RSS unveils 2-Phased Reconstruction Programme in Flood Hit Zones of Uttarakhand

• Rehabilitation of flood and cloud burst victims in Uttarakhand
• Strategy finalised in the presence of Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi in Dehradun on July 20

Report by Ravindra Saini in Dehradun  (In Organiser)

Uttrakhand July 29: Uttaranchal Daivi Aapda Peedit Sahayata Samiti has chalked out a two-phased rehabilitation programme for the victims of Uttarakhand calamity. The strategy was formulated at a two-day meeting held in Dehradun from July 18 to 19. RSS Sarakaryavah Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi attended this meeting.

Clearing the Debris: RSS keenly working on post flood relief works, now on the reconstruction mechanisms.

Under first phase of the programme, it has been decided to start immediately two medical centres in Kedarghat area, the most affected part of Uttarakhand with primary level of medical facilities. Besides priority would be given to the education of the children and students from primary level to higher education including their boarding and lodging at different centres in Uttarakhand and, if needed, in Uttar Pradesh too, subject to the permission of the family head.

The orphan children, either boys or girls, would also be taken care of and the organisation will take all steps for their upbringing. An appropriate monetary help may also be rendered to those who need for the marriage of their marriageable girls, particularly and also for repair of houses and for promoting their business too.

The families without male earning member, till their settlement, would be provided at least ration regularly. Keeping in view the future devastation, which may occur in coming days of peak rainy season, the stocks of rations and other daily needs will be stored at different places in the hilly probable affected areas so that immediately relief maybe provided in case of sudden eventuality.

The construction of houses, religious places, educational institutions and commercial complexes will be undertaken in the second phase after September when the rainy season ends and the conveyance and transportation facilities are restored. A steering committee, comprising of all the participating organisations representative and RSS activists have been formed with 15 members who will further undertake the rehabilitation programme under the convenorship of Shri Sunil Kumar, Sahprant Seva Pramukh.

Earlier on July 18, the group leaders of the survey teams sent by Samiti in all 29 affected blocks of Uttarakhand met and presented the detail reports area wise. All types of data viz no. of houses collapsed totally and partially, no. of death, no. of orphan children, no. of family without male guardian, etc. All the data was discussed in the meeting. On July 19 again the meeting was held in which the representative of all the organisations participating in the relief operation including RSS, BJP, VHP, ABVP, Sevika Samiti, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Uttaranchal Utthan Parishad and Vidya Bharati took part.

Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi also conducted an aeriel survey of the Kedarnath, Gangotri and Goucher. He was accompanied by Kshetra Pracharak Shri Shivprakash and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nisank’. During his visit, Shri Bhaiyaji also met Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Vijay Bahuguna to discuss the rehabilitation of the victims.

Special dua by Muslim Rashtriya Manch for people of Uttarakhand

Muslim Rashtriya Manch organised a special dua programme in New Delhi on July 24 to pay tribute to those killed in Uttarakhand tragedy and also those who are facing problems due to the devastation. Apart from the senior leaders of the Manch, RSS national executive member Shri Indresh Kumar also attended the event. Jamait Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Suhaib Uz Zafar Qasmi and president of Residents Welfare Association, Ahata Harijan and Gali Mir Madan Mohammand Zafar were also present on the occasion. The activist of the Manch stood with the people of Uttarakhand during the calamity and provided monetary help for relief and rescue operations. The monetary help was dispatched from Ujjain, Indore, Jaipur, Jabalpur, Raipur, Ranchi, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, etc.

Uttarakhand CM appreciates relief
operation by swayamsevaks

A RSS delegation under the leadership of Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi called on the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Vijay Bhaguna on July 18. During the meeting Shri Joshi apprised the Chief Minister of the relief work done by the RSS swayamsevaks under the banner of Uttaranchal Daivi Aapda Peedit Sahayata Samiti since the time and date the disaster occurred. Thousands of pilgrims were rescued and helped, 21 relief centres operated at all the affected places, 136 truck loaded with 300 tones of grain, eatables, mineral water, blankets, tripal cloth and various items of daily needs were sent to the affected places.

The Chief Minister responded very positively and appreciated the work done by the RSS without seeking publicity. He recognised the character of the RSS during such natural calamities and expressed his gratitude. Chief Minister also arranged a helicopter to Sarkaryavah for an aeriel survey of flood affected area of Kedarnath, Gangotri, etc. The CM also assured the delegation that all help will be given to the NGOs, including the RSS and invited suggestions from time to time for normalisation of the situation.

Uttarakhand disaster is National Disaster: Bhaiyaji

“Uttarakhand disaster is a national disaster. Therefore the whole nation is aggrieved and help in cash or kind is pouring in large scale from every corner of the country,” said RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi while talking to media persons in Dehradun on July 19.

Shri Joshi paid tribute to the victims of devastation and also paid heartiest thanks to the army personnel and their officers, ITBP and NDRF men for their exemplary contribution in the very tedious rescue operations. He also appreciated the role of different voluntary organisations, which participated or are participating in the relief operations.

Replying to a question regarding the role of State Government, Shri Joshi said it is not the appropriate time to evaluate the Government’s performance, but it is time for all of us to think as to how to come out of this disaster. He reminded that rehabilitation work is very complicated and tedious job which can be tackled by the joint efforts of all—the government as well as various agencies including the NGOs.

The Sarkaryavah assured on behalf of the RSS and all the organisations associated with it, to participate in the rehabilitation of the victims in respect of education, employment, trade, shelter and upbringing of the dependant families and orphans. Besides this, he stressed the need to boost up the moral of the local people and generate confidence among them. He hoped that very soon worship at Kedarnath will be started, Charo Dham Yatra will begin as usual and the self-confidence of the pilgrims and tourist will be restored. He urged the Uttarakhand Government to initiate action on top most priority basis to clear the blockade of road and conveyance with assurance to government on behalf of the RSS to render assistance in all respect.

Prant Sanghachalak Shri Chandrapal Singh Negi, Mahanagar Sanghchalak Gopal Krishan Mittal, Prant Karyavah Shri Laxmi Prasad Jayaswal were also present at the press conference.

 http://samvada.org/2013/news/rss-unveils-2-phased-peconstruction-programme-in-flood-hit-zones-of-uttarakhand/

‘Powerful Nation only can experience Peace’: RSS’s Indresh Kumar in FINS Seminar, Bangalore

Bangalore July 28: ‘A nation which is powerful by all means will experience peace, where as a weak nation may have to face violence, invasions and crisis. India should become powerful nation to maintain peace within’ said RSS to functionary Indresh Kumar in Bangalore on Sunday.

Indresh Kumar addressing, Vijay Gore, President of FINS Karnataka also seen.

Indresh Kumar was addressing a select audience in a workshop on ‘National Security’ organised by FINS, Forum for Integrated National Security’s Karnataka Chapter at ‘Yadavasmruti’ Conference Hall of Sheshadripuram, Bangalore.

‘An awakened society will not be defeated or insulted by anybody. Hence the individuals of the society should be alert on social concerns. Internal Security or Border Security is not just a matter for the Army soldiers. Every citizen should be bothered about national security’ said Indresh Kumar.

‘Peace is not a commodity to purchase. It is a state of social life, to be achieved. A powerful society or nation will maintain it’, he added.

‘Indian soldiers have a high fighting spirit than any army in the world. Our political leadership should understand this. A King being in power cannot be just a ‘Dharmatma’ by a mere concept at
every scenario. When evil spirits raise against the nation, the King always should use the same Dharma to eradicate permanently the evil forces’ said Indresh Kumar.

Bala Desai, National General Secretary of FINS, Vijay Gore, President FINS Karnataka, Cnl AJ Bhandary, General Secreatry FINS Karnataka, Sridhar Rao K of Sikkim (Former National Security Advisor), Maj Gen Paul of Assam, VS Hegde of FINS Karnataka, Ganapati Hegde, RSS State Functionary and several young intellectuals attended the day long workshop.

 http://samvada.org/2013/news/powerful-nation-only-can-experience-peace-rsss-indresh-kumar-in-fins-seminar-bangalore/

‘RSS for building strong nation with Hindutva at core’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in Bihar

Patna, Bihar July 21: Terming as wrong perception that Sangh is the ideological fountainhead of BJP, the Sarasanghachalak of RSS Mohan Bhagwat today said the essence of its activities is to build a strong India with Hindutva at its core.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarasanghachalak

“Many misgivings about Sangh is prevailing in the society for different reasons and people talk about Sangh without knowing about it or the essence of its activities,” Bhagwat said here addressing a gathering on the eve of Ashadha Poornima.

“Hindutva is the core of Hindustan, it is it’s identity,” he said adding that it is wrong to look at Hindutva as an ideology of a particular religion or community.

The Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak said that a leader or a political party could do little to make a country strong unless and until there is reform in the society based on the “right” ideology.

“Change has always come from society and not from only politics. Just a change of people in power will not help much. There is need to bring right kind of change in the society based on ideology of Hindutva,” he said.

Bhagwat was addressing the gathering in the presence of senior BJP leaders of Bihar including former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Nand Kishore Yadav, BJP vice-president C P Thakur and state BJP president Mangal Pandey.
The RSS chief said that Sangh is engaged in a daunting task of reforming the society to make India a strong country.

Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Nagpur, had participated in the Independence struggle and during that always raised issues related to reform of the society by ending prevalent social evils, Bhagwat said.

“Hedgewar, in childhood took a vow to remain single throughout life had no other ambition than to end social evils in society and make country strong,” the RSS chief said in a bid to dish out history of the organisation.

Inputs from: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/news-politics/article/rss-building-strong-nation-hindutva-core-bhagwat

RSS Karnataka donates Rs 1 Crore to Uttarakhand Flood Relief Fund

Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh, Karnataka

#74, Keshavakrupa, Ranga Rao Road, Shankarapuram, Bangalore – 560004

080-26010081 www.samvada.org   karnatakarss@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE:

RSS Karnataka donates the collected Rs 1 Crore for Uttarakhand Flood Relief Works

Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Uttarakhand unit had initiated ‘Uttaranchal Daivee Apadaa Peedith Sahayata Samiti’; is working relentlessly in flood hit zones of Uttarakhand since last 44 days in flood relief activities. 

RSS Karnataka unit requested publicly to donate for its initiative ‘RSS Sanchalita Santrasta Parihara Nidhi’, to which thousands of citizens responded and donated their monetary help. Today, RSS Karnataka Unit has transferred the 1 Crore Rupees of the collected money to the RSS Uttarakhand Unit initiated ‘Uttaranchal Daivee Apadaa Peedith Sahayata Samiti’. The money will be utilised for rehabilitation and reconstruction works at Flood hit zones of Uttarakhand. 

RSS General Secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi visited flood hit zones of Uttarakhand and supervised RSS initiated flood relief activities on July 18 and 19^th, 2013.

RSS Karnataka has thanked the help of Citizens for their timely help during such an unprecedented natural calamity.

Thanking You

N Tippeswamy

Pranth Karyavah (State General Secretary),

RSS Karnataka

Date: July 29, 2013

Keshava Krupa, Bangalore

RSS Sarakaryavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi attends special HOMA-HAVAN at Dehradoon,Uttarakhand

Dehradoon July 19: RSS Sarakaryavah (General Secretary) Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi attended special HOMA-HAVAN held at Dehradoon, Uttarakhand, offered religious tribute to those died in unprecedented Uttarakhand Flood. Bhaiyyaji was welocmed by Swamijis there.

RSS Sarakaryavah Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi attended special HOMA-HAVAN

‘BJP and RSS are Independent of Each Other’: RSS leader Ram Madhav’s Interview with ET

Amaravati; July 15: In an interview with Economic Times, Ram Madhav, senior Functionary of RSS, talks about the organizational structure of BJP and RSS, and maintains that the two are independent of each other.

Ram Madhav, RSS

Excerpts:

How do you respond to the allegations that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghmicromanages the affairs of BJP? 

There is no truth in these allegations of micromanagement. We don’t even macro-manage the affairs of the BJP for the simple, yet most important, reason that the swayamsevaks of the RSS working in the BJP are capable of handling their affairs and we have full faith in them. The Sangh and the BJP share an ideological relationship. We also share human resources occasionally. But organisationally, both entities are independent of each other. None interferes in the day-to-day affairs of the other.

Narendra Modi’s recent interview to a foreign news agency triggered a controversy over his remarks on being a Hindu nationalist and on the 2002 Gujarat riots… 

A controversy was sought to be created where it didn’t exist.

Does the Sangh feel that Modi’s projection as the prime ministerial candidate will bring electoral dividends to the BJP? 

The BJP leadership is the best judge of what brings electoral dividends to them. We believe that they take an appropriate decision after due consultation within. We also believe that whatever they decide must be in their interest. We don’t interfere in or influence their decision-making …That he is popular is a ‘secret’ well known.

Are Modi’s critics right when they say that his candidature will polarise the electorate? 

The BJP leadership knows better about these matters.

But the Congress says the BJP is working as a call centre of RSS to hard sell ‘product’ Narendra Modi ahead of the 2014 elections… 

In politics, parties indulge in such allegations and counter-allegations . Some of them will be out of frustration and hence ridiculous. The Sangh doesn’t like to get involved in this political sparring.

Senior BJP leader LK Advani is reportedly unhappy with the Sangh’s pointsman in the BJP. Is that true? 

Shri Lal Krishna Advani ji is a senior and respected leader. His views are always taken seriously . We have no knowledge of the authenticity of the reports being referred to about Advaniji’s unhappiness with any RSS functionary.

What was the message for the BJP from the Sangh’s recent meeting in Amravati?

Amravati meetings are an annual review exercise that happens after the training programmes are completed. We review the participation in our training programme and plan for the activity and campaigns in the coming months. The message is only for the Sangh functionaries.

What will be the Sangh’s role as the BJP gears up for elections — to the state assembles as well as the Lok Sabha? 

The RSS doesn’t play any role in elections. Contrary to perception in sections of the media and the public, the RSS doesn’t permit its office-bearers to get directly involved in electioneering at any level. However, we certainly ask our swayamsevaks to actively participate in the election process as enlightened citizens. We expect them to encourage other citizens to utilise their democratic right of vote and ensure that maximum voting takes place in their respective areas.

What will be the role of the Sangh’s various offshoots in the elections? 

They will encourage their ordinary members to actively play the role of enlightened citizens who have the good of the country at heart. Like the BJP, these outfits are otherwise independent organisations and, hence, the Sangh doesn’t give any directive to them about the elections.

(Interviewed by Amita Shah for ECONOMIC TIMES)
 
Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/interviews/modis-popularity-is-a-well-known-secret-ram-madhav-rss/articleshow/21077738.cms

RSS General Secretary Bhaiyyaji addressed Media on RSS Flood Relief Activities at Uttarakhand

Dehradun, Uttarakhand July 20: RSS Sarakaryavah (General Secretary) Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi addressed media and briefed the role of RSS at post-flood relief works at flood hit zones of Uttarakhand. DETAILS WILL BE UPLOADED LATER. PLEASE RE-VISIT.

RSS Sarakaryavah (General Secretary) Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi addressed media and briefed the role of RSS at post-flood relief works at flood hit zones of Uttarakhand.

‘RSS for building strong nation with Hindutva at core’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in Bihar

Patna, Bihar July 21: Terming as wrong perception that Sangh is the ideological fountainhead of BJP, the Sarasanghachalak of RSS Mohan Bhagwat today said the essence of its activities is to build a strong India with Hindutva at its core.

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarasanghachalak

 “Many misgivings about Sangh is prevailing in the society for different reasons and people talk about Sangh without knowing about it or the essence of its activities,” Bhagwat said here addressing a gathering on the eve of Ashadha Poornima.

“Hindutva is the core of Hindustan, it is it’s identity,” he said adding that it is wrong to look at Hindutva as an ideology of a particular religion or community.

The Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak said that a leader or a political party could do little to make a country strong unless and until there is reform in the society based on the “right” ideology.
“Change has always come from society and not from only politics. Just a change of people in power will not help much. There is need to bring right kind of change in the society based on ideology of Hindutva,” he said.
Bhagwat was addressing the gathering in the presence of senior BJP leaders of Bihar including former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Nand Kishore Yadav, BJP vice-president C P Thakur and state BJP president Mangal Pandey.

The RSS chief said that Sangh is engaged in a daunting task of reforming the society to make India a strong country.

Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Nagpur in 1940, had participated in the Independence struggle and during that always raised issues related to reform of the society by ending prevalent social evils, Bhagwat said.

“Hedgewar, in childhood took a vow to remain single throughout life had no other ambition than to end social evils in society and make country strong,” the RSS chief said in a bid to dish out history of the organisation.

Inputs from: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130721/news-politics/article/rss-building-strong-nation-hindutva-core-bhagwat

Emergency in India, When Congress Crushed Democracy and Contribution of RSS in Restoring it

Emergency Imposed – 26th June 1975 ( midnight of June 25th)  – The Day When Bharat’s democratic rights were crushed.

It is fashionable among India’s elitist “intellectual” circles to target anyone related to the Hindu renaissance movement as fascist or  Nazi. The only time that Independent India saw democratic rights completely being crushed was under the Congress rule. The only time post Independence, Bharat was subjected to Nazi like and fascist like treatment was under the Congress.  Isn’t it revealing that the elite intellectuals do not remind the country of emergency imposed in India under Smt.Indira Gandhi’s rule ? Why ?

It was the Lok Sangharsh Samiti under the leadership of Jai Prakash Narayan which ensured that Bharat breathed freely again. The Lok Sangharsh Samiti had thousands of volunteers from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, known as the RSS which spearheaded the Hindu renaissance movement since 1925.

Indira Gandhi, and the Congress Party’s misuse of Power and Malpractice :

On 12 June 1975, the Allahabad High Court  found Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister guilty on the charge of misuse of government machinery for her election campaign. The court declared her election null and void and unseated her from her seat in the Lok Sabha. The court also banned her from contesting any election for an additional six years.

A book by a senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office Sri Bishan Tandon gives details about the events of those crucial days. He writes in the PMO diary ” Her objective is clear: whatever happens, she must remain PM. The senior leaders will applaud her as she does whatever she wants. Our ideals, values and yardsticks can go to hell. Is democracy nearing its end in our country “. ( quoted in Sri LK Advani’s blog).

It is clear that in her quest for power at all costs, she imposed emergency on the mid night of June 25th and w.ef. from June 26th, 1975 . The order for emergency was signed by the President Faqruddin Ali Ahmed.

 

Indira Gandhi

Draconian Law MISA Imposed  -

On July 4th, ( 3rd July midnight), a ban was put on RSS activities. On 5th August 1975, Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) was imposed and thousands of people who were thought to be a threat to the Congress were put in jail and tortured. Political leaders belonging to the Jan Sangh and socialist party were also arrested. More significantly, common people with social consciousness were arrested and put behind bars.

Many of the Congress leaders who were instrumental in crushing people’s rights are or have been Cabinet ministers in the last 10 years of UPA government.

The country Rises : 

 

Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan

The country rose as one voice under the banner of Lok Sangharsh Samiti lead by Loknayak Jayprakash Narayan. Thousands of RSS volunteers under the direction of Sarsanghchalak Balasaheb Deoras plunged into the movement. Almost all of them who participated in the movement were people on whom depended their entire family….and yet their family members supported their fight for democracy.

Balasahebji Deoras

‘The Economist’, London, on 4-12-1976  described the movement as “the only non-left revolutionary force in the world”. 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”.

Satyagraha was organised across the country and thousands got arrested. After almost 2 years of relentless struggle, the country was successful in restoring democracy.

Indira had to lift emergency on  21st March 1977.

Let us bow our heads in tribute to the lakhs of Bharatiyas who braved the odds to restore democracy and the thousands who faced the brutality of MISA.

Many of the people who have seen the Emergency, indicate that the anarchist situation and misuse of government machinery today reminds them of the situation prevalent before the Emergency. Let us take a sankalp that we will not allow the institutions, values and ideals of Bharat to be compromised.

Arise Bharat !

Appendix :

Table : Number of Arrests and Detentions in Various States/ UTs during Emergency

Name of State/ UT	Detention under MISA	Arrests under DISIR
Andhra Pradesh	1135	451
Assam	533	2388
Bihar	2360	7747
Gujarat	1762	2643
Haryana	200	1079
Himachal Pradesh	34	654
Jammu & Kashmir	466	311
Karnataka	487	4015
Kerala	790	7134
Madhya Pradesh	5620	2521
Maharashtra	5473	9799
Manipur	231	228
Meghalaya	39	20
Nagaland	95	4
Orissa	408	762
Punjab	440	2463
Rajasthan	542	1352
Sikkim	4	-
Tamilnadu	1027	1644
Tripura	77	99
Uttar Pradesh	6956	24781
West Bengal	4992	2547
Andman & Nicobar Islands	41	88
Arunachal Pradesh	-	1
Chandigarh	27	74
Dadra & Nagar Haveli	-	3
Delhi	1012	2851
Goa, Daman & Diu	113	-
Lakshdweep Islands	-	-
Mizoram	70	136
Pondicherry	54	63
Total	34988 [MISA Detentions]	75818 [DISIR Arrests]

TOTAL BEHIND BARS : 1,10,806 [Source : Shah Commission's Report on Emergency]

RSS statement condemning the blasts at Bodh Gaya temple

R S S condemns in strongest terms the explosions carried out by terrorists at  the Bodh Gaya Temple of Lord Buddha, who was the harbinger of universal peace and who  gave the world the message of peace, compassion  and non-violence.  The lack of will on the part of our government to deal conclusively with  the activities of terrorists with a heavy hand,  the terrorists are succeeding in their nefarious designs. The need of the hour is for all to rise above partisan politics  to deal with this menace decisively.

शांति, करुणा तथा अहिंसा का सन्देश देने वाले जागतिक शांति के अग्रदूत भगवान बुद्ध के मंदिर में बोधीगया  में कल हुए आतंकवादी विस्फोट की रा.स्व.संघ कड़ी भर्त्सना करता है. अपने देश में आतंकवाद के विरुद्ध निर्णायक लड़ाई करने की सरकार की इच्छाशक्ति के अभाव में ही अपने नापाक इरादों में आतंकवादी सफल हो रहे है. दलगत राजनीती से ऊपर उठकर इन देश विरोधी आतंकवादी ताकतों का कड़ाई से निर्णायक मुकाबला करने की आवश्यकता है.

RSS annual National ‘Manthan Baitak’ begins Amaravati of Vidarbh Pranth in Maharashtra

Amaravati, Maharashtra July 10: An annual baitak of RSS, a week-long national Manthan Shibir of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) began in Amaravati of Vidarbh Pranth in Maharashtra on Tuesday.

Representative Photo (ABPS Puttur-March-2011)

This is an annual baitak,  same baitak was held last year at Shimla in July 2012. However, as usual, dragging a political cloud, PTI and Mainstream media have mentioned this baitak as a strategy meet ahead of 2014 polls.

RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat, Sarakaryavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Sah-sarakaryavahs Suresh Sony, Dattatreya Hosabale, Dr Krishna Gopal, KC Kannan and entire RSS national team will be present in the baitak. All Kshethra and Pranth Pracharaks from each Kshethra and Pranth(Kshethra includes 3-4 pranths together, Pranth refers to a Province) are attending the meet. Senior Sanghparivar leaders including VHP’s Ashok Singhal, Dr Pravin Togdia are attending the meet.  Nearly 175 national Sangh pracharaks and office-bearers, at the spacious Vyankatesh Lawns at Amaravati. Baitak will have reviewing of organisational growth and related social aspects.

'RSS actvists were first to help stranded pilgrims in U'khand'

Bhopal, July 8: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) swayamsevaks were the first to report at the calamity-striken areas of Uttarakhand to participate in relief and rescue operations to shift the stranded pilgrims to safer places.

This information was disclosed to mediapersons by Akhil Bharatiya Sah-Prachar Pramukh of RSS J Nandkumar at Vishwa Samvad Kendra here.

Interacting informally with a select group of journalists Nandkumar briefed them about the stupendous work done by RSS swayamsevaks for the relief and rescue of thousands of pilgrims stranded in the natural disaster that devasted the famous Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand a fortnight ago.

Stating that swayamsevaks had reached the affected areas within 24 hours at the affected places. Since the rescue work was to be done with helicopters, the first and foremost job was to prepare make-shift helipads. And these helipads were made by RSS men, Nandkumar said.

He also added that the very next day, RSS activists had opened 15 centers to provide relief to the stranded pilgrims with Prant Karyawah and Prant Pracharak rushing to Dehradun for formulating the scheme for relief operations.

Noted columnist Kuldip Nayyar had alleged in one of his articles that the RSS activists did not reach the affected areas to provide succor to the affected people. Expresing surprise on this observation of the columnist, Nandkumar said that the reality was exactly opposite of what he had written.

Nearly 200 villages were completely destroyed in this natural calamity. But setting their sorrow aside, the people of these villages helped the stranded pilgrims. This was the tallest example of humanity.

Such events were not given theiur due publicity and only incidents of loot, thefts etc. were publicised out og proportions, he alleged and said that such humane sensitivity was overlooked by the media.

On the rehabiliation front: Following the appeal of RSS Sarkaryawah Bhayyaji Joshi, the swayamsevaks were busy in rehabilitation of the people in affected areas. The entire region was divided into three parts for this purpose.

Over 5000 RSS swayamsevaks drawing from other areas of the country had reached there and helping their fellow swayamsevaks in the herculean task of rehabilitation. The RSS was also preparing a lsit of interested persons who were ready to stay and work in that difficult region, he added.

Expressing surprise over the government not declaring this massive natural calamity as a national disaster, Nandkumar said that when the government was rendered helpless there how could the local people feel confident to tide over this devastation. He also deplored the efforts by certain political parties to draw political m ileage out of this natural disaster.

RSS Kshetra Prachar Pramukh Narendra Jain, Ramesh Vyas, VSK activists Harihar Sharma, Shailednra Singh and Brajendra Shukla were present during the program.

http://en.newsbharati.com/

Day-15: RSS Swayamsevaks concentrates on Reconstruction & Post-flood relief activities

Uttarakhand July 05: After almost successful rescue operation of stranded people at Flood hit zones of Uttarakhand along with Indian Army and associated social organisations, now RSS team is concentrating on reconstruction works at most of the flood hit zones.

RSS Swayamsevaks are working day and night almost on a 24×7 basis with different alternate batches at Uttarakhand. Temporary reconstruction of  roads, village clinic, school, temple are being done along with taking care of health-security of the the people affected.

 Here are few Pictorial compilation:

RSS Relief Work at Uttaranchal - A Report

A brief Report by Sewa International Team visiting the Flood Affected areas.

 

Total 15 centers are being run at different places: Rishikesh, Chamba, Dhansali, Joshimath, Karnprayag, Chamoli, Srinagar, Netwar, Haridwar, Dehradun, Pokhari, Dhatyud, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Maneri etc.

 

Types of Camps: Food distribution, medical camps, rescue assistance, transportation to safe places, helpline centres for relatives of yatrees.
Approx 5000 volunteers are serving tirelessly in different areas including flood affected valleys and plains like Haridwar, Rishikesh, etc.

There are many places where roads are completely washed away. There is no way for the vehicular traffic to trade on. Volunteers have to walk kilometres together carrying the relief material on their backs. They are also crossing tough & high hills with the load of relief items, trying to reach far flung villages.

In Chamba, there is a camp running since 22 June where approx 10,000 people are being provided food and medical treatment regularly.

Chamba is a place which is a junction which connects all four ways of Chardham Yatra (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath). A huge shelter has been established in village Dikhol near Chamba where pilgrims are being provided food, medicine and everything they need.

Transport assistance provided to approx 8200 yatris from Uttarkashi & Chinyali Saudh to Rishikesh from 21st June to 24th June, by available vehicles: Bus, truck, car, sumo, jeep, tempo & police vehicles etc.

Approx 200 villages are worst affected in the floods and some of them are totally washed out. Volunteers are trying their best to reach out to these villages/villagers and provide them initial relief. 

Flood devastated villagers, who have been rendered shelterless, are being shifted to safer places and temporary shelters by Volunteers. 

From the day 1 (16-June) till now 20 truck loads of relief material have been sent to flood affected areas from Dehradun alone that contains: pulses, rice, sugar, tea, spices, cloths, blankets, milk powder, water bottles, medicines, biscuits, and packed food etc. Material supplies from other centres like Rishikesh, Haridwar, etc are also being sent. Some of the camps above mentioned are being supported by various charity organizations with truckloads of raw food material. Even the civil supplies being supplied by the Uttarkhand Government is reaching our camps because paucity of Volunteers.

Army and Indo-Tibet Border Force personnel are being assisted by Volunteers in rescue operations and providing the personnel with food, shelter and all other possible necessary help.

Three teams from UDAPSS sent to three different locations, namely- 1.Badrinath-Hemkund Sahib, 2. Kedarnath, & 3. Gangotri-Yamunotri- for surveying the area and assessing the loss of life and property. This will help is in planning the rehabilitation program. 

The floods have also affected the schools, hostels run by UDAPSS, Vidya Bharati and other organizations in a big way which will surely affect the student population. One such major project which was established after the 1991 earthquake is located in Maneri (14 kms from Uttarkashi), Sewashram which is a school with residential facility. Twelve rooms of this hostel are washed away in this flood.

Remaining part of hostel has been converted to a relief camp (providing food, medicines, shelter) for needy people. Rotary Club and Azim Premji Club were impressed by the Sewa offered here by the dedicated volunteers and have supported this camp with relief materials. This camp was started on 18th June. This is the nearest location to Gangotri and people started streaming in soon after the floods. Till now 7500 pilgrims (including army soldiers) were provided food for 7 days round the clock. 

Womens from Bhubaneshwari Ashram have been actively volunteering here since the camp is established, supporting the camp with cooking food at Maneri Sewashram Camp.

70 Houses in Joshiyada village were completely washed away, causing many casualties. Rotary Club donated 35 tents to affected families and our Volunteer team is providing them food, cloths, gas cylinders, medicines, blankets and all necessary items.

Vagish Issar (Ivsk Delhi) 09810068474

Jammu-Kashmir issue is not of a just State, but of a Nation: Arun Kumar in Bangalore, Mysore

Bangalore/Mysore June 30: “”The imbroglio and crisis in Jammu and Kashmir is not just related to a state. We need to understand it clearly as ‘It is a national issue of separatism and terrorism in a state of India’.  The problem of Jammu and Kashmir is maintained and nurtured in New Delhi, not in Jammu and Kashmir” said Arun Kumar, Director of Jammu-Kashmir Study Centre, in Bangalore this morning.
 

Sri Arun Kumar speaks at Mythic Society Auditorium in Bangalore on June-30-2013

He was addressing an intellectual gathering at Mythic Society Auditorium at Bangalore, in a programme organised by ‘Manthana’, a forum for intellectual dialogue. 

At the evening of Sunday, Arun Kumar addressed  in a similar programme at ‘Madhavakrupa’, RSS Headquarters Mysore in a programme organised by Manthana, Mysore Unit.

Arun Kumar released a book ‘SAMVEEKSHANA’ at Mysore at Madhavakrupa, RSS Headquarters, Mysore on June-30 Sunday evening

Abstract of Speech by Sri Arun Kumar on “Jammu Kashmir – Facts, challenges and solutions”:

There is a background for today’s situation in J&K but we must realize that we all have a role to play. It was to facilitate the participation of everyone in the society that J&K Study Centre was established. J&k study center operates from Delhi and Jammu.

Many people ask whether J&K will remain with India and quote plebiscite add a reason for their despondency. I have met everyone from a wide spectrum in the society. Most are either uninformed or are misinformed about J&K. People ask what is the ‘Kashmir problem’. I tell them there is no ‘Kashmir problem’ but a lot of misinformation has been fed to the people which has resulted in wrong actions by the government.

After the incidents of stone pelting in 2010, the central government constituted a interlocutors team. They also had asked the view of Sangh over Kashmir. It was during this meet that I told them that there is no ‘Kashmir problem’ but it’s a ‘Delhi problem’, that has been created , maintained and nurtured by Delhi. I also told them that most of the issues prevalent has been created by the so-called experts of Delhi. It was then that one of the interlocutors told me that the ‘Kashmir problem’, has internal, external, human and other dimensions to it and that it is also a ‘saga of broken promises’!!! It is this kind of lies that has been spread which has resulted in the situation today.

Arun Kumar, Director of Jammu-Kashmir Study Centre

The fact is, there is no condition set for India with regards to Kashmir but as per the UN resolution at the UNCIP, it is Pakistan that had to vacate from J&K. Such confusion on J&K is because people like the interlocutors think it’s a international & internal problem. 86 % of the state is not involved in any kind of separatist movements. Any issue is only in the Kashmir valley which is the smallest part of the state. The separatist movement has been lead and nurtured only by one sect of people and they are the Kashmiri speaking Sunni Muslims. TV channels invite only leaders from this community for discussions. Gujjars Muslims who are nationalistic and other leaders from either Jammu or Ladakh are not invited by anyone. Hassan Khan, who is an MP from Kargil is not invited for his views on the issue. During Amarnath agitation, NDTV invited leaders from Sri Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti for its debates on the movement.  Sheikh Shakeel was chosen to represent the Sangharsh Samiti. People were flabbergasted to see a Muslim represent SASS. Such is the attitude of TV channels and the government towards any nationalistic forces in the state. Sheikh Shakeel was infact threatened by Omar Abdullah to withdraw from the agitation.
We should be aware that each of the separatist leader is a representative of few of the ‘mohallas’ in the valley. But they have been nurtured and instigated by forces inimical to the interests of India. Despite support from world powers to these minute separatist voices, nationalistic forces have withstood the challenge. We should not say it as a ‘Kashmir problem’, it’s a ‘Indian problem’. As an example, because there is ‘naxal problem’ in Chattisgarh we don’t day it as a ‘Chattisgarh problem’, similarly this too is not a Kashmir problem.

Prior to independence, the British made every effort to separate Kashmir from India.  When Kashmir acceded to India there were efforts to try and make J&K independent. They did not suceed due to efforts of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and the Praja Parishad’s agitation. Later, when Taliban spread it’s tentacles in Afghanistan in the 80`s, our government was sleeping. Due to this lackadaisical approach, the Hindus of Kashmir had to suffer a lot and eventually were forced out of the valley. Hindus in Kashmir had to leave the state several times in the last 400 years. Despite such forces against us, we ought to commend  our Army, which has played a major role is retaining Kashmir with India.

Sri Arun Kumar addressing on “Jammu Kashmir – Facts, challenges and solutions” at Mysore June-30 Evening

During independence princely states were given an option to accede to either Pakistan or India through the ‘Instrument of Accession’. There was no option for renaming independent. Article 370 was only a temporary measure to aid in transition. Lord Mountbatten’s letter was written to all princely states. Article 3 of the J&K constitution says the J&K is a integral part of India. J&k is just like any other state in India, and there has been a complete integration with India. There is no dispute here. Even the UN charter on India & Pakistan specifies that Pakistan has to vacate from all occupied territories unconditionally. It would mean that the AJK government and its forces will have to be disbanded. Plebiscite was to be conducted by India itself with UN as a observer. If Pakistan does not satisfy the above conditions, the plebiscite is not binding on India. This is a fact that has been neglected in any public debate. Infact, in the 1964 parliamentary debate, all 27 speakers spoke in favor of abrogating Articlr 370 and this included MP’s from left parties, Jan Sangh and even the Congress.

The Article 370 has been misused to further personal interests and foment anti-national feelings. Choosing to have two flags, a separate constitution, conditions that outsiders cannot buy land in J&K state were enacted using Aritcle 370 as a tool. Even today, the CAG or the  Election Commission has no jurisdiction over the state of J&K.

The President has the power to do away with the article 370. But its the political will that is lacking. In the 1950′s, seeing a threat to his personal ambitions, the seats won by Praja Parishad was invalidated by Sheikh Abdullah. He was the leader only in Kashmir and not for the entire state. Praja Parishad agitation was huge and went on for several months. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee called for abrogation of Article 370 in his speech in the parliament and backed it with all legal documents. Nehru had no answers and resorted to absurd arguments. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee tried to enter J&K without permit and was arrested and later died under mysterious circumstances. When Sheikh Abdullah did not agree to extend entire constitution of India, Nehru saw his true colors. Eventually, Sheikh was forsaken by his own party. We need to realize that Artcle 370 never gave any special status to J&K, it was few people who misused it to further their selfish agendas.

The Discourse on j&k has to change. Real victims have to be brought to the forefront. West-Pak refugees still live in camps, since 1947. The refugees from Pak Occupied Jammu-Kashmir(POJK), who  are about 2 lakhs in number, too are suffering without settling and are still languishing in camps. Kashmiri Pandits were attacked and sent out forcefully from the Kashmir valley. Issues of these people is never raised by any political parties in their manifestos. There are packages for ‘stone-pelters’ and for the terrorists who have surrendered. But the real victims and there human rights have been neglected.

Areas occupied by China & Pakistan have to be recovered. Chushul treaty between Tibet and China and treaty between China and J&K should be deemed final as it is entirely legal. China wanted the Shaksgam valley and Aksai Chin to further its geo-political interests and influence. India needs to recover these areas to become a super power. Many cities of Russia and Central Asia are approachable by road from Gilgit. It is an area that is rich in minerals and is also an alternate source of water to the entire continent.

In conclusion, we need to understand that the frauds committed in the name of 370 have to be exposed. Real victims have to be discussed. It’s a issue of national integration and not a Hindu-Muslim or Congress-BJP issue. Each of us has to educate oneself and write about it, teach about J&K to others and try and strengthen the nationalistic forces in Kashmir. We also need to visit Jammu and Kashmir to witness the Hindu Kashmir and not just a few famous tourist places. Going forward, what we need is a proactive agenda.”

Shri.Arun Kumar took a few question’s from the enthusiastic audience.

Following are the excerpts from the Q&A session (Sevaral related questions and their answers have been clubbed).

• What can common man do with regard to J&K? What measures can be taken to enhance integration of the state with rest of India? What are the ways we can engage with J&K Study Centre and enhance our knowledge about the state.

Arun Kumar: First each has to increase the individual’s awareness about J&K. We can arrange for celebrating J&K day in schools and in our Resident Welfare Association’s near our homes. We can also ask our friends and relatives to read more about J&K which will help in forming public opinion.

We should also plan to visit the interiors and remote places of J&K and villages like Demchok, that lie at the border. We can impress upon NGO’s to involve people from J&K in their projects. We can resolve to contribute 5% of our income to causes in J&K. It has to be a people’s movement. Business involvement can also be done in J&K. J&k study center will help such initiatives.

A Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/JammuKashmirNow and a website http://www.jammukashmirnow.com/ are already up and running with regular updates. But it also needs more bloggers and more websites to add to the cause.

• What can be done to bring about a political solution to the Jammu-Kashmir issue? Should we depend on only one party to deliver on the Kashmir issue? How to bring all parties together on this?

Awareness should be brought in politicians, irrespective of party, about J&K first. Legal issues, conditions of SC’s, ST’s in the state should be taught to them. Since delimitation has not happened in J&K, a consessus has to be built among all parties to enact the same. For this we need to involved people from all parties. A simple presidential order can remove 370. But political parties have to be impressed upon to take a decision and impress the president.

• What is the conditions of Hindus in Jammu-Kashmir? What about the Hindu-Muslim divide in Kashmir, issue of conversion, destruction of temples,etc.

We need to give the Hindus there a hope of victory. We need to help them to build temples. Even several Muslims are ready to help in this nationalistic cause.

• What was the role of America and other western forces in the Kashmir issue?

British and US diplomacy had indeed played a large role in the Kashmir issue. They saw Kashmir as a buffer to contain communist Russia. But even we were not serious about our approach. It was due to the  lack of strategic thinking from our governments too.

• Is the tribal council of Ladakh still valid? Why do women in Jammu and Ladakh don’t speak against women’s issues?

Women from Jammu and Ladakh too have raised their voices for women’s issues and partial laws. They have been part of several agitations, legal cases and have been part of several refugee’s agitations too.

Details of essay competition was given by Shri.Arun Kumar ji. More writings, legal awareness are required about j&k. He concluded saying that public opinion has to be created about Jammu-Kashmir

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In Bangalore, senior educationist Prof Kru Narahari, Senior Social workers YK Raghavendra Rao, Santhosh BL,  Dr Giridhar Upadhyaya along with select intellectuals, students and academicians attended the programme.

In Mysore RSS Pranth Sanghachalak M Venkataramu, Mysore Vibhag Sanghachalak Dr Vaman Rao Bapat, Senior Scientist KS Ramesh, Nagaraj of Manthana Mysore, RSS functionaries Chandrashekar Jahagirdar, Narayan Shevire, Vadiraj, NarayanSwamy and nearly 200 intellectuals attended the event.
If anyone interested to study more on Jammu and Kashmir issues at socio-academic level, please contact Sri Radhakrishna Holla, Convenor of Jammu Kashmir Study Centre, Bangalore. ( Email to radhakrishnaholla@gmail.com or Call 9731264009)