RSS 3day top meet Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha(ABPS) to be held from March 16 at Nagpur

Annual meeting of Akhil Bharateeya Pratinidhi Sabha(ABPS), highest body for policy formulation and decision making of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), will be held on March 16, 17 and 18 of 2012 at Dr Hedgewar Smriti Bhavan,  Reshambhag, Nagpur

ABPS

Representatives elected from RSS-Shakhas of all regions of the country, state level office bearers of RSS, National office bearers of Sangh affiliated (Sangh Parivar) organizations will attend all the three days of the meeting..


Prominent leaders from Bharateeya Kisan Sangh, working for the farmers; Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram, a tribal welfare organization; Akhil Bharateeya Vidyarthi Parishad, one of the biggest student organization of the contry; Bharateeya Mazdoor Sangh, a leading trade union; Vishwa Hindu Parishad, a forum of Sadhus, Sants and Pontiffs; Bharatiya Janata Party, one of the two most important political parties of India; are attending the meeting.

Delegates gathered in Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, Puttur-2011

Office bearers of Vidhya Bharati, Vijnana Bharati, Kreeda Bharati, Seva Bharati, Samskrit Bharati, Samskar Bharati, Laghu Udyog Bharati as well as leaders from Rashtra Sevika Samithi, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, Deendayal Samshodhan Samsthan, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Shaikshanika Mahasangh, Dharmajagaran will be participating in the conclave.


Several organizations with special focus like – Sakshama, working for the blind; Seema Suraksha Parishat, which is committed to boost confidence among people of border districts, Poorva Sainik Parishat, working among retired soldiers will be represented in the meeting.


Reports of activities of all these organizations will be submitted in the meeting. State wise activities of the RSS will be reviewed. Important national issues will be discussed and necessary resolutions will be passed in the meeting.


More than 1200 Social workers of different walks of life from nook and corners of the country will be participating in the meeting.


Last summer in 2011, the ABPS was held at Puttur of Southern Karnataka.

RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat, Sarkaryavah Suresh Joshi in ABPS-2011

http://samvada.org/2012/news/rss-top-meet-akhil-bharatiya-pratinidhi-sabhaabps-to-be-held-from-march-16-at-nagpur/

కాశ్మీర్ లో వేర్పాటువాదం అనేది ఉన్నదా?

 

 

జనవరి 29వ తేదీనాడు "జమ్మూ కాశ్మీర్ నిజాలు - సమస్యలు - పరిష్కారాలు" అనే అంశంపై ఒక సదస్సు నిర్వహించబడింది. ఆ సదస్సులో జమ్మూ-కాశ్మీర్ అధ్యయన కేంద్ర ప్రముఖులు, రాష్ట్రీయ స్వయంసేవక సంఘ్ అఖిల భారత కార్యకారిణీ సభ్యులు శ్రీ అరుణ్ కుమార్ పాల్గొన్నారు. జమ్మూ కాశ్మీర్ సమస్యపై ఎన్నో ఆసక్తికరమైన అంశాలు ప్రస్తావించారు. 

జమ్మూ కాశ్మీర్ మూడు భాగాలు. అవి 1) జమ్మూ, 2) కాశ్మీర్, 3) లద్దాక్. ఈ మూడు భాగాలలోని కాశ్మీర్ లో, అందులోనూ కాశ్మీర్ లోయలో జరుగుతున్న విషయాలు మాత్రమే దేశానికి, ప్రపంచానికి పత్రికా రంగం ద్వారా తెలుస్తున్నాయి. మిగిలిన భాగాలలోని ప్రజలు ఏమి మాట్లాడుతున్నారనే విషయం అసలు ప్రాధాన్యత లేనట్లుగా అక్కడి వ్యవహారాలు సాగుతున్నాయి. కాశ్మీర్ లోయలో కూడా 200 సున్నీ కుటుంబాలు చేస్తున్న అలజడి మాత్రమే వేర్పాటువాదం. జమ్మూ కాశ్మీర్ లోని 84% మంది ప్రజలు వేర్పాటువాదులు కాదు. ప్రత్యేక వాదులూ కాదు, వారు పూర్తిగా జాతీయవాదులు.

జమ్మూ కాశ్మీర్ లో 370 వ ప్రత్యేక అధికరణాన్ని కూడా చాలా వివాదాస్పదం చేసి దానిని దుర్వినియోగ పరుస్తున్నారు. కాశ్మీర్ లోని అసలు సమస్యకు మూల కారణం డిల్లీలోని రాజకీయ నాయకులు, ప్రభుత్వ యంత్రాంగము, మానవ హక్కుల సంఘాల వాళ్ళు. అక్కడి తీవ్రవాదాన్ని, వేర్పాటు వాదాన్ని అక్కడ ఉన్న సామాన్య ప్రజలు, జాతీయ వాదులు తీవ్రంగా వ్యతిరేకిస్తున్నారు. కాశ్మీర్ అసలు సమస్య పాకిస్తాన్ ఆక్రమణలో ఉన్న కాశ్మీర్ భూభాగాన్ని విముక్తం చేయడం. దీనికి మన పార్లమెంటు 1994 ఫిబ్రవరి 22 న ఒక ఏకగ్రీవ తీర్మానం కూడా చేసింది. పాక్ ఆక్రమణలోని కాశ్మీర్ ను విముక్తం చేయటమే కాశ్మీర్ సమస్యకు పరిష్కారం. దాని గురించి ఏమి చేస్తున్నారో చెప్పరు. పైగా బయట మాత్రం మరోరకంగా మాట్లాడుతూ ఉంటారు. ఈ విషయాలు సరిగా ప్రజలకు అర్థం కావాలి.

పాకిస్తాన్ తో జరిగిన అన్ని యుద్ధాల సమయంలోనూ, అందులోనూ ముఖ్యంగా కార్గిల్ యుద్ధం సమయంలో అక్కడి సామాన్య ప్రజలు పాకిస్తాన్ పట్ల ఎలా స్పందించారో గమనించవలసిన అవసరం ఉంది. వారు అన్ని సమయాల్లో పాకిస్తాన్ ఆక్రమణను పూర్తిగా వ్యతిరేకించి, మన సైన్యానికి పరిపూర్ణంగా సహకరించారు.

మన ప్రభుత్వాలు మరో విషయాన్ని 1947 నుండి ఇప్పటి వరకు తేల్చటం లేదు. పాకిస్తాన్ నుండి, పాక్ ఆక్రమణలో ఉన్న కాశ్మీర్ నుండి దేశ విభజన సమయంలో తమ రక్షణ కోసం కాశ్మీర్ చేరిన 10 లక్షల మంది శరణార్థులకు రక్షణ లేదు. కనీసం వారికి మానవహక్కులు కూడా కల్పించటం లేదు. పాక్ ఆక్రమణలో ఉన్న కాశ్మీర్ భూభాగాల నుండి వచ్చినవారిని తిరిగి వారి స్థానాలకు సురక్షితంగా పంపేందుకు ఏమి చేస్తున్నారో చెప్పరు.

కాశ్మీర్ లో ఓ.బి.సి. కి రిజర్వేషన్లు లేవు. ఎస్.సి., ఎస్.టి. లకు రాజకీయ రిజర్వేషన్లు లేవు. ఇవి ఎప్పుడు ఇస్తారో కూడా చెప్పరు. కాని వేర్పాటువాదులతో చర్చలు జరుపుతామంటున్నారు. ఈ విషయాలు దేశమంతటా తెలియవలసిన అవసరం ఉంది. కాశ్మీర్ గురించిన మరిన్ని ఆసక్తికరమైన అంశాల గురించి మరో సందర్భంలో మాట్లాడుకుందాము.  

 

 http://www.lokahitham.net/2011/02/blog-post_183.html

Youth Leadership in India: An analysis by Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS ideologue

Sri Dattatreya Hosbale, National Joint General Secretary of  RSS (Sah Sarkaryawah,) voices the expectations about the Youth Leadership of India. The views expressed by him make a good read & promise to stir our intellect. The below write-up is taken from a  Marathi article  published Tarun Bharat, Nagpur. (Translation by Newsbharati.com)

Dattatreya Hosabale

Before thinking upon youth leadership, meditation upon the question “Who is young?” is quite necessary. If the youths for whom the entire churning is going on, are not properly understood, then all the efforts will go in vain. It is said that India is a country of youths and is progressing towards becoming a superpower. Every time India has given a firm leadership to the entire world in various fields, but today we are thinking about how should be the youth leadership of India at present.

Who is young?

 If the criterion of age is considered to answer the question, then in the year 1985, UNO had mentioned at international level that one who is aged up to 35 years is young. Also, there was differentiation between developed and underdeveloped countries. According to underdeveloped and undeveloped nations, the proposed age was 40.
If age is the only criterion, then we cannot go beyond that. 
However, if some other criterion is to be fixed, then a different perspective needs to be explored. Did they fell under ‘youth’ category under whose leadership the youth movements flourished till date? In 1975, Jaiprakash Narayan (JP) triggered the movement for complete transformation. Youth force poured in large numbers for his country-wide agitation. A number of leaders flashing on national screen are the result of JP’s nationalistic churn. The recent agitation of Anna Hazare also witnessed a significant participation of youths. Does JP or Anna fall under youth category? In fact, one who understands the feelings of youths, has the enthusiasm in his heart, can communicate with them in their language i.e. has got the knowledge of youths’ nerve, deserves to be called ‘youth’. He is a real youth by spirit! The names of leaders such as Balasahab Thackerey and Atal Behari Vajpayee need to be specifically mentioned in this perspective.

By pronouncing the term ‘youth’, the picture that strikes our mind is that of the youngsters roaming inside the college campus. Being in the same campus, they appear to be united. They are undergoing studies; they are aware of the activities going on at social and national levels and can also meditate over the issues. However, youths are not only present inside the college campus but also in the rural section of the society. Swami Vivekanand had described youths as muscles of iron and backbone of steel. Youth movements are formed in every era for the creation of an ideal society and nation. Since Vedic times, a lot of expectations have been raised about youths. At each mode of time and whenever required, youth power has given a sound proof of its leadership qualities. What was the war of Mahabharat? It was an agitation created under the leadership of one youth called Shri Krishna. All the freedom fighters whose names are often spelled with respect in today’s date such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, etc were youths indeed.

May it be India or abroad, the clarion call for revolution has been made by youths only. In 1988, youths were assembled at Tiyanmen square to enter into Beijing, with their demands for democracy and independence; who gave them inspiration? At that time, the media network was also not strong as it is today. Nobody was there to lead them at the forefront. All of them were gathered because of the natural inspiration that is embedded among each youth. The recent transformation of power that occurred in Somalia and Indonesia was the result of youth revolution.

That what is meant by youth leadership? The leadership that stands against the power, struggles for justice and builds a strong force against the ruling power. This doesn’t necessarily mean political leadership. A number of social welfare fields are there such as society, science, environment, etc. A joint and homogeneous leadership is generated from all such fields. Today we search the solutions for the problems regarding all these fields in politics or we often pass on the buck saying that politics only should give suitable solutions to all such problems. This can be the responsibility of the government but the problems in the respective fields should be sorted out by the respective leadership only. In this context, I refer to joint leadership. For example, farmers’ problems should be treated by the leadership in the field of agriculture. However the implementation on the conclusions drawn by the agricultural leadership should be done by the ruling leadership, taking into consideration it’s cultural, environmental and various other aspects. It also comprises of administrative leadership. This leadership should serve as a guideline for the entire society.

Dattatreya Hosabale

It is often said that Swami Vivekanand’s leadership was spiritual. However, he expressed his views over a variety of subjects such as science, environment, culture, dharma, etc. His views are inspirational even today. His views gave a guideline for an independent revolution. Youth leadership should be transparent, selfless, sensitive and sacrificial. In this context, again I would like to mention the name of JP. He did not keep any greed for power after completing the agitation. In fact he said that if the people elected to power because of his agitation were found corrupt, then he will also raise his voice against him. When Lal Bahadur Shastri became the Prime Minister, his son was given promotion and hike in salary by the respective company. When Shashtriji came to know about this, he asked his son to resign. His son asked, “They gave me promotion. How can I resign?” Shastriji said,” If you will not resign then I will have to quit the post.” Such should be the selfless attitude. A number of temptations come in the path of leadership but one should not get trapped. Compromise should not be made with the principles. Youths took part in Assam’s Anti Infiltration agitation under the leadership of Prafullkumar Mahanto. Government changed. These youths came to power with a passion for change in the Government and then what happened? Revolution certainly comes along with power, but it is unfair to forget the promises given to the revolution after coming to power. This mistake is often committed by many people. Temptations cannot be avoided. People also tempt to say “I don’t have any temptation.” Hence the fire of revolution ceases when a man behind revolution comes to power.

Agitation is often raised out of spirit to fight against injustice prevailing in the society. One who leads the agitation is called leader, because the world is in need of some face. Somebody definitely speaks from people’s side in the discussion. Some face also needs to be shown to the media. Inspiration is drawn from the conduct of people who are at the leading position. However, the life of an agitation is prolonged only if a second order is created in it. Leadership is to be created at different levels. Continuous efforts are to be made for achieving a stable development. A number of agitations were held in Indonesia for transformation of power and many a times, power was also transformed. With a dream for revolution in their hearts, newer people came to power but why was the need felt for another agitation against injustice? A few people only can keep their conscience alive after being elected to power. Nelson Mandela was in jail for 26 years. After the end of class differentiation, he became the president of South Africa but he didn’t deviate from his path. Lech Walesa from Poland was a labour leader. He did not come to power after the power transformation.
Politics certainly comes along with power. Downfall also occurs accordingly. Some other fields are also co-related to politics. Vijay Bhatkar curbed the brain drain in IT sector. He made a super computer along with the youths in IT sector. The phrase ‘integrated transformation’ sounds good and it certainly catches the attention while meditating upon this subject. However, for bringing integrated transformation, thoughts also need to be integrated. Newer leadership should be induced in every field. For this, the development of the society should be accomplished accordingly. Without system transformation, atmosphere cannot be built up in any field to go beyond all types of differences. If the differences prevail, homogeneity will not be created without which the integrity and unification will not be accomplished. If the differences exist on the basis of religion, cast, creed, sect, etc, no one will respect the other’s views. Under such situation, how will it be possible to have a single leadership?

We accepted the Nehru Model of development that became the cause behind splitting up of society. Agitation should be triggered regarding education, justice, development, etc. Today, we are living in 21^st century and but still the society is gripped by evils such as casteism, women’s exploitation, etc. Tremendous intellectual churning is required over all these issues. Youths who understand the language of the modern world have this capacity to participate in this churn. We should not have any kind of prejudice towards youths. While writing new ‘Smriti’ patriotism is required. Youths should be given this chance. They are indeed patriotic. Situation should be created to give them opportunity to express themselves.
Innovation should be involved while creating new leadership. Selfless attitude is needed. It is often said that today’s generation is in grip of intoxication and material pleasures. Concern is often expressed towards this issue. However, meditation is not done. Introspection will show that the entire young generation is not irresponsible. It will be realized that we only are responsible for today’s situation. We did not discharge our duty of inculcating sanskars and creating intellectual platforms for this generation.
Youths are like flames. In order to ensure that they just don’t blindly trigger fire among the society, sanskars are needed. Ideals should be set before them. They will follow the footsteps of their leaders and counterparts. Youths who get associated with a particular ideology always refrain themselves from intoxication and materialistic lifestyle.

There should be a proper system to generate a team of such youths. By giving them a proper leadership, a fruitful transformation can be then accomplished. The movement that is launched under the leadership of a particular person is called agitation. However, agitation should also not be centered around a particular person. There is a certain chance of losing the track. This can harm the entire movement. Suspicion grows about the purpose of the movement. A human being can commit a mistake, he may fall prey to various kind of temptations whereas the agitation cannot.
As I have mentioned earlier, everybody needs a face; media needs it most. Media allots more importance to face rather than that of the demands or points. Hence they fix a particular person to lead the agitation. Actually, concept should lead the agitation, not the person. A number of institutions are concept or principle-centered. Those should be accepted in the form of leadership. But we show more interest in having a person. We immediately start worshipping him. Jnan Prabodhini, Vidya Bharati are a few organizations that can lead the youths. Vision statement is needed for system transformation. For that, people aspiring to accomplish a particular goal should come together. Transparency and selfless attitude are required without any compromise.

Nation has to incur a heavy loss due to the fall in leadership. Today, we are repaying the same debt. Every political party should introspect about the face of its leadership before two or three generations. It will be noticed that every party had a selfless and transparent leadership. Ego is a great enemy of leadership and it gets stuck naturally in due course. Losing the track after gaining success is a natural phenomenon. However, if the life-style will be clean and transparent and the behavior will be controlled by good thoughts, then the deviation from the track can be avoided.

I am not at all dismayed today. I have full faith towards my motherland who has blessed the entire world with a number of great people to steer the ship of development. The blood of great national heroes such as Shivaji Maharaj, Rana Pratap, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Rani Laxmibai, etc still flows through the nerves of our youths. However, coming back to the same point; we need a face; a name. None of such faces or names is currently in front of my eyes but Anna’s agitation has proved it again that if there is a definite goal in the offing, then the youths of this nation are also ready to support the cause. They might not trust a person but have a full faith towards the goals. Therefore a joint leadership will definitely emerge in the nation and a new chapter will certainly begin in the coming decade…!

Jai Hind !!

Source: http://en.newsbharati.com/default.aspx

New Delhi – March 4: Claiming false and baseless propaganda, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expressed sadness over the fake news, recently carried by several main stream media on Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat.

Dr Manmohan Vaidya, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS issued a Press Statement condemning the irresponsible media act to defame Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the organisation.

Mohan Bhagwat - RSS Sarasanghachalak

On Ferbruary 29, 2012  several mainstream media carried news on RSS Sarasanghachalak saying that “Supreme Court had slammed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over Karkare comments.”

Download the pdf file of RSS Press Release:

RSS press statement 4-3-2012 English
RSS Statement 4-3-2012

Major mainstream media now has published the RSS press release.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/no-sc-rap-for-bhagwat-rss/971044.html

http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/no-sc-rap-for-bhagwat-rss_762134.html

For CNN-IBN, it is the 2nd time they quietly removed a news article in 9 days, without any apology. The first one was for Sushma Swaraj and now for Mohan BhagawaT.

Later it was found to be a fake news, as the news disappeared from news websites which published earlier, following the exposure by Bangalore based tweeples.

 http://samvada.org/2012/news/rss-reacts-press-release-strongly-condemns-media-for-fake-news-on-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat/

‘Be Aware of your Social Responsibility’: Mohan Bhagwat in ‘Advocates for Hindutva’ conference

Davanagere, Karnataka March 4: “Keeping professional morals high, advocates should  aware of their social responsibilities” said RSS Sarasanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat at Davanagere today.

Mohan Bhagwat speaks in 'Advocates for Hindutva' conference

He was delivering the inaugural speech  in of  ’Advocates for Hindutva‘ conference at Davanagere, Karnataka.

“Lawyers, being a part of  judiciary proceedings should ensure to protect the justice and social health, though legal arguments are carried far and against in a case. Hindutva is the only concept which focus upon global justice and to eradicate all kind of injustices. There is a need to understand the concepts in Hindutva, hence the  title for today’s event is Advocates for ‘Hindutva’,” clarified Mohan Bhagwat.

“Hindutva is our national identity.  Hindutva is our nationality.Our nation is very much known as Hindu Rashtra. The Supreme Court has defined Hindutva as a way of life” said RSS Chief.

“Hindutva is the most needed concept to achieve universal integrity and universal peace as there is increased violence, injustice. The world is in a need of the eternal values of Bharat. Such an lifestyle based on these ancient values is known as Hindutva” added the Sangh Supremo.

“The very basic concepts like ‘Sarvepi sukhina santu‘ are never found else where other than Hindutva. Justice is hard on its focus, which condemns the wrong, and upholds  the right. The life should be led according the Dharma, keeping Artha and Kama controlled to reach the Moksha, as per Hindu sway of life”

Mohan Bhagwat

“Hindutva is our national identity.  Hindutva is our nationality.Our nation is very much known as Hindu Rashtra. The Supreme Court has defined Hindutva as a way of life” said RSS Chief.

“Every Indians are Hindus by this concept of nationality. The ancestors of Indian Muslims were Hindus only. Hence each Muslim of this nation culturally a Hindu. Unfortunately the vote-bank politics has divided them and grouped as minority. Few fundamentalists demand to implement Sachar Committee report but we still oppose it which is a threat to social integrity” said Bhagwat.

“The role of advocates is to stand for the justice, ever. Hence the conference ‘Advocates  for Justice’ is nothing but ‘Advocates for Hindutva’. Legal activism is a major need of the hour by which we can protect Hindu way of life from all cultural invasions” said Mohan Bhagwat quoting the example over the legal debate of Homosexuality in India.

RSS Supremo arrives in 'Advocates for Hindutva' conference

Sri Siddhalinga Swamji of Harihara and Justice M Ramakrishna, Rtd Chief Justice of Assam and Jammu-Kashmir were also present along with Mohan Bhagwat during the inaugural ceremony.
Nearly 1400 advocates from different parts of the state are participating in this conclave.

Hindu Jagarana Vedike, a pro-Hindu outfit of RSS is organising this event on commemoration of its silver jubilee year.

Mohan Bhagwat felicitated at 'Advocates for Hindutva' conference

In first session RSS National Executive Member Indresh Kumar spoke on “Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission report-a threat to nation”. Lt General V M Patil was the chief guest for the session.

Post lunch session on “Social challenges of Karnataka”, CV Keshavamoorthy, senior advocate from Mysore delivered the key note address. Sri Ashok Sahu, Justice Parvath Rao, All India President of Adhivakta Parishad the was the chief guest.

In the valedictory at 3.45pm, Janata Party Chief Dr Subramanian Swamy, Sri PC Dogra, Justice M Rama Jois addressed the gathering.

Panchama Sali Seer addressing

Delegates gathered

http://samvada.org/2012/news/advocates-for-hindutva-2012/

An Interview with experts on unhealed PoK issues and Jammu-Kashmir Imbroglio

by Prashanth Vaidyaraj, Bangalore.

Jammu and Kashmir Map focusing POK and COK

I had the privilege to attend the conference on ‘POK and Northern Areas’ at Indian International Centre, New Delhi on the 22nd of Feb, 2012 by the Centre for Security and Strategy. It was a august gathering of the best minds on POK. Hence I was witness to the most erudite deliberations on the past, present and the future of POK vis-a-vis India. A follow up session was held on the 23rd Feb at the ‘Deenadayal Shodh Sansthan’.

It was during these two days I had the opportunity to converse with a array of dignitaries who were privy to the happenings in J&K and particularly the POK. What I present below is a excerpt of the informal conversations I had with various dignitaries, who I think represent a section of the stakeholders of the POK issue that is plaguing India. My intention in presenting this set of conversations is to convey the sentiments, importance and the way forward of the POK issue through these people who have either experienced the happenings of POK or have worked extensively over the issue.

As a disclaimer, let me reiterate that this is a extract of my informal conversations I had with the below individuals on POK and issues related to unity and integrity of India.- Prashanth Vaidyaraj
———————————————————

1. Dialogue with Shri Arun Kumar Ji, Director, Jammu-Kashmir Study Centre. 

Arun Kumar- JK Study Centre

Myself – Arun Ji, after the conference on POK we have lot of information with us about the different aspects of the issue. But the challenge is to decide on the best way to disseminate this info to the public of India. What do you suggest is the best way?

Shri Arun Kumar – The best way is to talk to people about the POK tangle and our legal position on it. Information has to be spread in regional languages and in local dailies and periodicals. You can arrange for a small gatherings of people in your locality and have an expert on POK or anyone from POK talk to them. POK should be discussed in milan bhauddiks too.

Myself – The mainstream media is too obsessed with one viewpoint on J&K and that is the Kashmir valley. Why do you think the media acts in this way and how can we change that opinion in the media?

AK – A section of the intelligentsia of the Kashmir valley has been successful in driving its point of view in the media and hence the discourse is currently focussed on only the Kashmir valley. Now, it is upto us to change this discourse to a larger issue of getting back POK and Aksai chin. That can happen only when we disseminate the information we have with us to the general public. Once the public view is generated, the media will automatically change the discourse. This can happen only when the public mood on getting back POK and Aksai Chin is generated in the country.

Myself – This is a great initiative which will enable people from different walks of life to know the truth about J&K. What has been the response from people on this?

AK – I knew that people hardly had any information on this issue. There is too much to J&K than just the valley. Not just commoners, even parliamentarians are not aware of the details on POK. Infact, yesterday a member of a major political party who attended the conference confessed that she did not know most of the details discussed at the conference. She thanked me for the invite. So, we also need to educate our parliamentarians along with the public. The government will take up the cause and raise the voice only if the people of the country raise their voice. So, this is where educating the masses on POK becomes all the more important. We will discuss the way forward in details in today’s conference.

2. Dialogue with Shri Thupston Chhewang Ji, Former MP Leh

Shri Thupston Chhewang Ji, Former MP Leh

Myself – Sir, at the conference on POK yesterday you ended your speech by saying that we need to do everything possible to get back POK and to establish ‘Akhand Bharath’. But, recently In Bangalore, several so-called ‘secularists’ got together and objected to any change in the text book syllabus that included the definition of ‘Akhand Bharath’. While we here are deliberating on getting POK back, I think we have a larger task to take on such inimical forces within our country. How do you think we can achieve to do that?

Thupston Chhewang – Yes, that is a big challenge to educate our own people first. By ‘Akhand Bharath’ today, I mean getting the lands that legally belong to us and have been illegally occupied by China and Pakistan. We are not talking of taking back areas of Pakistan and Bangladesh. We can defeat inimical forces within our country only by educating public at large about the current status of such illegally occupied lands and its strategic importance to us. It is our responsibility to impart this knowledge to the public and generate public voice on this issue and make the government hear to their demands.

Myself – There is a huge disconnect among people who live at the border areas like Ladakh and people in states like Karnataka which are down south. How can we improve their relationships and feeling of oneness.

TC – I was in Bangalore last year to inaugurate a hostel for girl students from Ladakh who are studying in Bangalore. There are many such students from Ladakh and other areas studying in Bangalore. This was one of my initiatives as an MP to send students in far areas of Ladakh to study in Bangalore. The project has been a huge success. Also tourism in Ladakh has been improving and many people from all over India visit Ladakh regularly. Such people exchanges enable people to know each other better and will generate the feeling of brotherhood.

Myself – Media portrays as if the voices in the Kashmir valley as the voice of the whole state of J&K. How do the local people of Ladakh and Leh view the issue. Also, what steps have been taken by the politicians at the centre to address their problems?

TC – The people of Ladakh are nationalists and will never support the separatist voices. Ladakhis are always in the forefront to defend the borders. But yes, they too have their share of grievances and the government should address them. Infrastructure has to be improved a lot and higher education facilities needs to be improved. This does not mean the they are asking for something in return for their loyalty to India. It is only a genuine need that has to be provided. Politicians have been showing concern about their difficulties. BJP had organised the tour of the border areas to understand the problems of the people at the borders. Such initiatives are a welcome move to get these people into the mainstream.

Myself – I think that people in other parts of India view Ladakh more as a tourist destination and less as a state of the Indian union that needs as much care as any other state. What do you think about such portrayal of Ladakh? How does that affect the Ladakhis?

TC – Yes, that was the mainstream view about Ladakh till very recently. But that view is slowly changing as people to people interaction is increasing. I think tourism is a good thing and the more it improves, the better it is for the local population too. The Global Buddhist Congregation in New Delhi was a huge game changer for the Buddhists of Ladakh, who are a majority there. Since the conference happened in our own country, they now feel closer to the capital. Such conferences must be held more often which will instill a sense of pride and belongingness among the Buddhists of Ladakh.

Myself – Sir, it was great learning experience talking to you and thanks for your time.

3. Dialogue with Shri Yuv Raj Gupta Ji, Chairman, POJK Refugee Sangarsh Morcha

Myself – Sir, you exposition at the conference on POK touched the audience’s heart. The moderator tried to stop you but the audience wanted you to continue. People like us who can’t even imagine what you went through during those times got to know your struggles. What is the way forward for you?

Yuvraj Gupta – We will keep on fighting till we get justice. Several people here have heard stories of atrocities on the POK refugees by the Pak army from their parents and relatives. But I was a witness to it as a 15 year old. I am now 79, but I cannot forget what I and other refugees went through. I do get emotional whenever I speak of it.

Myself – Sir, please go on!

YG – 45,000 of us left Mirpur in a batch but only 30,000 reached Jammu. Close to 15,000 were butchered by the Pak army. Many atrocities were committed by the Pak army on our men and women.
I saw bodies lying on the road and we were unable to give them a decent cremation and hence had to see the bodies being eaten by stray dogs. Yes, I got emotional yesterday while speaking but nothing has been done all these years by anyone.

Myself – Sir, I should tell you that we have failed you, India and Hindus have failed you people. But it is also true that such information has never been in the media and people across India do not know this. That is a tragedy. I am from Bangalore and several people like me never knew about the kind of atrocities you people have gone through. Please tell me more.

YG – Even today many live in camps that are unfit for human living. We do not have any facilities in education and no voting rights. Very little about us and the atrocities on us is known in India or the outside world. Not even a word of sympathy has been said about us either in India or the UN. But we have to fight out own battle till we get justice.

Myself – How do you plan to achieve that?

YG – We have formed the ‘POJK Refugee Sangarsh Morcha’ for this purpose and I am its current chairman. We intend to give this information at such events and spread the message. We will also visit various Indian cities and distribute information about things that happened to us.
This is where people like you need to help us. Please do spread the information about us to everyone you know. I will also give you all the required information you want. We will stay in touch with you.

Myself – Sir, we will surely do all that we can. Please contact me, whenever you are in Bangalore. Thank you.

4. Dialogue with Shri Ajay Bharti , Editor, Swadeshi Patrika



Myself – Sir, great to know you. Had read several issues of Swadeshi Patrika online. Great periodical. What is your periodical doing in the POK aspect and how are you involved?

Ajay Bharti – I am the editor of Swadeshi Patrika and we have covered several topics relating to J&K and POK issues. Now, we will give more importance to the task of getting back POK.

Myself – Traditional mainstream media had neglected the POK refugees and their problems. Even Jammu and Ladakh are never mentioned. What do you propose to do on this front?

AB – As part of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, we undertake trips to Jammu to understand the problems of the refugees there. We try to solve some issues of both the Kashmiri Pandits and the POK refugees. You too are welcome to be a part of our trip to Jammu. It is open to anyone who is interested to visit and understand and witness the problem of these people. Only when people from across India witness the problems of the refugees in person, will the discourse on J&K change in the mainstream media too.

Myself – Wont such trips become kind of disaster tourism and heckle the refugees there?

AB – No, we do not infringe on the refugee camps or their homes. We only go to understand their problems and know the ground situation there. No attempt is made to heckle them of force them to entertain us. It will be upto us get the knowledge we require. We have been to Jammu several times and have never come across any complaints. Why dont you come for dinner to my house? We can talk over at my place.

Myself – Thanks for the invite Sir. It was great talking to you. But will surely call you the next time I am in Delhi and meet you to discuss these issues. Namaste.

http://samvada.org/

‘More schemes needed for the benefit of tribal folks’: Rahul Dravid in Utthishta Puraskar Ceremony

Rahul Dravid presented Utthishta Seva Puraskar Award

Bangalore Feb 26: The Uthishtta Seva Puraskar was conferred on the Agasthyar Bala Samskara Kendra fraternity at a function in Bangalore yesterday. Ace cricketer Rahul Dravid handed over the award, which consisted of Rs 1 lakh in cash and a shield. The award was jointly received by Chellamma and Shobha, the two ladies who dedicated their lives for the noble cause and Ramachandran, Sewa Pramukh of Sewa Bharati, Neyyatinkara. The high light of the function was the sterling Kathakali performance by Padmasree Kalamandalam Gopi and his team.

Conferring the award, noted Cricketer Rahul Dravid spoke on the need for more such schemes for the benefit of the tribal folks. He said that those who worked selflessly for Agasthyar Bala Samskara Kendra have set an exemplary example for others to emulate. (Uthishtta seva Puraskar was conferred on the team for the selfless services done by team members towards the development of Kani tribals, especially in the field of education).

Rahul Dravid conferring Utthisht Seva Puraskar

Following the bestowing of awards, the audience was given a cultural treat with the Kathakali performance by Kalamandalam Gopi and team. A patriarch of the rich classical art form, Kalamandalam Gopi enthralled the audience with Nalacharitham Nalam Divasam, depicting the Pauranic tale of Nala and damayanthi. He was accompanied by Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Margi Vijayakumar. Following this was a performance by Kalamandalam Shanmukhadas, Kalamandalam Sucheendran and Kalamandalam Vijayakumar on Prahladacharitham, the life of Prahalada.

Cultural event

A note on Agasthyar Bala Samskara Kendra: tribals who dwell in the Kuttichal Panchayat of Trivandrum District, Kerala.  Tucked away from regular settlement, the tribal folks are cut off from all amenities offered by city life. There is a total umber of 11 settlements, where members resort mainly to cultivation for a livelihood. As part of education for the younger generation, 4 teachers, who render pure voluntary service, stay there and take care of these children as their own family. As they pass Standard 4, Sewa Bharati has made provisions for children to continue their studies at Vellanadu Mitra Niketan.

 http://samvada.org/2012/news/more-schemes-needed-for-the-benefit-of-tribal-folks-rahul-dravid-in-utthishta-puraskar-ceremony/