Thursday, October 25, 2012

Vijayadashami Speech by RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat from Nagpur

Nagpur October 24, 2012: RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr Mohan Rao Bhagwat addressed the nation on the occasion of foundation day of RSS on Vijayadashami, at Nagpur Headquarters this morning. Turned 87, RSS was founded on Vijayadashami Day on 1925 by Dr Keshava Baliram Hedgwar.

RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Rao Bhagwat addressing during his annual Vijayadashami speech at Nagpur, Oct 24-2012

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing an annual gathering of Vijayadashmi celebrations here today, said any construction for the sake of the minority community should be allowed only outside the “cultural boundaries of Ayodhya”. Quoting reports, Bhagwat said, “Attempts are on to acquire a large plot of land adjacent to the Ram Janambhoomi to construct a big structure for Muslims.”

The complete speech abstract  of Mohan Bhagwat:


This day,our minds are filled with the hallowed memory of our guiding lights like Swargiya Sudarshanji. In the course of the march of victory, the memory of great heroes provides us with the inspiration to forge ahead. Vijayadasami is the festival of victory. The whole nation celebrates this festival to commemorate the triumph of humanity over savagery, the forces of good over the forces of evil. This day is marked for overcoming the limitations imposed on our efficiency and prowess by our own imaginary weaknesses and to assert our valour.

Since we can redeem our nation from its present predicaments and intricacies only through the multi-faceted efforts of the people’s strength, the peoples psyche requires such a transgression. We have demonstrated time and again our ability to do so even during our 65 years of independence. In every field of human life, including science, trade, arts, games, etc. and in the environment of competition prevalent both at the national and the international level, the examples that proclaim the acumen of Bharat, have become quite common now-a-days. In spite of this, in the current situation, the minds of people of our entire nation show the sign of anxiety, concern and, at places, even disappointment about the future. The developments during the last one year have helped only to accentuate these concerns. The security situation, both internal and at the international borders, still continue to be a matter of concern.

The promptness should be exhibited and efforts be seen to address the problems like the inadequacy of latest weapons and ammunitions, technology and other equipments and materials our armed forces require to protect our land, lack of proper roads, transport facilities to move men and material to the frontier posts, and insufficiency in communication network.

On the contrary, unnecessary controversies regarding trivial matters concerning the offices of the personnel of our armed forces are made topics of unhealthy discussions in the media that affect the morale of our armed forces. The will to achieve self-sufficiency in everything related to national security through indigenous production should be seen in our policy. No interest is shown The promptness should be exhibited and efforts be seen to address the disinterest, inefficiency and lack of coordination discernible in our defense strategy.

It is necessary to make fool-proof security arrangements to protect our national boundaries, including the islands and archipelagoes that form part of our territory.

From the point of view of security, along with the security of the national boundaries, military preparedness and protection, in the present context, our foreign policy and its execution also play a significant role. From this angle, the higher-ups in our administration had a few years ago made a much-awaited declaration of “Look East Policy.” All the South East Asian countries are aware and have accepted that their basic values and that of Bharat’s national life are the same and until recent times and even today, with reference to culture and trade, they were having close relationship with us because of business and other transactions. So, it was proper on our part to have resolved to establish friendly relationship and cooperation with all these countries. The people of those countries have also been favourable to this.

And, of course, the declaration was made with great speed and much enthusiasm. However, the tardy progress at the level of implementation has been most disheartening. The fact that China has entered the arena as a competitor with full force and preparation makes the worry at the low pace of progress on our part all the more confounded. Now we know that China has befriended Pakistan to such an extent that they have given their nuclear technology to Pakistan. And the consequences of China surging ahead of us to establish such strategic relationship with our immediate neighbours like Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka could be imagined from the angle of our national security.

More over, in all these places people of Indian origin are living in great numbers and to safeguard the interests of these people also, our foreign policy should be oriented in such away to keep these traditionally friendly countries on our side.

But certain developments that happened with the backing of our own government and administration in the last few years, have only added to the worries of the people and created a suspicion in their minds, whether our policies are formulated in the best interests of our nation or not. In Jammu and Kashmir, because of the policies pursued by the government during the last decade, terrorist activities are on a come back trial.
The areas under Pak-occupation have to be liberated; discrimination shown in administrative and developmental matters in the case of Jammu, Leh –Ladak and the Kashmir valley should be stopped forthwith and these areas must be made on par with the other parts of the country; conditions should be made favourable and secure for those Hindus to come back to the valley with honour, who were forced to flee their home and hearth; persons who took shelter in the state of J & K at the time of partitions should be granted state citizenship, but the policies adopted are further complicating he sitution.

The power crazy political parties governing at state and Centre continue with the process of ignoring the national interests and are succumbing to the pressures of foreign forces. It appears from the prevalent situation in the eastern parts of the nation that we have not learnt any lessons from our grim situation in the Northern parts caused by the progressive depletion of the nationalist Hindu population due to historical processes.

We have been repeatedly warning for the last many years against infiltration, smuggling of weapons, narcotics and counterfeit currency notes, etc. through the porous border areas of Assam and Bengal. Our intelligence agencies, High Courts and Supreme Court, and even the governors of the respective states also have tolled the warning bell from time to time against this menace. But ignoring all such warnings, for the sake of power, wrong policies have been followed and wrong decisions have been taken due to lack of a clear-cut national view, and, as a result, Northeast India has been facing problems of grave magnitude. The demographic imbalance caused as a result of infiltration has rendered the native population into in a minority,in many parts of NE Bharat and the phenomenon is stretching its hands all over Bharat. The poisonous brew of separatism and terrorism, growing there under the shade of religious conversion on a large scale, is given a new lease of life time and again because of the weak policies. The interference by expansionist

China is looming large on our northern borders. Making use of this favourable condition, terrorist organizations like Al- Qaeda are also trying to get a foothold in the area. In such a situation, only the effective presence of our armed forces and the strong moral of the people who have been living there braving the adversities remain the only substratum to ensure the security of our land and people. Before it is too late, we have to change our policies at the earliest. In our Northeastern region as also in other states of Bharat, infiltrators should be identified at the earliest and their names should be deleted from the voters list, and their ration cards, identity cards, etc. should be cancelled and necessary arrangements should be made to send back those infiltrators who are staying in our country illegally. The National Register of Citizens should be prepared in accordance with the clear-cut directions given by the courts, recording the place of birth, place of either parents or grandparents, supported by relevant documentary evidence.

Not only in the Northeast region, but elsewhere also it has been our experience that, whenever either under pressure of public opinion or as directed by the courts, to identify foreign nationals and doubtful voters becomes inevitable, both the government and the administration have, rather than identifying such people, invariably let off the Bangladeshi infiltrators and, at the same time, harassed the harmless Hindu migrants from Bangladesh, who have settled there for very many years.

We all have to clearly understand and accept that for the Hindu society world wide Bharat, which is traditionally known as Bharat only for the reason that this has been the land of Hindus, is the only land they can claim as their fatherland and their sacred land. And wherever Hindus become a minority or ineffective, even the names of such regions get changed.

If at all Hindus are forced to flee their land of residance because of persecution, they have no other place to go. So, no Hindu, from wherever he comes here, should be considered a foreigner. Either those who have recently come here from the Sindh, or those who have come from Bangladesh seeking refuge, or such hindus who have been forcibly and unwillingly made to take refuge here because of the torture or persecution they had to undergo, should get refuge in Bhatrat with love and respect. Also, it is the responsibility of the Indian government to play its role effectively to protect the interests of the Hindus all over the world.

There is one more dimension to this whole sequence. Only for the reason that the infiltrators belonged to their own religion, some quarters come forward to even justify the illegal activities being carried out by the infiltrators. People from the Northeast, staying in other parts of Bharat, either for education or vocation, were being threatened. The incident that took place at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai, has acquired notoriety. It shows that the anti-nationals who take pride in the desecration of the Amar Jawan Jyothi in Bharat in protest against the action taken by the Myanmar government against Rohingyas, continue to exist here. It is a matter of concern, anger and disgrace that as a result of the policy adopted by the very administration detrimental to the national interest, and because of the growing impudence of the anti-national fifth columnists, such forces could bring great ignominy to both the law and order machinery and the government. It is very unfortunate that, in spite of all might and preparedness, those, who allowed a free play of anti-national forces because of their defective polices, are our own people, belonging to our independent nation.

Let alone inculcating national sentiment in the society as a whole, what we witness in our own Hindustan, is that, for the sake of votes, probably out of the feeling of fundamentalism or separatism or antagonism, for the last ten years attempts are being made progressively to insult or weaken the Hindu society either through wrong policies or through deception and subterfuge. Attempts are made to tarnish the image and goodwill of our revered Acharyas by levelling concocted charges against them. Swami Lakshmanananda, who was engaged in serving the vanavasis, was murdered through a premeditated action and the real perpetrators of the crime are still at large; misuse and misappropriation of the funds and assets of Hindu temples continue unabated; an atmosphere of suspicion and imputation is being created; with an aim to malign or denigrate the Hindu beliefs, traditions or cultural values, deliberate attempts are made to raise controversies regarding the funds and assets of Trusts formed by the Hindu saints and the temples like Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple of Thiruvananthapuram. Although the majority Hindu community is very broad-minded and accommodative, attempts are still being made to bring in a legislation that defames the Hindu society and vitiates the atmosphere of amity that prevails. The very people who swear by democracy, secularism and the Constitution, have introduced reservation based on religion and are advancing the theory that the minorities have the first claim over the national assets. Political alliances are hatched with the avowed aim of launching indirect attack against the Hindu society through love-jihad and religious conversion. As a result, in the mind of the Hindu society that has been living here, practicing the national values, naturally there has been a lurking doubt whether the leadership here is representative of them and taking care of their interests and aspirations or not? The dictatorial, materialistic and fundamentalist forces and the forces of rank opportunism that have infiltrated the state governments and the Central government, who are out to destroy Hindutva and Hindustan, are engaged in yet another attempt to vitiate the atmosphere of amity. According to reports, attempts are on to acquire a large plot adjacent to the

Ramjanmabhumi so as to construct a big structure for Muslims. The construction of Ramjanmabhumi Temple is an issue pending before the court. So, making such irresponsible proposal at this juncture will amount to playing with the sentiments of the people and will result in vitiating the atmosphere of amity. Keeping in mind the judgment delivered by the Allahabad High Court on September 30, 2010, the parliament, in fact, should bring in legislation at the earliest to allow the Ramjanmabhumi Nyas to construct a majestic Ramjanmabhumi Temple, and at the same time ensuring that any construction for the sake of Muslims shall be allowed only outside the cultural boundaries of Ayodhya . This is the only way to solve the issue amicably, ridding it of all political overtones.



However, the prevailing political atmosphere in our country is not such to raise expectations of solving the issue in the best interests of the nation, without vitiating social amity. Nowhere in the world the experience of allowing big companies through direct foreign investment in the retail sector has been encouraging. So to allow foreign companies to enter in a big way in retail business by enhancing the limits of foreign direct investment to insurance sector and pension sector will, rather than bringing us any profit, ultimately result in loss of income to retailers, lesser prices to our cultivators for their produce, and price rise to consumers. Along with this, it may also pose a threat to our food security. Even otherwise, plunder of our natural resources, destruction of bio-diversity and environment in the name of development and depriving those who are dependent on these of their income and habitation, is going on unhindered. Citing the economic progress made by a small section of our society, we have been claiming that we are on the fast track of development!

However, even that progress has come down from 9 per cent to 5 per cent. And the whole nation is reeling under price rise. The gap between the rich and the poor has ever been increasing, so much so that the problem of inequality has assumed frightening proportions. God alone knows why such half-baked laws are brought in with breakneck speed with out any deliberations or discussions. Instead of such socalled reforms what are needed are real reforms. In this field, calls for well-meaning reforms in the electoral system, tax system, internal auditing, penal code are either ignored or suppressed.

The plan and direction of development currently followed by the world, is the product of a deficient thought and the result is for us to see all over. More over, this plan is being carried out according to the game plan of rich multinationals to serve their ends. And till such time we redraw our plan with an holistic approach and abreast of the times, taking into account all dimensions of life, according to our ability, necessity and capacity, we will not be able to achieve a balanced development and progress beneficial to all; nor the world will be able to emancipate itself from the incomplete and deceptive life it is presently leading.

The consequences of incomplete thought had made the lack of national and individual character in our country more pronounced and painful. The mind-boggling revelations about corruption have not come to an end yet. Many small and big agitations have been conducted demanding punishment to the corrupt, for bringing back black-money stashed away in foreign banks, and for stringent laws to curb corruption. Many Sangh swayamsevaks also have taken part in such agitations. At the same time, knowing well that corruption is on the rise because of lack of character, Sangh continues to concentrate in its work of characterbuilding. People should be made aware of need to change the system, taking care to ensure that they do not fall a prey to disappointment or develop any aversion.for the system. Or else, a situation similar to one developed in the Middle East countries in which fundamentalist and foreign forces had created almost an anarchic situation to serve their interest, would be repeated here.

Non-political, lawful and wide social pressure is the only means to eradicate corruption. For its success, we will have to bring about widespread reforms in the educational system, administrative system and the electoral process. Also, through widespread discussion and exchange of views, we will have to think of the basic as well as long-term changes to be effected in our system. The ill-effect of blindly following even now a defective and destructive pattern in our social life, is now very much before us. Increasing caste feelings and hatred, exploitation and harassment of the deprived sections of the society, the growing instances of harrasment of women due to lack of moral values, including among educated sections, rapes, female- feoticide, licentious living, murders and suicides, breaking up of families, growing antisocial activities, stress and depression in life due to loneliness, which were not seen, or only minimal in the society earlier, have become endemic now.

And time has come for us to think about system based on our eternal values, suitable to the present times to reorganise the society.

We can’t become free of fault by leaving all responsibility to politics, government and the administration. Right from our homes up to the social sphere, are we in a position to project ourselves as the perfect example of purity, lawfulness, discipline, honesty in dealings, sensitivity, etc. that form the practical and necessary ingredients for a solid national life? Let us know the basic fact that every reform starts from our own view of life and behaviour and nothing can be achieved merely through agitations.
Mahatma Gandhi has mentioned about seven social sins in one of the issues of Young India, in 1922.The seven social sins are:

  • Politics without Principles
  • Wealth without Work
  • Pleasure without Conscience
  • Knowledge without Character
  • Commence without Humanity
  • Worship without Sacrifice

This appears to be description of our present-day social and political scenario. In such a situation, it is for the forces of virtue to work in society, taking society along with them. We have to accept this challenge and move forward. Swami Vivekananda was one among the pioneers of Indian renaissance from whom great men like Mahatma Gandhi, had drawn inspiration. In the coming days, the celebrations of his 150th birth anniversary will commence. It is for us to realise his message. Becoming fearless, with self-respect and self-confidence and sterling character we will have to do penance. We have to awaken the Dharmic Bharat through our dedicated, selfless work and serving man as God without expecting anything in return.The work of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is to mould individuals filled with these qualities.

This work is the need of the hour. All of you have to actively participate in this work. Attracted by our incessant penance and unrelenting hard work, the society will rise and come forward to work together. Then, like the great Ganges rushing towards the sea overcoming all obstacles, the star of good fortune of our nation will start his journey from his horizon to zenith. So, as exhorted by Swami Vivekananda, let us “Arise! Awake! Stop not till the goal is reached!”

BHARAT MAATA KI JAI.

Earlier, the swayamsevaks performed physical drills and yoga and suryanamaskars. Nagpur Mahanagar Sanghchalak Dr Dilip Gupta proposed vote of thanks. Vidarbha Prant Sah-Sanghchalak Ram Harkare, and Nagpur Mahanagar Sah-Sanghchalak Laxmanrao Pardikar were also present at the dais.

Founder of Arsh Vidya Gurukulam, Chennai, Swami Dayanand Saraswati was the chief guest of the function held to commemorate the 88th foundation day of RSS, the organization that was formed in 1925 on the Vijayadashami Day by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar to organize the Hindu society to make Bharat a strong, and vibrant world leader.
 

Deputy High Commissioner and Minister of Counselor of Singapore Johathan Tow, District Governor of Rotary International District6 3030 Dr Sanjay Meshram, BJP Nationbal President Nitin Gadkari, MLA Devendra Fadanvis Krishna Khopde, Nagpur Mayor Anil Sole, former MP Banwarilal Purohit, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Sancheti were prominently present on the occasion.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Glorious 87: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) turns 87 on today on Vijayadashami


Standing tall to its morals and principles, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) turns 87 on today, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami. It was founded in 1925 by K. B. Hedgewar, a revolutionary and doctor from Nagpur, as a social and cultural organization in British India.
A rare group photo of six initial swayamsevaks taken on the occasion of a RSS meeting held in 1939



RSS volunteers participated in various political and social movements including the freedom movement and the organization became the leading nationalist Hindu organization in India. By the 1990s, the group had established numerous schools, charities and clubs to propagate its ideology.

Its volunteers are also known for their role in the relief and rehabilitation work during natural calamities and for running more than 100,000 service programs in the field of education, health care, rural development, tribal emancipation, village self-sufficiency, Farming Programmes in rural India and the rehabilitation of lepers and special needs children.

It was banned by the British, and then after independence three times by the Government of India — first in 1948 when Nathuram Godse, an alleged former member who left RSS, assassinated Mahatma Gandhi; then during emergency (1975–1978); and after the Demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992.

RSS was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who was a doctor in the central Indian city of Nagpur. Hedgewar as a medical student in Kolkatahad been a part of the revolutionary activities of the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar striving to free India from British rule. He had been charged with sedition in 1921 by the British Administration and was imprisoned for one year.

Hedgewar was educated by his elder brother. After matriculating, he decided to go to Kolkata to study medicine. He was sent to Kolkata by Dr. B. S. Moonje in 1910 to pursue his medical studies. There he lived with Shyam Sundar Chakravarthy and learned the techniques of fighting from the secret revolutionary organisations like the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar in Bengal. He is said to have joined Anushilan Samiti and had contacts with revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil.

Previously he was involved in such type of revolutionary activities, This fact has been disclosed by so many writers viz. C.P.Bhishikar,M.S. Golwalkar,K.S.Sudarshan and Rakesh Sinha previously. He came to believe that although the revolutionaries had immense determination, in a country of continental proportions it was impossible to instigate an armed insurrection.

After completing his graduation, he returned to Nagpur, disillusioned with the armed movement. In his memoirs, the third chief of RSS, Balasahab Deoras narrates an incident when Hedgewar saved him and others from following the path of Bhagat Singh and his comrades. Later he left the revolutionary organisations in the year 1925 and formed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Since Hedgewar was primarily associated with the Hindustan Republican Association so he adopted the full constitution of erstwhile HRA and implemented it forcibly in his newly established organisation RSS later on. The RSS first met in 1925 just after two months of Kakori train robbery in a small ground of Nagpur with 5-6 persons on Vijaya Dashami. After the formation of the RSS, Hedgewar kept the organization away from having any direct affiliation to any of the political organisations then fighting British rule. But Hedgewar and his team of volunteers, took part in the Indian National Congress, led movements against the British rule. Hedgewar was arrested in the Jungle Satyagraha agitation in 1931 and served a second term in prison.
The Partition of India was a very traumatic event in the young nation’s history with millions of Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims attempting to escape the violence and carnage that followed.

Noted Gandhian and recipient of the highest civilian award in India, Bharat Ratna, Dr. Bhagwan Das commended the role of the “high-spirited and self-sacrificing boys” of the RSS in protecting the newly formed Republic of India, from a planned coup to topple theJawaharlal Nehru Administration in Delhi.
Following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948 by a former member of the RSS, Nathuram Godse, many prominent leaders of the RSS were arrested and RSS as an organization was banned on February 4, 1948.

A Commission of Inquiry into Conspiracy to murder of Mahatma Gandhi was set and its report was published by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs in the year 1970. Accordingly Justice Kapur Commission noted the following:

…RSS as such were not responsible for the murder of Mahatma Gandhi, meaning thereby that one could not name the organization as such as being responsible for that most diabolical crime, the murder of the apostle of peace. It has not been proved that they (the accused) were members of the RSS…
—Kapur Commission Report,

RSS Leaders were acquitted of the conspiracy charge by the Supreme Court of India and following an intervention by the Court, the Indian Government agreed to lift the ban with condition that the RSS adopt a formal constitution. The second Sarsanghachalak, Golwalkar drafted the constitution for the RSS which he sent to the government in March 1949. In July of the same year, after many negotiations over the constitution and its acceptance, the ban on RSS was lifted.

On January 15, 2000, a daily, The Statesman, carried a story about the RSS by A G Noorani, which depicted the RSS as the killer of Gandhi. Subsequently the Delhi unit of the RSS filed a criminal case of defamation against author of the article A G Noorani along with the cartoonist and the Managing Director of the publishing house. When two of the accused did not respond to the Court summons, non-bailable warrants were issued in their name by the Court. On February 25, 2002, Noorani wrote an unconditional apology to the court in which he regretted writing the defamatory article against the RSS. On March 3, 2002, ‘The Statesman’ also published an apology regretting the publication of the said article.

Field Marshal Cariappa in his speech to RSS volunteers said “RSS is my heart’s work. My dear young men, don’t be disturbed by uncharitable comments of interested persons. Look ahead! Go ahead! The country is standing in need of your services”

Liberation of Dadra, Nagar Haveli and Goa

 

After the independence of India, RSS was one of the socio-political organisations who aspired to liberate Dadra and Nagar Haveli from Portuguese occupation. In early 1954, volunteers Raja Wakankar and Nana Kajrekar of the RSS visited the area round about Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman several times to study the topography and also to get acquainted with the local workers who were agitating for the liberation. In April 1954, the RSS formed a coalition with the National Movement Liberation Organization (NMLO), the and Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD) for the liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. On the night of 21 July, United front of Goans, a group, working independently of the coalition, captured the Portuguese police station at Dadra and declared Dadra as free. Subsequently on 28 July, volunteer teams of the RSS and AGD captured the territories of Naroli and Phiparia and ultimately the capital of Silvassa. The Portuguese forces which escaped and moved towards Nagar Haveli, were assaulted at Khandvel and were forced to retreat till they surrendered to the Indian border police at Udava on 11 August 1954. A native administration was set up with Appasaheb Karmalkar of NMLO as the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli on 11 August 1954.

The liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli gave a boost to the freedom movement against the Portuguese in Goa. In 1955, RSS leaders demanded the end of Portuguese rule in Goa and its integration into India. When Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru refused to obtain it by armed intervention, RSS leader Jagannath Rao Joshi led the satyagraha agitation straight into Goa itself. He was imprisoned with his followers by the Portuguese police. The peaceful protests continued but met with severe repressions. On 15 August 1955, the Portuguese police opened fire on the satyagrahis, killing thirty or so people.

Role during the 1962 Sino-Indian War

 

The RSS which had been keeping low profile after the lifting of the ban, earned recognition based on its volunteer work during the Sino-Indian War in 1962. RSS was invited by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to take part in the Indian Republic day parade of 1963. It along with several other civilian organizations took part in the parade. This event helped the RSS increase its popularity and its patriotic image.

Later in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars too, the RSS volunteers offered their services to maintain law and order of the country and were apparently the first to donate blood.

Movement for the restoration of democracy

 

In 1975, the Indian Government under the Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, proclaimed emergency rule in India, thereby suspending the fundamental rights and curtailing the rights of the press. This extreme step was taken after the Supreme Court of India, cancelled her election to the Indian Parliament on charges of malpractices in the election. The democratic institutions were kept under suspended animation and prominent opposition leaders including Gandhian Jayaprakash Narayan, were arrested and thousands of people were detained without any charges being framed against them. RSS, which was seen close to opposition leaders, and with its large organizational base was seen to have potential of organizing protests against the Government, was also banned.Police clamped down on the organization and thousands of its workers were imprisoned.

The RSS defied the ban and thousands participated in Satyagraha (peaceful protests) against the ban and against the curtailment of fundamental rights. Later, when there was no letup, the volunteers of the RSS formed underground movements for the restoration of democracy. Literature that was censored in the media was clandestinely published and distributed on a large scale and funds were collected for the movement. Networks were established between leaders of different political parties in the jail and outside for the coordination of the movement. It said that the movement was “dominated by tens of thousands of RSS cadres, though more and more young recruits are coming”. Talking about its objectives it said “its platform at the moment has only one plank: to bring democracy back to India”. The Emergency was lifted in 1977 and as a consequence the ban on the RSS too was lifted.

Participation in land reforms

 

It has been noted that the RSS volunteers participated in the Bhoodan movement organized by Gandhian leader Vinobha Bhave. Vinobha Bhave had met the RSS leader M. S. Golwalkar in Meerutin November 1951. Golwalkar had been inspired by the movement that encouraged land reforms through voluntary means. He pledged the support of the RSS for this movement. Consequently, many RSS volunteers led by Nanaji Deshmukh participated in the movement. But Golwalkar has also been critical of the Bhoodan movement, on other occasions for being reactionary and for working “merely with a view to counteracting Communism”. He believed that the movement should inculcate a right and positive faith in the masses that can make them rise above the base appeal of Communism.

Organization

 

RSS does not have any formal membership. A Hindu male can become member by joining the nearest ‘Shakha’, which is the basic unit. Although the RSS claims not to keep membership records, it is estimated that the organization has 6 million members.

Sarsanghchalaks

 

The Sarsanghchalak (Sanskrit: सरसंघचालकः) is the head of the RSS organization. The individuals who have held the post of sarsanghchalak in this organisation are:

  • Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (founder), also known as Doctorji (1925–1930 & 1931–1940)
  • Shri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, also known as Guruji (1940–1973)
  • Shri. Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras, also known as Balasaheb (1973–1993)
  • Prof. Rajendra Singh, also known as Rajju Bhaiya (1993–2000)
  • Kuppahalli Sitaramayya Sudarshan (2000–2009)
  • Dr. Mohan Madhukar Bhagwat (21 March 2009 – till date)
  •  
The position is decided through nomination by predecessor. The current Sarsanghachalak of RSS is Dr. Mohan Madhukar Bhagwat.

“Shakha” is Hindi for “branch”. Most of the organizational work of the RSS is done through the coordination of shakhas or branches. These shakhas are run for 1 hour in public places. In 2004, more than 60,000 shakhas were run throughout India. However the number of Shakas has fallen by over 10,000 since the fall of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government in 2004.
 
The shakhas conduct various activities for its volunteers which include physical fitness activities through yoga, exercises and games. It has other activities which emphasize on qualities like civic sense, social service, community living and patriotism. The volunteers are trained in first aid and in rescue and rehabilitation operations. The volunteers are also encouraged to get involved in the developmental activities of the village or locality.

Significance of the Symbol

 

The emblem that has been chosen is the Bhagawa Dhwaj(saffron flag), which brings before the eyes the living of the ancient, sacred and integrated national life in all its pristine purity and entirely crossing all superficial barriers of province, sect, creed, cast, language and custom. Since times immemorial, it has been the symbol of Indian dharma, the Indian culture, Indian traditions and ideals. It has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the penance of yogis and sacrifice of heroes and symbolised the dreams of countless millions of the land all through the ages.In short, it has been the highest, the noblest and the truest symbol of our nationhood.

IT Milan

 

For swayamsevaks who work in information technology (IT) related sectors another form of Shakha is set, called as “IT Milan”. These are weekly meetings unlike the regular Shakhas which run daily. IT Milans are observed in many IT cities in India – Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune. There are as many as 3,000 techies in Bangalore who meet regularly this way. This 60–90 minutes weekly gathering includes a Prayer, Surya Namaskara, Yoga, games, song and sermon. IT Milans are user friendly; the prayer is available as a printout, usually everyone is addressed in English, and there are enough people to aid newcomers on the Surya Namaskara and seven yoga asanas. These exercises have been designed for IT professionals who suffer from chronic lower backache due to long hours at computers. It also helps that their employers respect their RSS links. Games are played during the Milan to relieve tension in the minds of IT Swayamsevaks and foster team spirit. An IT Milan also serves as a forum for discussion on various issues of national and international importance.

Mission

 

The mission of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been described as the revitalization of Indian value system based on universalism and peace and prosperity to all. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the worldview that the whole world is one family, propounded by the ancient thinkers of India, is considered as the ultimate mission of the organization.

But the immediate focus, the leaders believe, is on the Hindu renaissance, which would build an egalitarian society and a strong India that could propound this philosophy. Hence, the focus is on social reform, economic upliftment of the downtrodden and the protection of cultural diversity of the natives in India.[58] The organization says, it aspires to unite all Hindus and build a strong India, which could contribute to the welfare of the world. In the words of RSS ideologue and the second head of the RSS, M S Golwalkar, “in order to be able to contribute our unique knowledge to mankind, in order to be able to live and strive for the unity and welfare of the world, we stand before the world as a self-confident, resurgent and mighty nation”.

In Vichardhara (en.Bunch of Thoughts) M. S. Golwalkar affirms the RSS mission of integration as:

RSS has been making determined efforts to inculcate in our people the burning devotion for Bharat and its national ethos; kindle in them the spirit of dedication and sterling qualities and character; rouse social consciousness, mutual good-will, love and cooperation among them all; to make them realise that casts, creeds and languages are secondary and that service to the nation is the supreme end and to mold their behaviour accordingly; instill in them a sense of true humility and discipline and train their bodies to be strong and robust so as to shoulder any social responsibility; and thus to create all-round Anushasana in all walks of life and build together all our people into a unified harmonious national whole, extending from Himalayas to Kanyakumari.
— M. S. Golwalkar

Golwalkar also explains that RSS does not intend to compete in electioneering politics or share power. He asserts that there is no place in RSS for any hatred or opposition towards any particular caste, creed or party. The movement considers Hindus as inclusive of Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, tribals, untouchables, Veerashaivism, Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, etc. as a community, a view similar to inclusive referencing of the term Hindu in the Indian Constitution.

Sangh Parivar

 

Organizations which are inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s ideology refer themselves as the members of the Sangh Parivar. In most of the cases, pracharaks (full-time volunteers of the RSS) were deputed to start and manage these organizations. The organizations within the Sangh include the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Vanbandhu Parishad, Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Vidya Bharati, Seva Bharati and many others spread in all parts of society. Numerous other Hindu organizations take inspiration from the RSS’s philosophy.
RSS has never directly contested elections, but supports parties that are ideologically similar. Although RSS generally endorses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), yet at times had refused to do so due to difference of opinion with the party. Also, RSS is open to support any political party that subscribes to its views.
Of late, the volunteers of the RSS have also held prominent political and administrative positions in India including the Prime Minister of India, the Vice President of India, the Home Minister and Ministers in the Central Government, Governors and Chief Ministers of various states and the members of elected bodies at the state and the national level and also the Indian ambassador to the US

Social service and reform

 

The RSS has advocated the training of Dalits and other backward classes as temple high priests (a position traditionally reserved for Caste Brahmins and denied to lower castes). They argue that the social divisiveness of the Caste system is responsible for the lack of adherence to Hindu values and traditions and reaching out to the lower castes in this manner will be a remedy to the problem. The RSS has also condemned ‘upper’ caste Hindus for preventing Dalits from worshipping at temples, saying that “even God will desert the temple in which Dalits cannot enter”

Christophe Jaffrelot finds that “there is insuficient data available to carry out a statistical analysis of social origins of the early RSS leaders” but goes on to conclude, based on some known profiles that most of the RSS founders and its leading organisers, with exceptions were Maharashtrian Brahmins from middle or lower class and argues that the pervasiveness of the Brahminical ethic in the organisation was probably the main reason why it failed to attract support from the low castes. He argues that the “RSS resorted to instrumentalist techniques of ethno-religious mobilisation – in which its Brahminism was diluted – to overcome this handicap.” However Anderson and Damle 1987, find that members of all castes have been welcomed into the organisation and are treated as equals.

During M. K. Gandhi’s visit to RSS Camp accompanied by Mahadev Desai and Mirabehn at Wardha in 1934, he was surprised by the discipline and the absence of untouchability in RSS and commented “When I visited the RSS Camp, I was very much surprised by your discipline and absence of untouchablity.” He personally inquired to Swayamsevaks and found that they were living and eating together in the camp without bothering to know their castes.

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar while visiting the RSS camp at Pune in 1939 observed that Swayamsevaks were moving in absolute equality and brotherhood without even caring to know the cast of others. In his address to the Swayamsevaks, he said that ” This is the first time that I am visiting the camp of Sangh volunters. I am happy to find absolute equality between Savarniyas (Upper cast) and Harijans (Lower cast) without any one being aware of such difference existing.” When he asked Dr Hedgewar whether there were any untouchables in the camp, he replied that there are neither “touchables” nor “untouchables” but only Hindus.

It is noted that RSS is taking a lead role in providing the education to people of rural India and socially backward classes living under the extreme poverty.

Relief and rehabilitation

 

This is a long and continuous tradition with the RSS. The RSS was instrumental in relief efforts after the 1971 Orissa Cyclone and the 1977 Andhra Pradesh Cyclone.

An RSS-affiliated NGO, Seva Bharati, has adopted 57 children (38 Muslims and 19 Hindus) from militancy affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir to provide them education at least up to Higher Secondary level. They have also taken care of many victims of the Kargil War of 1999.

Natural calamities

 

The RSS assisted in relief efforts quite extensively during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. They helped rebuild villages. They “earned kudos” from many varied agencies and sources for their actions. For instance, in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, K. Srinivas, District Collector of Ahmedabad, Indian newsmagazine Outlook and India Today reported:

This is an old tradition in the RSS. To be the first at any disaster strike: floods, cyclone, drought and now quake. In Kutch, too, the RSS was the first to reach the affected areas. At Anjar, a town in ruins, the RSS was present much before the Army took the lead in finding survivors and fishing out the dead.
K. Srinivas, District collector, Ahmedabad

Literally within minutes RSS volunteers were at the scenes of distress. Across Gujarat, the (RSS) cadres were the saviors. Even as the state machinery went comatose in the first two days after the quake, the cadre-based machinery of the Sangh fanned out throughout the state. Approximately 35,000 RSS members in uniform were pressed into service.
—Outlook,
It is conceded by even their worst detractors that the RSS has been in the forefront of the non-official rescue and relief (operations). This has led to an upsurge of goodwill for the Sangh
—India Today,
Seva Bharati conducted relief operations in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Activities included building shelters for the victims, providing food, clothes and medical necessities. The RSS assisted relief efforts during the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and the subsequent tsunami.

In 2006, RSS participated in relief efforts to provide basic necessities such as food, milk and potable water to the people of Surat, Gujarat who were affected by massive floods in the region.

The RSS volunteers carried out massive relief and rehabilitation work after the floods ravaged North Karnataka and some districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

According to Cho Ramaswamy, the editor of Tughlaq magazine, the RSS-sponsored Sewa Bharati did yeoman service following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, despite a lack of formal acknowledgment.

Protection of Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots

 

RSS helped protecting Sikhs during 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots. Sikh intellectual and author of ‘A History of the Sikhs’, Khushwant Singh, credits members of the RSS with helping and protectingSikhs who were being targeted by members of the Congress(I) political party during the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots.

RSS has played an honorable role in maintaining Hindu-Sikh unity before and after the murder of Indira Gandhi in Delhi and in other places It was the Congress (I) leaders who instigated mobs in 1984 and got more than 3000 people killed. I must give due credit to RSS and the BJP for showing courage and protecting helpless Sikhs during those difficult days. No less a person than Atal Bihari Vajpayee himself intervened at a couple of places to help poor taxi drivers.
—Khushwant Singh,

Discrimination against RSS volunteers

 

Many cases have been reported in post-independence India where RSS volunteers have been discriminated against by the government due to their allegiance to the RSS. In a court case of a teacher who was dismissed from service due to his past links with the RSS, the Supreme Court labeled the government’s action as “McCarthyism” and a “violation of fundamental rights”.

A municipal school teacher, Ramshanker Raghuvanshi, was dismissed by the Congress government of Madhya Pradesh in 1974, which stated that he had taken “part in the RSS” activities and hence was “not a fit person to be entertained in Government service”. The Supreme Court dismissed the arguments of the government and said that the government had not adhered to the provisions of the Indian Constitution. The Supreme Court bench consisting of Justice Syed Murtuza Fazalali and Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy observed that “India is not a police state” and pleaded that the “promise of fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution not become a forgotten chapter of history”. Delivering the landmark judgment, the Court observed that “seeking a police report on person’s political faith”, in the first place, “amounted to the violation of fundamental rights”. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the municipal teacher and ordered his reinstatement.

Similar observations were made by the High courts of different provinces of India in different cases of political persecution of RSS volunteers. One case involved Ranganathacharya Agnihotri, who was selected for the post of Munsiff but was not absorbed into service as he had been a volunteer of the RSS in his past. When Agnihotri approached to the then High Court of Mysore (nowKarnataka High Court), he was reinstated. The Court observed:

Prima facie the RSS is a non-political cultural organization without any hatred or ill will towards non-Hindus and that many eminent and respected persons in the country have not hesitated to preside over the functions or appreciate the work of its volunteers. In a country like ours which has accepted the democratic way of life (as ensured by the Constitution), it would not be within reason to accept the proposition that mere membership of such peaceful or non-violent association and participation in activities thereof, will render a person (in whose character and antecedents there are no other defects) unsuitable to be appointed to the post of a Munsiff.
—Karnataka High Court,

The RSS also has been banned in India thrice, during periods in which the government of the time claimed that they were a threat to the state: in 1948 after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, during the Emergency (1975–77), and after the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. The bans were subsequently lifted, in 1949 after the RSS was absolved of charges in the Gandhi murder case, in 1977 as a result of the Emergency being revoked, and in 1993 when no evidence of any unlawful activities was found against it by the tribunal constituted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Reception

Field Marshal Cariappa in his speech to RSS volunteers said “RSS is my heart’s work. My dear young men, don’t be disturbed by uncharitable comments of interested persons. Look ahead! Go ahead! The country is standing in need of your services”

Dr Zakir Hussain the former President of India once told to Milad Mehfil in Monghyar on November 20, 1949 “The allegations against RSS of violence and hatred against Muslims are wholly false. Muslims should learn the lesson of mutual love, cooperation and organization from RSS.

Noted Gandhian leader and the leader of Sarvoday movement, Jayaprakash Narayan, who earlier was a vocal opponent of RSS had the following to say about it in 1977 “RSS is a revolutionary organization. No other organization in the country comes anywhere near it. It alone has the capacity to transform society, end casteism and wipe the tears from the eyes of the poor.” He further added “I have great expectations from this revolutionary organization which has taken up the challenge of creating a new India”

 http://samvada.org/2012/news/glorious-87-rashtriya-swayamsevak-sangh-rss-turns-87-on-today-on-vijayadashami/

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

New Delhi: Sangh Parivar offers tribute to Sudarshanji, Swayamsevaks, Well wishers mourn


New Delhi September 30: Sangh Parivar leaders along with well wishers and Swayamsevaks offered their tributes to former RSS Sarasanghachalak KS Sudarshanji.

KS Sudarshanji-Shraddhanjali Sabha at Newdelhi September-30-2012

In an condolence meet held at Talkatora Stadium at New Delhi, RSS General Secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, VHP veteran Ashok Singhal, BJP Chief Nitin Gadkari, Writer Dr David Fraley, Pandit Ramdev Shasthry, Muslim leader Umar Ahammed, Former deputy governor Vijay Kapoor, Sardar Trilochan Sing, Smt Gouri Doulamma, Dr Bajarangalal Gupta, RSSfunctionary Indresh Kumar and several other leaders participated.

RSS General Secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi speaks at Shraddhanjali Sabha at Newdelhi September-30-2012

Nitin Gadkari at Shraddhanjali Sabha at New Delhi September-30-2012

Shraddhanjali Sabha at Newdelhi September-30-2012

Shraddhanjali Sabha at Newdelhi September-30-2012



Exploitation of resources taking toll on nature: RSS chief Bhagwat at Deendayal Memorial Lecture

New Delhi, Oct 3:  RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat today said progress in science had empowered human beings immensely but exploitation of natural resources was taking a huge toll on environment and nature.
 
RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat
 Mohan Bhagwat said this at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya memorial lecture here which was attended by NDA convenor Sharad Yadav, BJP leaders Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Vijay Goel and others.
 
“Wherever there is development, maximum agitations by environmentalists also take place there. If the world thinks that if there has to be development, one cannot worry too much about environment…Progress may be having its benefits, butproblems also arise. A lot damage is done to the air, land and water,” Bhagwat said.
 
Mohan Bhagwat addressing at Deen Dayal Memorial Lecture at New Delhi October-3-2012
 “The process of development also displaces traditional inhabitants of that area. They are then not properly rehabilitated. There is dissatisfaction and strife. On these issues politics moves, but also does terror. It is happening all over the world,” Mohan Bhagwat said.
 
The RSS chief said that globalisation had made the world a smaller place and this had also resulted in a conflict between diversity and globalisation forces. ”What may be in my interest may not necessarily be in the interest of a forest dweller. The excavation of mineral that is buried in a forest may suit me but it will displace the inhabitants of that area,” Bhagwat said.
 
Mohan Bhagwat with Sharad Yadav at Deen Dayal Memorial lecture in Delhi Oct-3-2012
 “The forest dweller may be told by urban residents that their way of life is superior but he may not wish to agree. It is like a circus lion telling a jungle lion to join him,” he said.
 
Bhagwat said the conflicts to create uniformity in a globalised world were driving politics and terrorism. He said the challenge was to accommodate diversity in a globalised world. He also said science had made man very powerful but this knowledge was put to also had huge implications.
 
Mohan Bhagwat addressing at Deen Dayal Memorial Lecture at New Delhi October-3-2012

Mohan Bhagwat at Deen Dayal Memorial Lecture at New Delhi October-3-2012

NDA Convenor Sharad Yadv listening to Mohan Bhagwat’s lecture at Deen Dayal Memorial Lecture at New Delhi October-3-2012

(Inputs from Business Standard and PTI)

RSS is committed to build Ram Mandir at Ayodhya: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat at Ranchi

Ranchi, Jharkhand October-4: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarasanghachalak Mohan Madhukar Bhagawat on Thursday said that there was no relation between his party and the Bharatiya Janata Party. ”There is a general belief that BJP is of the sangh’s. I tell you it is not true. There is no relation between the two, because the sangh is not in politics. If at all the Sangh wanted to be in politics, then why handover the bridle to others,” Bhagawat asked.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat at Ranchi-Oct-4-2012
 
“Swayamsevaks are in all parties. There are more in BJP, but they are also in the Congress and in a communist party in West Bengal. So the BJP is not the Sangh’s, If any party seeks our support on any issue and shows respect to our ideology, we will help them. Our Swayamsevaks are associated with many parties but most of them are in BJP which is a reason for why the RSS has comparatively much closer link with that party,” added Bhagwat.

The RSS Chief,  Mohan Bhagwat was addressing a function and also answering pre-arranged questions through SMSes and emails.

“The fundamentals of the RSS are based on values, morals, service to the nation, adhering to truth and building up a society based on unity, harmony and happiness,” said Mohan Bhagwat.

Asked whether the Ram temple would be constructed at Ayodhya, Bhagawat reiterated the RSS’s commitment to its construction, but reminded that the case was pending in court. He also favoured an enactment in the Parliament to pave the way for construction of the temple. Responding to a query about RSS stand on construction of temple at Ayodhya Bhagwat, he said that the sangh was committed to construction of the temple but would go by the decisions of high-powered committee of the saints. “We believe that the temple would be constructed after proper legislation is introduced and a consensus is achieved and for that Sangh is in no hurry,” he added.

Laying the blame on political parties for politicising the issue and dividing society, Bhagwat said that the differences could be resolved by intervention of intellectuals and mutual dialogue. He appealed to the common people to get associated with Sangh for two years of their life for having an opinion. “No one could be explained the taste of sugar unless he or she tastes it and there is no bondage in Sangh. One is free to come and go so I would appeal to everyone to understand the nationalist ideology instead of believing on myths,” he said.

“RSS believes in nation building and is openly supporting every movement against corruption but our support is getting divided because of three distinct movements taking place at the same time,” he said. Without taking names of Anna Hazare, Arwind Kejriwal and Baba Ramdev, Bhagwat said that RSS has spared at least two lakh swayam sevaks to participate in these movements. “If these three crusaders come on one platform, our support will be intensified,” he said.
On infiltration by Bangladeshies, Mohan Bhagawat blamed it on vote bank politics.

“This can be stopped if bribes are not taken for enrolling Bangladeshis and giving them ration cards and enrolling them in voters list,” he said.

On reports of Hindus in Pakistan crossing over to India following alleged persecution there, Bhagawat asked the people to treat them as guests and send them off when conditions became conducive in their country.

Responding to a query put by a few Muslims present in the auditorium why RSS was not popular among them,  Bhagawat welcomed them and invited them to join the RSS. (Inputs from Rediff.com, TOI, Jagranpost and VSK Jharkhand)

Find the detailed report of Mohan Bhagwat’s address at Ranchi:

Rss Chief Mohan Bhagwat at Ranchi-Oct-4-2012

As Economic Reforms, FDI is detrimental to the Nation’s Progress: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat


JAMSHEDPUR October 06: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat  has criticized the Congress- led-UPA government for moving ahead with its big ticket economic reforms without weighing the concerns of all the stakeholders.

File Photo: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat (at Deen Dayal Memorial lecture in Delhi Oct-3-2012)

RSS chief, Mohan M Bhagwat, has advised the Union government to avoid being passionate about allowing the Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) in the domestic market without properly studying its pros and cons for the long term.

Referring to the hue and cry of several Opposition and ruling parties at the Centre over allowing FDI in multi-brand retail sector and increase in FDI cap in pension and insurance sector, Mohan Bhagwat said: “FDI in various sectors, in the name of economic reforms, is detrimental to the nation’s progress.”

In the city to take part in the four-day session of RSS, Bhagwat attempted to distance himself from the tirade against Sonia Gandhi launched by Gujarat Chief minister Narendra Modi.

When asked about Modi’s claims on Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s medical expenses for her treatment abroad and related foreign visits, Bhagwat said such things are common in an election-bound state where the political atmosphere is charged up.

On the sidelines of the conclave here at Agrasen Bhavan, Bhagwat claimed the saffron outfit has not lost its ground in Jharkhand. He, however, refused to reply when asked about the continuous slide in BJP’s performance in the state. “Don’t know about BJP, ask their leaders,” Bhagwat said. (Inputs from TOI).

భారత మార్కెట్లోకి అడుగు పెట్టాలి - అమెరికా సంస్థల లాబీయింగ్





భారత మార్కెట్లోకి అడుగిడాలని అమెరికా సంస్థలు తహతహలాడుతున్నాయి. భారత మల్టీ బ్రాండ్ రిటైల్ తదితర రంగాల్లో విదేశీ ప్రత్యక్ష పెట్టుబడులు (ఎఫ్.డి.ఐ.) అనుమతించే అంశంపై వ్యతిరేకత వ్యక్తమవుతున్న నేపథ్యంలో వాల్ మార్ట్, స్టార్ బుక్స్, ఫ్రుడెన్షియల్ ఫైనాన్షియల్ తదితర అమెరికన్ సంస్థలు పెద్ద ఎత్తున లాబీయింగ్ జరుపుతున్నట్లు సమాచారం. 

భారత్ లో తమ వ్యాపార విస్తరణ పథకాలకు అమెరికా ప్రభుత్వం నుంచి మద్దతు కూడగట్టేందుకు ఇవి శాయశక్తులా కృషి చేస్తున్నాయి. భారత్ లో ఎఫ్.డి.ఐ.లకు అనుమతి కోసం గత ఏడాది కాలంగా యు.ఎస్. కంపెనీలు, పారిశ్రామిక వర్గాలు కోట్లాది డాలర్లు ఖర్చు చేసినట్లు ప్రతినిధుల సభ, సెనేట్ కు సమర్పించిన తాజా లాబీయింగ్ నివేదికల ద్వారా తెలియవచ్చింది.

గ్రామ వికాసమే దేశ వికాసం



భారతదేశం ఆర్థికంగా శక్తివంతం కావాలంటే గ్రామాలు శక్తివంతం కావాలి. గ్రామాలు శక్తివంతం కావాలంటే వ్యవసాయ రంగం శక్తివంతం కావాలి. అందుకే గాంధీజీ దేశానికి స్వాతంత్ర్యం వచ్చింది, ఇంకా రావలసింది గ్రామ స్వరాజ్యం అని చెప్పారు. ఈ రోజున గ్రామ స్వరాజ్యం రాజకీయ కబంధ హస్తాలలో చిక్కుకొంది. ఆ కారణంగా గ్రామాలు కళా విహీనమై పోతున్నాయి. ప్రజలు పొట్ట చేతబట్టుకొని పట్టణాల వైపు తరలుతున్నారు. పట్టణాలు జనారణ్యాలుగా మారిపోతున్నాయి. ఈ పరిస్థితులను చక్కదేద్దేందుకు వ్యవసాయ రంగం దాని అనుబంధ వృత్తుల వికాసము కొరకు ప్రభుత్వాలు ప్రత్యేక ప్రాధాన్యత ఇవ్వవలసి ఉంది. గ్రామీణ క్షేత్రం స్వయంసమృద్ధి సాధించవలసి ఉంది. అప్పుడే ఈ దేశం నిజమైన శక్తివంతమైన దేశంగా తీర్చిదిద్దబడుతుంది. అటువంటి మార్పు సాధించుటకు అందరం కృతనిశ్చయులం కావాలి.

అఖండ భారత్ సాధించాలి



భారతదేశానికి స్వాతంత్ర్యం వచ్చి ఈ ఆగష్టు 15 కి 65 సంవత్సరాలు పూర్తి అయ్యి 66 వ సంవత్సరంలో అడుగు పెడుతున్నది. ఈ 65 సంవత్సరాలలో దేశం అనేక సంకట పరిస్థితులను ఎదుర్కొన్నది. అదే సమయంలో శక్తివంతం కావటానికి కూడా ప్రయాసపడుతున్నది. భారత్ శక్తివంతం కావటానికి ఒక రాజకీయ ధృడ సంకల్పము కావాలి.

భారతదేశం వేల సంవత్సరాల నుండి సాంస్కృతిక, ధార్మిక, ఆధ్యాత్మిక, సాంఘిక జీవనంలో ఏకత్వాన్ని సాధించింది. వాటిలో సమస్యలు ఉండవచ్చు. కాని దేశమంతటా ఒక ఏకత్వము కనబడుతుంది. ఈ దేశంలో జన్మించిన వేద కాలం నాటి ఋషులు కావచ్చు, మహా భారతకాలం నాటి వేదవ్యాసాది ఋషులు కావచ్చు. ఎవరైనా తమ ఆలోచనలను దేశమంతటా విస్తరింపచేశారు. ఈ దేశం సాంస్కృతికంగా, సామాజికంగా వేల సంవత్సరాల నుండి ఒక్కటిగా వికశించి సుధృడంగా నిలబడింది. ఇది పటిష్టం కావాలంటే రాజకీయ స్థిరత్వం కూడా కావాలి. సంస్కృతి, సామాజిక ఏకత్వం కారణంగా ఈ దేశ చరిత్రలో రాజకీయ స్థిరత్వం సాధించి మన దేశంపై జరిగిన విదేశీ దాడులను సమర్థవంతంగా ఎదుర్కోవటమే కాకుండా ఆ శక్తులను సమూలంగా నాశనం చేయగలిగాము. అటువంటి సంకల్ప శక్తి కొరవడిన కారణంగానే ఇస్లాం, బ్రిటిష్ వాళ్ళ ఆక్రమణలను ఎదిరించేందుకు ఈ దేశం ఎంతో మూల్యం చెల్లించింది. అంతిమంగా స్వాతంత్ర్యం సంపాదించుకొంది. అయినా బ్రిటిష్ వాళ్ళ రాజకీయ తంత్రం నుండి పూర్తిగా బయట పడలేక ఈ రోజున దేశం ఎంతో ప్రయాస పడుతున్నది. 

బ్రిటిష్ వాళ్ళు ఈ దేశంలోని సాంస్కృతిక ఏకత్వం, ఈ దేశ సామాజిక, ఆర్ధిక సూత్రబద్ధత గమనించి దీనిని దెబ్బ తీయలేకపోతే ఈ దేశాన్ని ఎక్కువ కాలం పాలించలేమని నిర్ధారించుకొని, ఈ దేశ ప్రజలలో విభేదాలు సృష్టించారు. ఈ దేశం "ఒకే దేశం కాదు" అని ప్రచారం చేశారు. అసలు ఈ దేశం ఎప్పుడూ ఒకే పాలనలో లేదు. రాజకీయంగా ఈ దేశం ఒక్కటి కాదు అని ప్రచారం చేశారు. దాని నుంచి ఎంతో లబ్ది పొందారు. అంతవరకూ బాగానే ఉంది. కాని వారు సృష్టించిన భ్రమల్లో పడి ఆ రోజు నుండి ఈనాటి వరకు అట్లాగే ఆలోచిస్తున్న మన మేధావులు కొందరు మనకు కనబడతారు. వారి వ్యవహారం ఎట్లా ఉన్నదంటే తాము ఎక్కిన కొమ్మను తామే నరుక్కొంటున్నట్లుగా ఉంది. ఇటువంటి మేధావులే స్వతంత్ర భారతదేశంలో రాజకీయ స్థిరత్వం రాకుండా ఉండేందుకు కారణమవుతున్నారు.

భారతదేశంలో రాజకీయ ఏకత్వం, ఏక కేంద్రిత పాలన తీసుకొని వచ్చేందుకు అనేక సఫల ప్రయోగాలు సాగాయి. దాని కారణంగా ఈ దేశం మీద దురాక్రమణ దారులను సమూలంగా నాశనం చేయగలిగాము. దేశం ఆర్థికంగా కూడా శక్తివంతమైంది. అందులో శాలివాహన సామ్రాజ్యం దీర్ఘకాలం ఈ దేశాన్ని పాలించింది. ప్రథమ స్వాతంత్ర్య సంగ్రామం సమయంలో కూడా ఈ దిశలో ఒక విఫల ప్రయోగం జరిగింది. దాని సఫలతగా ఆ తదుపరి కాలంలో జాతీయ ఉద్యమాల నిర్మాణం జరిగింది. ఈ ప్రయత్నాలలో అనేకమంది భాగస్వామ్యం ఉంది. వాటి నుండి పాఠాలు నేర్చుకొని స్వతంత్ర భారతాన్ని శక్తివంతం చేసుకోవాలి. కాని ఆ దిశలో ప్రయత్నాలు సాగుతున్నాయా? అనిశ్చిత పరిస్థితులను మనకు మనమే నిర్మాణం చేసుకొంటున్నాము. దేశంలో రాజకీయ పరిస్థితులను చక్కదిద్దుకొని దేశం ఆర్థికంగా, రాజకీయంగా శక్తివంతం కావటానికి ధృడ సంకల్పం గల ఒక జాతిగా మనం నిర్మాణం కాగలుగుతున్నామా? అసలు ఒక జాతిగా మనం ఆలోచిస్తున్నామా? ఈ దేశ పౌరుడిగా మనకు మనం అంతర్ముఖులం కావలసిన అవసరం ఉంది.

ఏ రాజకీయ ధృడ సంకల్పము కావాలో అది లేని కారణంగా ఈ దేశం 1947 ఆగష్టు 14 న రెండు ముక్కలయింది. ప్రపంచ పటంలో అకస్మాత్ గా ఒక నూతన దేశం అవతరించింది. ఈ విషయం కనీసం మనకు స్ఫురణకు ఉందా? 1932 నుండి బ్రిటిష్ వాళ్ళు ఈ దేశాన్ని ఎలా ముక్కలుగా చేసుకొంటూ వచ్చారో మనకు ఎవరికీ స్ఫురణకే లేదు. ఒకప్పుడు భారతదేశం 56 రాజ్యాలుగా ఉండేది. ఆ రాజ్యాల పేర్లు అనేక సందర్భాలలో వింటూ ఉంటాము. కాని ఆ రాజ్యాలు ఈ రోజు ఏవేవి స్వతంత్ర దేశాలుగా ఉన్నాయి? మన దేశం ఎట్లా ముక్కలు చేయబడిందో గ్రహింపునకు వస్తున్నదా? ఆ పేర్లు వింటూనే ఉంటాము కాని అదంతా ఒకప్పటి అఖండ భారత్ అనే భావం నిర్మాణం కావటం లేదు. రెండవ ప్రపంచ యుద్ధం తరువాత
అంతర్జాతీయ లాబీ ఒకటి ఏర్పడి, శక్తివంతమై, ప్రపంచంలోని అనేక దేశాలను ముక్కలు చేసింది. ప్రపంచ పటంలో కొత్త దేశాలు అవతరించాయి. కాని కాలక్రమంలో ఆ దేశాలు తమ మాతృ దేశాలతో కలిసిపోతున్నాయి. ఆ దిశలో ప్రయత్నాలు చేస్తున్నాయి. కాని మన దేశంలో మన అఖండ భారత్ ను తిరిగి సాధించుకోవాలనే ఆలోచనే శక్తివంతం కావటం లేదు. 1947 ఆగష్టు 15న అరవిందుడు "దేశ విభజన సమసిపోవాలి, అఖండ భారత్ నిర్మాణం కావాలి, అప్పుడే ఈ దేశం అభివృద్ధి చెందుతుంది, శక్తివంతమవుతుంది" అని హెచ్చరించారు.

భారతదేశం నుండి విభజింపబడిన దేశాలలో పరిస్థితులు సజావుగా ఉన్నాయా? సమస్యలు లేవా? అంటే అన్ని దేశాలు సమస్యలను ఎదుర్కొంటూనే ఉనాయి. ప్రక్క ప్రక్కనే ఉన్న మన సమస్యలు పరిష్కరించుకోవటానికి కలిసి ఆలోచిద్దాం అని అనుకోవటం లేదు. దానికి ప్రధాన కారణం భారత్. భారత్ శక్తివంతంగా ఆ బాధ్యతను తీసుకోన్నప్పుడే ఆ ఆలోచనలు సాధ్యమవుతాయి. అప్పుడే అఖండ భారత్ నిర్మాణమవుతుంది. ప్రపంచానికి సరియైన దిశా నిర్దేశం చేయగలుగుతుంది. ఇది చేయాలంటే రాజకీయ స్థిరత్వం రావాలి. దేశ సమగ్రతను దృష్టిలో ఉంచుకొని దేశ ప్రజలు ఆలోచించాలి. కాశ్మీరు సమస్య కాని, అస్సాంలో అక్రమ వలసదారుల దౌర్జన్యాలతో జరుగుతున్న గొడవలు కాని ఇంకేదైనా కాని అవి అన్ని ఈ దేశ ప్రజలందరికి సంబంధించిన సమస్యలు అనే భావం స్థిరపడితే అప్పుడు కలిగే ఆగ్రహం రాజకీయ నాయకుల ఎత్తుగడలను వమ్ము చేసి వారిని దేశ సమగ్రతను గురించి ఆలోచించేట్లుగా చేస్తుంది. అప్పుడు ఈ దేశం సంపూర్ణ స్వతంత్ర దేశంగా వ్యవహరించగలుగుతుంది. అటువంటి మార్పుతో దేశం రాజకీయ స్థిరత్వం సాధించగలుగుతుంది. దేశం అజేయ శక్తిగా నిలబడ గలుగుతుంది.