Nagpur. Honorable Chief Guest of Today’s program
Dr. VK Saraswat, other invited guests, revered citizens, mothers,
sisters and beloved swayamsewaks -
Today, we are gathered here to celebrate our
annual festivities of the Vijayadashmi Parva. 90 years have elapsed since the
sangh work was started. This year is the 125th birth
anniversary of Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He made a lifelong struggle
against the injustice of social inequality and made provisions in the
Constitution thereby eradicating those discriminations from the political and
economic spheres of our national life. In Shri Guruji’s (second Sarsanghchalak
of RSS) words, his talent was a confluence of Acharya Shankar’s Sharp
Intellect and Tathagat Buddha’s unbounded compassion.
Last year was also the 125th Birth
Anniversary of Parampujaniya Dr. Hedgewar (founder of Sangh). He envisioned
creation of a prosperous Bharat as example for the whole world to follow,
through collective efforts of an egalitarian society. The evolution of a
technique to create honest and selfless workers, striving incessantly and
wholeheartedly to achieve this goal was his lifetime contribution. Birth
centenary of Late Shri Balasaheb Deoras, an expert in this technique and the
third Sarsanghchalak of RSS, is also to commence this year. Late Pandit
Deendayalji Upadhyay, who was nurtured in this technique, had suggested an
integral approach called Ekatma Manav Darshan, adopted to
modern times for the nation, based on the eternal values of Bharatiya
Philosophy. His birth centenary has also commenced.
By a pleasant coincidence, this is also the 1000th year
of coronation of Raj Rajeshwar Rajendra Chola, a royal who had established a
model of good governance in Bharat and had promulgated in South East Asia the
benevolent influence of the eternal Bharatiya culture.
Rejecting all disparities based on caste and creed, and breaking all the
barriers of superstitious traditions, Shri Ramanujacharya made the path
of Bhakti to all the sections of the society, thus paving
the way for social harmony. Preparations are going on at the social level to
celebrate his 1000th birth anniversary in the coming year. This
is also the 1000th birth anniversary of greatShaiva philosopher
from Jammu-Kashmir, Acharya Abhinav Gupt. The celebration of the
5151th Anniversary of our revered Bhagvad Gita,
which conveys the message of doing Karma without expecting
any of Phala, and the principles of “Karmasu Kaushalam”
and “Samatva”, will be continued till the Gita Jayanti.
Two great souls departed us this year. Our Ex
President, Dr. Abdul Kalam was one who had dedicated his life towards
instilling confidence and national pride in our young generation, while
constantly urging them to achieve the best for our country in all walks of
life. Swami Dayanand Saraswati, by being a Vedic teacher,
provided a modern view of our eternal culture and aroused pride and activism
about it in our society and the world at large. Both of these eternal souls
etched the message of the glory of Bharat and social unity through their work.
The reason behind remembering all these
coincidence today is to draw our attention to the call of our innate duty to
build up a prosperous, efficient and egalitarian Bharat, to bring peace,
prosperity and progress, right from our families to the whole world. To
accomplish this goal, based on the strength of an organized society, is the
point of contemplation today.
The resurgence of a self reliant, strong,
prosperous and secure Bharat, giving benevolent and flourishing leadership to
the world, is possible only when an egalitarian, organized and enlightened
society with self esteem strives towards this end; not only that, the firm
resolve of such a society will reflect on the policies of our democratic system
and the constitutional authorities who run the system. Agile, clear, accurate
policies as well as discretion of a society which is free of selfishness and
divisiveness are mandatory requirements to change the destiny of nation and,
therefore, it is essential that both should complement each other.
With this picture in mind, when we ponder over
the present situation in the country, we get a very optimistic and soothing
view. An atmosphere of disappointment and lost faith, which existed couple of
years back, has evaporated. An atmosphere of expectations has come to fore,
generating a sense of optimism that such expectations shall be fulfilled. It
has to be made sure that these positive vibes reaches the last person in the
row, by turning it into an actual experience by bringing about a real positive
change in his life; his trust in the bright future of his own personal life as
also of national, should grow.
It is becoming evident to all that Bharat’s
esteem in the world has gone up many-fold in the last couple of years. In view
of Bharat’s national interest, many pro active steps have been taken to improve
bi lateral relationship with the neighboring countries, with successful
results. It seems that the world is being introduced to a new modern Bharat.
The World is experiencing a Bharat, which is full of self-respect and self
confidence, maintaining the traditional view of goodwill towards all but, at
the same time, unhesitatingly taking stand in very clear terms, in
international diplomacy whenever national interests are involved, and giving a
helping hand to nations in distress anywhere in the world. Bharat is
reincarnating itself into an all together new manifestation and the
Bharat’s Gita,Yoga and Tathagat have
a universal acceptance like never before. Keeping in view the need to develop
goodwill for Bhartiya psyche and tradition and to protect
and enhance its prestige, Policies are being formulated at the administrative
level. All the developing nations of the world are looking forward to
Bharat’s leadership to emancipate them from the undesirable influence of the so
called world powers. Throughout its chequered history of rise and fall, Bharat
has always treated the whole world as its own family. On account of its agility
and strength, Bharat has always followed the tradition of finding the balance
between national interests and world interests, with utmost integrity towards
both, and today we are gradually experiencing the glimpse of same age-old
diplomatic approach. It is necessary that this effulgent picture of Bharat is
imprinted in the mind of the World as well as in the mind of every individual
of the land. Hence, it is vital that we should make all walks of our national
life vibrant with a new thought and new valiant efforts. So, creating a
new picture of the society capable of adopting policies and systems in keeping
with modern times and, at the same time, based on the foundations of the
eternal truth, which forms the substratum of our immortal national life, is the
need of the hour.
We must come out of “Saheb is
always Right” (“Saheb Wakyam Pramanam”) mentality. Making Bharatiya mind
and soul as the basis, we should adopt whatever is good, truthful and fair from
the rest of the world and create an independent modern road-map for our nation.
The thoughts and actions of intelligentsia, administration and policies of
government should be transformed accordingly. In the absence of this synergy,
it will not be possible to present a Bharat that is self reliant, egalitarian,
strong and prosperous. Deficiencies of the thought processes and philosophies,
which prevailed for centuries in the world, are being scientifically proved.
The ill-effects of such deficient thought process and philosophies are even
more compelling to ponder over the very same thought processes and philosophies
have made review of them all the more compelling.
In 1951, Social and economic department of United
Nations, supporting these deficient philosophies had made following
proclamation:
“There is a sense in which rapid economic
progress is impossible without painful adjustments. Ancient philosophies have
to be scrapped; old social institutions have to disintegrate. Bonds of caste,
creed and race have to burst and large numbers of persons who cannot keep up
with the progress have to have their expectations of a comfortable life
frustrated. Very few communities are willing to pay the full price of economic
progress.”
It was an extremely materialistic, self-centered
and insensitive philosophy that was forced upon the world. When the ill-effects
of the very same philosophy started affecting the proponents of this
philosophy, they made a sudden U turn. In October 2005, the conclave of the
Governors of Central Banks of the G20 countries declared:
“We note development approaches are evolving
over time and thus need to be updated as economic challenges unfold. —— We
recognize there is no uniform development approach that fits all the countries.
Each country should be able to choose the development approaches and policies
that best suit its specific characteristics while benefitting from there
accumulated experience in policy making over last decades, including the
importance of strong macroeconomic policies for sustained
growth.”
Bringing more clarity to the statement above,
News Bulletin of World Bank in 2008, said:
“In our work across the world we have learnt
the hard way that there is no one model that fits all. Development is all about
transformation. It means taking the best ideas, testing them in new situations
and throwing away what doesn’t work. It means, above all, having the ability to
recognize when we have failed. This is never an easy thing to do. It is ever
more difficult for an organization to do so, be it the government or the World
Bank, which constantly need to adapt to the changing nature of developmental
challenge.”
After this self realization, phrases like ‘Holistic’
and ‘Sustainable development’ started appearing in the world discourse over
development talks. Environmental concerns also could find made some place in
this discourse. So, it will be prudent to free ourselves from the tendency to
accept this deficient philosophy as the ultimate truth, since it in itself is
going through the cycle of experiment- experience- change. It would be better
if we stick to our time tested philosophy. This philosophy is based on
cooperation and coordination. According to this philosophy, Dharma and Sanskar are
at the forefront of Life and not Arth–Kaam. For
sustainable development, this philosophy encourages least use of energy,
maximum employment, sensitivity towards environment, ethics, and the wholesome
approach to agriculture. It suggests a decentralized and self reliant economic
and industrial order. There is a major emphasis on skill development and
increased productivity. As per this philosophy, success of the system is judged
on the fact whether the last person in the land is getting justice, education
and basic needs of life. Hence the major emphasis has to be on farmers and
agriculture, small and medium scale industries, small traders and craftsmen.
All organizations, intellectuals, policy makers, political class and
administrators working in the socio-economic field have to take a note of this.
It is pleasurable to note that the manifesto
of Niti Ayog is giving clear indications in the same
direction. It is obvious that this metamorphosis will not take place all of a
sudden. It would be a challenge to bring inherited economy back to normal
state, balance political compulsions, and straighten administrative machinery.
We ought to keep whole lot of patience to see the fruition of our efforts to
take the benefits of development to the lowest strata of society and enlist
their participation in the nation-building. We would like to see steady
increase in their confidence towards nation building exercise. Mudra
Bank, Jan Dhan Yojna, voluntary surrender of cooking gas
subsidy, Swatch Bharat initiative, and skill development are
some useful initiatives of the present government, in the same direction. It is
essential to get credible data, both qualitative and quantitative, from the
grassroots level to measure the efficacy of our developmental policies. It is
also necessary to hold fruitful dialogues to ensure the participation of all in
the nation building exercise, and speed up the execution of the program.
Efficacy of all the policy measures aimed at
changing the destiny of the nation will very much depend upon the enterprising
spirit, capability to cooperate, and the wisdom of masses. To achieve it,
enlightenment and training of society is a prerequisite. While speaking about
development, population growth is one related aspect, which is much talked
about. We need to seriously ponder our population policy. It must be discussed
whether population is a boon or bane? Whether the current systems and resources
would be adequate to provide employment and basic amenities to masses after 50
years from now? How much manpower would be required to run our systems
effectively? Quiet often, it becomes mother’s responsibility to bringing up
children and inculcating values in them. Hence diet, healthcare, self-respect,
empowerment, enlightenment, opportunities and freedom to make use of those
opportunities by our mothers need to be ensured by our system. Are our systems
turned for the same? What is our anticipation regarding the condition of our
environment after 50 years? Facts and figures of last two census reports and
the imbalances that have come to notice as a result are being widely discussed.
Our present and future is getting impacted by the same. We need to rise above
vote bank politics to formulate a holistic approach, equally applicable to all
citizens, towards the population policy. Such a population policy cannot be
enforced by our Governments or laws, all alone. Considerable efforts are
required to tune society’s psyche to the same. It would be prudent to think
about the same during policy making exercise.
To bring about a change in the natural instincts
and behavioral patterns of humans, customary religious practices, and cultural
traditions, in accordance with current times is often, too tricky. Even if this
change is appropriate, it cannot be accomplished by just bringing in a law or
making law enforcement agencies to enforce the law. It never happened this way
and it will never happen this way. It can only be accomplished through a
respectful dialogue with concerned entities. This dialogue and the efforts to
enlighten the society through the dialogue, needs to take place at all the
levels be it the government, administration, media or intellectuals in the
society and it should consistently continue before and after such changes. We
should not be guided by cheap popularity or political incentives. What is
truthful and just should be our guiding principle. By adopting a compassionate
approach towards every section of society, we can change their approach through
a friendly and respectable dialogue. The anguish some sections of people felt
as a result of some reasoned judgments could have been avoided. For
example, Santhara, peculiar life style of Digambar
Acharyas, Bal-Deeksha (initiations of children as recluses), etc.,
are some of the age old practices prevalent in the Jain
community. To bring about changes in such matters without consulting the Acharyas of
the respective sects about the reason, importance and philosophy behind such
practices, will affect social cohesion and harmony and finally harm the nation.
It has been a tradition in every sect/religion in our Country to introspect
about their rituals and practices at regular intervals and attunes such a
rituals and practices to current times and circumstances. This is the healthy
way of bringing about necessary changes. All such changes have always come from
within. Any external attempt to bring about such changes has always ended up
only in controversies. Success in any systemic change is achieved only through
changing the social psyche.
Education system is an important tool for social
transformation. In recent years, we have been observing commercialization of
education. Getting more and more expensive, it is going beyond the reach of an
ordinary citizen. Hence the purpose which education is expected to fulfill, is
not taking shape. Apart from imparting formal education, education also aims at
shaping a complete man, who is wise, self respecting, self reliant,
compassionate, efficient and cultured. With this integral approach to
education, many experiments are going on within as well as outside the country.
We should take cognizance of all these experiments. Results from these
experiments, and the suggestion made by various organizations, educationists
and panels should form the basis for all the aspects of education be it
curriculum, fee structure or management of education. Education should be
society based. Education should be oriented towards fulfilling its goal as well
as contemporary requirements of society. And in the light of these limits there
should be freedom to chalk out the education system. To ensure that education
is not commercialized; government needs to make sure that government
educational institutions also are run well at all levels. This process starts
with the quality of teachers we have. We need to have effective training, and
maintain standards for teachers. More than anything else, we need teachers who
realize their responsibilities.
However, the role of parents and society is equally
important. Do we tell our children that it is more important to have a
meaningful life than a successful life? Is our behavior such, which instills
the values of truthfulness, justice, compassion, sacrifice, patience and good
behavior? Is our generation ready to tread this path in social and professional
fields with insistence and agility, ignoring petty gains? Do we – the social
and political leadership – and media care to see that our walk and talk leads
the society, particularly new generation, towards national integrity, social
harmony and ethical behavior?
To say that Governance and economy and other
systems drive human behavior –“Yatha Raja Tatha Praja”. Hence our
policies should unite the society; caring for the uplift of the weakest link of
the society, they should achieve progress of everyone in the society. We need
fundamental reforms in our electoral practices, administration, tax systems,
public health system, and industrial, educational and agricultural policies to
make them more effective and people oriented. Hostilities by Pakistan,
expansionism from China, rising fundamentalism and chauvinism in the world
order, and unfair international diplomacy, resulting in rise of terrorist
outfits like ISIS, are acting as a catalyst to already complicated and serious
internal and external security of our country. Fostered by external powers and
inspired by external ideologies, some people from within are walking the path
of terrorism. It goes without saying that it is government’s responsibility to
come out with a comprehensive and a firm policy to root out all such problems
ones and for all. Ethical education should be made part of the education policy
so as to preserve our social and cultural values intact and thwart all attempts
at destroying our culture. There is a view that media should be regulated while
conserving their freedom to ensure that no ill effect, knowingly or
unknowingly, prevails in the society. It is a fair to expect that all the
promised dreams are realized and became a reality fast. But this is also true
that governance is driven by the will, quality of thoughts and organized state
of the society. When a self realized, righteous and holistic society starts
walking with determination on the path towards national glory, the systems and
apparatus of nation follow and become helpful in the transformation. A nation
becomes prosperous, safe and capable only when government, administration and
public at large are on the same page on the issues of identity of nation,
national pride, and credible integrity towards nation, and are ready for
constant efforts with focused contemplation.
What is the chord that can keep our diverse
society together? (1) Certainly, it is our eternal culture – Hinduculture
– that accepts and respects all forms of diversity and which precisely forms
the nature and value system of every Bharatiya. (2) The
very culture, based on which our ancestors build their lives, toiled hard to
nurture and foster it, and even sacrificed their live for its protection and
honor, even to this day, their glory is a source of inspiration and ideal for
us. (3) This divine motherland endowed with richest and wealth, who helped us
realize the truth that formed the foundation of that culture and the Dharma born
out of it, whose abundance of divine wealth nurtured us and made us
magnanimous, the love and devotion for whom we inherited from our ancestors,
such motherland of ours, even today has the power to arouse the creative spirit
of every individual of this country. Through these three factors an individual
can easily be assimilated while keeping ones diverse identity of language,
region, sect and party intact. Also, even while safeguarding one’s smaller
identity, one becomes part of the larger social identity. The humanitarian
spirit, vision and philosophy based on the above three factors, the decision in
conformity and equally matched practice is what is calledHindutva.
This lifestyle of Hindu society, from time
immoral, even long before the term Hindu was coined, evolved
in keeping with the time on the basis of above three factors. The onus of good
and bad of this nation ever rusts only on their shoulders.
For last 90 years, RSS has been constantly trying
to galvanize the energies of Hindu society for nation building. Sangh founder
Dr. Hedgewar had very well understood that the task of nation and society
building cannot be entrusted on contract. When an efficient and organised
society works persistently for the betterment of nation for a long time, then
only the nation becomes prosperous. The mission of RSS is to prepare such
workers who can organize the society for this noble cause. Today, everyone can
see the impact created by Swayamsewaks coming out of the easy and simple modus
operandi of RSS. Now they not only get respect and affection from a grateful
society, but also the recognition of the whole world.
Come on, let us all become Swayamsewaks and be
part of this sacred work, because this the only way to build the Bharat that
the world inevitably looks forward to for a new opening. The Bharatiya society
has to become perfect and organised on the strength of their eternal identity.
Soaked with the nectar of our Dharmic Values that ends all
divisiveness and is capable of infuse the whole humankind with the feeling of
fraternity by giving them real freedom, let us individually and collectively
endeavor to accord happiness, peace and redemption to human race. This the way
out and we have to do it.
हिन्दु
हिन्दु एक रहे भेद भाव
को नहीं सहे,
संघर्षों से दुखी
जगत को मानवता
की शिक्षा दें
भारत
माता की जय
(Hindu Hindu Ek Rahe, Bhed Bhav ko nahi
sahe
Sangharshonse Dukhee Jagat Ko Manavata
Kee Shiksha De)
Let all Hindus unite! Do not compromise
with any discriminations .
Let set an example of human brotherhood to the
world afflicted by sorrow.
Bharat Mata Ki Jay
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