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At the outset, I heartily welcome Param Poojaniya Sarsanghachalakji, respected Akhil Bharatiya Padadhikaris, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal, esteemed Kshetra Sanghachalaks, Pranth Sanghachalaks and Karyvahs, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, and the sisters and brothers, who have been engaged in different social activities and attending this session as special invitees, to the Akhil Bharatiya Pradhinidhi Sabha of Yugabda 5115 (March 2014), being held at Bengaluru.
Respectful Homage:
The absence of those who were engaged providing impetus to the ongoing process of social regeneration by actively fulfilling their duties with utmost commitment and dedication, is certainly an extremely painful experience for us, and it is quite natural that their memories will come up in our minds very often.
Sri Vilasji Phadnavis, former Paschima Kshetra Karyavah, whose very life was dedicated to the Sangh work and its philosophy, has left us forever, battling against agonizing physical ailments. Sri. Rajaramji, who was engaged in the mission of protecting cows in the Punjab, fell a victim to cardiac arrest and departed quite unexpectedly. Sri. Dinanthji Mishra, ex M.P. and journalist, who had acquired fame for his clarity of thoughts, has also left us. Mananiya Shivakumarji Bharatiya, Saha-Vibhag Sanghachalak of Champaran, who had come to Nagpur for the third year Sangha Siksha Varg, expired even before he could complete his training in the Varg. Sah Vibhag Sanghchalak of Sawai Madhopur Dr. Haricharanji Sharma, Sri Arunda Chakravarthi, Mananiya Sanghachalak of Howrah South Bhagh, Sri Gujransingh Thakur, Senior Pracharak of the Kashi Pranth,Man. Sanghchalak of Amrutsar district Sri Santok sinhji, Sri. R.N. Venkataraman, a Vanaprasthi, who was active as the Karyalaya Pramukh at the Chennai Karyalaya, who was also karyalaya pramukh of Vivekanand Sheela Smarak Samiti in its initial phase, and Sri Maneklalji Patel, former Mananiya bhag Sanghachalak of Karnavati Mahanagar, are also not with us now. Sri. Aravind Harshe of Pune, who had virtually fulfilled his vow to dedicate his body, mind and resources to the Sangh cause, and who had groomed the Viswa Hindu Parishad in Maharashtra State into a strong, formidable force, had to lay down his life fighting cancer. Sri. P.T. Rao of Kerala, who was looking after the work of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh as a Vanasprasthi, Sri.K.S. Murthi of Hyderabad, who was the Vanavasi Avaas Pramukh of Andhra Pradesh and Sri. Prabhakarji of Hyderabad, who was the Kshethra Karyadarshi of the Bharat Vikas Parishad, are also no longer with us.
Sri. Namdeoji Dhasal, the celebrated author of Maharashtra and Sri Rajendraji Yadav from Delhi who have expressed the pains of the society, especially of the deprived sections. Sri.Deepchandji Gardi, an industrialist and philanthropist of Mumbai, His Highness Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyarji, the Maharaja of Mysore, who had made grate contributions to promoting the work of Viswa Hindu Parishad and Hindu thought, and His Highness Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varmaji, the Maharaja of Travancore, a Sanskrit scholar from Mysore, Maha Mahopadhyay Sri Ranganathji Sharma, President of Hindu Mahasabha Sri Vikramji Sawarkar and Famous Kannada Poet from Bangalore ‘Rashtra Kavi’ Dr. G. S. Shivarudrappaji have also departed.
Sri. Eswardasji Rohani, the Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Sri. Muralilalji, the Member of Parliament from Chattisgarh, Sri. Sheeshramji Ola of Rajasthan, a former Union Minister, Sri Bangaru Lakshman Ex. M.P. and Ex. National President of BJP are also no more. Padmashree recipients Dr. Vikramji Marvaha of Nagpur and Sri Vijayadanji Detha (Bijji), a famous writer of Rajastan, film artistes Srimathi Suchitra Sen and A. Nageswara Rao, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohrah Community, also have left us. Their memory will ever linger in our minds for the contributions made by them.
Pujya Kripaluji Maharaj, who had displayed tremendous capacity in guiding the lives and thought of others through his spiritual insight and sweet discourses, has attained Mukthi.
Many devotees and pilgrims, who had reached Uttarakhand from different states of our country, became victims of an unprecedented natural calamity, so that they could never go back to their near and dear and all of them have attained to their final adobe.
We pay our respectful homage to all those who had lost their lives in accidents and calamities, and those who had fallen a prey to terrorists’ attacks, and convey our heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families. We also pray to the Almighty God for the Sadgathi of the departed Souls.
Present Status of Sangh work:
During the year 2013-2014, all over the country, in all, 48 first year common Sangh Siksha Vargs, 6 first year special Sangh Siksha Vargs, 12 second year Sangh Siksha Vargs, one common third year Sangh Siksha Varg, one third year special Sangh Siksha Varg, were held, the total number of Vargs being 68. In the first year common Varg a total of 10435 Swayamsevaks from 6759 places, and in the first year special Varg 386 Swayamsevaks from 286 places, attended as trainees. In the second year Vargs, 2231 Swayamsevaks from 1825 places attended as trainees. And in the third year common Varg, 607 Swayamsevaks representing 565 places, and in the third year special Varg, 360 Swayamsevaks participated as trainees. This year along with common Vargs, second year special Vargs will be conducted at four or five places.
According to the available statistics, all over the country, 44982 Sakhas are being conducted at 29624 places. Saptahik Milans (weekly congregation) are being held at 10146 places, whereas work is being carried out in the form of Sangh Mandalis (monthly congregation) at 7387 places.
Department wise report:
1. Sharirik Vibhag (Physical Training):
As in the previous year, this year also “Prahar Mahayagna” was planned on December 16. In 19096 Shakhas, 2,08,386 Swayamsevaks took part in the event and executed 8 crore, 28 lakh, 30 thousand and 122 prahars. Compared to last year, there was an increase of almost 25%. Two thirds of the Swayamsevaks who participated were less than 45 years old. The number of Swayamsevaks who executed more than 1000 prahars, registered a two-fold increase and stood at 37,006.
Ghosh:
In 2013-14, Ghosh Prasikshan Vargs (Training camp for band troupe) were held in 30 Pranths (Provinces), in which altogether 4792 Swayamsevaks took part. In 11 Pranths, Sringa Vadya Prasikshan (Training in musical instruments like Saxophone, Clarinet, etc.) was specially held, in which 477 Swayamsevaks took training.
In Bangaluru Mahanagar, Ghosh route march and a mass playing of instruments programmes were conducted, in which 1072 Taruns (youths) participated. A similar programme was held in Chithod Pranth also. In the Pranth, route marches were taken out from 42 places simultaneously, in which 1036 Swayamsevaks took part. Four day Ghosh camps were held in Delhi and Chithod Pranths under the name ‘‘Indraprasth Nad’’ and ‘‘Swar Ninad’’ respectively. In Delhi Pranth, 807 Swayamsevaks participated, whereas in chithod Pranth 594 took part.
2. Boudhik Vibhag (Intellectual activities):
At the All India level, a workshop to impart training in narrating long stories was arranged at Jhansi, in which 58 Karyakarthas (workers) from 30 Pranths participated. The Prasikshan was highly effective in improving preparedness and presentation. And the practice of narrating long stories has improved in the Sakhas.
Prarthana week: The period of February 16 to 23, was planned as the ‘‘Prarthana week’’. The planning was to conduct Boudhik Varg on Prarthana for the benefit of Swayamsevakas. All over the country, the programme was held, in all, at 20192 Shakhas in which 2 lakh 90 thousand 334 swayamsevaks participated. As a result of this programme, the efforts to develop speakers with excellent communication skills were fruitful.
3. Prachar Vibhag (Media):
Seminars for columnists were arranged by Prachar Vibhag at Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru and Karnavati. Islamic issues and problems, various trends prevailing in Scheduled Castes, Emerging scenario in Jammu-Kashmir and Perspective on development of Bharat were the four main subjects discussed in these seminars in which 220 columnists participated from all over the nation.
More and more young and educated people are coming to Sangh using ‘Join RSS’ feature on RSS website. An effort is going on to appoint Karyakartas at every level in the follow up of ‘Join RSS’ feature. 12,118 people came to Sangh via ‘Join RSS’ feature in the year 2012. In the year 2013, this number has reached to 31,102.
4. Pracharak Vibhag:
This year three special meets were organised.
1. A meet of elderly Pracharaks, who have not been entrusted with any specific responsibility, was held at the ‘‘Smriti Bhavan’’, Reshimbag, Nagpur, on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, from October 11 to 14. Out of an expected number of 124, 85 Pracharaks attended the meet. Common discussions were held on the subjects like Dharmajagaran, Gow-seva, Seva Vibhag and Parivar Prabodhan. Informal talks the participants had with the Param Poojaniya Sarsanghachalakji, Mananiya Sarkaryavahji and Sri. Ranga Hariji, were highly beneficial. All the participants also attended the Vijaya Dasami programme held at Nagpur. The Traditional programme of paying respects to elders by touching their feet and offering them Shami leaves, was well received by all. Swayamsevakas of Nagpur even interviewed some of the elderly Pracharaks. Everyone was ecstatic about the immaculate planning and arrangements of the programme.
2. A meet of former Pracharaks, who are presently either Sanyasins or Mathadhipathis, was held at “Smriti Bhavan”, Reshimbag, Nagpur, from January 21 to 23, 2014. Out of 85 in the list, 48 Sanyasins attended the meet. Discussions on Social Harmony, Parivar Prabodhan, Dharmajagran, and Promotion and propagation of Sanskrit language, were held. And, taking into account the importance of the subjects, every participant in the meet committed himself to join the current process of social transformation by educating his own followers. A discussion with the Param Poojaniya Sarsanghachalakji was also held.
3. In the series of training program for Pracharaks of various categories, a camp for pracharaks working in various social fields was held at Muradnagar near Gaziyabad on the occasion of Deepavali festival (2nd to 6th Nov. 2013). 483 pracharaks from 33 organisations were expected out of which 432 participated in the camp. Poojaniya Sarsanghchalakji, Man. Sarkaryavahji and many akhil bharatiya adhikaris were present and guided the camp. The fundamentals of pracharak life, his style and functioning, Hindutva and issues related with various social fields were covered in Boudhikas and discussions. A workshop on Triguna Sampada based on Bhagavad-Gita was conducted.
Special programmes held in various provinces
1. Sankalp Mahashivir, Mahakaushal:
A Sankalp Shivir was organised in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. In the Mahashivir (mega-camp) held in the first week of January 2014, apart from all Taluks and Nagars, 2505 Mandals out of 2079, were represented. Targets were so fixed to ensure representation from maximum places, and to motivate and activate every worker having a responsibility so as to bring into Sangh contact maximum number of youths as new workers. As a result, Swayamsevaks from 6066 villages, 713 Nagar Bastis (Total number of Nagar Bastis-724), from all Bastis of 138 Nagars, from all Mandals of 52 Taluks, and all villages of 24 mandals attended the Shivir”. In all, 34688 Swayamsevaks attended the Shivir.
An exhibition with “Hindutva: A view of life” as its theme was organised and about 1 lakh people visited the exhibition.
As part of the preparatory work, 1191 Swayamsevaks came forward as Vistharaks. All over the province altogether more than 10 thousand Bhaitaks and around 8 thousand Ekatrikarans were conducted. 1 lakh 60 thousand households were contacted to extend invitation for the concluding programme. As a result, some 90 thousand Bandhus attended the programme. As part of the Shivir “Matrusakthi Sammelan”, “Sant Samagam” and “Enlightened Citizens’ Meet” were also held. The whole programme proved to be a great success from the point of view of expansion of the work.
2. College Students Camp, Madhyabharath:
A college student’s camp to enlist participation of students from colleges in the Madhya Bharath Pranth was organised from January 31 to February 2, 2014. As a preparatory measure, Ekatrikarans were conducted at 142 places in the Pranth. Out of 3317 Swayamsevaks listed, 2028 Swayamsevaks attended the camp. 832 Swayamsevaks, who were qualified to attend the camp, were given registration. The camp was attended by 545 Swayamsevaks from 85 places. As a result, there has been improvement in college students’ work. 41 Swayamsevaks expressed their willingness to work as Vistaraks in future.
3. District-wise Ekatrikaran, Gujarat:
Keeping in mind the workers’ camp scheduled to be held in January 2015, and the three-year work expansion plan, one-day district-wise Ekatrikarans were held in Gujarat Pranth during the period December 2013 and January 2014. 248 out of 252 Taluks and 1133 Mandals out of 1948 Mandals were represented in the Ekatrikarans. Out of 1214 Bastis of 116 Nagars in the Mahanagars, Swayamsevaks from 842 Bastis took part. In total, 26519 Swayamsevaks from 2386 places participated. As a result, from the point of view of expansion, there has been very encouraging growth in work.
4. Chattisgarh Pranth:
A. Vibhag-wise Sakha-team camp:
Last year, camp of Mukhyasikshak, Karyavah level workers was organised. As a follow up measure, in September 2013, Vibhag-wise camps of the workers of Sakha-teams were planned. 1362 Karyakarthas from 444 Sakhas attended the camp. And as a result, there was an increase in number of Sakhas having the Sakha-team, and the Sakha-teams were more active.
B. Khand-wise Bal Swayamsevak Camp:
This year 24 hour khand-wise camps for Bal Swayamsevaks were organised. Camps were held in 77 khands, in which 6591 Swayam-sevaks from 625 places participated. Both Sharirik and Boudhik competitions were arranged in the camps. 40% of the Bal Swayamsevaks who attended the camp were freshers.
C. Literature Sales-day:
So as to reach our literature to households, a plan was chalked out to arrange for sales of our literature at all district headquarters and Nagar centres simultaneously on the same day. In this campaign 1105 workers participated at 114 places. The campaign lasted only two hours and books worth around 1 lakh were sold. The campaign was really a thrilling experience.
D. Route March:
Giving stress to qualitative aspect, route marches were planned to take place at district headquarters within the time-frame of December 22 to 24. Route Marches were taken out at all district headquarters. 885 Ghosh players participated. After culmination of the route march, Boudhik Varg on Prarthana was also conducted.
E. Nav Chaitanya Shivir:
Nav Chaitanya Shivir was held in commemoration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary, in which 1650 college students from 386 college participated. Director of “super-30” of Bihar, Sri Anandkumarji, was the chief Guest. The speciality of the Shivir was that 40% of students were new-comers. Hope, the Shivir will provide impetus to college students’ work.
5. Chithod Pranth:
A. Virat Hindu Dharma Sammelan, Baswada:
“Mangad Balidan Shatabdhi Samaroh Samithi” organised a virat Hindu Sammelan at Baswada in Chithod Pranth. The Sammelan, held with the august presence of Param Poojaniya Sarsanghachalak, was a great success from the point of showing Hindu might. The event, held with the active participation of some 150 Sants from the surrounding areas, and co-operation and support in different forms extended by the local people and their physical presence in it, was highly inspiring. Including 95382 men and 26129 women, 1 lakh, 21 thousand and 511 people from 302 Mandals and 2065 villages took part in the Sammelan. As a preparatory measure, Bhajan Mandalis were formed in 83 villages and 1124 Gram Sabhas were formed. As a follow up measure, Taluk-wise Sangh Parichay Vargs will be planned.
B. Vistharak Yojana :
For the consolidation and expansion of the work, village Vistharak campaign was conducted from December 24 to 31, 2013. From the total 24 districts of the Pranth, Vistharaks went to different places. In all, 1856 Vistharaks went to 1651 places. Because of this campaign, this year there had been an increase in number of places as well as Sakhas. Apart from this, with the idea of village development, for the first time, couple Vistharak Yojana had been planned and 51 couples had come forward to work as Vistharaks and had been working in villages. This had been a very exhilarating experience.
6. Hindu Sakthi Sangam, Jammu:
In the wake of Param Poojaniya Sarsanghachalak’s tour of Jammu, an Ekatrikaran of Tarun Swayamsevaks was organised in the name “Hindu Sakthi Sangham” in Jammu. From the entire Pranth 4454 Swayamsevaks from 738 places participated in the programme wearing prescribed uniform. Almost the same number of civilians of Jammu also had attended the function. Such a programme held at Jammu has certainly been instrumental in instilling self-confidence in the Hindus there. Even from the point of making the workers active, the programme was very fruitful.
7. Navbharat Yuva Sakthi Sangam, Tejpur :
The three-day “Navbharat Yuva Sakthi Sangam” of Uttar Assam Pranth, was held at Tejpur from January 24 to 26, 2014. Entry to the Shivir was restricted to Swayamsevaks belonging to the age-group of 28 to 40. From 29 districts coming under Uttar Assam Pranth, which includes the Brahmaputra Valley, Nagaland and Mizoram, 2749 Swayamsevaks attended the Sangam. Param Poojaniya Sarsanghachalakji was present throughout. The Swayamsevaks, who attended the camp, activity participated in the Sharirik and Boudhik programmes held at the camp. On January 25, in the evening, after the route march, “Bharat Mata Ki Aarati,” a programme by Sri Sathyanarayanji Mourya, was staged.
Special mention has to be made about the presence of Dr. Amarjyothi Chowdhiri, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University. An exhibition to introduce the Sangh was the cynosure of the Shivir. 8000 people of Tejpur visited the exhibition.
8. Full-time workers’ and Pracharaks’ Varg, Assam:
The number of full-time workers engaged in different activities in the Assam Kshethra is sizeable. Including men and women, there are around 950 full-time workers in the Kshethra. The number of Sangh Pracharaks is 72. According to this year’s working plan, it was decided to conduct a Special Varg of the Karyakarthas above the district level, and the Varg was held at Hojayi from February 11 to 14, 2014. Mananiya Sarkaryavah, Saha-Sarkaryavah, Sri Dineshchandraji, All India Organising Secretary of Viswa Hindu Parishad, Sri Krishnaprasadji, All India Vice President of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, and Susri Sunitatai of Rashtra Sevika Samithi were also present in the Varg. Karyakarthas had occasion to present their experiences and thoughts during different discussion sessions. In the inaugural function, Saha-Sarkaryavah Dr. Krishnagopalji gave the Margadarshan, and on another occasion Sri Dineshchandraji gave the Margadarshan. The concluding session was addressed by Maananiya Sarkaryavah. In one session of the Varg, female workers had an opportunity to freely interact with Susri Sunitatai Haldekar. An exhibition depicting the status of different organisations was also arranged in the Varg. Out of the expected number of 470 workers belonging to 19 organisations, 368 Workers belonging to 17 organisations attended the Varg.
9. Arogya Chetana Shivir, Guwahati:
According to the plan of the Seva Vibhag, Sevabharati has been active for the last 20 years in the northeast region of Purvanchal. Its activities are specially concentrated in the health sector. Medical facilities and services are not available in far-flung villages of north-eastern states even today. Sevabharati has started the Health Protection Scheme there in an effective manner. Till date, training has been given to more than 5000 young men and women and many of these people are still active in serving the society there. A camp of all such workers was organised at Guwahati on November 7 and 8, 2013. 2500 such Arogya Rakshaks were registered in the camp. 877 women and 1066 men from 1648 villages also participated in the camp. Apart from guidance from medical experts and mutual exchange of experiences, the Shibirarthis had the benefit of guidance from Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukh, Suhasrao Hiremath, Organising Secretary of Aryogya Bharati Dr Ashokji Varshney, All India President of Rashtriya Seva Bharati Sri. Suryaprakashji Tonk and Mananiya Sarkaryavah Bhayyaji Joshi, etc. Shobhayatra taken out on the occasion was a special attraction. Presence of Karyakarthas of the age-group of 18 to 35 was the speciality of the camp. Participants had met the travelling expenses from their own pockets. The camp will certainly provide a new energy to the Seva activities in the northeast region.
Tour of Param Pujaniya Sarsanghachalakji during 2013-14
According to this year’s tour plan, Param Poojaniya Sarsanghachalakji’s tour was arranged Kshethra-wise. Along with organisational Baithaks, Ekatrikaran programmes of Swayamsevaks were also arranged. Apart from participating in special programmes, informal meetings with gentry of different places as part of the special Sampark Yojana, also took place.
Of the Programmes that need special mention, the Ekatrikaran of Swayamsevaks with full uniform, held at Maneri near Uttarkashi, was highly inspiring. He had an interaction session with Scientists in Pune. There was yet another programme in which he met top ranking scientists in the country, in which 9 leading scientists participated.
During the Jammu tour, he had interaction with some retired Defence Officers, and had a meeting with leading Tamil litterateurs at Chennai.
For the last two or three years, discussions based on the Vijaya Dasami speech with elite people at Delhi have become a permanent feature. Especially retired Defence Personnel, retired Govt. Servants, media people, important office bearers of social organisations, educationists, economists etc. would attend this programme. This year also the programme was held at Delhi.
Discussions were held with Directors of different educational institutions at Indore, Professors of I.I.T. Pavai, in Mumbai, as also leading lights in the business and industrial sectors.
He had also met spiritual leaders, including Poojya Acharya Mahasramanji, Jainacharya Srimad Vijay Ratnasunder Surishwarji, Jain Munis Poojya Sri Vidyasagarji, Poojya Sri. Tarun Sagarji, Poojya Sri Pulak Sagarji, Kanchi Acharya Poojya Jagatguru Jayendra Saraswathiji Majaraj, Poojya Shivababaji, Poojya Dada J.P. Vasvaniji of Pune, and the Chief of the Radhaswami Satsang Sabha, which needs special mention.
He had also met well-known persons from different walks of life, among whom were noted music maestro P. Ajay Chakravarthi, leading football player Subrato Roy, Retired Major General K.K. Gangully, Retired Supreme Court Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, Justice Ramalingam of Tamilnadu, and Maharaja of Sirohi Sri Raghuvir Singhji, Rajastan.
Tour of Mananiya Sarkaryavahji:
This year according to Mananiya Sarkaryavahji’s tour plan, his tour was arranged Kshetra-wise. Especially, interaction with Karyakartas of the Prath team, Samanwaya Team Baithaks and Baithaks of Pranth level Karyakartas of special activities, formed the main plank of the tour. In all Bhaitaks attendance was from 65 to 85 per cent. State-wise ‘Vishesh Chintan’ Bhaitaks also formed part of the tour. Evaluative assessment of the current social situation, challenges before the Hindu Society, antinational and anti-social activities was made in the Bhaitaks. After the Chintan Bhaitak, thought was given to follow up measures to be taken. It is necessary that this process should take place at different levels. Attempts will be made to plan our activities in view of the Chintan.
National Scenario:
During the year 2013-2014, two special programmes were conducted.
1. Swaranjali:
“Samskar Bharati”, on the occasion of the 50th year of the Chinese aggression, renewed the memory of those who had attained martyrdom during the Chinese aggression of 1962, and paid rich tributes to them at the function, “Sarhad ko Swaranjali,” organised by it. The song ‘ye mere Vatan ke logon’, that has enthralled and thrilled our masses ever since 1963, and the song “Kath Jonavar Mruthyuhol”, written and tuned by late Bhupen Hazarika, were the main attraction of the function. Students from 8 northeastern states took part in the competitions held on the occasion. The 92 year old mother of martyr Shri Jasvantsingh Rawat, Smt. Leela Deviji had attended the function. The participation of our Scheduled-tribe Bandhus and some 1000 artistes from all over India, could give a glimpse of our unity to the society.
Plans have been made to reach soaked-soil collected from the birth places of martyrs and border villages, Rakshasutre (Protective-string) and a memento, signed by Susri Lata Mangeshkar, to the households of the martyrs.
2. Swami Vivekananda Sardha Shati Samaroh:
The participation of Vanavasis, villagers, matrushakti, youths and enlightened sections of our society in different programmes organised to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, was something unprecedented.
Seminars and debates were organised on different subjects based on the thought of Swami Vivekananda for the sake of enlightened sections of our society, and at every level, the relevance of the Swamiji’s thoughts even today, has been acknowledged.
Especially, Swamiji’s message of “Man-making” has once again engaged our thoughts. Participation of Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of different universities, educationists, retired judges, defence personnel, scientists and great personalities working in the Dharmic and social spheres, was highly inspiring. Co-operation extended by the Spiritual Organisation like Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Gayatri Parivar, Sharada Matham, Chinmaya Mission, Swaminaryan Order, Jain institutions, etc. has really enhanced the prestige of the programmes.
The Celebrations under the guidance of Poojya Mata Amruthanandamayi Devi and great personalities like Hon’ble Subhash Kashyap, presiding over it, from the point of view of thinking, studying, awakening and participation, will certainly prove to be instrumental in deciding the future course of our nation. The whole celebration was ably planned and carried out by the Vivekananda Kendra, Kanya Kumari.
Insecure national borders:
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Tibet (China) are our bordering countries, through a resolution passed at the last Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal, held in Kerala, we had invited the attention of the people and the government to the grave situation prevailing at our borders.
It is necessary to seriously think about reinforcing security at our borders by developing all needed infrastructure. The existing facilities are quire inadequate. Presently, there are no proper roads on our borders. Even at places where roads are available, the conditions of the roads are pathetically bad so that they are practically unfit for use. In the absence of proper road facilities and means of transportation, how the development of the region will be possible? The border villages in Ladhak and Arunachal Pradesh happen to be the most neglected and quite backward. In fact, the manpower in such villages should be properly streamlined and utilized, from the point of view of security. However, neither the State government nor the Central government seems to be concerned about it. Our borders are well defined and demarcated. But our neighbouring countries are trying to create an impression that the borders are disputed. So, we should not only counter their arguments in definite and unequivocal terms, but also think of measures to get them vacated from our areas, forcibly encroached on by them.
In our resolution, we have put forward a suggestion that a Border Commission or Authority be formed so that it will be easy to take necessary steps to ensure proper security and facilitate development of the region by achieving proper coordination between the people living in that area, the Central defence forces, and the State Government. In the absence of a proper system, narcotics, illicit arms and counterfeit currency notes are being smuggled into our country. And also infiltration by aliens is taking place on a large scale. Now there is urgent need for transportation facilities, travel facilities and electricity in sufficient quantity, in the border regions. Migration of Youths from border regions for want of work, livelihood and education facilities, is a matter of grave concern. The Central government has to give serious thought to this problem and prepare and execute necessary plans to address it.
Challenges confronting the Hindu way of life:
Last year, two issues had come up for discussion before the society – “live in relationship” and “homosexuality – which led to arguments, both in favor and against, on according legal sanction to such relationships.
Bharat is known all over the world for its distinct life-style, culture, traditions and value system. A highly cultured life-pattern based on certain life-values and moral-values had developed here through thousands of years. The “institution of marriage” is our speciality. Without breaching the limits of family, social and Dharmic conventions, our social life has been secure. Social commitment is more efficacious than the legal commitment.
How can we compromise on our moral values, social system and traditions in the name of individual freedom? So, before extending legality to such things, we have to keep in mind the long-time deleterious effect it will have on our social life. Our society has always cared to reform itself in keeping with the times, in the light of our “Sruthi” and “Smritis”. Law accords security to the individual. However, a society that goes by its traditions, conventions, culture and life-values, cannot be secured through law. Only guidance based on Dharmic and social thought can ensure security to social life.
National Unity:
Certain incidents, having the potential to vitiate the atmosphere of unity and harmony prevailing in our country, that took place during the 2013-2014 period, have been very painful.
Different religions, modes of worship and beliefs, which have taken birth in this very soil, have been growing here as different branches of the same spiritual thought, with a sense of unity for thousands of years. However, in recent years, to serve some temporary, selfish political interests, attempts are being made to divide our society in the name of majority and minority. It is the reflection of the same mindset that we see in the proclamation according minority status to the Jain community. It is high time for the thinkers’ active in the social and Dharmic spheres to come together and evolve the ways and means to safeguard the unity and integrity of the nation.
Discussions on bifurcating big states are being held from time-to-time. Reorganization of states, if required, is necessary and proper. However it is unfortunate that, even in such matters, considerations of political gains and losses influence the decision-making process. Decisions should be taken with the consideration and protection of social relationships and mutual confidence. At the time of bifurcation, care should be taken against whipping up passions, and to ensure that people of any section or region do not get the feeling that injustice has been done to them. Otherwise, the possibility of such decisions affecting social relationships in the long run will remain.
In the near future, Lok Sabha elections will be held. This is a good opportunity for our countrymen. The credibility, honesty and commitment to the nation of the present government have become questionable. Today, the nation expects a change. It is the active role of the enlightened voters that is going to shape the future destiny of our nation. So, it is for us to play our role assessing its implication correctly, so as to bring about the change that will reflect the will and aspirations of the common people.
Conclusion:
Now it is our experience that throughout the nation, regard for and expectations from our work have increased much. And, so as to increase our efficiency to meet the expectations, we have to work hard with full concentration. From the last two years we have been making good planning to develop our work, with positive results.
If we do the Sangh work with dedication, wisdom and dexterity, we will certainly be able to enjoy the bliss of accomplishing our goal. Let us remember Param Poojaniya Shri Gurji’s words. He used to say: “Less talk, more work.” Let us make a resolve to follow this advice. Our efforts and planning, I am sure, will certainly lead to the proclamation of the success of the Sangh.