Sunday, March 16, 2025
Chaitra Krishna 2, Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126:16 March 2025: SM 6024 (For Private Circulation Only)
1. FESTIVALS :
VARSH PRATIPADA (Chaitra Shukla 1, Vikram Samvat 2082, Yugabada 5127,
‘Visvavasu Nam Samvatsar’) falls on March 30. It is an example of
Bharat’s rich scientific and mathematical heritage which is celebrated across
the country. It is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Goa and Konkan region,
Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Thapna in Marwar region of
Rajasthan, Navareh in Jammu and Kashmir and Cheti Chand in Sindh region. It is
believed that on this day, Brahma began the creation of the universe.
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: The
five-day Akhil Bharatiya Purnakalik Karyakarta Abhyas Varg hosted by Vidya
Bharati commenced on March 4 at Sharda Vihar Residential School campus in
Bhopal. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat inaugurated the event, marking the
beginning of a comprehensive training programme designed to enhance educational,
managerial, and administrative skills. Over 700 full-time workers from across
Bharat attended the camp, alongside NCERT and CBSE officials, Bhasha Bharati
President, and education experts. The 22-session programme was aimed to
strengthen Vidya Bharati’s mission in over 22,000 schools nationwide.
3. BHARAT IS NOT JUST A LAND, BUT A CULTURAL FORCE:
DATTATREYA HOSABALE: Speaking at the launch of ‘Vimarsh Bharat Ka’ at
Panchsheel Balak Inter College, Noida on March 10, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya
Hosabale said that Bharat is not just a land but a civilisational philosophy and
called for an intellectual resurgence to reclaim its true history and identity.
He also said that Bharat’s rise as a global lighthouse is inevitable, but
requires strength, self-reliance, and intellectual clarity.
4. VETERAN PRACHARAK, SCHOLAR AND FORMER VISHWA VIBHAG
SAMYOJAK DR. SHANKAR RAO TATWAWADI PASSES AWAY: Dr. Shankar Rao Tatwawadi,
fondly known as Shankar ji, a veteran Pracharak, an eminent scholar, and the
former Samyojak of Vishwa Vibhag, passed away on March 12, 2025, at the age of
92. Born on March 20, 1933, in Nagpur, he dedicated his entire life to the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its global outreach.
Dr. Tatwawadi joined BHU as a professor in the Department of Pharmacy, where he
later became the Head of the Department.
He took early retirement in 1992 to devote himself fully to the Sangh work. Even
during his academic career, he remained deeply involved with RSS activities,
holding responsibilities at the shakha level in Nagpur and at the prant level in
Banaras. He also served as a Shikshak in Sangh Shiksha Vargas.
Dr. Tatwawadi played a pivotal role in expanding Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)
activities in the USA and worked as a vistarak there for some time. He
frequently travelled to the UK and other countries while continuing his
professorship. In 1989, he was officially assigned as pracharak for the UK,
where he worked tirelessly until 2011. He took charge as Vishwa Vibhag Samyojak
in 1993, travelling across more than 60 countries, overseeing major programs
like Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg, Vishwa Sangh Shibir, Hindu Sangam in Milton
Keynes (UK), and the Hindu Marathon in the UK. Under his leadership, shakha
activities outside Bharat expanded significantly across all continents.
After 2011, Dr. Tatwawadi associated himself with Vijnana Bharati as a
Margadarshak, travelling across Bharat to mentor karyakartas and engage with
prominent personalities in the scientific field.
A deeply affectionate and approachable person, Dr Tatwawadi maintained close
ties with countless karyakartas and their families worldwide. His ability to
remember the names and personal details of everyone he met was truly remarkable.
He had a keen eye for detail - whether it was travel arrangements, Sanskrit
words and their meanings, the tune of a geet, or the chronology of events.
Fluent in Sanskrit and well-versed in Hindu scriptures, he was also known for
his melodious singing.
Since 2011, he was based at Dr. Hedgewar Bhavan, Mahal Karyalay in Nagpur, where
visiting karyakartas always looked forward to meeting him. In recent months, his
health had declined, and he faced difficulty walking. On March 12, 2025, at
10:30 AM, he breathed his last at Mahal Karyalay. Fulfilling his wishes, his
mortal remains were donated to AIIMS Nagpur on the same evening.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, RSS
Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, several Union Ministers including Nitin Gadkari
and several dignitaries along with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh swayamsevaks from all
over word and Vishwa Vibhag family joins hand to offer their heartfelt
shraddhanjali to the soul of Shri Shankar Rao ji and pray to Parmeshwar for his
sadgati.
The Pradhan Mantri posted on X :
"Pained by the passing away of Dr. Shankar Rao Tatwawadi Ji. He will be
remembered for his extensive contribution to nation-building and India's
cultural regeneration. He dedicated himself to RSS and made a mark by furthering
its global outreach. He was also a distinguished scholar, always encouraging a
spirit of enquiry among the youth. Students and scholars fondly recall his
association with BHU. His various passions included science, Sanskrit and
spirituality.
I consider myself fortunate to have interacted with him on several occasions,
both in India and overseas. His ideological clarity and meticulous style of
working always stood out.“
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih.
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5. RSS AKHIL BHARATIYA PRATINIDHI SABHA 2025: On March
5, Akhil Bharaitya Prachar Pramukh of RSS Sunil Ambekar briefed that the Akhil
Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will held in Bengaluru
from March 21-23.
Along with Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya, all
Sahsarkaryavahs and national adhikaris, a total of 1500 karyakartas from prant
and kshetra levels are expected to participate in this meeting. The national
office bearers of RSS-inspired organisations will also participate in the meet.
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6. BHARATIYA KNOWLEDGE TRADITION SHOULD BE REVIVED, SAYS J.
NANDAKUMAR: On February 28, J. Nandakumar, National Samyojak of Prajna
Pravah, inaugurated the Kerala University unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Shaikshik
Mahasangh. On the occasion he said that we need an educational system that would
mould teachers to serve the interests of the country. He added that after
independence, we required an educational system centred around teachers, but
that was neglected. He also said that we must now revive the Bharatiya knowledge
tradition and the New Education Policy (NEP) is a step in the right direction.
7. ABVP TRIBAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT: Akhil Bharatiya
Vidyarathi Parishad organised a three-day Tribal Youth Students Parliament on
March 9-11 in New Delhi. More than 300 tribal students from various tribes
across the country participated in it. It witnessed in depth discourse on
education, health, employment, language, culture, preservation and empowerment
of tribal heritage. The sessions had representation from more than 124 tribal
communities across Bharat. Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey
was the Chief Guest of the inaugural session and the keynote speaker was ABVP’s
Organising Secretary Ashish Chauhan.
8. ‘SHRI GURUJI DRISHTI – DARSHANIKATA’ TELUGU EDITION
LAUNCHED IN HYDERABAD: On March 4, a Telugu adaptation of ‘Shri Guruji
Samagra’ titled ‘Shri Guruji Drishti –Darshanikata’ was released in Hyderabad.
Navayuga Bharati organized the book launch which saw the presence of prominent
intellectuals and academicians.
9. HSS VOLUNTEERS PERFORM SEVA DURING LA WILDFIRES:
Devastating wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, CA, in early January. HSS volunteers
in the area, including those affected by the fires, took up the task of serving
their community in crisis.
10. HSS BAND MARCHES IN SOUTHERN LA PARADE: On February
22, HSS volunteers participated in the Camellia Festival Parade in Temple City,
CA, playing traditional renditions on musical instruments.
11. YOGA KULAM YOGA AND AYURVEDA RETREAT IN SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA: From February 22 to 23, Yoga Kulam organised a yoga and Ayurveda
retreat in southern California for happy and prosperous living by implementing
the yogic and ayurvedic principles in daily routine.
12. SEWA USA FUND RAISER EVENTS: Sewa's South Jersey
chapter began the year with a fundraiser at the Tamil Sangam event held at
Hightstown High School in Mercer County, NJ, on February 1, raising over $1,172.
A group of Sewa LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Development) youth
volunteers organized a fundraiser in Central Jersey on February 13 to support
the Sewa SHE (Sanitation, Hygiene, and Empowerment) Project, which empowers the
girl child’s health and hygiene awareness in government schools across Bharat.
13. SEWA CLEANUP DRIVES: Over twenty volunteers from
the Sewa Green Team joined forces with National Park Service rangers to
clean up the Chattahoochee River's Jones Bridge Corridor in Atlanta, GA, on
February 9.
14. HSS USA AND BHARAT CALLS FOR UNITY AGAINST HATE:
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, Government of Bharat and Vishwa Hindu Parishad
strongly condemned the recent attack on the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Hindu
Mandir in Chino Hills, California. Over the past five years, there have been 15
to 20 incidents of vandalism targeting Hindu mandirs across cities and towns in
the United States. Despite these repeated attacks, no perpetrators have been
apprehended or brought to justice.
HSS urged elected officials, community leaders, media, educators, and law
enforcement authorities to recognize the gravity of this attack. It calls for
unity against such hate acts.
Reacting to the incident, spokesperson of Bharat’s Ministry of External Affairs
Randhir Jaiswal said, “We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms
and call on local law enforcement to take stringent action and ensure adequate
security for places of worship.”
VHP Bharat’s national spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticized the attacks and
demanded strict actions from the US administration and the police.
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15. HSS NEPAL: SWAMI VIVEKANANDA SANSKRITI GYAN PARIKSHA:
HSS Nepal conducted its annual country wide Swami Vivekananda Sanskriti Gyan
Pariksha during February-March. The aim of this examination is to familiarise
students with their glorious culture, religion, customs, traditions and
scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Puranas, Gita, etc.). For this a
syllabus booklet was published which comprises question and answer based on
Hindu culture, tradition and knowledge.
16. CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ’S STATUE UNVEILED IN TOKYO:
In a historic moment of Indo-Japanese cultural exchange, the statue of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was officially unveiled in Tokyo on March 8. The
grand ceremony was conducted by Swami Govind Devgiriji Maharaj, Treasurer, Ram
Janmbhoomi Trust, in the presence of dignitaries, cultural scholars, and
Shivabhakts from around the world.
17. PM MODI BECOMES FIRST BHARATIYA TO RECEIVE HIGHEST
NATIONAL AWARD OF MAURITIUS: On March 12, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi
received the Highest National Award of Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the
Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
18. ‘MANTHAN – MAHAKUMBH & BEYOND’: The Mahakumbh was
not merely a religious congregation but a historical grand manifestation of
Bharat’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, unity and integrity. Recognising
its immense significance, Organiser and Panchjanya hosted a day-long confluence,
‘Manthan – Mahakumbh & Beyond’ on March 12 at Lucknow.
Speaking at the confluence National Convener of Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi
(PSG) Gopal Arya elaborated the impact of PSG’s efforts such as ‘Ek Thaila, Ek
Thali’ that prevented 29,000 tonnes of plastic waste from being generated.
National Convener of Prajna Pravah J Nandakumar emphasised, “Kumbh is deeply
connected to Bharat’s unity and integrity. The responsibility of carrying
forward this spirit lies with all of us. The initiative by Organiser and
Panchjanya to organise this event is highly commendable.”
The Secretary-General of International Buddhist Confederation Rinpoche Jangchup
Choeden, who also attended the event, called Bharat as ‘the motherland of
Buddhism,’ a cultural legacy unmatched by any other nation.
-GoTop
19. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A person can rise through the efforts of his own mind;
or draw himself down, in the same manner. Because each person is his own friend
or enemy. — Bhagvad Gita
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JAI SHRI RAM
---
RSS MAHILA SAMANVAY : CELEBRATING BHARATIYA WOMANHOOD
Women deserve
to be given respect. This is followed by Sangh inspired organisations that
believes that women need to be treated with reverence as it will eventually lead
to progression -Dr V Sujatha
In Bharat, since ancient times,
women have been an integral part of the nation’s history and culture. That women
had continued to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s socio-political
narratives was shown by their great contribution towards the country’s freedom
struggle against the British Empire. Women had enjoyed equal rights with men.
This was evidenced by their involvement in framing the Constitution as well–15
members of the Constituent Assembly were women. When we achieved freedom in
1947, in advanced countries like Britain that had built up empires by exploiting
the rich resources of nations like Bharat, their women had no right to vote. It
prompted the feminist movement in Europe during the early 20th century, the
initial stage of which had to focus on women’s suffrage along with other legal
rights. Whereas in Bharat’s, women have always been enjoying not only equal
rights with men but an added privilege granted to motherhood also, as has been
pointed out by famous thinkers like Will Durant, Arthur L Basham etc.
Values Based on Eternal Truth
Mahila Samanvay Vedi
It is a national forum of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the most prominent
national volunteer organization that comprises Karma – yogis, who do selfless
service in the interest of our nation’s prosperity and well-being. There are
around 40 Sangh inspired organisations, some are comprised exclusively of women,
for instance Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Siksha Bharati, Durga Vahini and so on.
Samanvay Vedi is a forum meant to discuss and exchange the ideas and the nature
of activities undertaken by the various organisations of the Parivar. It helps
to integrate the varied functions of the Parivar in different domains under the
common banner of national welfare. Mahila Samanvay Vedi reflects the attitude of
Bharatiya society that women share with men, equal rights and responsibilities
in shaping the future of the nation.
The Vedi has been constituted especially to conduct programmes that promote the
cause of equal opportunities for women and also protection of women against
atrocities. The activities of the Mahila Samanvay clearly depict the
significance that the Sangh Parivar grants to the progression of women.
The National Mahila Samanvay has been conducting seminars in various States to
bring home various aspects of women upliftment. Last year, as its special
programme the Mahila Samanvay put in a massive exertion to back up the
stupendous efforts of the Modi Government towards the upliftment of women. The
initiatives taken include:
- Conducting of seminars at the national, state and district levels to identify
the various difficulties that dissuade women from undertaking social activities
- Motivate women to take up challenging opportunities and become leaders in
profession and business
- Provide opportunity for women folk of villages along with that of the
metropolitan cities to assume leading roles in public activities in their own
respective communities and organisations
- Make women aware of their equal rights and duties as citizens
- Alert women to prevent exploitation
- Provide a secure environment for women to progress
In addition, the Samanvay conveys to women the importance of their financial
freedom. Economic independence provides them with opportunities to make free
choices about their lives. It also makes them participate in enhancing the
national economy as well as the domestic. Today, Bharat has become the fastest
growing economy of the world. The country can reach the pinnacle of economic
growth if its women, constituting nearly half of the population, also reach out
to help national advancement.
Mahila Samanvay in Kerala
Within the last one year, National Mahila Samanvay conducted more than 500 mass
conferences in various parts of the country, each attracting thousands of women.
Activities of Mahila Samanvay in Kerala deserves special mention in that it was
widely recognised and acclaimed by the public. It was quite unprecedented in the
history of Kerala to platform such huge gatherings for the cause of women’s
empowerment.
All the districts, were covered 14 mega conventions were held; each one saw
thousands of women participants. All meetings were organised, chaired and
participated exclusively by women including Central Ministers and other national
dignitaries as chief guests. Other leading women in various professions and
business enterprises at the state-district-taluk village levels also took part
in these grand symposiums.
In Kerala, during the modern period several Hindu Acharyas and writers had taken
up the cause of women liberation. But today’s vote bank politics is of the
nature of foiling the efforts of those great reformers. Of course, disguised as
social workers, some activists bring women to public forums raising slogans of
gender equality, equal opportunity, freedom etc. but with devious intentions.
The true nature of their underhand tactics has come to light recently in a
programme run by a Marxistislamists alliance. A large number of poets including
office-bearers of Kerala Sahitya Academy participated in it, but female poets
were not allowed to take part, though there are innumerable poetesses in Kerala.
There arose accusations in certain quarters that women were not permitted since
the function was held in connection with the religion of Islam. The
contradiction here is two-fold.How could the Islamists accommodate recitation of
poems since even the display of innate human creativity is considered
illegitimate (harām) by the fundamentalists who excluded women from the
programme? The other contradiction is that Marxists, who joined hands with the
Islamists, washed their hands of their own dogma of dialectical materialism that
‘religion is the opium of the people’. On one hand, we come across dogmatists
pulling the wheel of women’s progress backwards by conducting such ridiculous
programmes with the blind belief that they are marching forward and call
themselves ‘neo liberals’. On the other hand, we see forums like Mahila Samanvay
putting in great effort to move the machinery of progress in favour of women.
A special programme of the Mahila Samanvay conducted last year on November 5th
as a prelude to the grand convention in Thiruvananthapuram deserves mention in
this context. It was a unique performance where 21 poetesses recited their own
poems. The subject of all the poems was women-oriented, various trials,
disadvantages and stumbling blocks women face at home and work place that impede
their progress. As a continuation of the programme, a book was published, i.e. a
collection of poems on the subject Pañca Kanya Smrti released by the well-known
writer Prof George Onakkur and received by Yedu VijayaKrishnan the film director
and writer. On November 1, 2023, another notable event arranged by the Mahila
Samanvay was Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art form of Kerala, where more
than 30 girls displayed their martial skills.
Personal freedom for everybody to grow is the primary indication of any
culturally advanced society and forms the ideal of a nation. Thus, gender
equality and sufficient opportunities for the fair sex to grow determines the
culture of a country and its economy too. To quote RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan
Bhagwat: “To progress, allow women equal rights and freedom to work. If women
are given freedom they can help everyone grow”. This expression contains respect
and esteem regarding the women of Bharat, for they can shoulder responsibilities
both inside and outside their homes.
Individual freedom, as we know, is not unfettered or absolute as some
neo-liberals imagine. When the neo-liberals demand absolute individual freedom,
their aim is not progressive but misleading. They are actually asking for
unrestricted sensory pleasures. Sensory craving is not freedom but enslavement.
Since we have to respect every one’s freedom to grow, it necessitates certain
standards of conduct. These standards are prescribed not merely by the law of
the land but by the basic values of life or Dharma. While the law points out the
wrong-doings and the punishments thereof, Dharma equips as with the wisdom that
reveals the right path. Bharat is the motherland of a great variety of cultural
communities speaking different languages and following different religions. Yet
they stand united because the humanitarian import of the culture of this land
based on Dharma cannot be denied by anyone. Thus in Bharat along with the Law,
Dharma is also held in high esteem since every living being has a proper place
in it. Gender discrimination cannot be admitted either in the system of Law or
as per our Dharma.
Today many of the old customs have become obsolete throughout the world. Even
‘the established truths’ of the physical sciences, for instance some of the
concepts of Newtonian Physics have turned out false. In this context some people
call this age as one of post-realism. But for Bharat, the land of the ultimate
wisdom, there exists nothing like post-realism. For it this is the age of
awakening of its traditional wisdom that supports life, culture and progress.
The narratives of an age should not beleft to immature minds to dictate. It
should be determined by those who have judicious vision and synoptic insight.
The Amritotsav period of Bharat should be the initiation of an age of spiritual
and moral wisdom and women have a major role to play in making it meaningful.
https://organiser.org/2025/03/04/280832/bharat/rss-mahila-samanvay-celebrating-bharatiya-womanhood/
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com https://svn.epapers.in
Labels: Samvad: 16 March 2025
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Phalgun Shukla 2, Vik. Samvat 2081, Yugabda 5126:1 March 2025: SM 6023 (For Private Circulation Only)
1. FESTIVALS :
HOLI (March 14) is the festival of colours, love, and spring. The day
signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of
Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. Over the years, Holi has become an
important festival among the Hindus outside Bharat. Holi, also called Phagwa,
is a national holiday in Suriname and Guyana. Indo-Fijians celebrate Pagua as
the festival of colours, folksongs, and dances.
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: During
the keynote address at a karyakarta get-together in Guwahati on February 23,
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat underscored
the critical need for ‘Panch Parivartan’ to drive holistic societal progress.
3. RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING: On
February 22, Rashtra Sevika Samiti inaugurated its two-day Akhil Bharatiya
Executive and Delegation Meeting at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Guwahati campus. RSS Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat delivered the keynote
address, underscoring the organisation’s focus on social service and cultural
preservation. 
4. SHAKHA MAHA KUMBH IN RANCHI: To demonstrate its
organisational strength and unity, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Ranchi Mahanagar,
organised Shakha Maha Kumbh at Jagannathpur ground in Dhurva on February 23.
5. GYAN MAHA KUMBH: “Bharat’s gift to humanity, her
contribution in all fields can never be denied. It is very important to
introduce this prosperous knowledge of Bharat to today’s young generation,” said
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. He was speaking on the occasion of the closing
ceremony of Gyan Maha Kumbh 2081 organised by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas (SSUN).
6. CINE TALKIES 2024: The prestigious three days
biennial event – Cine Talkies - organized by Sanskar Bharati, concluded on
December 15 at the atrium of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) premise in Bandar
Karla Complex, Mumbai. This edition had 256 nominations from 14 states across
Bharat. The participants included people from film industry, film critics &
journalists, students & faculties of film & media studies who discussed the
Bharatiya cinematic landscape. The theme of Cine Talkies 2024 was ‘Woods to
Roots’, emphasizing need to break artificial barriers of Bollywood, Dollywood,
Hollywood etc. and emerge as Bharatiya Cinema. Sachin Pilgaonkar, famous actor
and director was the chief guest for inaugural function.
7. SAH SARKARYAVAH ARUN KUMAR AT ABP NETWORK’S ‘IDEA OF
INDIA 2025’ SUMMIT: RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Arun Kumar stressed the
organisation’s commitment to build a disciplined, patriotic society rather than
seeking credit. He highlighted RSS’s evolving approach while maintaining its
core ideology, work method, and cultural ethos. He was addressing the ‘Idea of
India 2025’ Summit, organised by ABP Network, which explored Bharat’s role in a
rapidly transforming global landscape. Addressing the theme of the session,
‘Understanding RSS,’ Arun Kumar elaborated on the three key pillars of the
organization - its ideology, its structural framework, and its work in society.
8. PRAYAGRAJ MAHAKUMBH 2025 CONCLUDED: Millions of
devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on February 26 to take a
holy dip on the last Snan of the Maha Kumbh, coinciding with the auspicious
occasion of Maha Shivratri. This sacred event is part of the Maha Kumbh Mela
2025, which started on January 13 with the Paush Purnima and ended on February
26 on Maha Shivratri. As of 6 am, more than 40 lakh pilgrims had taken holy dip
in Prayagraj.
Over 50 lakh Nepalese devotees participated in Mahakumbh 2025, taking a holy dip
at Sangam and offering sacred items from Janakpur at Bade Hanuman mandir.
Carrying back Ganga water and Sangam’s soil, they reinforced the deep spiritual
ties between Bharat and Nepal.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the Mahakumbh Mela
Mahotsav 2025 in Prayagraj and stated that Mahakumbh has become a medium to show
gratitude towards one’s heritage, culture and religion. The Mahakumbh Mela
Mahotsav 2025 was held at the Shri Shri Shankracharya Vijaendra Sarawati Maharaj
Shivir.
More than two lakh people have been tested for eyesight or eye-related ailments
at Netra Kumbh - a mega health camp that operated at the Mahakumbh Nagar from
January 6 to February 27. The eye camp was hosted by 'Saksham' with the support
of other charitable organisations to aid pilgrims and other visitors during the
Kumbh Mela.
Former Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim praised Mahakumbh 2025 for its
deep-rooted environmental wisdom, emphasizing Bharat's ancient philosophy of
human-nature unity amid concerns over Ganga pollution.
The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has attracted over 50 crore devotees, generating
a remarkable Rs 3 lakh crore for Uttar Pradesh’s economy, with a Rs 15,000 crore
investment in the event. CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted the economic, cultural,
and environmental impact of the event, emphasising sustainability and the
state’s efforts in river rejuvenation.
In a rare astronomical phenomenon, all seven planets of the solar system were
visible in the night sky. This celestial alignment adds a unique layer of
significance to Maha Kumbh, as many believe that such cosmic events amplify
spiritual energies.
9. MASSIVE TURNOUT AT AYODHYA’S RAM MANDIR: Ayodhya’s
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is witnessing an overwhelming rush of devotees from
across the country who are arriving in Ayodhya for the darshan of Ram Lalla.
Starting as early as 5:00 a.m., thousands of devotees were seen standing in
queues, which continued uninterrupted until 10:00 p.m.
Amid the increasing influx of worshippers, local authorities have implemented
extensive crowd control measures to maintain order and ensure safety. With the
surge in worshippers seeking the darshan of Ram Lalla, the police have divided
the city into six zones and 11 sectors to ensure safety. Uttar Pradesh Chief
Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya has
skyrocketed from 2.35 lakh in 2016-17 to over 14-15 crore in 2024.
-GoTop
10. MAHAKUMBH OF MANDIRS AT TIRUPATI: Andhra Pradesh
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for a Self-Sustaining,
Technology-Driven Mandir Ecosystem, emphasizing the need to integrate technology
while preserving mandir heritage.
11. PARYAVARAN GATIVIDHI GREEN MAHA SHIVRATRI AWARENESS
CAMPAIGN: The Paryavaran Gatividhi of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
Punjab unit has started a Green Maha Shivratri Awareness Campaign, which aims to
make Bharat plastic-free and cancer-free by engaging religious and social
organisations to ban the use of disposable plates and plastic materials during
Mahashivratri celebrations and encouraging the use of steel plates for langars
and bhandaras in mandirs and public places.
12. ASSAM SETS WORLD RECORD WITH GRAND JHUMUR DANCE
SPECTACLE OF 8888 DANCERS: In a historic celebration of cultural pride,
Assam’s tea garden community dazzled the world as 8,888 dancers performed the
traditional Jhumur folk dance at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium on February 24,
setting a Guinness World Record.
13. HSS USA BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Volunteers from Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh HSS USA in the East Valley region (Chandler, Gilbert area)
came together to observe the Black History Month in celebration of the African
American community, their achievements and struggles. Chief Guest, Council
member O.D. Harris, spoke about the historical struggles faced by African
American community and their ongoing challenges today. He highlighted the
importance of independence and equality for all and encouraged everyone to stand
strong against adversity as one community.
14. SWAYAMSEVAKS AND SEVIKAS MEET IN SOUTH AFRICA: On
February 23, the All Swayamsevaks and Sevikas Meet was held at the Ottawa
Community Hall in Verulam, South Africa. With 100 enthusiastic swayamsevaks and
sevikas and around 100 supportive parents, the hall was filled with energy,
excitement, and a shared sense of purpose.
15. THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL AROUND THE WORLD: Hundreds of
thousands of Hindus flocked to mandirs across Malaysia to celebrate the
Thaipusam. Thaipusam is marked with particular zest in multicultural Malaysia
where ethnic Bharatiyas make up about seven percent of the 34 million
population. One of the most important religious festivals for primarily Tamil
Hindus, the event commemorates the day when Devi Parvathi gave her son Bhagwan
Murugan a powerful lance to fight evil demons.
16. SOUTH AMERICA’S LARGEST SHIVA STATUE: A 50-foot
statue of Bhagwan Shiva was inaugurated on February 12 at the Badrinaath Ashram
in Guyana. This statue is the largest of its kind in South America, marking a
significant development for Hindu community residing in Guyana. The statue was
handcrafted in Bharat and assembled by the founders of Triveni Mandir in Guyana.
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: No one who does good work will ever come to a bad end,
either here or in the world to come. - Bhagvad Gita
-GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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RSS AT 100: SANGHA SHAKHA – PENANCE FOR NATION
The vision of Dr Keshav
Baliram Hedgewar to organise and unify the Hindu Samaaj through Shakhas was
pioneering. With the simple work module of Shakha developed by him, Doctor ji
became successful in instilling patriotic values among all age groups thereby
creating a force to reckon with — MADHUBHAI KULKARNI
Resolving to even a small rule and following it throughout life is a kind of
penance. If someone decides to chant the name of Ram on a 108-bead rosary every
day at a specific time, and follow the rules strictly, then it will be called
penance. When it comes to rules, whether it is an exam, your own marriage or a
sad occasion, you have to follow them. If you follow them for years, it becomes
Tapa or penance. The morale of that person increases. There are always happy and
sad occasions in life.
Person with a high morale is able to bear them easily.
Going to the Shakha every day is also a rule. Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who
pioneered the Shakha work module, had gone to a village for some work. He got
late to leave after finishing his work. He was to go to the Prabhat Shakha
(Morning RSS Shakha) in Nagpur but no bus was available. So he left on foot.
After walking for a long time, a truck came from behind. On seeing him, the
truck stopped. The driver knew Doctor ji. The further walk was saved and Doctor
ji was able to reach the Shakha on time.
His paternal aunt (Abaji Hedgewar’s sister) was ill, so doctor ji had to go to
Indore for a few days. He started two Shakhas there, Indore and Dewas.
Rajgir in Bihar has hot springs. Doctor ji had gone for a few days for treatment
there. He started a student Shakha in Rajgir.
The Convention of Vishva Hindu Parishad Maharashtra was held in Pandharpur. The
meeting was chaired by Revered Dhunda Maharaj Deglurkar. One of the many
speakers was the second Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Shri
Guruji.
The fifth Sarsanghchalak, Revered Sudarshan Ji, came to live in the ‘Samidha’
karyalaya in Bhopal after renouncing his responsibility. Sudarshan Ji
established contacts and started the Shakha of students. He himself used to
regularly go to the Children’s Shakha (at the age of 80). In every State, you
will find dedicated karyakartas who will make sure that they do not miss their
Shakha, be it exams or auspicious occasions at home.
A district Pracharak recollected an incident – the sister of a Swayamsevak died
at age 28. She was travelling in the bus and died enroute. When the body reached
home, her parents could not contain their grief. The cremation took place the
next day. On the same day, her brother – the Swayamsevak, was present at the
evening Shakha.
Every day, thousands of Shakhas and lakhs of Swayamsevaks sing “Patatvesh Kayo
Namaste Namaste,” the prarthana (prayer) of Bharat Mata. Prarthana is a
collective resolve. There is no desire for personal gains. Sangh Shakha is the
Collective Tapa (penance) carried out for the well-being of the nation. Tapa
increases morale, not only of the individual, but also of the society and the
nation.
Hindu society must emerge from the mentality of defeat and rise with the
aspiration of victory.
The second Sarsanghchalak Shri Guruji used to say, “The continuity of ‘Shakha‘
by Swayamsevak will ensure complete victory.”
The pioneer of ‘Ekatma Manav Darshan’, Pt Deendayal Upadhyay, has said that the
“Virat” (Collective Consciousness) of the society should always be awake. The
entire country has experienced the fact that the Hindu society spread from the
Himalayas to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Cameroon stood together with one
ambition in the Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yajna.
Villagers from lakhs of villages worshipped and sent the Shri Ram Shila of their
village to Ayodhya. This happened because of devotion to Ram. Around that time,
Ramayana serial, produced by Shri Ramanand Sagar had started. The whole country
experienced the impact of the three lettered word ‘Shri-Ram’ on public mind. The
true vision of the vast awakening of society
was seen in both the Karsevas. Karsevaks from all regions, all castes, all
languages, all sects, men and women, even some Muslims and Christians who
believed that Shri Ram was their ancestor, all came together. Perhaps there were
also those from all political parties.
The Karsevaks had a strong will to wash away the stigma, the humiliation that
had been imposed on them five hundred years ago. The disputed Babri Structure, a
symbol of slavery, was demolished in five hours.
Many wars have taken place from King Suhaldev till now (1992). Lakhs of people
have been sacrificed. But all Hindus from North-South-East-West stood with one
desire. Such a glorious event may be the first in the history of our country.
“As the king is, so would be the people,” was taught during the time of kings
and palaces. Now it is necessary to teach, “As the people are, so would be the
king”.
The Karsevaks who came from far and wide experienced the ‘virat’ awakening of
the society. People from North find Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada difficult
to understand, and the Karsevaks from South could not speak Hindi. The intimacy
felt just by saying ‘Prant‘ and ‘Karsevak‘ made the Karsevaks from the South
extremely happy. They were invited to homes, given oil for massage, hot water, a
full meal and if they had to stay overnight, they were provided with bedding. No
need of earlier
acquaintance, it was enough to know the fact that they were going for the cause
of Ram.
Thirty years passed in court, generation changed, but the enthusiasm in giving
contributions for the temple never changed.
The euphoria of the people on the day of Prana Pratishtha was unprecedented.
The same feeling was experienced during the Shri Ram Setu Raksha Agitation. Road
blockades were held at an exact time at the locations decided from Arunachal to
Ernakulam for a total of two hours.
During the Amarnath Shrine Board land dispute, all the men, women and children
in Jammu had become the embodiment of ‘Shankar, Parvati, Ganesh’.
The heroic and brave great men of the recent period like Maharana Pratap,
Chhatrapati Shivaji, Dashmesh, Shri Guru Gobind Singh, Lachit Badphukan, Harihar
Bukka, etc. impressed the Hindu community’s “virat” awakening upon us. But it
was limited to a specific geographical unit and lasted for some time. The
experience that the Hindu community is awake as a whole, all the way to the
North, South, East, West, has come across for the first time in independent
Bharat after the formation of a democratic society.
A society that awakens in response to certain incidents will not be able to go
far in the global competition of various nations.
The “virat” of the society must always remain vigilant. Therefore, with the
resolve of nation’s well-being, Dr Hedgewar started the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh. An awakened “virat” is a sign of self-respect, a guarantee of protecting
the country, and faith in the path of progress.
The daily Shakha gives a practical form to the work of the Sangh. It is a place
to recall the collective resolve of national wellbeing every day.
Chanting Ramnama every day is an individual’s own resolve, but the resolution
for national well-being can only be collective.
Recalling the resolve every day is called ‘Tapa’. As a collective resolution for
national well-being, the Sangh Shakha is the national Tapasthali (place of
penance). At present, millions of citizens are making this resolution for nation
at 80 thousand Tapasthalis all over the country with the prarthana (prayer)
“Param Vaibhavam Netum Etat Swarashtram“.
The prarthana Param Vaibhavam Netum Etat Swarashtram is recited daily in the
Shakha. That which gives ultimate bliss can be called ultimate glory (param
vaibhav). The definition of ultimate bliss is given in the form of a formula in
the prarthana. Ultimate bliss is the attainment of both Samutkarsha and
Nihshreyasa that every section of the society must attain.
Samutkarsha means material wealth and Nihshreyasa means wealth of knowledge or
spiritual wealth.
‘Param Vaibhav’ is an idea that provides a holistic, all-inclusive, integrated
approach. Class struggle and monstrous competition do not form its basis, but
fraternity does. Fraternity is a spiritual principle. It is the practice of the
universal truth ‘Tat Tvam Asi’. It is the scientific basis of Liberty, Equality,
Fraternity. That is probably why Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar said that these
principles are taken from the Dhamma of Bhagwan Gautam Buddha (not from the
materialist French Revolution in thought).
Once the truth of ‘Tatvamasi’ is understood and assimilated, the feeling of
fraternity can expand and develop to any extent. It can extend to our family,
our village, our country, the entire universe and even beyond that, to the
creation of nature.
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is the vast form of this truth.
The knowledge tradition based on the universal truth of ‘Tatvamasi’ is called
‘Dharma’. There is one very important line in the prarthana to help us not
wander away from our goal due to the ego of Tapa and organisational strength or
get confused in the dazzling environment of the world. The meaning can be
expressed as ‘May our victorious organised work force’ be able to protect this
Dharma (the knowledge tradition of Bharat) and bring supreme glory to our
nation.
विजेत्री
च नः संहता कार्यशक्ति: विधायास्य धर्मस्य संरक्षणम्||
परं वैभवं नेतुमेतत् स्वराष्ट्रं समर्था भवत्वाशिषा ते भृशम् ||
Our combined workforce will lead us
to victory
To preserve this dharma by law To take this country to the supreme glory May you
bless them abundantly.
Doctor ji passed away in 1940. In 1939, a meeting of key office bearers was held
in Sindhi in the presence of doctor ji. The meeting lasted for ten days. This
prarthana was unanimously agreed upon as the prayer of the Sangh in that
meeting. From 1940 till today, this prarthana is being recited at all Shakhas,
i.e. national Tapasthalis. Due to so many years of Tapa, the Sangh
prarthana has now acquired the power of a mantra.
Even during the hectic period of the freedom movement, revered Dr Keshav Baliram
Hedgewar, with his far-sighted thinking,
gave the country a Sangh Shakha that taught the science of organisation and gave
the country a complete vision of national well-being in the form of prarthana.
This is his uniqueness.
Come, let us start going to the Sangh Shakha near our home and be part of the
penance that is going on for the well-being of the nation.
https://organiser.org/2025/02/11/277608/bharat/rss-at-100-sangha-shakha-penance-for-nation/
-GoTop
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