Chaitra Shukla 14, Vik. Samvat 2083, Yugabda 5128:1 April 2026: SM8001 (For Private Circulation Only)
1. FESTIVALS :
BAISHAKHI: The spring harvest festival Baisakhi is observed on the first day
of the Vaishakha month. According to the Gregorian calendar, April 14 falls on
this day in 2026.
2. WORLD IS LOOKING TOWARDS BHARAT FOR ESTABLISHING PEACE:
DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: While addressing a gathering during the Bhoomipujan of the
new office of Vishva Hindu Parishad in Nagpur on March 20, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr
Mohan Bhagwat said that sustainable efforts to establish peace are based on
values, discipline and unity. With the growing war to prove dominance in the
world, Bharat has a responsibility to stop the struggle by promoting peace, a
humanitarian approach and brotherhood, he said.
3. RSS SARKARYAVAH CALLS FOR DECOLONISATION OF MIND AT IIT
GUWAHATI YOUTH CONCLAVE: As part of the centenary year of RSS, a ‘Yuva
Sammelan’ was organized at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of students
representing premier institutions of the city, including IIT Guwahati, AIIMS
Guwahati, National Law University (NLU), National Institute of Pharmaceutical
Education and Research (NIPER-G), Gauhati University, Cotton University, NIT,
IIIT and other higher educational institutions.
4. RASHTRAPATI DROUPADI MURMU SERVES AKSHAYA PATRA’S 5
BILLIONTH MEAL: The Akshaya Patra Foundation commemorated the milestone of
serving 5 billion meals and its completion of 25 years of service to humanity at
the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu graced the
event as the Chief Guest, and the Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, was
the Guest of Honour. The event was held in the presence of Akshaya Patra’s
founders Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman and President, and Chanchalapathi Dasa,
Vice Chairman and Sr. Vice President of ISKCON Bangalore.
Speaking on the occasion, Rashtrapati Murmu said that we must ensure that every
child receives quality education, nutritious food, good health, and a clean and
safe environment. These fundamentals enable holistic development of children.
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5. 13TH CHAMANLAL JI MEMORIAL LECTURE: The 13th
Chamanlal Ji Memorial Lecture, organised by the International Centre for
Cultural Studies (ICCS), took place on March 25 at the Vichar Vinimay Nyas
Auditorium, New Delhi. This annual lecture serves to commemorate the legacy of
Chamanlal Ji, whose life’s work continues to inspire individuals to serve as
selfless swayamsevaks.
This year’s theme, ‘India’s Role in a Changing World Order’, proved both timely
and significant within the context of contemporary international relations. The
event featured Dr Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary of the
Bharatiya Government, as the keynote speaker, while eminent writer and thinker
Dr Ratan Sharda chaired the proceedings. The lecture brought together a
distinguished group of foreign dignitaries, scholars, students, and
intellectuals to discuss the evolving position of Bharat in global politics.
Dr Ratan Sharda spoke about the daily routine and lifestyle of Chamanlal Ji,
noting that his simplicity and cordial behaviour won the hearts of Bharatiya
people. He described Chamanlal Ji as a ‘faceless leader’ who is recognised more
for his dedicated work than for his public visibility.
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6. RAM YANTRA INSTALLED IN RAM MANDIR AT AYODHYA: A
24-carat gold-plated Shri Ram Yantra weighing around 150 kg and carved out from
five metals (panch dhatu) was installed on the second floor of the Ram Mandir in
Ayodhya by Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu on March 19, the first day of Navratri.
7. HSS SPAIN CELEBRATES HINDU NEW YEAR: Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh Spain organized the Varsh Pratipada Utsav on March 22.
Families and members of the community participated with great enthusiasm, joy,
and devotion. 60 participants attended the event which included yoga, Surya
Namaskar, traditional games and meditation.
8. VARSHA PRATIPADA UTSAV BY HSS TAIWAN: HSS Taiwan
celebrated the Ugadi / Varsha Pratipada Utsav on March 22 at the Community
Center in Guishan, Taoyuan. 42 participants, including four children, attended
the event. Umesh Parmar, founder of Malabo Trading Co. was the Chief Guest on
the occasion.
9. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BY HSS SCHAUMBURG:
International Women's Day was held on March 14 by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)
at the Schaumburg Township District Library. The event brought together women
from across the community to honor their strength, leadership, and contributions
to society.
The program highlighted the many roles women play in shaping families,
communities, and future generations. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to
connect, share experiences, and celebrate the spirit of womanhood together.
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10. HSS USA MARKS BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA chapters across several states commemorated Black
History Month 2026 through educational programs, guest lectures, and community
dialogues highlighting the contributions of African Americans to American
society and encouraging stronger bonds between communities.
During the Centennial Black History Month celebrations, Black Heritage Society
Inc. also recognized Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh for its efforts to promote
inclusivity, equality, and community engagement.
In California’s Bay Area, guest speakers reflected on the legacy and
achievements of African Americans and their impact on the nation’s history.
Members of the local Black community attended the program, and a high school
student curated a Black History exhibit featuring historical memorabilia.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, HSS chapters hosted local community leaders for
open conversations about Black history, culture, and leadership. Participants
discussed the importance of role models, youth development, and collaboration
among communities.
HSS USA leaders noted that these programs reflect the organization’s commitment
to building bridges between communities and celebrating the shared ideals of
service and mutual respect that strengthen American society.
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11. INTERFAITH LEADERS MEETING IN NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS:
ISKCON Mandir Naperville, in collaboration with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS),
hosted the monthly meeting of Naperville Interfaith Leaders Association (NILA),
bringing together community leaders in a spirit of unity, dialogue, and mutual
understanding.
12. AKHAND RAMAYAN PAATH IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO: The
Akhand Ramayan Paath of Shri Ramcharitmanas was successfully organized in
Guadalajara on March 21-22, marking the 6th celebration of this sacred event in
Mexico. The event was organised by community members and swyamsevaks in
Guadalajara who perform the Sundarkand paath every Saturday morning throughout
the year. It brought together more than 120 devotees for continuous recitation,
devotional singing, and traditional rituals, creating a deeply spiritual and
unifying atmosphere.
Swayamsevaks of HSS Mexico ensured smooth execution through dedicated seva
across all aspects—setup, coordination, rituals, and prasad.
The event created a deeply peaceful and devotional environment, strengthening
unity within the community in Guadalajara and reflected the continued growth of
community consciousness among the Hindu diaspora in Mexico.
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13. RAM NAVAMI IN UK PARLIAMENT: On March 26, the
historic corridors of the House of Commons resonated with vibrant celebrations
as the Hindu Council UK (HCUK) and the Indo-European Kashmir Forum (IEKF)
jointly hosted a Ram Navami festival. This gathering united parliamentarians,
community luminaries, and distinguished guests in an afternoon rich with
spiritual reverence, heartfelt dialogue, and colourful cultural performances,
transforming the historic chamber into a vibrant mosaic of devotion and cultural
unity. The event commenced with the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa by Pujya
Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, thereby establishing a revered and devotional
atmosphere. The opening address was delivered by Mr. Bob Blackman, who
acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Hindu community, addressed recent
challenges, and reaffirmed his ongoing support.
This event is a part of the broader Ram Navami celebrations held across the UK,
featuring prayers and cultural performances.
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14. DANCE IDOL COMPETITION BY SEWA INTERNATIONAL: Sewa
International USA organized a ‘Sponsor a Child’ fundraiser event - Dance Idol
competition - at Milwaukee and Madison in first week of March.
15. MINNESOTA MOVES TO RECOGNIZE HINDUPHOBIA: A
resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry is gaining traction in
Minnesota, with more than 400 community members backing the move and lawmakers
hearing testimony on rising incidents targeting Hindu Americans. Introduced in
the Minnesota Senate on March 9, the resolution seeks to formally recognize
discrimination faced by Hindu Americans and reaffirm the state’s commitment to
religious freedom, pluralism, and mutual respect.
Community leaders testified before the Minnesota Senate Judiciary and Public
Safety Committee, citing incidents reported across the state and the country. A
letter submitted by members of the Hindu community urged lawmakers to support
the resolution. Signed by more than 400 Minnesotans, it called for greater
awareness of Hinduphobia, improved reporting mechanisms for hate incidents, and
stronger inclusion of Hindu communities in anti-bias and diversity initiatives,
a media release said.
The effort has drawn support from other faith groups. Ethan Roberts, deputy
executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, told lawmakers
that confronting religious hatred requires clear acknowledgement.
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16. CANADA’S PROPOSED NEW LAW IS A VICTORY FOR BHARAT:
Passed by the Canadian House of Commons in March, Bill C-9, the ‘Combating Hate
Act’, amends the Criminal Code to introduce stricter penalties for
hate-motivated crimes, prohibit the public display of hate-associated or
terrorist symbols, and criminalize the intimidation or obstruction of access to
religious, educational, and cultural sites. A significant aspect of the
‘Combating Hate Act’ is that it proposes to eliminate the religious exemptions
currently present in hate speech legislation.
17. OBITUARY: REKHA RAJE, FORMER SAH-SARKARYAVAHIKA OF
RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI: Senior sevika of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and former
Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sarkaryavahika Rekha Rajé passed away on the afternoon of
March 15 at AIIMS Delhi.
Rekha Rajé was a native of Kanpur and had been actively involved in social and
nationalist movements from an early age. During the Emergency in Bharat
(1975–77), she participated in satyagraha in Kanpur and played a prominent role
in mobilizing women in the protest movement.
Over the years, Rekha Tai held several key organisational responsibilities,
including Delhi Prant Pracharika, North Zone Pracharika, Akhil Bharatiya
Pracharika Pramukh, and Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Sarkaryavahika. For many years, she
worked from Jalandhar as the centre of activities while expanding the
organisation’s reach across the northern region of Bharat.
Leaders and members of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and other social organisations
have expressed deep condolences, remembering her as a dedicated worker who
devoted her entire life to social service and organisational work.
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18. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The right path is one that is
difficult to walk on, yet it brings happiness.- Maharishi Valmiki
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JAI SHRI RAM
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THE FIVE WAYS TO SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
RSS’ Sajjan Shakti Jagaran program is about family awakening, environmental protection, social harmony, civic duty and swadeshi way of life.
Dr. Manmohan Vaidya
On the occasion of the completion
of 100 years of the founding of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Sangh
has initiated numerous programmes to build a wide contact with society. One
significant endeavour among these programmes is to reach various sections of
society through five themes aimed at social transformation. This campaign, named
“The Awakening of the Power of the Virtuous (Sajjan Shakti Jagaran)”, is built
around five themes of “Social Transformations (Panch-Parivartan)”:
Family Awakening (Kutumb Prabodhana); Environmental Protection (Paryavaran
Sanrakshan); Social Harmony (Samajik Samarasata); Civic Duty (Lok Kartavya); and
Swadeshi (Indigenous) Way of Life (Swadeshi Jeevan-Shaili).
In the context of the Swadeshi Way of Life, the commonly emphasised aspects
include: using goods manufactured by indigenous producers instead of products
from multinational companies; practising communication in one’s mother tongue;
wearing traditional Bharatiya attire on festivals and occasions; adopting
traditional Bharatiya food; devotional worship (Bhajan) of one’s chosen deity (Ishta-devata);
incorporating the influence of Bharatiya character in home decor; and
undertaking pilgrimages (Teerth Yatra) and visits to historical sites with
family.
However, the Swadeshi Way of Life carries a deeper and broader meaning as well.
To understand this, one must first understand the word Self (Swa) inherent in
the word “Swadeshi.” “Swa” has three foundational dimensions that have given
Bharat a distinct identity and personality. When these three dimensions find
natural expression in our personal, familial, professional, social, and national
life, only then can that way of living be truly called the Swadeshi Way of Life
in the fullest sense.
Bharat’s first and most fundamental “Swa” is its spirituality. Because the
Bharatiya worldview is rooted in spirituality, it is integral (Ekatma) and
holistic (Sarvangeen). Bharat perceives the entire creation as interconnected,
and it is from this that the idea of “the world is one family” (Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam) emanates.
According to the Bharatiya view, one singular consciousness (Chaitanya) has
expressed itself in myriad forms. Therefore, diversity is not difference; it is
merely multiple expressions of a singular whole. It follows that each soul is
potentially divine. The goal is to manifest the divinity within by controlling
nature, both internal and external. One can do this by work (Karmayog), worship
(Bhaktiyog), psychic control (Dhyanyog) or meditation (Rajyog).
This is the path to Moksha, or becoming one with the all-encompassing Chaitanya
by the complete transcendence of the individual ego and the merging of the self
into the universal consciousness that permeates the entire cosmos.
Each individual’s path towards Moksha can be different, shaped by their nature,
inclinations, and the impressions formed through life, making it a deeply
personal journey that can be called one’s personal mode of worship or religion (Upasana).
Because of this belief, there has always been a tradition of Spiritual Democracy
in Bharat. Religion is not Dharma. Religion helps you to elevate spirituall,y
enabling one to perform Dharma, not a synonym for Dharma.
THE SECOND DIMENSION: SOCIETYBASED NATION
In Western nations, the conception of nationhood has been State-based
(State-Nation). Contrary to this, in Bharat, society is the living expression of
the nation, not the State. This is precisely why the Preamble of the Bharatiya
Constitution begins with, “We, the People of Bharat…” The bedrock of governance
and mutual co-existence is society first, and not the state. Therefore, the
concept of the “Welfare State” is not Bharatiya.
In his famous essay, “Swadeshi Samaj”, Rabindranath Thakur writes that in
traditional Bharat, subjects like justice, internal and external security, and
foreign affairs alone fell under the State’s jurisdiction.
Education, health, industry, trade, mercantile commerce, arts, music, theatre,
travel, pilgrages and their management, all such life-sustaining systems were
operated by society itself. The funds for these did not come from the State;
society itself bore those responsibilities. In Rabindranath Thakur’s words: “The
society that remains least dependent on the State for its needs, that is the
Swadeshi Samaj.”
THE THIRD DIMENSION: THE VISION OF LIFE’S WHOLENESS
In Bharatiya philosophy, pursuing both material prosperity and spiritual
elevation together is considered the fullness of life. Pursuing only material
pleasure or only renunciation alone is considered incompleteness. This very
thought is expressed in a well-known definition of Dharma: “Yato Abhyudaya
Nihshreyasa Siddhih Sa Dharmah”—That which brings about both material prosperity
and spiritual well-being is Dharma.
Another key aspect of understanding this “Swa” is that everybody, performing
various duties for society, is important and equal. Practicing this equality in
society is the idea of Samarasta (Harmony). As mentioned above, Bharatiya
spiritual thought holds that one singular consciousness pervades the entire
creation. Therefore any brother or sister who is engaged in any kind of work in
society, the same consciousness that exists in me, exists in them too. No work
is lesser than another and every kind of work has its place in the world. Thus,
the idea of “high” and “low” caste goes against the grain of “Swa”.
Our foundational essence is, “Hindavah Sahodarah Sarve”—All Hindus are brothers,
children of Bharat Mata, and all are equal. Therefore, the Swadeshi Way of Life
means practising inclusion and harmony in society—bringing together people from
all castes, all classes, and all kinds of professions.
There is a well-known episode from the life of Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya.
After bathing in the Ganga at Kashi, he was climbing up from the Ghat, while
coming from the opposite direction was a “Chandal” (a person considered
untouchable at the time), descending towards the river. Shankaracharya asked him
to move aside. The Chandal asked: “Whom are you asking to move aside? My body?
My body and yours are made of the same five elements (Panchamahabhuta). Or the
soul within me? The same one soul that is in you, resides in me too.” Upon
hearing this, Shankaracharya immediately understood that this was no ordinary
person, but Lord Vishwanath himself in disguise. He at once prostrated before
the Chandal with full reverence. This episode is a vivid example of the
integrative vision of Bharatiya spirituality.
Similarly, in the life of the great saint of South Bharat, Sri Ramanujacharya,
there is another inspiring account. In his old age, he would walk to the river
Kaveri for his daily bath, supported on the shoulders of two Brahmin disciples.
However, while returning after his bath, he would hold the hand of a person from
the Mallar community (considered untouchable in the society of the time) and
climb up with his support. When a disciple asked him why, Ramanujacharya
replied, “When I bathe in the river, I purify my body. And when I walk back with
the support of these brethren, I purify my mind.”
As a natural extension of wholeness and harmony, our tradition says, “Mata
Bhumih Putro’ham Prithivyah”. This earth is my mother, and I am her son. But in
blindly imitating the western model of development, we have created a grave
crisis of environmental imbalance.
This Nature (Srishti) is our mother. Therefore, its use(milking Mother Nature)
should be for fulfilling needs, not for exploitation. As is our custom, these
ideas are best understood through allegorical stories. Once, an election was
announced. Four candidates entered the field, Water Pollution, Air Pollution,
Land Pollution, and Food Pollution. All four demanded the Human Being as their
election symbol. The election officer said: “This symbol can go to only one.
Whoever gives the most compelling reason as to why they deserve it.” One by one,
all the candidates said the same thing: “It is the human being who gave birth to
us. It is the human being who nurtured and raised us. Today we have grown so
strong that we are capable of contesting elections, all of this is the human
being’s gift.”
This story compels us to think. The “human being” who has given birth to these
problems is the so called developed, prosperous human being, whose roughly 500
years of development model has today placed water, air, land, and food in
crisis.
In contrast, Bharat’s national life has endured for at least 20,000 years or
more, while maintaining balance with nature. Therefore, the Swadeshi Way of Life
is the key to protecting the environment and preserving its balance. This
requires not just thought but also daily practice—simple actions such as not
wasting water unnecessarily, avoiding single-use plastic, planting more trees,
and nurturing and protecting them. Doing this consistently requires a mindset
rooted in the Bharatiya way of thought.
Western thought emphasises individualism. In contrast, Bharatiya thought holds
that the smallest unit of society is not the individual but the family. For the
formation of a family, the individual’s “I” must dissolve into “We”. This
journey begins with the family and expands gradually to encompass extended kin,
village or town, state, nation, all of humanity, and ultimately the entire
creation. To become one with the supreme consciousness that resides within this
expanded “We”, that is the ultimate purpose of human life, which we call Moksha.
This very progression is described in Bharatiya philosophy as the four steps:
individual (vyashti), society(samashti), creation (srishti), and the supreme (parameshti).
These are the ascending rungs of this long spiritual journey. The starting point
of this journey is the family, this is why, among the four stages of life
(Ashrams), the householder stage (Grihastha-ashram) is accorded special
importance.
The world may be in despair but it is possible for the entirety of humanity,
amidst diverse forms of worship, languages, racial diversity, and limited
resources, to live a prosperous, harmonious, and peaceful life. The wisdom for
this lies with Bharat and has emerged from Bharat’s spirituality-based view of
life. Therefore, for the welfare of humanity, it is essential that Bharat stand
as a prosperous, capable, and self-confident nation and maintains its essential
identity.
Bharat’s thought is great, but if the society that lives in that thought does
not exist, this knowledge will remain confined only to books and scholarly
discussions. The society that will bring Bharat’s thought into conduct and
practice will be shaped by the family system. Passing on this intellectual and
cultural heritage to the children born in families, through conversation and
dialogue, is the primary responsibility of the family. The role of the school
and society comes after.
For the continuity of the family, it is also necessary that the new generation
be sufficiently large. Generally, approximately 2.1 children, that is, three
children per family and this sustains the continuity of the family. If all
members of the family sit together weekly, converse and connect, then social,
intellectual, and cultural continuity will naturally be maintained.
On this basis, Bharat will remain capable, active, and empowered to play its
global role. All of this is the manifestation of Bharat’s “Swa”, and is an
inseparable part of the Swadeshi (Indigenous) Way of Life. This responsibility
belongs to the Nation, that is, to the society. The State can be supportive, but
the primary responsibility is of society. And in shaping that society, the role
of the family is the most fundamental and decisive.
Dr Manmohan Vaidya, formerly Sah Sarkaryawah (Joint General Secretary) of the
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is Member, All Bharat Executive Council.
(March 29, 2026
https://sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/the-five-ways-to-social-transformation-179884/
) -GoTop
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