ‘Ram Rajya’ whose ideals are
universal and eternal. This concept of Ramrajya is worthy of emulation even
today for the entire world to face the challenges of deterioration of life
values, declining human sensitivity, soaring expansionist violence and cruelty
etc.
The Pratinidhi Sabha is of the considered opinion that the whole society should
take pledge to infuse the ideals of Maryadapurushottam Shri Ram in its life so
that the objective of reconstruction of Shri Rammandir will be meaningful. It is
essential to infuse the society again with the eternal values of Dharma like
sacrifice, affection, justice, valour, goodwill and fairness etc as reflected in
the life of Shri Ram. Building a Purusharthi society based on harmony by
eradicating all kinds of mutual strife and discrimination will be the true
worship of Shri Ram. Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon all Bharatiyas
to build an able Bharat that ensures fraternity, duty consciousness, value based
life and social justice. On this basis, Bharat can play a prominent role in
fostering a global order that ensures universal welfare. -GoTop
8. DEVOTEES THRONG RAM JANMABHOOMI MANDIR FOR HOLI: The
festival of colours, ‘Rangotsav’ started on the first ‘Rangbhari Ekadashi’ after
the pran pratishtha ceremony at the Ram mandir by applying colours to the deity
in Hanumangarhi temple.
9. RAM MANDIR RATH YATRA IN USA AND CANADA: Vishwa Hindu
Parishad of America (VHPA) has initiated the Ram Mandir Rath Yatra which started
from Chicago on March 25. The rally commemorates the historic opening of the Ram
Mandir in Ayodhya, and is set to cover 851 Hindu mandirs across 48 states of
the United States, with a culmination planned on the occasion of Shree Hanuman
Jayanti (April 23) in Sugar Grove, Illinois.
10. HOLY RELICS OF BUDDHA RETURNS FROM THAILAND: The
most sacred Bhagwan Buddha Relics and those of his two main disciples, Arahant
Sariputta and Maha Moggallana returned back to Bharat on March 20 amidst full
state honours after a month long travel to Thailand. A delegation led by Tashi
Gyalson, Chairman LAHDC and a number of monks from the Theravada and Mahayana
traditions accompanied the relics on its return journey.
International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) said in a press release that the exposition in Thailand drew a phenomenal response with devotees waiting with offerings since the early hours of the day as the Holy Relics procession arrived in the city. IBC also informed that the exposition of the relics drew over four million devotees in Thailand. -GoTop
11. GLOBAL SPIRITUALITY MAHOTSAV IN KANHA SHANTI VANAM:
A four day spirituality summit ‘Global Spirituality Mahotsav’ was organized by
the Ministry of Culture along with Heartfulness at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the
headquarters of Heartfulness - on March 14-17. The summit themed “Inner Peace to
World Peace” aimed to bring together the spiritual gurus of all faiths and
communities on one platform to raise the collective human consciousness through
interfaith dialogues and help people of every age and every walk of life connect
with spirituality in daily life. The summit was graced by the presence of
Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu and Uprashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankar.
Kamlesh D Patel, also known as Daaji, the president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission was conferred with the ‘Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth’ by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. Daaji said that around 300 spiritual organisations including Maharishis, transcendental meditation headed by Maharajas, and Brahmakumaris participated in the spiritual mahotsav. -GoTop
12. GEET RAMAYANA IN SAN JOSE USA: On February 24,
theater company Rungmunch organized two shows of the Geet Ramayana, a
Broadway-style rendition of the great Bharatiya epic. Hundreds of Bay Area
residents attended the shows at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. Proceeds
from the show will be donated to rural development projects run by the Uttar
Pradesh Mandal of America (UPMA).
Smita and Madhav Karhade directed and produced the musical, while Pratima Shah and Archana Varshney were the executive producers. Smita Kharade said that the current generations growing up in America are inundated by Western philosophies and separated from Bharatiya schools of thought, creating a need to preserve Bharatiya culture. -GoTop
13. RUTGERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ON ELIMINATING HINDUPHOBIA:
Hinduphobia is the irrational fear or prejudice against Hinduism and its
followers. In recent years, it has been on the rise fuelled by misinformation,
various stereotypes as well as misconceptions. It ranges from derogatory
introduction in media to discriminatory policies and incidents of violence
against the Hindu community.
14. HINDUPHOBIA ON THE RISE IN THE US, SAYS CONGRESSMAN:
The US of late has seen a rise in Hinduphobia which needs to be fought because
there is no place for hatred in this country, Bharatiya-American Congressman
Shri Thanedar said, as he joined a group of Hindu leaders and organisations
seeking to fight this growing hate crime against the community.
Suhag Shukla from the Hindu American Foundation said that college campuses in particular are experiencing rampant anti-Hindu bias and hate. She also listed out some of the major incidents of hate crime against the Hindu community in the US. There’s unfamiliarity and there is complacency amongst law enforcement, she said. -GoTop
15. HINDUS IN CANADA, USA BACK CAA: Calling the
government’s decision to offer Bharatiya citizenship to persecuted minorities a
“big win for human rights”, Hindu organizations in the US and Canada have hailed
the announcement of the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
16. HINDUS FROM PAKISTAN GRANTED BHARATIYA CITIZENSHIP:
Eighteen Hindu refugees from Pakistan residing in Ahmedabad have been granted
Bharatiya citizenship during a camp on March 16. Gujarat Minister of State for
Home Harsh Sanghavi conferred Bharatiya citizenship to the 18 persons and urged
them to work together to realise the dream of a new Bharat.
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We should take inspiration from Sun and work constantly
for the benefit of mankind, so that peace and prosperity prevails everywhere -
Sam Veda. -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW|“PANCH PARIVARTAN IS THE NEED OF THE SOCIETY”: RSS
SARKARYAVAH DATTATREYA HOSABALE
It is beyond doubt that the work of
the RSS is progressing steadily. Bharat is fast assuming a distinct and powerful
identity on the global stage.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has contributed significantly towards social
enlightenment by championing the aforementioned truth, and also by countering
the challenges posed by demonic detractors of Bharat. To proliferate
nationalistic thoughts at an even greater pace and to deepen and expand its
work, the Sangh is now ready with the idea of ‘Panch Parivartan’ (Fivefold
Transformations).
This year, the number of representatives present in the Pratinidhi Sabha seems to have suddenly increased. How did this happen?
It is not true that the number has suddenly increased; it has happened gradually. With the expansion of our work, the number of Swayamsevaks was bound to jump, and as a result, the number of representatives also increased. When the Shakhas grow, the number of active Swayamsevaks automatically increases, and based on that, the number of representatives also increases. Additionally, a large number of invited brothers and sisters are also present in this Pratinidhi Sabha. Several inspired organisations were also invited to send representatives in Nagpur. Finally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the past three years, there were some restrictions on the number of representatives. We had to keep the number limited, so we didn’t invite some groups as expected. For example, in a certain year, the Vibhag Pracharaks were not expected, and in another year, workers from various fields were not expected. This is the reason why the number was low at that time, and now it seems to have suddenly increased.
What special goals and objectives have been set for the centenary year of the RSS?
In the context of the centenary year, we have identified two goals from an organisational perspective—increase the number of Shakha units and the qualitative improvement in the activities. All the members are expected to have this common goal in mind. By increasing the quality of work, its impact will increase too. The thrust is on qualitative growth along with the quantitative expansion. Secondly, from a social perspective, we have put forth the subject of Panch Parivartan (Fivefold Transformation). Our objectives include changing the intellectual narrative from a national perspective, and to mobilise the sajjan shakti ( righteous power of the society) for social change. Therefore, in the centenary year of the RSS, we have made plans to take initiatives on all these subjects at both organisational and societal level.
How do you propose to explain this entire concept of Panch Parivartan to the common masses and what challenges do we see there?
When times are favourable and circumstances are conducive, extra caution, more effort, and deep contemplation become all the more necessary.
Today, the time seems favourable for the dissemination of national thoughts. However, this favourability is not for sitting idly and enjoying the good time; it is a time to reach the very zenith of endeavours. The idea of Panch Parivartan is to deepen our approach to fundamental reforms by making the workers of the Sangh and various organisations its torchbearers. Anyway, today, Panch Parivartan is the need of the society in general. Panch Parivartan includes dimensions such as the insistence of practicing Samarasta in society (equality with fraternity), environmentfriendly lifestyle, family awakening to promote familial values, inculcating sense of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) based on Bharatiya values in all aspects of life and social awakening for the adherence of civic duties; all these issues concern the society at large. Secondly, these topics need to be addressed to individuals, families, and the areas in the vicinity of Shakha. It needs to be taken to a wider society. We have kept these topics in front of the Swayamsevaks in general. Therefore, there should be an effort to bring about change through self-examples. This is not just a subject of contemplation and academic debate, but one of action and behavior. Also, we hold meetings of social leaders on social harmony and goodwill. We have contacts in wider society. So, we will take this subject among them and appeal from this perspective.
In this year’s Pratinidhi Sabha, there was a special mention of Devi AhilyaBai Holkar. Do we have special programmes planned for her tercentenary year?
The name of the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a symbol of valour and Shakti, appears in our Ekatmata Stotra with reverence. If we analyse her history properly, she has presented several excellent examples in various fields—from society, religion, governance, to administration. Today, on her tricentenary (300th birth anniversary), we have identified two to three objectives. Generally, in Hindu society, there is a flawed perception that the deprived sections of society did not get any opportunity to contribute towards nation building. Similarly, there is a distorted perception about women. However, if we delve deeper, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s life provides a precise answer to all such flawed perceptions. From a social perspective, the way she emerged from her community, and the way she set a shining example of administration, even after her husband’s untimely demise, present a powerful statement in Hindu society. Secondly, there is a lot of discussion about the empowerment and participation of women in present society. This year as well, our sisters in the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Mahila Samanvay of other organisations have organised more than 400 conferences across the country, ensuring the participation of more than five lakh women. From this perspective, Devi Ahilyabai’s tercentenary is a good opportunity to further that good work too. Instead of organising programmes specifically by the Sangh, a Celebration Committee will be formed under a comprehensive plan, which will organise celebrations along with other women’s organisations and other members of society. We have plans for lectures and discussions on various dimensions of the great lady, including publishing literature.
The work of the Sangh is progressing steadily, but along with that, the strategies of the anti-Bharat and the anti-Sangh forces are also evolving. What is Sangh’s plan to tackle this challenge?
Our opponents are acknowledging our growth by opposing us. If the importance of Bharat and the influence of the Sangh did not increase, then there would be no reason for opposition. Opposition proves that we have risen in significance. The Sangh has resolved to respond to the strategies of the so-called opponents through extensive work of the Sangh and the participation of volunteers—by increasing its presence and engaging people in various social and intellectual activities.
You have been re-elected as the Sarkaryavah. Critics of the Sangh consider it an autocratic organisation, while common people remain either curious or confused about it. How would you analyse the type of democracy that exists in the Sangh?
I do not understand why the Sangh is accused of being an autocratic organisation, when Sangh is an organisation with very open atmosphere; anybody and everybody can participate in the Shakha. Former Sarsanghchalak Pujaniya Balasaheb Deoras ji had once said – “Even an ordinary Swayamsevak can ask a question to the respected Sarsanghchalak ji, who is the topmost leader in the Sangh, and the Sarsanghchalak ji himself answers it.” This is the type of democracy we see in the Sangh. Perhaps this does not happen in any other organisation. That’s why I fail to understand why critics make such baseless allegations. Sangh is an organisation with family atmosphere. All decisions at all levels in Sangh are taken after due deliberation and consensus.
There are upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country, and it is also an election year for the Sangh. How should we view the celebration of democracy, and what message would you like to give to the volunteers and society?
I have addressed this issue in the Sarkaryavah report. In his concluding speech to the pratinidhis, the revered Sarsanghchalak also emphasised on the duty of every citizen in the system of democracy. This has also been included in our Panch Parivartan mission. Every citizen must fulfill their duty to vote. We must make efforts to ensure 100% voter turnout. Our aim is to strengthen democracy by working in our respective areas. During “Panch Parivartan is the need of the society in general. Panch Parivartan includes dimensions such as insistence of practicing
Samarasta in society (equality with fraternity), environment friendly lifestyle, family awakening to promote familial values, inculcating sense of ‘Swa’ (selfhood) based on Bharatiya values” such times, national issues should be brought before society, and discussions should take place on social welfare, national unity, and the welfare of Bharat. Such topics should be broached and a conducive environment should be created. That is why we have called it Lok-Mat-Parishkar (Refining Public Opinion). Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya had insisted for Lok-Mat-Parishkar. Although this work should continue throughout the year, it should be emphasised even more during the election season.
It is beyond doubt that the Sangh is progressing in its work. What will be the next phase of this work?
As an organisation, the Sangh has a neatly defined organisational structure. It is the functioning body of the Sangh. The workers of the Sangh work within this organisational structure. However, the essence of the Sangh is a spontaneous national movement. Therefore, it is necessary to work towards bringing together all sections of society, awakening and mobilising the righteous soul of society, and thus to bring about comprehensive social change. There should be no divisions based on caste in society. The feeling of nationalism should sweep through every section of society. The Sangh must become a strong national movement, working towards change while enlightening the people. Therefore, the Sangh has always emphasised that it will not confine to work as an organisation within the society, but should rather work towards organising the society itself. Therefore, there should be no division between the Sangh and the society it serves. From this perspective, realising the spirit of nationalism that animates the righteous forces within society, one must participate in this movement for national rejuvenation. You may term
this as Sangh’s vision or the next phase of the Sangh. https://organiser.org/2024/03/26/229369/bharat/panch-parivartan-is-the-need-of-the-society-sarkaryavah-of-the-sangh-dattatreya-hosabale/ -GoTop
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