SAMVAD SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN

No. SM-1708/2074 Shravana Krishna 7, Vik.Samvat 2074, Yugabda 5119, 16 July

1. FESTIVALS: Bharat completes 70 years of Freedom this 15 August Bharat's Freedom Struggle started against British other cultural pro- East Company's army at Bengal Presidency grammes take place in on 10th of May in 1857 and culminated in the mid- almost all the govern- night of August 14 and 15 in 1947. Various great mental and non- people and freedom fighters sacrificed their lives governmental institu- in attaining the freedom for their future genera- tions, educational insti- tions without worrying about their comfort, rest tutions and private in- and freedom. We pay tribute and remember all of stitutions all through them this day. The day is celebrated with Rashtra- the country. Tricolor is patiji's speech on the eve of Swatantrat Diwas. In also hoisted in most of the morning of August 15, Pradhan Mantri unfurls the countries of the tricolor and highlights achievements of past year, world wherever important social issues and plans of further devel- Bharatiyas live in siz- opment, in his address to the nation from the able number along with ramparts of Red Fort. Flag hoisting, National An- the flag of the respec- them singing, play and parade ceremonies including tive countries .

2. PM Modi tops 'the most trusted government' in the world: Forbes Survey Bharat has come out on top in a survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Devel- opment (OECD) on how much a country trusts its government. The result has been published in a report named Government at a Glance 2017. According to a Forbes report "With 73% India tops the governmental confidence league while Canada also had higher than average confidence levels at 62%." The result can be inter- preted as a huge vote of confidence in Modi and his government in Bharat.

3. SARASWATI: FILLED WITH 20 MN BN SUNS, BHARATIYA ASTRONOMERS DISCOVER SUPERCLUSTER OF GALAXIES

Wow! A team of Bharatiya astronomers have identified an extremely large supercluster of gmalaxies and have named it Saraswati. The super cluster of 43 galaxies is located in the direction of constellation Pisces and is one of the largest known structures in the universe which may contain the mass equivalent to over 20 million billion suns. According to Inter University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics IUCAA, this is on me of the largest-known structures in the nearby Universe and is at a distance of 4,000 million light years from us, and stretching over 600 million light years. This novel discovery is being published in the latest issue of The Astro- physical Journal, the premier research journal of the American Astronomical Society. Interestingly, Somak Raychaudhury, currently Director of IUCAA, Pune, who is a co-author of this paper, also discovered the first massive Supercluster of galaxies on this scale (the "Shapley Concentration"), during his Page 2 \SAMVAD

3. SARASWATI: FILLED WITH 20 ...

PhD research at the University of Cambridge.Joydeep Bagchi from IU- CAA, the lead author of the paper and co-author Shishir Sankhyayan (PhD scholar at IISER, Pune) said, ''We were very surprised to spot this giant wall-like supercluster of galaxies, visible in a large spectroscopic survey of distant galaxies, known as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This supercluster is clearly embedded in a large network of cosmic filaments traced by clusters and large voids. Previously only a few comparatively large superclusters have been reported, for example, the 'Shapley Con- centration' or the 'Sloan Great Wall' in the nearby universe, while the 'Saraswati' supercluster is far more distant one. Our work will help to shed light on the per- plexing question; how such extreme large scale, prominent matter-density en- hancements had formed billions of years in the past when the mysterious Dark Energy had just started to dominate structure formation.'' 4. FRIENDS TODAY, FOREVER Enduring the : The depth of a bilateral relationship between nations can be judged in two early morning ways. The first, by the extent of people-to-people and leadership warmth, and rains, more second, by the scope of cooperation in multiple sectors. than 3 lakh On both these parameters, it can be confidently said that India and Israel are so close to each other that an attempt to measure the proximity's intensity might people Prime prove insufficient. 's historic visit to Israel - the first by any Indian Minister Prime Minister - provided ample proof of this assertion. Modi and his Israeli Modi's historic counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, met and treated each other like bosom visit to Israel friends - they repeatedly referred to each other as "my friend" and "my dear has taken friend" - the people of Israel were ecstatic over the Indian leader's trip, and as many as seven agreements were inked during the occasion, covering a wide diplomatic range of areas, from space exploration to irrigation to cyber security. relations to The India-Israel tie was elevated to a 'strategic partnership' level; India has vowed next level. to learn from the Israelis the technology to clean rivers and make their waters fit for human consumption, enhance irrigation potential, understand the success mantra for entrepreneurship and start-ups, and evolve international quality stan- dards. On its part, Israel has committed itself to not just Make in India but also Make with India (in Prime Minister Netanyahu's words), provide cutting-edge defence technology and work closely in counter-terrorism measures. The overarching importance of the Indian Prime Minis- ter's visit has been that the India-Israel relationship is definitively out of the closet. Over the decades, since independence, India had publicly maintained distance from the Jewish nation for a variety of unjustified rea- sons - both international and domestic. And yet, New Delhi continued to slyly do business with Israel when it fell into trouble, especially in defence matters. It must be said to Tel Aviv's credit that it did not hesitate to come to India's help despite the public treatment. Back in 1965, after the Chinese humiliation, New Delhi had approached Israel for mortars and small arms, and received it. The Israeli help in Samvad Page 3

4. Friends Today… the 1971 war and the 1999 Kargil conflict have been extensively recorded, though the details remain a matter of speculation because India never officially ac- knowledged the support. In fact, even though full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1992 (during Prime Minister PV Na- rasimha Rao's tenure) and defence cooperation was escalated, the secretive nature of the relationship remained in place. Prime Minister Modi's visit has ripped off this facade. The deepening India-Israel bilateral has expectedly rattled certain nations and is likely to bring profound changes in the geo-strategic balance. Sections in the Pakistani establishment even see the Research & Analysis Wing and Mossad coming together to destroy the Islamic world, and particularly Pakistan! In the larger context, US President Donald Trump's promise to ratchet up his resolve to deal with terror- sponsoring nations, the US-Japan-India Naval exercises, and now the fresh impetus to India-Israel defence and strategic relations, taken together, will work in India's favour. (Editorial, The Pioneer, 7 July 2017)

5. PRADHAN MANTRI PAYS HOMAGE TO BHARATIYA WW-I HEROES Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi on July 6 saluted the Bharatiya soldiers who laid down their lives during the World War I while protecting the Israeli city of Haifa from the Ottoman Empire forces and said the sacrifices made by them are a mark of enduring bond between the two nations.Modi visited the Bharatiya cemetery in Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the last day of his visit to Israel and laid wreaths at the site.

6. MOHAN BHAGWATJI RELEASES BOOK ON LIFE OF MODI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sar- is all about Modi and the journey of sanghchalak Mohan Bhagwatji credited his life.Mohanji said he still follows Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi for walk- the same life- ing the talk for the last 70 years. He was style of an speaking at a book release function in RSS worker New Delhi on July 12. The book on the that he was life of Modi, titled Narendra Damodar- before be- das Modi: The Making of a Legend, was coming the unveiled in Delhi in the presence of Gujarat Chief Bhagwat and chief Minister and . The book, penned by later Bharat Bindeshwar Pathak, a Padma Bhushan PM.Bharat has recipient known for work in Sanitation a lot of hope from Modi, he added. (founder of Sulabh International), Page 4 \SAMVAD

7. IRON WILL AND IRON HAND: Terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims must be responded to, with unapologetic retribution The attack in Anantnag district on pilgrims who were returning from a visit to The targeting of the Amarnath shrine and were on their way to Jammu, was both terror-driven Amarnath and communally motivated. And in either case, the involvement of Pakistani ele- ments, tacit and overt, is more than certain. Since recent weeks, militancy in pilgrims was Kashmir valley, more so since the neutralisation of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, has taken on communal overtones with the demand for establish- obviously done to ment of an Islamic caliphate, and not a mere secession of Kashmir from India, foment a becoming the pet theme of a number of militant leaders. Effectively, this has ripped the mask of the separatist elements both within Jammu & Kashmir and communal divide their handlers in Pakistan and exposed their true designs. The targeting of Amar- and build on the nath pilgrims was obviously done to foment a communal divide and build on the perception that the struggle was for an Islamic rule in the State - or at least in perception that Kashmir. The attack happened on the first day of the Shravan season; on the first the struggle was anniversary year of Burhan Wani's killing; on pilgrims who had gone to the Amar- nath cave which was, incidentally, first discovered by a Muslim, and whose family for an Islamic members are to this day the custodians of the cave. Of course, this is not the first time that Amarnath pilgrims have been made victims; there have been other rule in the State - assaults before. But the motives today are far more dangerous and they must be or at least in resoundingly tackled before the situation gets worse. There can be several expla- nations for the tragedy - the bus which was carrying the pilgrims was not part of Kashmir. the official convoy of the Amarnath trip and so it did not have the security cover; the bus driver had flouted the security guideline that he should not ply on the route beyond seven in the evening, etc. On the political front, there has been criticism of the failure of the Mehbooba Mufti-led Government to effectively con- front the rise of militancy - partly because some its own utterances have not been strong enough against militants and partly because of the belief that the State administration has not fully cooperated in allowing a free hand to either the military or the Jammu & Kashmir police force. It's true that apologists for those who have been fomenting trou- ble, are also accountable for the spread of an environment where terrorism thrives. Responsible leaders such as the Congress's Saifuddin Soz made the unbelievable comment that Hizbul commander Burhan Wani's life should have been spared so that the Indian establishment could have engaged in talks with him! Militancy derives oxygen not just from enemies from across the border and the Hurriyat, but also from mainstream politicians and academics who talk of human rights violations of terrorists and stone-pelters and their sympa- thisers, but care little for the lives of our soldiers and police per- Amarnath Tirth Yatri sonnel battling terror on a near daily basis in Kashmir. It can be said with some certainty that the militants who committed the Amarnath attack, will eventually be tracked down sooner or later. The more important point is: What must be our response to the likes of Syed Salahuddins and the Hafiz Saeeds and the Masood Azhars, who sit in Pakistan? (Editorial, The Pioneer, 12 July 2017) Samvad Page 5

8. ARUNACHAL CELEBRATES 'DREE FESTIVAL' WITH TRADITIONAL SONGS AND DANCES Apatani plateau located at the Ziro Dree Festival is in the Lower Subansiri district or- celebrated by offer- ganised a grand celebration to mark ing prayers to four 50 years of modernised form of gods which are Dree festival where Kendriya Griha Tamu, Harniang, Rajya Mantri Kiren Rijiju took part Metii, and Danyi to as the Chief Guest.The festival is bring in a bountiful marked by grand ritual and commu- harvest season. As nity feasts. In ‘Dree Festival’, cele- part of the rituals, brations the main attraction is the fowls, eggs, and animals are also traditional songs and dances.The sacrificed during this festival.

9. UNESCO DECLARES AHMEDABAD AS WORLD HERITAGE CITY

The largest city and make its way to the bad, founded by Sultan Ahmedabad is former capital of Guja- World Heritage list. Ahmad Shah in the the first city rat, Ahmedabad has The nomination of Ah- 15th century, on the been declared as a medabad was sup- eastern bank of the Sa- from Bharat to World Heritage City at ported by close to 20 barmati river, presents the 41st session of countries, including a rich architectural make its way United Nations Educa- Turkey, Lebanon, Tuni- heritage from the sul- tional, Scientific and sia, Portugal, Peru and tanate period, notably to the World Cultural Organisation Kazakhstan.The World the Bhadra citadel, the Heritage list. (Unesco) world heri- Heritage Committee walls and gates of the tage committee at Kra- while including Ahmed- Fort city and numerous kow in Poland on July abad in its World Heri- mosques and tombs as 9. Ahmedabad is the tage list, said "The well as important first city from Bharat to walled city of Ahmada-

9. NEW HINDU TEMPLE OPENS IN GERMANY

Members of the Tamil community have transformed a former supermarket into a Hindu temple at Hochstrasse 10b in Hochneukirch with several large and small shrines, decorated in every detail, after just seven months of construc- tion. With solemn ceremony and worship, the only Hindu temple in the district has been inaugurated. In the center of the new temple complex, which opened to many visitors, stands the Elephant God (Ganesha), which is the main murthi. "The Tamils have been well integrated into German society for decades, but they have not forgotten their roots," said Mayor Harald Zillikens, who also said that the new temple complex has improved the whole neighborhood. The tem- ple is to become a center of the community Page 6 \SAMVAD

11. 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR, ATLANTA, GA, USA

His Holiness Mahant formed the unforgettable aging devotees to remain Swami Maharaj joined inauguration ceremonies steadfast in their pursuits devotees and well- in 2007 surrounded by towards spirituality.The wishers in celebrating the enthusiasm and ex- event was attended by the ten-year anniver- citement of hundreds of several community and sary of the BAPS Shri volunteers. Carrying for- government officials who Swaminarayan Mandir. ward his lifework and recalled fond moments The festivities wel- legacy, His Holiness with Pramukh Swami Ma- comed guests from all Mahant Swami Maharaj haraj and shared heartfelt parts of North America commemorated this his- reflections on their first and from around the toric milestone by sharing meeting with Mahant globe. His Holiness Pra- divine memories from the Swami Maharaj during his mukh Swami Maharaj per- 2007 events and encour- current vicharan. The ritual 12. THOUSANDS TAKE PART IN HINDU PARADE IN procession goes DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS back at least 700 For the first time, a choreographed perform- outreach minister -- at Hindu parade called ance included dancing, the West Michigan Hindu years, and has Granth Dindi was per- drumming and Hindu Temple.The Granth Dindi never been formed in the U.S., bring- scriptures being carried parade was performed as ing 3,000 people to on palanquins. The ritual part of the Bruhan Ma- performed on this downtown Grand Rap- procession goes back at harashtra Madal of North ids.The parade began at 8 least 700 years, and has America, which is a con- scale before in a.m. July 8 outside DeVos never been performed ference that brings to- America, said Fred Place and ended an hour on this scale before in gether Hindus from the later at Van Andel Arena. America, said Fred Bharatiya state of Ma- Stella, The intricately- Stella, a Pracharak -- harashtra.

13. NUMBER OF HINDUS INCREASES IN AUSTRALIA FROM 0.3% TO 1.9% IN 25 YEARS There has been considerable increase in the population of Hindus in Austra- lia as their number increased from 0.3 percent in 1991 to 1.9 percent in 2016, census figures indicate. The total population of Hindus is 440,300. . 14. VETERAN SWAYAMSEVAK IN CANADA SHRI LABHMAL SABHARWAL PASSES AWAY AT TORONTO

Shri Sabharwal ji was one of the pioneers of Sangh and VHP work in Can- ada. He was a pracharak during his young days in UP and P.P. Shri Guruji named him 'Yashwant'. He was continuously active and would constantly think only about the progress of Sangh work. While being socially active he also successfully raised a big family.Shri Sabharwalji will remain a constant inspiration to newer generation of karyakartas. Page 7 \SAMVAD

15. EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN SAMITI ORGANISATION: SHANTAKKA

The three-day meet- was attended by over 170 concluding session Pra- ing of the Akhil Samiti activists from dif- mukh Sanchalika Shan- Bharatiya Karyakarini ferent states of takka exhorted the mem- and Pratinidhi Mandal Bharat.Pramukh Karyawa- bers to fan out in the of Rashtra Sevika Sa- hika of the Samiti Sitha country and spread, ex- miti concluded in Gayatri in her report in pand and strengthen the Nagpur on 3rd July the inaugural session, said organisation of Samiti. with a calrion call by that the Samiti had organ- She appealed to the par- Pramukh Sanchalika ised training camps at 106 ticipants to utilise their Shantakka to strengthen places in which 6711 capabilities for conducting the organisation and ex- young girls between the socially useful activities pand its scope. The meet- age group of 15-25 par- and projects. ing at Devi Ahliya Mandir ticipated.Addressing the "Shridharji has 16. RSS MOTIVATES PEOPLE FOR RASHTRA SEVA: both the qualities. Being a Sangh Senior Sangh positive literature gen- ing a Sangh worker he Pracharak, Shridhar erated with positive has moulded people worker he has Paradkar, was felici- mindset is useful for who can truly give a moulded people tated on July 1 for his both the writer and new direction to the outstanding contribu- the society and when society and the nation. who can truly give tion to literature. Pre- the literature and the His honour is basically a new direction to senting the Samman, view move together an attempt to show so- Madhya Pradesh As- the nation makes pro- cial gratitude to him," the society and sembly Speaker Dr gress. "Shridharji has Dr Sharma said. the nation. “ Sitasaran Sharma said both the qualities. Be-

17. 500 RSS VOLUNTEERS IN ODISHA HELP DEVOTEES IN PURI:

As many as 500 volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were engaged in providing services to devotees during Rath Yatra in Puri.The RSS provided nine kinds of services which include ambulance ser- vices, first-aid healthcare centres, stretcher seva, ambulance corridor, mo- bile drinking water supply, drinking water supply, assistances to patients in hospitals and information centre.On the first day of the Rath Yatra, Swayamsevals had taken as many as 42 patients to the hospital. Similarly, they carried as many as 40 patients in stretchers to the hospital. They as- sisted 270 patients and distributed free medicinces to them. As many as 350 Swayamsevaks created an ambulance corridor on the grant road. Page 8 \SAMVAD

18. 300 STUDENTS GET ABHYUDHAYA SCHOLARSHIP

RSS inspired Ke- Chandrahas Rai inaugu- classes from primary shavakrupa Sam- rated the event while school to PG courses vardhana Samiti's senior RSS functionary based on their socio- educational initia- Rajesh Padmar was the economic background. tive on Chief Speaker. RSS RSS Prant Karyavah and 'Abhyudhaya' or- Prant Sampark Pramukh president of Keshavak- ganised Vidyanidhi Dwarakanath presided rupa Samvardhana Samiti Scholarship Distribution over the function. The N Tippeswamy and vari- Ceremony at Bengaluru scholarships were dis- ous academicians were on July 2. President of tributed to over 300 also present. Bunts Association students of different

18. SEWA MATTERS

RSS Sarkaryavah Shri (www.sewagatha.org) of sewa. Addressing the Bhaiyaji Joshi said it is the RSS Sewa Vibhag on gathering Bhaiyaji said: necessary to have sensi- July 10. Madhya Pradesh "One does not release tive mind to realise the Chief Minister Shivraj any advertisement to curb pain and sufferings of our Singh Chaouhan, Madhya the weakness of one's brethren in the society. Pradesh Prant Sanghcha- family or the society. Also "Sewa is not a mat- lak Satish Pimbalikar and the efforts to remove the ter of competition. Sah Prant Sanghchalak weakness are not adver- It is also not the Ashok Pandey were also tised. We should have the matter to be present. The website same feeling while serving counted in figures. will provide updates on the society.", Bhaiyaji said. Rather it is a mat- the RSS sewa activities, Shivraj Singh Chouhan ter of feel", he said success stories and in- said the RSS swayam- while launching a spiring narrations of per- sevaks are serving the website sonalities dedicated to society selflessly.

19. MOTHERS NEED TO AWAKEN CHILDREN

Rashtra Sevika Samiti organised a function to celebrate 112th birth anniversary of its founder Laxmibai Kelkar. Former Pramukh Sanchalika of the Samiti Sushri Pramilatai Medhe delivered the talk on Mausiji’s concept of awakened Bharat. She said the Samiti celebrates the day as Sankalp Diwas every year and this year it is being celebrated with the pledge to awaken their own family members by Samiti workers. "The Samiti workers should realise their strength. Identifying one's strength is the first step for awakening. We should ourselves raise questions over anything wrong happening in the society", she said.Prof Sushma Yadav from Indian Institute of Pub- lic Administration while presiding over the function spoke on the need of awak- Van. Mausi ji ened Bharat. Laxmibai Kelkar Page 9 \SAMVAD 21. AMIT SHAH PITCHES FOR LINKINGEDUCATION SYSTEM WITH COUNTRY'S CULTURAL ETHOS Bharatiya education system will be "visionary leader" who Janta Party removed and the entire laid emphasis on the edu- president Amit system of learningwill cation system which is Shah pitched further improve if we connected with the basic for linking the connect it with our core fundamentals of our soci- country's edu- values, with our cultural ety and promotes natural cation system ethos," he said on July 15 talent. "Mookerj eeem- with its cul- while speaking at the phasised on these two turalethos to remove launch of the book on the points specifically so that "distortions" as he speeches of the party's education can become a termed dynasty politics, ideologue Shyama Prasad mass movement in the casteism and minority Mookerjee. While eluci- early years of independ- appeasement as "cankers" dating Mookerjee's initia- ence as the literacy rate affecting the country. tives on education, Shah was very low then," the "...All distortions in our described him as a BJP president said .

22. FOUR BHARATIYA-AMERICANS HONOURED WITH GREAT IMMIGRANTS AWARD The 38 immigrants Top US attorney Preet nent physician, professor based Carnegie Corpora- honoured this Bharara;Rakesh Khurana, and author are among tion. The 38 immigrants Dean of Harvard College 38 distinguished person- honoured this year come year come from and Marvin Bower Pro- alities who have been from more than 30 coun- more than 30 fessor of Leadership and honoured with this tries around the world Development; Madhulika year's prestigious "Great and represent leadership countries around Sikka vice president, ex- Immigrants: The Pride of in a wide range of pro- the world ecutive editor, Mic and America" award by the fessions. Abraham Verghese, emi- prestigious New York-

19. US HOUSE NOD TO BOOSTING DEFENCE TIES WITH BHARAT

The US House of Representatives has passed a $621.5 billion Defence expenditure Bill that proposes to advance Defence cooperation with Bharat and also maintain a military capability to deter acts of aggres- sion in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.Amid aggressive Chinese behav- iour in the strategic region, the House of Representatives said on Fri- day, that the US has a national interest in maintaining the stability and security of the Indo-Asia Pacific region.The Bharat-related amend- ment, moved by Bharatiya-American Congressman Ami Bera, was adopted by a voice vote by the House as part of the National De- fense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2018, beginning October 1 this year. The NDAA-2018 was passed by the House 344-81. Samvad Page 10

A WALKATHON TO CHANGE THE MINDSET By Pramod Kumar Having begun with the objective of sensitizing the villagers, especially the youth, to initiate different activities themselves for their development, the Bharat Parikrama Yatra concluded on July 9 at the same venue in Kanyakumari from where it had started on August 9, 2012, also the anniversary of Quit India Movement. After walking 26,650 kms distance in five years as per the Indian calendar (4 years 11 months as per the English calendar) the Yatra exhorted 10 lakh villagers by directly visiting 9,000 villages. Over 20,000 youths were sensitised to join various developmental activities through 1,000 exclusive meetings with them. Also the Yatra interacted with over 10 lakh students in about 1,500 educational institutions all over the country. During the Yatra, Shri Kedilaya fixed every strict rules for himself. He had meals only one a day and that too through bhiksha only. He walked bare 2010 with the objective of sensitising people footed for about 10-15 kms every day. His primary about the protection of the cow, environment task after entering a village was to get in touch and problems of villages. In 2009, the Yatra went with the youth and prominent members of the vil- on for three months by vehicles, but now Sita- lage and discuss important issues including care of ramji covered that distance on foot in five years. sick, differently abled, visually challenged persons On Guru Purnima i.e. on July 9, the Yatra con- etc. Then he took a round of the entire village and cluded with a special Parikarma from Vivekan- got himself engaged in a collective session of anda Memorial to Kanyakumari Temple followed prayer at the village temple. That helped in creat- by Nirmalya Darshanam. A special prayer was ing a bond of oneness with the people. It also offered at the southernmost tip of made the villagers realise that that villages were, Bharat. Vishwajegeeshu yajna was performed once upon a time, a single encompassing family. praying to make Bharat a Vishwa- During the village gathering, he discussed various guru. Poornahuti in the yajna was offered by RSS issues including cow-protection, organic farming, Sarsanghchalak Shri along with indigenous seeds, preserving village culture, con- Shri Kedilaya and Kshetra Pracharak Shri Stanu- servation of tress, etc. and exhorted the villagers maalayan. RSS Sahsarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya to think for their development themselves and Hosabale and many other senior Sangh function- stop depending upon the Government for every- aries were also present. It was followed by a thing. Then, the journey resumed to the next vil- grand valedictory function in the evening at Na- lage. This was the overal routine that he followed garaja Thidal, Nagercoil, in Kanyakumari District. for five years. The slogan coined by him for the Sarsanghchalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Sahsark- Yatra, "Know Bharat, Be Bharat and Make Bharat aryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, VHP general Vishwaguru", explains the whole thinking behind secretary Shri Champat Rai, Union Minister Shri this endeavour. P. Radhakrishnan, Swami Chaitanyananda Maha- Bharat Parikarma Yatra was basically a follow up raj, Vellimalai Ashram, actor director Shri Kalai- action of the Vishwa Mangal Gau Gram Yatra, con- maamani Visu and lyricist Shri Shri Piraisudan ducted from September 28, 2009 to January 17, graced the occasion. 15. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN:

Pravaas: Ravikumar, Vishwa Vibhag sahsamyojak will travel to Thailand, Singapore by end July. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "All our world organizations will prove ineffective if the truth that love is stronger than hate does not inspire them." - Bharat ke Dwitiya Rashtrapati Dr. Sar- vapalli Radhakrishnan . JAI SHREE RAM A WALKATHON TO ….… Shri Mohan Bhagwat expressed thanks to all those who supported the Yatra. He said Kanyakumari is the same place from where Swami Vivekananda had started his journey to awaken Bharat and spread the message of In- dia to the world. As Sitaramji started Bharat Parikrama Yatra from the same place, it is good sign of change. "The Yatra proves that significant transformation is possible by visiting the villages. This Yatra is mile- stone in preparing the Indian mindset to lead the world. Our task is not merely to felicitate Sitaramji for the bold step that he had taken five years ago, but to start concrete follow up action to finish the tasks that he has underlined. We have to start from ourselves. As the peo- ple continue to join, the change will be visible on the ground. Gradu- ally, entire Bharat will stand up with full vigour to lead the world. Let us start the work from today itself', Shri Bhagwat inspired. Blessing the gathering, Swami Chaitanyananda Maharaj said the Punya Bhoomi Bharat is the land of great culture. Citing the example of a section of media for projecting the country in a bad manner, the ap- pealed to the people and media to bring out this abode of culture - the driving force of the country. "Parikramas have been part of our land and many saints like Adi Shankara, Swami Dayananda, Guru Nanak, Swami Vivekananda and Jain Sadhus did Parikarmas. Likewise in this Kaliyuga, this continous non-stop walkathon for 26,650 kilometers in, 1,795 days covering villages of 23 states gives us a great feel that our nation is one in spite of various diversi- ties", said Shri Champat Rai. Hailing the great work of Shri Kedilaya, lyricist Shri Piraisudan stressed the need to create awareness for pro- tection of the country's culture. Patriotic feeling should be deep rooted and respected, he said. "Having started with few people's support now Sitaramji is being received with great enthusiasm by thousands of people. A path encircling Bharat Mata shown by Sitaramji should be followed to see and do good deeds in the society", said Shri P. Radhakrishnan. "It is the Bharat Mata who did the Parikrama", said Shri Kedilaya while thanking all the families, well-wishers, media, Vishwa Samvada Kendra Bengaluru, etc for their support in making the Yatra a great success. "Gram Rajya is Ram Rajya. This Yatra makes an appeal. Everyone should go to one's village and take care of the envi- ronment and other things there", he said. Appealing towards village upliftment, he said the pledge towards making Bharat a Vishwaguru should be taken forward. If this positive vibration prevails in our land, we can move towards Satyug, he added. When Shri Sitaram Kedilaya started this walkathon on August 9, 2012, many people raised questions over his health and also the stamina as to how he at 68 would walk 10-15 kms everyday, what is the need to walk in this modern age when one has various means of travelling, etc. But all those apprehensions proved wrong. Sitaramji did not fall ill for even one day during the Yatra. The suc- cess of this walkathon is an example for all to see that no obstacle can block the path when one is determined to create history. The Yatra has generated positive energy in villages, which needs to be used in follow-up ac- tivities. -- The Organiser Weekly, 23 July 2017