Jyeshta Shukla 14 , Vik. Samvat 2083, Yugabda 5128 : 1 June, 2026: SM 8005 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA: The International Day of Yoga
is a day in recognition of Yoga that is celebrated around the world annually on
June 21 following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014. As Yoga exercises
have shown significant benefits for physical and mental well-being, it was
considered important by the UN to globally promote this wellness practice which
originated in ancient Bharat. 
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT:
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat called upon
swayamsevaks to work actively for environmental protection and make constructive
use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while urging them to remain aware of
national and global developments and contribute meaningfully towards society.
3. DATTATREYA HOSABALE INTERVIEW WITH PTI: In an
exclusive interview with PTI’s CEO & Editor-in-Chief Vijay Joshi, RSS
Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said in response to a question on minorities
that we believe a change of religion does not change our nationality. When the
nationality is one, there is no difference. In response to the question about
Hindu Rashtra, he said that we are not creating a Hindu nation; this is a Hindu
nation. Even when there was British Raj, Bharat was a Hindu Rashtra. Regarding
the relationship with Pakistan, he said that Bharat must strongly respond to
Pakistan’s support for cross-border terror attacks while also keeping the doors
for dialogue open.
He also said that how human beings behave with other human beings and how human
beings behave with nature, it is a based on values. Outward things such as
dress, attire and lifestyle may change, but what truly matters is respect for
elders, keeping families together, being responsible towards the community and
inculcating values in the upcoming generation. -GoTop
4. KARYAKARTA VIKAS VARG-II BEGINS IN NAGPUR: On May 11,
the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) inaugurated the Karyakarta Vikas
Varg-Dwitiya at the Maharshi Vyas Auditorium in the Dr. Hedgewar Smriti Bhavan
premises at Reshimbagh in Nagpur.
5. JANJATI SANSKRUTIK SAMAGAM IN DELHI
Nearly 1.5 lakh people from over 500 tribal communities across Bharat gathered
at the Red Fort grounds on May 24 and called for the removal of converted
Muslims and Christians from the Scheduled Tribe category. The event was held
against the backdrop of the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Groups from Assam, Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar
Islands and other regions participated, with organisers calling it the largest
tribal cultural mobilisation of its kind.
“This cultural programme is aimed at giving a major push to our long-pending
demand for de-listing converted tribals from the Scheduled Tribe category.”
Maalaya Jigdung of the Janjati Suraksha Manch, Assam prant, said. Union home
minister Amit Shah was also present at the event. -GoTop
6. SELF-RELIANCE IN PULSES AND OILSEEDS IS ESSENTIAL FOR
GROWTH OF FARMERS – BKS: After detailed discussions and deliberations during
its two-day Akhil Bharatiya meeting in Mount Abu, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh urged
the Union Government to adopt a comprehensive and practical approach to achieve
self-reliance in the production of pulses, oilseeds, and edible oils in the
country. The organisation stated that Bharat’s dependence on foreign countries
for pulses and edible oils remains a serious concern directly linked to the
nation’s food security and sovereignty.
7. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF NMO: The
National Executive Committee (NEC)Meeting of the National Medicos Organisation (NMO)
was conducted on May 17 at New MP Bhavan, New Delhi.
102 National Executive Members comprising doctors and medical students from
various states across the country participated in the meeting. The NEC witnessed
extensive and meaningful discussions on organisational growth, expansion
strategies, upcoming national initiatives, student engagement, publication
activities, and strengthening professional participation in healthcare and
social service activities.
8. HSS JAPAN’S EMERGENCY AND DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING:
12 swyamsevaks from various shakhas across Tokyo participated in the hands-on
disaster preparedness training at the Tokyo Disaster Prevention Education Center
(Honjo Bosaikan) on May 10. They gained practical experience in responding
effectively to common natural disasters and emergency situations typical of
dense urban environments such as Tokyo.
9. HINDU HERITAGE CAMP: BOTSWANA: On May 10, Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh HSS Botswana hosted a successful Hindu Heritage Camp at
Livingstone Kolobeng College (LKC), Gaborone.
10. LEAMINGTON BAAL SHAKHA 'PRARTHANA YAGNA': The
Sanskar Baal Shakha at Leamington, UK, celebrated Varsha Pratipada with a
‘Prarthana Yagya’.
The 'Prarthana Yagya' activity enabled Baal gana (under 11's) to demonstrate
their dedication and focus by reciting Prarthana. The Baal gana memorised Sangh
Prarthana according to their ability, and saying the complete Prarthana wasn't
mandatory.
Ram Vaidya, Vishwa Vibhag sah-Samyojak delivered an insightful Bauddhik on the
deep meaning of the Prarthana. He explained how the prayer relates to core
values and culture, and shared the history of how the Prarthana was thoughtfully
composed to reflect the timeless values of the Sangh. -GoTop
11. HSS (UK) CELEBRATES EARTH DAY 2026: Durga Shakha,
South Harrow, celebrated Earth Day on April 24 with an engaging and educational
program focused on environmental awareness and responsibility. As part of the
celebration, participants took part in a dynamic ‘Circuit Challenge’, which
included activities such as waste sorting by category (landfill, compost, and
recycling), rapid-fire quizzes, and ranking exercises on topics including
biodiversity, oceans and water, renewable energy, deforestation, and carbon
footprint.
The program concluded with a reflection on how, at HSS, Bhumi Mata (Mother
Earth) is revered, emphasizing that caring for the Earth is not limited to a
single day but is an integral part of Hindu tradition and daily life.
-GoTop
12. TELFORD SHAKHA CELEBRATES ITS FIRST SHIKSHAK VANDAN
DIVAS: On March 20, Aadarsh Parivaar Shakha Telford, UK, hosted its
first-ever Shikshak Vandan Divas, an evening dedicated to honouring the
educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the community. Nine teachers from
various primary and secondary schools were provided a unique insight into the
values and activities that define the Hindu lives.
The evening concluded with an opportunity for informal interaction between the
teachers, students, and families, further strengthening the bond between the
Shakha and the wider educational community. -GoTop
13. HSS USA GURUVANDANA: On May 3, more than 70
teachers from 15 different schools around Naperville were felicitated by the
students from Lincoln Junior High School during the Guruvandana program. More
than 250 members attended the event.
More than 2500 educators have been honored across the US. -GoTop
14. HSS FINCHLEY SEWA 10KM WALKATHON: A vibrant and
heartwarming sewa walk on April 10 brought people of all ages together in
support of North London Hospice, celebrating compassion, unity, and the spirit
of giving back. Together, participants raised £2,500 for the charity.
15. SEWA USA ACTIVITIES: Sewa Austin organized the
Chaitra Navaratri celebration in Austin on April 5. Around 200 people attended,
and the chapter raised over $15,000 through the program. The event began with
Devi puja and arati, followed by a live band performance. Sponsors supported the
event through contributions and participation.
16. BHC: HANUMAN CHALISA CHANTING: The 5th annual 108
Hanuman Chalisa Chanting event was a well-organised, uplifting, divine and
peaceful occasion on May 17. The event organized by the Bradford Hindu Council (BHC)
was attended by more than 350 devotees and guests.
17. GLOBAL BHAGAVAD GITA CHANTING: On May 9, Chinmaya
Mission organised a worldwide online chanting of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 as
part of its 75th anniversary celebrations. The event, called ‘Chinmaya Gita
Samarpanam’, brought together more than 35,000 participants from 70 countries
joined the spiritual initiative, which has been submitted for a Guinness World
Records title for the largest simultaneous online chanting event.
18. PRAN PRATISHTHA CEREMONY IN MOZAMBIQUE: The Hindu
Community of Tete celebrated the sacred Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav of the Hindu
Mandir on May 8-10, a spiritually uplifting and historic occasion marking the
consecration and reawakening of the Mandir as a divine place of worship,
devotion, and Sanatan Dharma. The proceedings included traditional Vedic
rituals, sacred prayers, devotional bhajans, spiritual discourses, and the Pran
Pratishtha ceremony performed according to ancient Hindu customs and scriptures.
19. YOGKULAM SPIRITUAL RETREAT: YogKulam’s 2026
Spiritual Retreat over the Easter Weekend brought together an inspiring group of
Yoga Enthusiasts, including children, all connected by the love of Yoga.
YogKulam, the holistic yoga and wellness initiative affiliated with Hindu
Swayamsevak Sangh UK, provides community-focused spiritual and physical
well-being sessions across the United Kingdom. -GoTop
20. ANTI-HINDU HATE MONITOR PLATFORM LAUNCHED IN UK: A
new platform to help document incidents of anti-Hindu hate incidents in the UK
has been launched as part of efforts to address concerns of rising religiously
motivated hate crimes in the country. The primary focus of the new platform will
be on monitoring and documenting anti-Hindu hate crimes and incidents affecting
individuals in the UK who identify with Hindu traditions, including Jain
communities and other dharmic traditions, to better understand the realities of
anti-Hindu hate in the UK.
“We encourage temples, organisations, youth groups, and community leaders to
support the AHHM by sharing the platform widely within their networks and
encouraging those affected to make use of the reporting system where
appropriate,” said Dipen Rajyaguru, Director of Equality & Inclusion at Hindu
Council UK. -GoTop
21. BHARATIYA TEENAGERS WIN EARTH PRIZE:
Sixteen-year-olds Vivaan Chhawchharia, Ariana Agarwal and Avyana Mehta from
Bharat were named Asia Winners of The Earth Prize 2026 for creating ‘Plas-Stick’,
a biodegradable powder made from discarded tamarind seeds that helps remove
microplastics from drinking water.
22. BHARATIYA CRAFTS AS DIPLOMATIC GIFTS: A Muga silk
stole for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Madhubani painting with fish
motif for Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and a Ladakhi pure wool stole for
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson were some of the gifts presented by
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi during his five-nation tour, showcasing Bharatiya
crafts and products at the international stage.
23. OBITUARY: RUKMINI AKKA, FORMER SAHAKARYAVAHIKA:
Former Akhil Bharatiya Sahakaryavahika Ma. Kru. Rukmini Akka passed away at the
age of 98 in Bengaluru on May 21. She had been suffering from age related health
complications.
Rukmini Akka was an active sevika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti since the time
Mausiji was the Pramukh Sanchalika. She held various responsibilities including
Akhil Bharatiya Sahkaryavahika and Akhil Bharatiya Pracharika Pramukh.
RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale paid
tribute to her lifelong contribution towards organising Hindu society and
strengthening the Rashtra Sevika Samiti. In a joint statement, they mourned her
passing and said that the demise of the motherly figure Rukmini Akka has created
an irreplaceable void in their emotional world. They also said that Rukmini
Akka's life and personality, enriched by wisdom and experience, stood as a
radiant example of a meaningful life dedicated to the nation. -GoTop
24. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Soul appears to be finite
because of ignorance. When ignorance is destroyed the Self which does not admit
of any multiplicity truly reveals itself by itself: like the Sun when clouds
pass away. – Adi Shankaracharya -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
---
BHARAT, THAT IS INDIA: RECLAIMING A CIVILISATIONAL IDENTITY
Amitabh Ranjan
Since time
immemorial, civilisations have invariably been perceived through the names
associated with them. The nomenclature ‘India’ is a term shaped by geography
rather than culture, given by outsiders. However, ‘Bharat’ is a timeless name
through which this civilization has addressed itself for ages. In a completely
decolonized civilisation, Bharat deserves unequivocal primacy over India.
The mighty river Sindhu and the Vedic culture are like conjoined twins, so much
so that even the Rig Veda refers to Sapta-Sindhu, the land of seven rivers
spread across the north-western subcontinent. In Vedic hymns, Sindhu is
synonymous with both the Indus and its wider cultural landscape.
With the eastward expansion of the Achaemenid Persians, Sindhu became Hinduš,
depicting the lower Indus basin as an extension of their empire. The Greeks
pronounced it Indos and its inhabitants as Indoi — the people of the Indus.
Eventually, Indos evolved into ‘India’ in English, while Hindustan came to be
used in medieval times.
Bharat, however, is not rooted in a foreign ecosystem but in our own polity,
history and geography. The Vishnu Purana describes this land, ‘lying to the
north of the ocean and to the south of the snowy mountains’, as Bharat, where
dwell the descendants of King Bharat. This Bharatvarsha is perceived as a living
entity within Jambudvipa and not a colonial landscape depicted on a map by
Mercator. Ancient texts remember Bharat as a dutiful and righteous king whose
name became synonymous with the land — Bharatvarsha — its inhabitants,
Bharatiyas, and the Mahabharata, the tale of Bharat’s descendants.
The framers of our Constitution were aware of this duality, as Article 1 opens
with the carefully chiselled phrase, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of
States.” Our Constituent Assembly explicitly chose to retain both names — one
carrying international familiarity, the other civilisational continuity — as two
faces of the same coin. The question now is not whether to delete ‘India’, but
whether and how to accord rightful recognition to ‘Bharat’. This relates to the
larger question of decolonization. Recently, when Prime Minister Modi spoke
about complete decolonization by 2035, what exactly did he mean? We became
independent in 1947 itself, so why speak of decolonization now? In essence, it
concerns the larger issue of mental and cultural colonisation, which Macaulay
initiated in 1835 through his ‘Minute on Indian Education’, seeking to create “a
class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in tastes, in opinions,
in morals, and in intellect”. This policy systematically imposed Western
education as the benchmark of higher knowledge, eroded our time-tested
vernacular education systems, and sought to produce ‘clerks’ who would further
the cause of the British Raj.
Decolonisation, in this sense, is not about nostalgia. It is about reclaiming
intellectual space and cultural self-respect. When a civilisation continues to
identify itself through the terminology of its colonizers, it risks living with
diminished self-esteem. This is evident even in the comparisons we commonly
make. Kalidasa, widely regarded as the greatest poet of ancient India,
flourished sometime during the 4th-5th century CE, whereas Shakespeare lived in
16th-17th century England. Yet we still refer to Kalidasa as ‘the Shakespeare of
India’. This remains a stark example of the mental and cultural colonialism with
which we continue to live.
Following the English system of vowels, we insert ‘a’ into our original words
such as ‘Kalidasa’, ‘Bharata’ and ‘Kerala’ (fortunately now often rendered as
Keralam), and pronounce them accordingly, distorting Sanskrit and Hindi
pronunciations. So much so that we write ‘Yog’ as ‘Yoga’ and pronounce it in the
same fashion. The greatest irony is that I am writing this piece in English only
to make it more noticeable.
If we take the Prime Minister’s 2035 horizon for eradicating colonial mentality
seriously, then nomenclature is not a peripheral issue but part of the mindset
that must be revisited. Article 1 already acknowledges both names. However, a
logical next step may be to amend the Constitution to place Bharat first, making
it “Bharat, that is India, shall be a Union of States”, and to echo this primacy
wherever citizens identify themselves.
Such an amendment would allow the Preamble to begin with “We, the people of
Bharat…”, aligning our supreme law with a civilisational reality that predates
colonial modernity by millennia. Globally, the state may continue to use ‘India’
where necessary for reasons of familiarity and continuity, just as many nations
function with multiple official names without legal complexities. However,
domestically and constitutionally, the fulcrum would decisively shift from the
foreign exonym to our own original endonym. Critics may argue that this is mere
symbolism. Yet symbols are what nations are built upon — emblems, flags, songs,
anthems and names crystallize the stories we tell about ourselves.
The journey from Sapta-Sindhu to ‘India’ reflects how others mapped us. The
journey of Bharat — from the Puranas to the epics, from inscriptions to the
Constitution — reflects how we shaped ourselves. As we approach 2035, two
hundred years after Macaulay’s project of a decisive mental shift, it is perhaps
time to decide which of these paths will anchor the next century of our
republic.
Granting unequivocal primacy to Bharat is not about denying history, diversity
or global engagement.
It is about affirming that this Union of States is fundamentally a
civilisational community with its own lineage of thought, its own categories of
dignity and, above all, its own ancient name. Perhaps the time has come for both
a constitutional and cultural shift to cast off a borrowed identity so that we
may proudly live as “We, the people of Bharat” — Bharat, that is India.
The writer is an alumnus of NESA, Washington DC, and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and is
associated with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi,
as Registrar; Views presented are personal.
https://dailypioneer.com/news/bharat-that-is-india-reclaiming-a-civilisational-identity
-GoTop
