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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