Jyestha Shukla 10 Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126 : 16 June, 2024: SM 6006 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS:
NIRJALA EKADASHI (June 18 this year) falls on the 11th lunar day (ekadashi)
of the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. This ekadashi derives
its name from the water-less (Nir-jala) fast observed on this day.
2. DR. BHAGWAT PAYS TRIBUTES TO AHILYABAI HOLKAR: On May
31, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarasanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat
remembered Punyashloka Ahilyabai Holkar on her 300th birth anniversary and said
that she was an ideal ruler who worked for the welfare of every section of
society.
3. NARENDRA MODI TAKES OATH FOR HISTORIC THIRD TERM: The
BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats in the Lok Sabha
elections. Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Pradhan Mantri of Bharat for his
third consecutive term, alongside 72 ministers, on June 9.
4. VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA WAS THE GRADUAL EVOLUTION OF THE HINDU
RENAISSANCE : J NANDAKUMAR: On May 24, Hindu Aikya Vedi organised a seminar
on “National Renaissance and Vaikom Satyagraha”. In the seminar held in
connection with the Vaikom Satyagraha Centenary, Chief Editor of ‘Organiser’
Prafulla Ketkar said that the Vaikom Satyagraha empowered freedom struggle at
the national level. The Satyagraha at Vaikom aimed to unite the Hindu society.
During the same period, agitations were going on in Maharashtra and Karnataka
under the leadership of Swami Shradhananda and the Arya Samaj and these
movements grew and developed as supporting efforts for the freedom struggle.
Justice (Retd.) C N Ramachandran Nair who chaired the event said that Vaikom Satyagraha was a movement for equality. -GoTop
5. FOR ANY MAJOR TRANSFORMATION, SPIRITUAL REJUVENATION IS
ESSENTIAL – DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: The valedictory function (Samapan Samaroh) of
the Karyakarta Vikas Varg Dwitiya was held in Nagpur on June 10. The chief guest
on the occasion was Mahant Ramgiri Ji Maharaj of Godavri Dhaam.
Mahant Ramgiri Ji Maharaj lauded the RSS and said that in Sangh, one gets the
Sanskaras to remain balanced in all conditions, whether favourable or adverse.
He further said that due to association with RSS one gets to learn about
dedication and maintaining social harmony.
He also said that the role of Sangh is to raise awareness and engage in lokmat parishkar during every election and Sangh does not involve itself in the specifics of the outcome.
Dr. Bhagwat highlighted issues like climate change and the water crisis which are impacting public lives and said that only Bharat, culturally bound to protect nature, can lead the world in this area.
These cultural values need to be reaffirmed in all spheres of Bharatiya life and there is a need for a change in perception.
Dr. Bhagwat also reaffirmed that acceptance is essential and it is necessary for the country’s unity that the idea of jati and birth-based differences is eliminated. He emphasised the importance of fostering social harmony by ensuring equal access to community resources such as mandirs, water sources, and crematoriums for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. He also advocated for a more sustainable lifestyle by promoting the abandonment of plastic, conservation of water, and the greening of households through the “Harit Ghar” initiative.
He stressed the significance of self-reliance (‘Swa’) in economic matters, encouraging people to become economically independent and resilient at the grassroots level.
He also highlighted the importance of nurturing cultural values within families to ensure their transmission to future generations. He underscored the need for families to spend quality time together at least once a week, discussing their ancestors and spreading positivity.
Dr. Bhagwat said that though the role of the government is important, we need not look up to the government to bring about all social transformation. For any major transformation, spiritual rejuvenation is essential. When the society awakens with this spirit, it also leads to changes in the social systems.
He concluded by emphasising the need for selfless service in the present times, both for the country and society. Building a strong foundation is crucial for shaping a society that can withstand challenges and continue to grow.
Except during the ban period and the Corona period, the Sangh vargs have been organized continuously. From time to time, changes have been made in the duration and curriculum of the varg as per the need of the time. -GoTop
6. SCOTLAND SHIBIR 2024: HSS Scotland organised a
weekend Shibir from June 7 to 9 in Aberfeldy (Scottish Highlands). The theme of
the shibir was Shri Ram. It was attended by over 140 swayamsevaks and sevikas
from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. On June 9, a book titled 'Hindu in
Scotland - Then and Now' was launched in the presence of Lt Col (Retd) Mark
Onslow representing the British Armed Forces, Alok Kumar VHP President Bharat,
Rajnikant Parmar, Sanghchalak of North East and Scotland Vibhag, and Dr Ram
Vaidya, Vishwa Vibhag Sahsamyojak. The book was compiled by 6 swayamsevaks and
sevikas of 14 to 18 years age group.
7. HSS JAPAN PARIVAR SHIBIR: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS
Japan organised a Parivar Shibir on May 25-26 at Chiba. 40 familes from 7
shakhas and more than 80 swaymasevaks and sevikas from all age groups
participated in it.
The ideation workshop and the team presentations were thought-provoking and each team brainstormed together on the chosen themes and presented a skit based on it. The shibir concluded with the Samrop function. -GoTop
8. SDSS SANSKAR SADHANA VARG 2024: Sanatan Dharma
Swyamsevak Sangh organised Sanskar Sadhana vargs all over the country at 62
places of 31 nagars in 6 Vibhags. 3,268 people including 1311 Bal, 362 Tarun,
155 Proud and 1412 Sevikas participated in it. During day long routine of the
Sanskar Sadhana varg khel, story of Bhagwan Kartikeya, quiz on Hindu sanskriti,
sharirik yog practice were performed.
9. HINDU HERITAGE CAMP MOZAMBIQUE: HSS Mozambique
organized a Hindu Heritage Camp from May 31 to June 2 with the theme of ‘Bhakti,
Shakti, & Ekata’ - the core values that contribute to the Hindu community's
spiritual and unified strength from at - "Anand Ashram and Shree Ram Mandir" in
Salamanga.
10. EUROPE'S LARGEST SHIVA MANDIR COMES UP IN ESTONIA:
The week-long consecration ceremony of the Shiva mandir started on June 4 and
concluded on June 13, with the main event on June 10. The mandir complex spans
an impressive 5,500 square metres and is situated in the picturesque region of
Lilleoru, near the Estonian capital Tallinn.
The Hindu population in Estonia is small, comprising a few hundred individuals. The community includes Estonians who have adopted Hindu practices, Bharatiya expatriates, and students. -GoTop
11. SHIVA LINGA DISCOVERED IN VIETNAM: Recently, an age
old Shiva Linga was discovered in Vietnam. According to reports, this sacred
object was unearthed during excavation activities at Cat Tien, an archaeological
site situated approximately 150 kilometres away from Ho Chi Minh City in
Vietnam.
The Shiva Linga is quite tall, standing at 2.27 meters. The archaeological site, revered as the Holy Land of the Hindu religion, dates back to the 4th to 8th centuries AD. Stretching across hundreds of hectares and approximately 15 kilometres along the Dong Nai River, it was initially excavated in 1999 and later declared a special national relic in 2014. -GoTop
12. J&K – MAA KHEER BHAWANI YATRA COMMENCES: The Annual
Maa Kheer Bhawani Yatra-2024 was flagged off on June 12 from Nagrota, Jammu by
Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar. 5000 Kashmiri Hindus departed for Kashmir
in various vehicles amid tight security.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is celebrated on Jyeshth Ashtami (June 14) at the shrines of Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Laktipora Aishmuqam in Anantnag, Mata Tripursundri Devsar in Kulgam, and Mata Kheer Bhawani Manzgam also in Kulgam. This is the biggest festival of Hindus in Kashmir after Amarnath yatra and holds immense significance in J&K. -GoTop
13. SIKH PILGRIMS FROM BHARAT REACH PAKISTAN FOR JOR MELA:
On June 8 0ver 800 Sikhs from Bharat reached Lahore to take part in Jor Mela
- a three-day memorial to observe the death anniversary of the fifth Sikh Guru
Arjan Dev.
14. HINDU MANIFESTO UK 2024: As the United Kingdom
gears up for the forthcoming general elections on July 4, Hindu organisations
have taken a significant step by unveiling The Hindu Manifesto UK 2024. This
manifesto, launched on June 8, articulates seven pivotal demands aimed at
parliamentary candidates and the prospective government. At the core of these
demands is the call for the recognition of anti-Hindu hate as a religious hate
crime. The Hindu Manifesto UK 2024 has Seven Assurances aimed at safeguarding
the rights and interests of the Hindu community in the UK includes: 1.
Recognition of Anti-Hindu Hate as a Religious Hate Crime. 2. Protection of
Places of Hindu Worship. 3. Access to Fairer Education. 4.Equal Representation
and Opportunities. 5.Streamlining Immigration Processes. 6.Improving Healthcare
and Social Care. 7.Acknowledging and Protecting Dharmic Values.
The unveiling of the Hindu Manifesto UK 2024 comes against the backdrop of
growing concerns over the rise of anti-Hindu hate crimes in the UK. This
initiative aimed to tackle the rising instances of anti-Hindu hate and encourage
confidence within Hindu communities to report such crimes.
-GoTop
15. BHARATIYA-AMERICAN SEVENTH-GRADER WINS SPELLING BEE:
Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old Bharatiya-American seventh-grade student from
Florida, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after he spelt 29 words
correctly in the tiebreaker, maintaining the dominance of the children from the
small ethnic community in the prestigious competition.
This year’s contest came down to a tiebreaker in which Bruhat spelt 29 words correctly in 90 seconds, beating Faizan Zaki, who managed to correctly spell 20 words in the lightning round. -GoTop
16. NAIK DHANANJAY SINGH POSTHUMOUSLY HONORED WITH DAG
HAMMARSKJOLD MEDAL AT UN: On May 30, Bharatiya Peacekeeper Naik Dhananjay
Kumar Singh, who served with the UN Stabilisation Mission in Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) was honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal during
a solemn ceremony when the United Nations commemorated the International Day of
United Nations Peacekeepers. Bharat’s Permanent Ambassador to the United
Nations, Ruchira Kamboj received the medal from UN Secretary General Antonio
Guterres.
In his message to mark the Peacekeepers Day Guterres said the world organisation pays tribute to more than 76,000 United Nations Peacekeepers who embody humanity’s highest ideal, peace. -GoTop
17. BHARAT SENDS 90 TONNES OF PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS TO
CUBA: On June 2, Bharat sent 90 tonnes of pharmaceutical ingredients to Cuba
as part of its humanitarian assistance to the island nation. Cuba has been
reeling under shortage of essential goods, food items and medicines. "The
government of India is extending humanitarian assistance to the government of
the Republic of Cuba.
18. GUWAHATI HOSTS DEVARSI NARAD JAYANTI CELEBRATION:
Vishwa Samvad Kendra Assam celebrated Devarsi Narad Jayanti program in Guwahati
on June 9 by organizing a lecture on the relevance of world’s first media person
Narad Muni and awarding working journalists.
The function also witnessed awarding of four city-based journalists. This year’s Narad Jayanti award was conferred on Assam Tribune’s executive editor Prashanta Jyoti Baruah, Diganta Goswami (Dainik Agradoot), Padmini Hazarika (Asomiya Pratidin) and Raju Barua (ND24) were felicitated. The function was attended by dignitaries. -GoTop
19. SEWA BHARATI AND GO DHARMIC JOIN HANDS TO PROVIDE
RELIEF IN FLOOD-AFFECTED IMPHAL EAST: In response to the devastating floods
in Imphal East, Go Dharmic and Sewa Bharati have collaborated to provide vital
assistance to the affected communities. The joint relief effort aims to
alleviate the suffering of those impacted by the recent floods by distributing
essential food items and supplies.
The relief efforts exemplify the spirit of compassion and solidarity in times of adversity.
As the communities in Imphal East begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding, both organizations remain committed to providing assistance and support every step of the way. -GoTop
20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Ravi
Malhotra - Canada, August Pandey - Scotland, UK
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher
still is truthful living. - Guru Nanak Dev.
-GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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KNOW ALL ABOUT RSS’ SANGH SHIKSHA VARG: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
initiated its first training camp, known as Sangh Shiksha Varg, in Nagpur in
1927. These early camps, referred to as summer camps, lasted for three weeks.
Over the years, they evolved and were renamed ‘Adhikari Shiksha Varg’. By 1950,
they came to be known as ‘Sangh Shiksha Varg’.
In the initial years, meals were provided by local households, and trainees were
accommodated in local schools like Lokanchi Shala, Dhanwate Nagar School (then
known as Mill City School), and New English School. These facilities were
offered free of charge. However, expenses for medical services, electricity, and
water during the camps were covered by fees collected from the participants.
Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of RSS, received significant support
from Anna Sohni and
Program Structure
The camps run from 5 AM to 9 PM, encompassing both physical and intellectual training. Initially, two and a half hours in the morning and one and a half hours in the evening were dedicated to physical exercises. The afternoons, from 12:30 PM to 5 PM, were reserved for rest, discussions, and note-taking by the volunteers.
Expansion Beyond Nagpur
Following the success of these camps in Nagpur, the first training camp outside Nagpur was held in Pune in 1934. By the following year, Pune hosted both first and second-year training camps. The Pune camp was scheduled from April 22 to June 2, while the Nagpur camp ran from May 1 to June 10, accommodating the summer vacation period. Dr. Hedgewar would spend time in Pune until May 15 and then move to Nagpur.
Subsequently, camps were also organized in Nashik. By 1942-43, the number of volunteers attending these camps had reached nearly 2,750. In 1938, the first camp outside Maharashtra was held in Lahore. As the organization expanded, first and second-year training camps were organized in other states. However, attendance at the Nagpur camp remained mandatory for third-year training.
Nationwide Expansion of RSS Training Camps
Nagpur, India [1940]: The RSS training camps, known as Sangh Shiksha Varg, witnessed a significant nationwide expansion in 1940. Volunteers from across India, from the northern to southern regions and eastern to western provinces, attended the training camp held in Nagpur that year. Unfortunately, shortly after the camp concluded, the RSS founder, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, passed away on June 21, 1940.
Why May-June?
The training camps are held during May and June to coincide with the summer vacations of schools and
colleges. With examinations completed, students are free during these months. This timing was chosen to
introduce young people to the working methods of the RSS, a practice that continues to this day.
Interruptions in the Continuous Flow
Over the years, several interruptions have impacted the continuous flow of these training camps. The RSS faced bans during 1948-1949, 1976-1977 during the Emergency, and again in 1993. In 1991, the camps were disrupted due to special national circumstances, including the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the Lok Sabha elections. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of these training camps in 2020-2021.
RSS Training Camps Undergo Structural Changes in 2024
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has announced significant changes to the structure of its training camps starting this year. The new format includes several types of camps with varying durations:
Initial Camp: 3 days
Primary Education Camp: 7 days
Sangh Shiksha Varg (Basic Training Camp): 15 days
Worker Development Camp-1 (formerly known as Second Year Training Camp): 20 days
Worker Development Camp-2 (previously referred to as Third Year Training Camp): 25 days
Previously, the Nagpur camp, now known as Worker Development Camp-2, lasted 40 days. In the years preceding India’s independence, the duration was temporarily reduced to 30 days. The RSS offers two types of Sangh Shiksha Varg: one for volunteers aged 18 to 40, and another special camp for those aged 41 to 65.
Participants over 65 years old are not admitted.
Activities and Closing Ceremonies
During the 25-day Sangh Shiksha Varg, participants engage in a route march (path sanchalan) in full RSS uniform. The closing ceremony of the camp is a significant event organized by the city of Nagpur. The Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the RSS delivers an address, providing an in-depth perspective on current national and international issues from the RSS’s viewpoint. The speech also outlines the organization’s stance on social issues directly impacting India and its citizens, offering valuable insights to the volunteers.
Distinguished Guests
The closing ceremonies often feature a prominent guest speaker. Over the past decade, several notable individuals have been invited to address the participants. These guests have contributed to the comprehensive educational experience offered at the camps, reinforcing the RSS’s commitment to developing informed and dedicated volunteers.
RSS Training Camps Lay Focus On Social Harmony and Discipline
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organised its Third Year Training Camps twice in 2022, once in May and again in December. These camps, pivotal in the training of RSS volunteers, offer a unique blend of activities and experiences aimed at fostering social harmony, discipline, and a sense of national unity. Key Features of the Camps -
Social Harmony: The camps bring together trainees from across India, transcending caste and color barriers, promoting a sense of unity and equality.
Community Meals: Volunteers dine together, reinforcing the principle of equality and breaking down social barriers.
Collective Living: Participants live and engage in all activities together, fostering a spirit of camaraderie.
National Perspective: Trainees gain a broad understanding of national issues, enhancing their awareness of India’s diverse cultural and geographical landscape.
Discipline: The structured environment instills a strong sense of discipline among the volunteers.
Knowledge Sharing: Participants receive comprehensive knowledge about the organizational structure and geographical reach of the RSS.
Problem-Solving: The camps address various challenges faced by society and the nation, equipping volunteers with problem-solving skills.
Skill Development: The training enhances the efficiency and skillset of the volunteers.
Sense of Organization: A feeling of belonging and oneness is cultivated among all participants.
Self-Reliance: Volunteers perform all tasks themselves, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
Speeches by the Sarsanghchalak
RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, in his address at the Third Year Camp in Nagpur on June 6, 2022, emphasized the purpose of the training. “Why do we conduct this training? It is to ensure that Bharat Mata’s glory is recognized worldwide. Are we aiming to become conquerors? No, our goal is not to conquer but to unite. The work of the RSS is also aimed at uniting people, not conquering them. Historically, Bharatvarsha has aimed to unite the world, not to dominate it.”
In another significant speech during the Lok Satta-Idea Exchange on October 22, 2012, Bhagwat remarked on the primary training camps: “Our primary education camps select volunteers who have been with the RSS for two to three years. Every year, thousands of volunteers, with an average age of 30—90% of whom are between 20 and 25—participate in these camps.”
These training camps are integral to the RSS’s mission of creating a disciplined, self-reliant, and united volunteer force dedicated to the service of the nation. Through rigorous training and fostering a spirit of unity, the RSS continues to shape individuals who are committed to the ideals of social harmony and national development. (https://organiser.org/2024/06/10/241962/bharat/know-all-about-rss-sangh-shiksha-varg-a-historical-overview/#google_vignette) -GoTop
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