Jyeshtha Krishna 9 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 1 June, 2024: SM 6005 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS: GANGA DUSSEHRA:
Ganga Dussehra (16 June 2024) is observed on Dashami Tithi of Jyeshtha
Shukla Paksha.
2. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK ACCORDED TRADITIONAL RECEPTION AT
SRIRANGAM TEMPLE: On the May 17, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak
Dr. Mohan Bhagwat visited the Sri Rangam Ranganathar temple, Tamil Nadu where he
received a traditional reception from the priests, Vaishnavite seers, trustees,
and officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. He
was given a tour of the temple, where he observed various rituals and received
Prasadam. The Sri Rangam Ranganathar temple, known as the world’s largest
temple, spans across 156 acres and is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu.
3. “SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA WAS THE EMBODIMENT OF DHARMA FOR
KARMA”: RSS SARKARYAVAH: RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale on May 10 said,
“Swami Chinmayananda was a revolutionary in the spiritual realm and the
embodiment of Dharma for Karma. Swamiji empowered people by sharing knowledge
and instilling self-confidence. He supported the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
4. SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT IS REAL EMPOWERMENT: MURMU:
Asserting that spiritual empowerment is the real empowerment, Rashtrapati
Droupadi Murmu on May 27 said when the followers of any religion or sect deviate
from the path of spirituality, they become victims of fanaticism and suffer from
an unhealthy mentality.
5. “KARYAKARTA VIKAS VARG” GIVES THE FEELING OF NATIONAL
UNITY – PARAG ABHYANKAR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Karyakarta Vikas Varg
– Dwitiya commenced at the Maharshi Vyas Sabhagriha, Dr. Hedgewar Smriti Bhavan
premises in Reshimbagh from May 17.
6. RSS CULTIVATES CULTURE AND PATRIOTISM AMONG THE YOUTHS –
PREETI NATESAN: Board Member of the Sree Narayana Trust (SN Trust) Preeti
Natesan stated that RSS has been engaged in silent charitable work. She said
this on May 19 while addressing the valedictory session of RSS Kerala Prant
Sangh Shiksha Varg. Preeti Natesan is the wife of Vellapalli Natesan, the
General Secretary of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP Yogam), the
organisation of Hindu Ezhava community, which was founded by revered Hindu Monk
Sree Nararyana Gurudev in 1903.
7. NARADA JAYANTI CELEBRATED AT KOCHI: Dr. K.S.
Radhakrishnan, former Vice Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University of
Sanskrit and former Chairman of Kerala Public Service Commission, said that what
media do these days is confront with the facts. They present their aspirations
and wishes as facts. Therefore, they lost their credibility, the most
significant capital the media require. Media profession should not be for
controversy, but, for debate and interaction. Controversy is to argue and win;
but debate and interaction are for knowing and making others know. It is
Bharat’s Samskriti. Dr. K.S. Radhakrishnan was speaking on “Truth and Untruth in
Media” in connection with the Narada Jayanti Celebrations organised by Vishwa
Samvad Kendra.
8. HSS DENMARK: PARIVAR SHIVIR 2024: HSS Denmark
organised Parivar Shivir 2024 from May 3 to 5 at Sønderborg, Denmark which was
attended by around 100 shiviraarthis. It was said that this shibir shown the
strength of unity and collective effort, particularly with the impressive
involvement of Bal, Kishor and Tarun ganas. Shivir had predominance of Kishor
and Kishori Shikshaks, they managed the various activities effectively, proving
to be inspiring role models for the Bal Ganas. Ratri Karykaram were very
engaging and innovative presentations that involved all, reinforcing motto of
collaboration and Karyakrata building.
9. HSS SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER CELEBRATED SIKH HERITAGE MONTH:
In April, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, San Antonio chapter celebrated Sikh
heritage month in honor of the Sikh community. During the program a Bouddhik
on the life and legacy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth guru of the Sikh
panth, was delivered by Sardar Amarjeet Singh.
10. FESTIVALS CELEBRATION BY HINDU SIKH UNITY FORUM CANADA:
On April 20 at Village of India - Mississaug, Sikh Unity Forum Canada
celebrated the festivals of Vaisakhi, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti and arrival
of spring which showcased the unity, harmony among the Canadian Bharatiya
communities.
The event commenced with lighting a lamp and prayers. The speakers stressed on the historic affinity and common roots of festivals and way of life. There were numerous cultural presentations including dances, songs by children and adults depicting events from Ramayan. The program culminated with all attendees joining in to dance on the beats of live Dhol.-GoTop
11. KARMA KITCHEN: COMMUNITY DINNERS AT AUSTRALIAN
UNIVERSITIES: Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) had started Karma Kitchen in
the beginning of this year as a regular programme and now from the May month HCA
extended its dinner program to university students in NSW and WA. This was
introduced under Hindu Counsellors (chaplaincy) programme in universities. The
event gave an opportunity to guide and support newly starting students both
local and international. By this initiative of HCA, Hindu students can stay
close to their culture and access the Hindu way of pastoral support through
Hindu Counsellors (Chaplains).
12. PRAN PRATISHTHA OF SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE IN SRI LANKA:
On May 19 thousands of devotees gathered for the Pran Pratishtha of the
Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya village, Sri Lanka. The ceremony was marked
by the use of sacred water from Bharat’s Sarayu and Ganga rivers, which had been
flown in from Ayodhya.
Adding to the sanctity of the event, 5000 laddoos from the Tirumala Tirupati Temple were distributed among the devotees. Participants included individuals from various parts of Bharat and Nepal, underscoring the temple’s significance in the Ramayana trail. Seetha Eliya, also known as Ashok Vatika, is historically believed to be the site where Bhagwati Sita was held captive by Ravana.
Prominent attendees included the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and other dignitaries. A delegation from Uttar Pradesh, Bharat, arrived in Sri Lanka on May 15, carrying various sacred gifts for the pran pratishtha of the Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya. The delegation brought significant offerings from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, enriching the religious and cultural significance of the event. -GoTop
13. BUDDHA PURNIMA CELEBRATED IN MANY COUNTRIES: Bangladesh
: Buddha Purnima was celebrated on May 22 across Bangladesh with due
religious fervour.
Dubai, UAE : The Buddhist community in the United Arab Emirates celebrated Buddha Purnima with great enthusiasm and devotion.
Nepal : Thousands of devotees and monks celebrated the 2568th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha at his birthplace in Lumbini. Nearly 100 monks, half of them from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) joined the event.
Buddha Jayanti was celebrated at different places in Bharat including Sikkim where Saga Dawa, the most sacred Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni was celebrated. Buddha Jayanti was also celebrated in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and in 0ther Asian Countries. -GoTop
14. RAMCHARITMANAS, PANCHATANTRA.. ENTER UNESCO REGISTER:
Bharat's literary masterpieces 'Ramcharitmanas', 'Panchatantra', and
'Sahrdayāloka-Locana' have earned a prestigious place in UNESCO's Memory of the
World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, a significant acknowledgment of their
cultural and historical importance.
15. BHARAT SENDS 2ND TRANCHE OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO
ASSIST FLOOD VICTIMS OF KENYA: Bharat has sent a second tranche of
Humanitarian Assistance including 40 tonnes of medicines, medical supplies and
other equipment in a special Air Force plane to assist flood victims in Kenya.
It contains tents, blankets, power generation sets, basic sanitary utilities,
hygiene kits, baby food, malaria and dengue diagnostic kits and anti-venom
treatment that can be readily deployed on the ground. First tranche of
assistance was sent in Naval Ship Sumedha and was handed over to the Government
of Kenya on May 10. It included food, relief and medicine supplies for flood
victims.
Bharat said the assistance to Kenya is a reiteration of the strong and friendly relations with the country and Bharat’s commitment to keep Africa on top of its priorities. -GoTop
16. BHARAT'S $1MN HELP FOR PAPUA LANDSLIDE VICTIMS: On
May 28, Bharat expressed grief over the loss of lives and damage wreaked by a
devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea and announced an immediate financial
aid of USD 1 million to provide relief and assistance to people of Papua New
Guinea. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage caused by the
devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea. Our heartfelt condolences to the
affected families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. Bharat is
ready to offer all possible support and assistance," the Pradhan Mantri Narendra
Modi posted on X.
17. SCHOOLS BUILT WITH BHARAT’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT
INAUGURATED IN NEPAL’S DANG DISTRICT: Two schools in Nepal, constructed with
the Bharat’s financial assistance under ‘Nepal-India Development Cooperation’,
were inaugurated. “Political representatives, government officials, social
workers, representatives of the school management, teachers, parents and
students were present on this occasion,” the Bharatiya embassy in Nepal stated.
18. BHARAT EXTENDS BUDGETARY SUPPORT OF $50M TO MALDIVES:
Bharat has extended budgetary support of 50 million dollars to the island
nation following the recent visit of Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer. The
support is in the form of a roll-over of 50 million dollars Treasury Bill for an
additional year, facilitated through the State Bank of India, Male, starting
from May 13, 2024.
Thanking his counterpart S Jaishankar for the support, Zameer said this was a
"true gesture of goodwill" which signified the long-standing friendship between
the two countries. "The Govt of Maldives looks forward in continuing this
collaborative partnership for the mutual benefit and prosperity of their
people," said the Maldivian govt in a statement. -GoTop
19. SRI LANKA RELEASED COMMEMORATIVE STAMP TO MARK 200
YEARS OF BHARATIYA-ORIGIN TAMILS IN THE ISLAND NATION:
In a significant event celebrating the bicentennial presence of Indian-origin
Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka, a commemorative stamp was released on May 18.
Bharatiya spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received the first stamp,
presented by the Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil
Thondaman.
20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Pravin Dhir
- USA.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with
the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. -
Gautama Buddha -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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“WE AND THE WORLD AROUND”, BOOK BY DR. MANMOHAN VAIDYA:
BOOK REVIEW – SATYAJIT SHRIRAM JOSHI
Dr. Manmohan Vaidya’s book – “We and the World
Around” will be released at the most appropriate time. It has come when the
world is experiencing conflict between terrorists, led by Hamas and Israel.
Hamas- Israel conflict broke out when the war between Russia and Ukraine was
still in progress. Capitalism, communism, and religion are mainly involved in
two conflicts, proving their inbuilt inadequacy and shallowness as ideologies.
Dr. Vaidya’s book comes as a big hope against this backdrop as it emphasizes the
significance and importance of `Bharatiya Vichar Darshan’, which teaches the
mantra of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam” and upholds values of democracy, tolerance,
acceptance, adoption, and liberty for centuries. Bharatiya Darshan is preaching
and practicing all these values when the rest of the world is living with
primitive ideas.
The author’s deep conviction of his ideology is manifested in every word. He has not hesitated to say that he had deliberately used terms like Bharat and Bharatiya instead of India or Indian. The author, in the preface, explained how the United States is facing a challenge of national identity. He observes that the sentiment of WE and THEY prevail in the US in the absence of national identity and the dominance of multiculturalism. Dr. Vaidya extends his logic by saying that the identity of Bharat is determined by Western institutions and ideology when the responsibility to determine identity – ‘SELF’ – lies with ourselves.
Bharat’s identity is determined by external forces. Dr. Vaidya underlines that Bharat, like other Western countries, is not merely a political community, having a social contract, but a spiritually based geo-cultural identity. Bharat stands for continuous search for truth as it has an attitude of welcoming, accepting, and enriching its own thoughts.
The preface is self-explanatory, which gives an ideological canvas and provides perception to the readers. The book briefs about the ideological foundation of RSS, its 98-year-old journey, and its style of functioning. However, Dr. Vaidya also pooh-poohed communist and leftist thoughts, which are transplanted or outsourced in Bharat. Despite several hardships and difficulties, RSS continues to grow because of its ideological strength and organizational base. Dr. Vaidya explains RSS’s dynamic journey saying that the organization has passed through three phases and is passing through the fourth phase currently. In the fourth phase, RSS expects its volunteers to mold themselves and be instrumental in social awakening and change.
Dr. Manmohan Vaidya is the joint-general secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). He has been associated with RSS since his childhood – for decades – and has carried out various responsibilities in the organization. His enriched experience as an activist and thinker is reflected in the book, which is published by Vani Prakashan, New Delhi.
Critics describe RSS as an undemocratic organization. Dr. Vaidya shares his first-person account and maintains how democracy is followed in the RSS. He, in fact, recalls how senior RSS leaders always encouraged him to express his views freely.
Dr. Vaidya takes a dig at communists saying that RSS does not need ‘glasnost’ as Bharatiya Darshan always respects all the views, unlike Semitic society, where only one version is entertained. In Semitic society, a decision is taken by a handful of people while others submit themselves. As against this, consensus is the most outstanding feature of Bharatiya ideology. The author reminds the reader how Bruno was burnt alive in Rome and Galileo was tortured due to the views, that were not acceptable to Christianity.
RSS is not a rigid organization, as seen by its critics. In fact, openness and constant change have been the most outstanding features of RSS. Dr. Vaidya shares an interesting incident to prove his point. He recalls how necessary changes were made in the prayer of Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh (HSS) when some errors were pointed out. This is significant as prayer is considered as the utmost sacred by RSS volunteers.
Two articles on the visit of former President Pranab Mukherjee to the Nagpur training camp are interesting as it exposes the double standards of communists/leftists and Congress. Mukherjee was under pressure from his own party to avoid Nagpur’s visit while he was targeted by leftists. But Pranab Da did not succumb to any pressure and went ahead with his decision. Dr. Vaidya, rightly, attributes this to the pure democratic mindset of RSS and Pranab Da as both of them have deep faith in the Bharatiya concept of democracy, which always respects others’ views. Two chapters are interesting to read as the author was witness to all the developments.
Dr. Vaidya has elaborately discussed certain fundamental concepts like Sanatan, the difference between national and nationalistic, and why Bharat has always been ‘nityanutan’. Dr. Vaidya says that ‘Sanatan’ is an adjective to Rashtra. Sanatan has no beginning and end as it is purely based on spirituality. He rightly points out that Bharat survived despite several invasions for centuries as it never depended upon state or political power. Bharat has its own spiritually based arrangement because of which it survived all the aggressions. To substantiate his point, Dr. Vaidya says that a number of ‘smrities’ were written from time to time and the constitution was the latest ‘smriti’.
The author seeks to differentiate between national and nationalistic saying that the term nationalistic was a by-product of Western idea of the nation-state. He argues that nationalistic countries have their roots in the capitalist ideological past, which imposed world wars on humanity. As against this, Bharatiya ideas subscribe to a holistic integrated approach despite having different identities. The adoption of this idea is a manifestation of the nation.
The book has another interesting chapter on the renovation of the Somnath temple. Congress was divided on the issue as Jawaharlal Nehru opposed the move saying that it would be Hindu revivalism. But another group of Sardar Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then president of India, and KM Munshi went ahead despite opposition from Nehru. Readers would be shocked to know how Nehru, who is always described as the `icon of democracy’, censored the speech of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. But for Munshi, the renovation of Somnath temple was the restoration of collective subconsciousness.
Dr Vaidya has extensively written on Article 370 and 35 (A). RSS was dead against Article 370 from the beginning. It passed a categorical resolution in 1953. He emphasized that Article 370 was a temporary provision, which was made in view of the situation prevailing at that time. He points out that Article 35 (A) came into existence because of a Presidential Order and never got Parliament approval. He goes on to say how Article 370 was discriminatory against women and SC/ ST communities. It even made people second-class citizens; he argues. The author does not hesitate to blame Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah for depriving the people of Kashmir of all the development for seven decades.
The article titled `Dead on the left’ is interesting to read. It exposes the hypocrisy of leftists/communists. Being the senior leader of RSS, Dr. Vaidya experienced several incidents, showing the limitations of communism and the gap between `talk and walk’ of communist leaders. He states that West Bengal and Kerala are examples of intolerant and undemocratic attitudes of communists. He shares two separate incidents at Jaipur Literature Festivals when organizers were not keen on inviting RSS leaders. Communist leader Sitaram Yechuri even announced to boycott of the event. He shares another incident, involving Vivek Agnihotri was manhandled at the venue for expressing ‘non-communist thoughts’. Poet Prasun Joshi, who wrote patriotic songs, was also opposed by the organizers. Article shows how communists/leftists project themselves as torchbearers of democracy, freedom of expression and equality but are always afraid of different views.
Dr. Vaidya also explains the concept of Akhand Bharat, which according to him, is a geo-cultural idea. Akhand Bharat is not a geo-political expansionism but aims at restoration of Bharatiya ideas. Explaining his point, Dr. Vaidya points out that Bharat, unlike Western countries, never enslaved the local population, even though it had worldwide trade relations. Bharatiya ideas spread without sending a single soldier or envoy, which is self-explanatory.
The book has two separate articles on RSS founder Dr. Hedgewar and veteran pracharak Dattopant Thengadi. It gives readers information on Dr. Hedgewar’s association with the freedom movement and the efforts he had taken to lay a strong foundation to RSS. Gratitude for Dattopant Thengdi is also seen in a separate article. Dattopant was not merely known for his organizational skills but also as a thinker. The book recognizes efforts taken by Dattopant to expand patriotic thoughts in communist-dominated fields of trade unions and student movement.
The book needs to be welcomed as it is the most appropriate time when people of this country are awakening from their suppressed and denied identity. RSS has been a serious victim of intellectual misleading and misinformation campaigns, led by communists and leftists. While popular support for communists is rapidly shrinking, it continues to dominate intellectual and academic circles. Aware of this reality, communists have become more hyper and may go to any extent, to ignore national interests.
Dr. Vaidya has not merely shown hypocrisy and ideological limitations of communism or western ideologies but also has focused on the strength and potential of Bharatiya Vichar Darshan to lead the world, which is looking for peace due to the failure of all the models. https://vskbharat.com/book-review-we-and-the-world-around-book-by-dr-manmohan-vaidya/?lang=en -GoTop
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