Shravana Krishna 6 Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 16 July, 2025: SM 7008 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS :
NAG PANCHAMI occurs during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month (July 29 this
year). This day is dedicated to the worship of Bhagwan Shiva and the Nag Devta,
the deity associated with snakes.
2. PROGRAMS OF RSS SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: On
June 27, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat
reflected on the philosophical and societal ethos that the Sangh represents and
promotes. He said that the foundation of the Sangh is built upon the spirit of
‘apnapan’ - a deep sense of belongingness and emotional affinity.
3. RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI SANKALP DIWAS: On the occasion
of the birth anniversary of the founder and Adi Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika
Samiti Lakshmibai Kelkar, Medhavini Sindhu Srujan, Delhi Prant, organized the
‘Sankalp Divas’ on the theme of ‘Rashtriya Prerna aur Divya Vibhuti Mausi Ji’ on
July 5 at Ramjas College.
The Chief Guest of the program, Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta, described
the event as an occasion for intellectual introspection and she underlined the
indispensability of women’s roles in the development of family, society, and
nation. -GoTop
4. RSS PRANT PRACHARAK BAITHAK CONCLUDED: The Akhil
Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak which commenced on July 4 at Keshav Kunj,
Delhi, ended on July 6. 233 karyakartas of 46 prants from all over the country
participated in this baithak. The baithak was also attended by SANGATHAN mantris
of 32 RSS-inspired organisations. They presented detailed reports on expansion
of Sangh work and how various departments are strengthening their outreach.
The discussions in the meeting included field experiences, challenges faced, and
the solutions adopted in different prants. Special emphasis was placed on
reviewing how effectively the Sangh’s work is operating at the grassroots level.
5. JNU ORGANISED FIRST ANNUAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON INDIAN
KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS: In a powerful moment symbolising national pride and
cultural continuity, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) organised its first
annual academic conference on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with a puja to
Bharat Mata. The event was inaugurated by Uprashtrapati Jagdeep Dhankhar, who
called upon the academic community to reclaim Bharat’s intellectual sovereignty.
The conference received over 600 extended abstracts from more than 120
institutions. Of these, 100 papers were selected for presentation across 17
focused sessions based on originality, rigour, and relevance. -GoTop
6. FIVE NATION TOUR OF PM MODI: Pradhan Mantri Narendra
Modi arrived in Ghana on the first leg of his five-nation tour, marking a
historic moment as the first Bharatiya Pradhan Mantri to visit the West African
nation in over thirty years. A group of young Ghanaian children greeted PM Modi
with the devotional chant “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”. The signing of four MoUs
reflected the growing collaboration between the two countries across multiple
sectors.
PM Modi’s visit to Argentina marked the first bilateral visit by a Bharatiya
Pradhan Mantri to the Latin American nation in 57 years. PM Modi was accorded a
ceremonial welcome at the Casa Rosada by President Javier Milei. The two leaders
held a brief one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks covering the
full spectrum of bilateral ties.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome in Brasilia
becoming the first Bharatiya PM in 57 years to undertake a State Visit to
Brazil, strengthening the ties between the two nations.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian
award, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, in recognition of
his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. PM Modi and President
Nandi-Ndaitwah held bilateral talks, following which the two countries signed
four agreements to bolster bilateral cooperation in several areas. -GoTop
7. HINDU SANGATHAN DIN IN NAIROBI: Hindu Swayamsevak
Sangh (HSS) Nairobi marked the occasion of Hindu SANGATHAN Din with a day-long
celebration at Kitengela Hindu Mandir on June 15. 335 swayamsevaks and sevikas
from Nairobi and 90 members from Kitengela participated in the utsav. Six buses
were arranged from various locations in the city, ensuring smooth transportation
for the attendees.
Age appropriate activities were planned for various groups. Balagokulam children
played light games while the yuvas/yuvikas practiced yoga and niyuddha followed
by some energetic team games. The older group played sitting games and did light
yoga exercises.
8. HINDU SANGATHAN DIWAS IN HOUSTON: In a vibrant
affirmation of identity, responsibility, and cultural unity, more than 200
members representing 76 Hindu dharmic and cultural organizations assembled at
the Meenakshi Mandir in Pearland for Hindu SANGATHAN Diwas (HSD) 2025. Hosted by
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS-USA), the annual event served as a call to deepen
Hindu American engagement in civic life while reinforcing the timeless values of
Sanatan Dharma in a modern American context.
Various speakers addressed the gathering on the need for cultural awareness to
evolve into advocacy and empowerment of youth for leadership and public service.
In the closing address, Subhas Gupta, President of HSS Houston Chapter said
that this was not merely a gathering, but a movement — an invocation of unity,
identity, and responsibility. -GoTop
9. HSS AT TORONTO CANADA DAY PARADE: Hindu Swayamsevak
Sangh (HSS) Canada proudly participated in the Toronto Canada Day parade with a
strong and spirited contingent of 128 participants from the HSS Chapters of
Toronto and Greater Toronto Region.
10. HSS PARTICIPATED IN JULY 4TH PARADES: Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh USA participated in the July 4th Independence Day parades and
flag hoisting ceremonies across the USA. In addition, some HSS chapters
commemorated the day with flag hoisting and anthem singing. Some volunteers play
traditional Hindu and American patriotic tunes during parades.
11. HSS ANGOLA : FIRST FAMILY MEET: On July 5, HSS
Angola organised a ‘Hindu Family Meet’ at the divine premises of Shivala -
Vianna, Luanda.
12. FIRST RESIDENTIAL SHIBIR IN SPAIN: On June 21-22,
HSS Spain conducted its first-ever one-night residential shibir near Barcelona.
66 participants, including 2 EML shikshaks attended the shibir.
13. NEARLY 200 GATHER AT MONROEVILLE MANDIR TO STRENGTHEN
HINDU-JEWISH BONDS: An evening of song, food and conversation enabled local
Hindu and Jewish Pittsburghers to foster greater ties. The June 8 event,
‘Harmony Across Traditions’, welcomed more than 180 attendees to Monroeville’s
Hindu Jain Mandir and highlighted shared interests.
Laura Cherner, director of Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community
Relations Council, moderated a conversation between community leaders and noted
the significance of such gatherings. She said, “It’s so important for our
communities to come together and celebrate tradition or commonalities, and to
learn from one another.”
Sai Patil, an active mandir member, said that Hindus and Jews can learn from
each other’s perseverance. Despite experiencing various atrocities, both groups
continue to exist, continue to fight and continue to survive.
David Knoll, chair of Federation’s Community Relations Council, praised the
event and said he hopes to see new relationships bloom. -GoTop
14. LIVERMORE MANDIR IN CA CELEBRATES SACRED GEOMETRY AND
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: The Shiva-Vishnu mandir in Livermore, home to the Hindu
Community and Cultural Center (HCCC), marks 39 years of steady evolution — a
journey shaped by faith, craftsmanship, and communal effort. In the early 1980s,
that project took form with the groundbreaking of the mandir. The mandir’s
defining feature is its architectural detail - a thoughtful layering of symbolic
elements. Twin sanctums, one for Shiva and one for Vishnu, represent a shared
reverence across Hindu traditions. Towering gopurams and vimanas are carved with
thousands of historic figures. Traditional artisans from Bharat were
commissioned to shape mandir’s granite surfaces. Their work — celestial figures,
carved elephants, and narrative friezes — turns stone into story.
Today, the mandir spans 12 acres and houses a number of spaces that support
community life. -GoTop
15. 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS OF DALAI LAMA: Thousands
of people gathered in Bharat’s Dharamshala to celebrate the 90th birthday of the
Dalai Lama. The week-long celebration began on June 30 at Tsuglagkhang, the main
mandir at McLeodganj near Dharamshala. The spiritual leader of Tibetan
Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, turned 90 on July 6.
The celebration, organised by the Ghoton Organising Committee of the Central
Tibetan Administration, was filled with vibrant festivities and featured a rich
array of classical and modern performances by numerous participants from around
the world.
Among others, the event was attended by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to
Bharat, Her Excellency Dr. Eliška Žigová, former U.S. Congressman Ben McAdams,
Italian MP and Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Gianni Vernetti, and MP
Harshana Rajakaruna from Sri Lanka. A biography of the Dalai Lama was also
launched on the occasion.
Global leaders sent well-wishes, including Bharatiya Pradhan Mantri Narendra
Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“I join 1.4 billion Bharatiyas in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness
the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love,
compassion, patience and moral discipline,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Rubio said, “The Dalai Lama continued to inspire people by embodying a message
of “unity, peace, and compassion.”
In a powerful reaffirmation of Tibetan spiritual traditions, the 14th Dalai
Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has put to rest all speculation surrounding the future of
the 600-year-old Tibetan Buddhist institution. Speaking at the opening of a
three-day gathering of more than 100 Tibetan Buddhist monks in McLeod Ganj,
Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama made it clear that the institution of the Dalai Lama
will continue after his death, with his successor to be chosen by the Gaden
Phodrang Trust, the non-profit body he established in 2015. His fresh
announcement reasserts not just his spiritual legacy, but also the independence
of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition from Chinese state interference. -GoTop
16. BHAGWAN JAGANANATH RATH YATRA 2025: An estimated
one million devotees participated in the annual Rath Yatra in Puri on June 27
and around 5 lakh people were in the holy town on June 28.
Odisha Samaj, UAE hosted its 15th annual Rath Yatra at Star International School
in Dubai, drawing more than 1,000 devotees from across all seven emirates.
This year’s Rath Yatra festival was celebrated with great fervor in numerous
cities across the globe, including Houston, London, Berlin, Sydney, Bangkok and
Port of Spain. -GoTop
17. 12 FORTS OF ChhatraPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ ADDED IN UNESCO
WORLD HERITAGE LIST: In a landmark recognition of Bharat's rich cultural
heritage, 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, known as the
‘Maratha Military Landscapes’, have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage
List, bringing global honour to Maharashtra and Bharat. The announcement, made
during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Paris, France,
marks a historic recognition of the architectural, strategic, and cultural
significance of these forts, which embody the legacy of the Hindavi Swarajya and
its founder’s vision.
The Maratha Military Landscapes encompass 12 forts, 11 located in Maharashtra,
Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Shivneri, Lohgad, Salher, Sindhudurg,
Vijaydurg, Suvarnadurg, and Khanderi, and one in Tamil Nadu, Gingee Fort. These
forts, constructed or fortified under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership
in the 17th century, were instrumental in the Maratha resistance against Mughal
and other external forces, serving as strategic strongholds that secured the
foundation of Swarajya.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the achievement as a “proud
and glorious moment” for the state and the nation, extending heartfelt
congratulations to the citizens of Bharat and devotees of Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj, affectionately known as ShivBhakts. -GoTop
18. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If you observe awareness steadily, this awareness
itself becomes the Guru that will reveal the Truth. – Ramana Maharshi.
-GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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FROM SANSKAR TO CHARACTER AND NATION BUILDING; FULFILLING DUTIES &
RESPONSIBILITIES
PROF KALPANA BORA
Nation-building is a multifaceted endeavor that extends far beyond political boundaries and economic indicators. At its core, it relies on the collective strength of its people, shaped by a profound sense of "sanskar," robust individual character, and a unwavering commitment to duties and responsibilities
Swami Vivekanand ji once said –
“The basis of all systems, social or political, rests upon the goodness of men.
Men are more valuable than all the wealth of the world.” Pujniya Mohan Bhagwat
ji says – “a bad system spoils a good person, and vice-versa. In order that a
good person can correct a bad system, we need character building of our
individuals. And purpose of education is also to make our students morally
strong.” PM Modi says – “Indians are successful in every part of world because
children brought up with Bharatiya sanskar respect and love their Janmbhoomi as
well as Karmabhoomi equally.”
As per Hindu tradition, Sanskar means – rituals and ceremonies performed
throughout a person’s life to purify and refine their body, mind and spirit, and
16 Sanskars shape the personality and prepare us to face challenges of various
stages of life. In spite of cultural, economic and social invasions by foreign
invaders for more than one thousand years, our family and social values are
still intact because of the hundreds of stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata,
Bhagwad Gita, Upanishads and Puranas, which are interwoven into the collective
memory of our people. Our Constitution even has pictures of Ramayana and Gita,
which carries deep significance! Sanskars of Bharatiya society got constructed
through the journey transcending across several thousands of years, based on
foundations of Sanatan Dhrama, like – “Satya, Nyaya, Daan,”, freedom to argue,
freedom of how you worship, to share food, not to encroach land or culture of
others, serve bhavantu sukhinah, atithi devo bhav, peace for all, contentment,
Vasudhaivam Kutumbakam, “Ahinsa Paramo dharma, dharma hinsa tathaiv cha”,
“Atmavat Sarva Bhuteshu” (consider happiness and distress of others as
own). In actuality, Sanskar means – to respect parents, Guru and elders, going
to temple and lighting the Diya in homes daily in evening, eating traditional
Bharatiya food, wearing our traditional attire, speaking Matribhasha in our
homes, celebrating Bharatiya festivals, live and let others live, protecting
environment using sustainable practices, maintaining life as Brahmachari
(conjugal relationship with married partner only), to fulfill duties and
responsibilities towards Nation etc.
Our Itihaas has guided us through many character role models. Shravan Kumar took
his blind parents for pilgrimage on foot, carrying them on his shoulders, and
lost his life also while fulfilling their wish. In Ramayana, “Maryada
Purushottam” Bhagwan Rama left Ayodhya for Vanwas of 14 years to obey his
father, king Dashrath’s order. Mata Sita fulfilled her Dharma of accompanying
and supporting her Husband Bhagwan Ram in all testing times. Laxman left
comforts of kingdom to accompany his brother Ram to Vanwas.
Bhagwan Ram’s brother Bharat ruled kingdom placing Ram’s Paduka on the throne.
Even after victory over Ravana, Bhagwan Ram did not annex Lanka to his kingdom.
Bharatiya sanskriti never teaches to exploit and encroach others, we believe in
sustainability and contentment. All these examples teach us how family members
should respect each other, and how to respect sovereignty of other Nations. Our
character becomes like the role model we follow. It is said in Bhagwad Gita – “कर्मण्येवाधि
कारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन”
Means, keep on performing your duties with sincerity and detachment, without
expecting for outcomes, which promotes the sense of acceptance of success as
well as failures.
However, it is true that values are prone to degradation due to harsh atrocities
of times, and hence they need to be rebuilt from time to time, by the people –
just like an old building needs renovation and maintenance intermittently!
Sanskars for Youth and Character Building
The time of life of children during class IX-XII is crucial career development
of children – and its gravity should be understood by children and their parents
alike. This age is very vulnerable too – children are full of energy and
ambitions. Teenagers start to develop a sense of their independent identity,
romantic relationships, and are prone to infatuations and crushes. Hence, they
need to be guided very affectionately by their parents, that this is the time to
focus on their studies only, to build/destroy their career/life. They need to
stay away from abusive use of internet and social media, as they are exposed to
all sorts of information, and some vigilance by parents is needed on what they
are watching. Making relationships, breaking, again making new ones, and then
also sharing transient, vulnerable love relationships on their social media
platforms often may lead to blackmailing by their own boyfriend/girlfriend.
This also is the cause of social and emotional trauma in youth, which in turn
hampers their journey to reach their fruitful career goals. Drinking and drug
abuse among youth has become so common today – cancer of the society. The way
our girls wear clothes in public life needs to be sensitively looked upon.
Obscenity in various entertainment media, has reached alarming levels.
Article 19 of our constitution grants six fundamental freedoms, but with
restrictions that they are bound by National interest, decency, morality and
public order.
Then, who will show the right path to children? It is their parents. Parents
must sit and talk to their children daily, spending sufficient quality time with
them. They themselves must follow the Sanskari life style in homes – teaching by
executing! This way, Sanskars will be spontaneously imparted to children. If
parents spend maximum time on mobile phone at home, or indulge in abuses like
smoking, drinking etc, it is but natural that their children will tend to follow
the same. Children tend to suffer from behavioral issues like anxiety,
depression, and there is much probability that they would start looking for
pleasure in drugs, drinking, watching pornography etc.
It appears that our scared Institution called “Family” is facing imperilment. If
our family structure is saved, then only Bharat will be saved. Many young people
want to live life freely with living-in relationship, with no obligations or
bindings of marriage. Today I am living with one partner, tomorrow I will live
with another partner. But how long? Some young couples do not want to bear
children as well! Just thinking about temporary happiness and pleasure of the
self today, and not thinking about its consequences tomorrow, cannot be a wise
ideology, from the point of view of constructive progress of civilization. At
present, Bharat is a young Nation. If these trends continue, soon we will become
an aging Nation, like many our countries of the world, and will loose young
skilled workforce – a serious issue to worry about!
Role of Mothers
Mothers have a special role to play in imparting Sanskars to our children.
Ancient times and history of Bharat is full of remarkable examples of mothers,
which have the credit of making great characters of their children, like great
kings and warriors. Mata Kaushalya did not stop her son Bhagwan Ram from going
to Vanvaas, in order to keep the promise. Mata Sita inculcated in her sons
virtues like bravery, wisdom, and kindness.
Shakuntala brought up her son Bharat single handedly and made him a strong and
brave youth. Mata Kunti, mother of Pandavas, was a gentle and wise woman with
excellent survival skills, who brought up all her sons with equal love and care,
trained them all in warfare, politics, family values and life’s survival skills.
Maharani Jaiwanta Bai, mother of great Maharana Pratap (born in 1540 AD),
trained him in warfare and imbibed values in him through the teachings of
Ramayana and Mahabharata. Mata Jijabai, mother of great Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj (in 17th century AD) shaped Shivaji’s mind from his early childhood, and
instilled virtues like courage, self-respect, and heroism in her great Son, who
never lost courage and patience during the times of great adversities and
difficulties. A Mother need to understand that it is her dharma to raise her
children with Sanskars for character and Nation building – a woman can construct
a family or destroy it too!
Moreover, our children must realize the importance of fulfilling their duties
and responsibilities towards society and Nation, and not only worrying for their
rights. Even in our Constitution, there are provisions both for Fundamental
Rights as well as Directive principles. The legacies of our Sanskriti teach us
what is best for us, essence of which can never be wrong. Only means to realize
them change with changing times with a perfect fusion of age-old traditions and
modernity. So, when we have mothers like Matas Kaushalya, Shakuntala, Sita,
Kunti, Jaiwanta Bai, Jijabai in Bharat again, we will again start having
virtuous sons like Ram, Bharat, Yudhisthir, Maharana Pratap, Shivaji Maharaj as
well. Who will contribute invaluably to Nation building tomorrow.
https://organiser.org/2025/07/09/301952/bharat/from-sanskar-to-character-and-nation-building-fulfilling-duties-responsibilities/
-GoTop
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
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