Amar Bharati अमर भारती

70 Yrs April 2017

Contents

Editorial Global News VSSV 2016 Report The Social Significance of Guru Pooja Mananeeya Bhaiyyaji in East Africa Shri Suryanarayan Raoji Kids Zone Why Did Doctorji Start Sangh...? Humble Pen Yuvas Speak Calendars of the World Sangh News from Kenya Did You Know... 70 Years of Sanghatan in Kenya  S.S. Vasna drops anchor in Mombasa  Early Days of Sangh in Kenya  Some Important Milestones  Prominent Persons and Senior Pracharaks at HSS, Kenya  Evolution of Shakhas

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of HSS. Some pictures used in this publication have been sourced from various websites using Google Search.

E D I T O R I A L

The cultural and spiritual heritage of Bharat is vast and rich. It is so Universal with its all-embracing approach that it belongs to the entire world. Bharatiya traditions and culture, suffered a lot at the hands of invaders, but they never succeeded to completely destroy it, due to the numerous Bharatiya heroes who stood up against them. Although these great heroes did stand up, they were not united in their approach. History shows that for a vast mission, individual thought or action is not benefi- cial, but collective action certainly is. History also tells us that whenever Hindus became organized they have positively influenced the world in many aspects. One great hero, who brought about collective action and brought about transformation was the founder of Sangh, Param Poojaniya Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. He was born on the day of Varsh Pratipada in 1889. Doctor ji decided to unite all the Hindus in an organized manner, proving that a united approach is the key to success in all aspects of life including our mission (Param Vaibhavam). He stressed on the importance of the one hour daily Shakha, where Swayamsevaks would come closer to each other forming harmony and oneness. We have just celebrated the Varsh Pratipada Utsav (new year). Just like the heroes, Karyakartas take a Sankalap on this day to work hard with more commitment and conviction. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (H.S.S) Kenya, is the pioneer of Sangh work outside Bharat and has just completed 70 years. We have a special coverage in this issue on the 70 years’ journey. In December, Kenya hosted the Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg (International Training Camp), which had participants coming from various countries. Look out for a detailed report & participant experiences. | J. J. Dave Global News

BURJ KHALIFA IN DUBAI LIT UP IN TRICOLOUR: The world's tallest building located in Dubai, was lit up in the colours of the Indian National flag on 25th January to celebrate India's 68th Republic Day. The lighting comes as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, being the guest of honour for Bharat's Republic Day

CHINA PRAISES ISRO'S RECORD LAUNCH OF 104 SATELLITES: Zhang Yonghe, Director of the Technology Department of the Shanghai Engineering Centre for Microsatellites, said, "The launch indicated that Bharat can send commercial satellites into space at lower costs, giving the country's competitiveness in the global race for the burgeoning commercial space businesses."

UNVEILING 112 FEET TALL STATUE OF LORD SHIVA: On February 24, PM, Modi, unveiled 112 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva- Adiyogi at Isha Yoga Foundation in Coimbatore on the special occasion of Mahashivratri. Highlighting the importance of Yoga, he encouraged everyone to create a new yuga which will bind us together through Yoga. He said that 'YOGA IS A JOURNEY FROM ME TO WE'.

UNESCO CALLS YOGA 'HUMAN TREASURE': Two years after the United Nations declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga, Yoga was declared as 'human treasure' at UNESCO's 11th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity, organised at Addis Ababa. The Declaration of Yoga as a "human treasure" during the meeting enjoyed the unanimous support of the 24 member Intergovernmental Committee. "Never ever happened before!"

CAMBODIAN SCHOLAR BECOMES COUNTRY'S FIRST 'SANSKRITIST': Chhom Kunthea became Cambodia's first "Sanskritist" on December 16 after receiving a doctorate for her research on the impact the ancient Bharatiya language. She wrote on "the role of Sanskrit in the development of the Khmer language: an epigraphic study from the 6th to the 14th century. Sanskrit was used for written records during the Khmer Empire for more than 1,000 years, researchers believe.

BHARATIYA NAVY INDUCTS INSV TARINI AND AN ALL-WOMEN CREW TO SAIL HER: The Bharatiya Navy's second sailboat, INSV Tarini, was inducted into service on February 18 and will be sailed by an all-women crew. The "First Indian All Women Circumnavigation of the Globe" is slated to begin in August 2017, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lamba said at the ceremony.

BHARAT'S FIRST FLOATING SCHOOL IN LOKTAK LAKE OF MANIPUR: Bharat just opened the first school of its kind that floats proudly on Loktak Lake in Manipur. Manipur now becomes the home to a unique school that will be seen floating on the largest freshwater lake in the northeast, the Loktak Lake. The floating elementary school aims at providing education to dropouts who became homeless during the recent evacuation of phumdis or circular floating swamps.

MOHANJI BHAGWAT AWARDED HONORARY D.Sc.: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohanrao Bhagwat was conferred Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by Maharashtra Rajyapal Ch Vidyasagar Rao on 9th March at the 8th convocation of the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University in Nagpur. Mukhyamantri of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis was among those present on the occasion. Bhagwat had graduated in Veterinary Sciences from Nagpur. VSSV-2016, Kenya : Report

| Mayur Shir

As the words “Jay ghosh sanskriti kā” still echo in the ears of the participants from all over the world, this article brings back the cherished memories. Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg (VSSV), 2016 was held at the Premier Academy in Nairobi, Kenya. It took place for Swayamsevaks and Sevika in parallel in Secondary and Preparatory block of the school respectively. The Vargs are physical, intellectual and spiritual trainings over a period of 21 days to one month. The Varg has been taking place in Bharat (India), except: In 2012, for Swayamsevaks, the Dwitya Varsh was held in Trinidad & Tobago, and this time in 2016 it was hosted by Kenya from 10th to 31st December. The Sevikas Varg hosted by Kenya, is first of its kind outside Bharat. It was held from 15th to 31st December. The participants as usual were handpicked from the various Shakhas around the world. A strict criterion of having completed the Pratham Varsh is used to determine the eligibility of the participants for Dwitya Varsh. This is to ensure that the participants are able to cope with the various activities conducted during the Varg. The Swayamsevaks Varg was attended by 33 participants (known as shiksharthis) and 13 respected Adhikaris, Pracharaks and Instructors. Swayamsevaks were from UAE, USA, Thailand, Canada, Mauritius, Suriname, South Africa, Australia, Uganda and Kenya. Instructors were from India, Srilanka, UK, Qatar, USA and South Africa. Out of the 33 shiksharthis, 13 were students, 6 were businessmen, 12 were professionals and 2 vistaaraks (persons who have fully dedicated some years for Sangh work). Of these participants, the eldest was Ramesh ji babu of 62 years from Uganda, and the youngest Kishan ji Valani of 17 years from Kenya. The Sevikas Varg was attended by 22 shiksharthis and 7 respected Adikaris, Pracharikas and Shikshikas. Sevikas were from Kenya, New Zealand, Australia and Suriname. And shikshikas were from India, Kenya and USA. Out of the 22 Sevikas there were 18 students, 1 business woman & 3 professionals. Youngest Sevika was Ishika Dudhiya of 15 years from Kenya. The Sangh Varg was inaugurated with a havan while Sevikas were welcomed in an Indian traditional way. Nominated MP, Hon. Sonia Birdi was present during the opening session. Participants attended various sessions in the varg. Sessions of Vedic Maths was well received by all where participants learned how to solve arithmetic sums quickly and easily without using a calculator. Sessions of Sanskrut Sambhashanam was fun for participants who learnt to have conversations in Sanskrit during bhojan. Science in ancient Bharat highlighted the contributions of our rishis and munis made to science very many years ago. Hindi speaking lessons, principles and practices of management in voluntary organizations, Geet abhyas and many others left the participants enlightened and energized. One highlight of the Varg was the specials event of Matru Bhojan. 33 families brought home cooked meals to share with the participants of the varg. The concept of matru bhojan gave the shiksharthis a feeling of being part of a family while away from their own families. As a norm for every Dwitya Varsh, a Patha Sanchalan (street march past) took place. From Hindu Council of Kenya to Pattni Brotherhood, the route was approximately 3.2km through 2nd Parklands & Masari roads of Nairobi. The streets echoed with melodious tunes of Sangh Ghosh and the swayamsevaks and sevikas marched in a military manner clad in their Ganvesh. Swayamsevaks in their white t-shirts and black pants (the new uniform) and the Sevikas in their gracious white dress. The patha sanchalan was welcomed by people from all walks of life. The participants of the varg enjoyed nutritious meals from different states of India like Tamil, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and of course there was Kenyan food. The daily routine during the varg included various activities from 5am to 10.30pm starting with Pratasmaran (morning prayers) and Yogasan. There were Sharirik (physical activities) and Bauddhik (intellectual) sessions. Discourses, discussions and workshops, enlighted the participants on Dharma, Sanskriti, Sangh and also in developing organizational skills. After a busy day filled with invigorating activities, the last event of the day was strategically planned to be light hearted. Some of the Manoranjan karyakrams were: Bharat Natyam by Sushmaji Reddy’s group, African traditional dances and acrobats by Daya acrobats group, Cultural fusion Music by Kiritbhai Pattni and group, a visit to the exhibition at BAPS temple, Indian folk dances, plays, dramas, Sangh Geet presentations. Swayamsevaks enjoyed a swimming session once a week at the Premier Club pool. The generous permission from the Premier Academy and Patel Brotherhood, made for a pure and divine environment for learning at the school’s premises. Groups of professionals and various community leaders from Nairobi also visited the Varg for discussions with Sangh and Samiti Adhikaris on different days. Vandaneeya Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Shantakka ji from Bharat graced this Varg from 15th to 22nd Dec and Mananeeya Sar Karyavaha, Shri Sureshji (Bhayya ji) Joshi graced the Varg from 23th Dec to 31st Dec 2016. He also visited Uganda and Tanzania during his visit. Other adhikaris who were present in the Varg to provide their guidance were:  Anil ji Oak, Sah Vyavastha Pramukh of RSS,  Saumitra ji Gokhale, co-ordinator of global HSS activities,  Ram ji Vaidya, joint co-ordinator of global HSS activities,  Ravi Ji Kumar Iyer, joint co-ordinator of global HSS activities,  Anil ji Vartak, Vishwa Vibhaag Karyalay Pramukh

 Srimati Alka ji Inamdar, Sah Karyawahika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti

Other Shikshaks and adhikaris in attendance were Sandeepji Paithankar, Shri Rajendraji Rana, Raghavji Venkata, Digantji Das, Radhakrishnan ji, Ku. Vibha Tare, Swami Vigyanandaji (co-ordinator World Hindu Economic Forum), Arunji Kankani (Karyawah of USA). Mananeeya Brahmadatt ji Seedhar from Kenya and Srimati Anjali ji Patel from USA guided the varg as Sarvadhikari for Sangh and Samiti vargs respectively. Shri Rajendra ji Rana and Janaki Devi Agastyaraju were the Karyawah and Karyawahikas of the varg repectively. The varg ended with a concluding public ceremony at the premier academy ground, on Friday, 30th December 2016, where participants demonstrated what they learnt in various subjects like Niyudh (Indian Martial arts), Dand, Ghosh amongst others. During the event, Ma. Bhayyaji Joshi gave the message of carrying forward the Sanskruti, the Hindu way of life, the culture of living in families and providing selfless service to the society. The Varg was indeed a booster for Sangh / Samiti work and for the work of organisation and strengthening of society; protection of dharma (righteousness); towards sewa and contributions towards the Karmabhoomi (place of action, work and residence). All in all, it was definitely a catalyst for Sangh work in Kenya where many karyakartas were involved in the organisation of the varg and that energy will surely remain forever.

Jay ghosh sanskriti kā, hum āj mil karenge Hum dharma ke pujā rī, jag ko sukhī karenge Meaning : We are here today to sing the praises of our glorious culture. We are devotees of Dharma. We will bring bliss to the world.

Social Significance of Shri Guru Pooja

|Vasudha Dharmadhikary

Guru Poornima is celebrated on the full moon day of the Aashadh (July-August) month of Hindu calendar. It is an auspicious day for Guru Poojan and is dedicated to one’s Spiritual Guru whose guidance and teachings play an important role in one’s life. On this day, therefore, disciples seek the blessings of their Guru.

Guru Poornima is also celebrated to pay tribute to the Maharshi Ved Vyas, the great world teacher who was born on this day. He classified the accumulated spiritual knowledge of the Vedas under four heads as Rig, Yajur, Sam and Atharva. He also composed the authentic treatises, the Brahmasutra that explains the background of Vedas. He wrote the eighteen Puranas, which contain the stories of our great heroes and saints. For this reason, he is revered as Aadi (first) Guru.

Contribution of Maharshi Ved Vyas saw the dawn of new era in social and educational system of Hindus. Before him, the knowledge was transferred to a disciple by word of mouth. Upanishad era resulted in research by various sages to explain the knowledge of Vedas. This increased volume of spiritual wealth, made it difficult to grasp by word of mouth. Vyas ji revolutionized the learning system by classifying the knowledge in the text form, which strengthened the gurukul system of education.

The Gurukul system of education was aimed to produce youths who were mentally and physically strong to work for the society. Students inculcated the knowledge and other noble virtues like discipline, dedication, sense of duty, sacrifice and social equality. They became scholars, strong warriors, good businessmen and expert artists. Any strong society needs these four types of people working in harmony. This resulted in the ancient Hindu society achieving the pinnacles of glory. The society was wealthy and healthy in all respects such as literature, art, music, science and culture. Common people were happy and contended. As there was no separation in materialistic knowledge and spiritual knowledge. Students learnt their duties and the purpose of living in society simultaneously. They gave priority to the social work and thus became good citizens. Thus the teacher (Guru) has a significant role in establishing a strong society. By doing this s/he is respected and followed by one and all.

In the present era of diversity of Hindu society, can there be an individual who can be looked upon as the preceptor for the entire Hindu society? Obviously one cannot be a permanent guide for all times to come. Therefore, in our Shakha, we have adopted the sacred Bhagva Dhwaj, which is true guide for all times as our GURU. This concept itself is a significant change in our social life. Bhagva Dhwaj represents all the Gurus (enlightened souls), their sacred words/literature and hence inspires us to contribute selflessly or with complete surrender to the society.

On this auspicious day of Guru Pooja, we in Shakha worship the sacred Bhagva Dhwaj, offer Guru Dakshina by tan-man-dhan (total surrender) and thereby devote ourselves for the Hindu Dharma to achieve its rightful position as Jagatguru (guide to the entire world). Mananeeya Bhaiyyaji in East Africa

Mananeeya Sar Karyavaha of RSS, Shri Sureshji Joshi (fondly called Bhaiyyaji Joshi) visited Kenya for the VSSV. During his

stay, he visited Tanzania and Uganda also.

Tanzania:

On Tuesday, 27th December 2016, Swayamsevaks of Dar-es-Salaam organized a talk by Mananeeya Bhaiyyaji for the general public. The talk was held at Shishukunj, Dar-es-Salaam between 7:30pm to 9:00pm. A total sankhya of 235 attended the talk. Some of the notable guests at the talk were Sir Jayantilal Keshavji Chande and Shri Janardhanbhai of Shishukunj.

In his talk, Bhaiyyaji highlighted the message of “Hindu Dharma Nayee Jeevan Shaili”. A new awareness is arising among all the people in the around the world that is recognizing the importance of the values of Hindu Dharma (Universal Dharma). After the talk was a question and answer session. Uganda:

Ma. Bhayya Ji landed at Entebbe airport in Uganda on 28th Dec 2016, where he was received by Uganda core karyakartas along with the Acting Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Shri Pankaj Kumar Singhal Ji. Swayamsevaks from Ugandan cities of Jinja and Mbale had joined the swayamsevaks from Kampala at Shri Rameshji’s house where Ma. Bhaiyyaji engaged in a brief light hearted baithak. He talked about uniting the Hindu society and encouraged the Uganda Swayamsevaks to work towards uniting the Hindus from different spiritual groups and regions in Uganda. In the evening, Ma. Bhayya Ji presided over a public address program at SSDM Temple, Kampala. Public program was attended by prominent Indians in Uganda including heads of major businesses and public institutions. Program started with Dhwajarohan followed by cultural programs consisting of songs and plays presented by children and families of Swayamsevaks. In his address to the gathering thereafter, Ma. Bhayya Ji enlightened the people on identifying themselves as Hindus and encouraged them to unite for the welfare of Motherland. After a short prize distribution to the participating children, the Vishwa Prarthana was sung by the entire community present. The program concluded with dinner. Program sankhya at the time of Prarthana was 331 including adults and children.

Kenya:

Man. Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Sarkaryavah of RSS was present for the Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg (VSSV) that took place in Kenya. His astonishing character gave the privilege to swayamsevaks in the Varg to have joyful interactions with him during various sessions such as question - answer sessions and interactions during bhojan. He was delighted to see swayamsevaks from different parts of the world. As a result, he had bethaks on the way forward for Sangh with Shiksharthis from different countries. His schedule was set such that he had enough time to interact with shiksharthis of the varg. He also did justice to have various bethaks such as with the shikshaks and the Vishwa Vibhag team, Kenyan Karyakartas, various community leaders, various professionals and later on with the Hon. Suchitra Durai, Indian High commissioner to Kenya. He was delighted to have come to Kenya, yet again, but for VSSV. Seeing the VSSV being held in Kenyan brought utmost pleasure for he said Sangh work in Kenya is moving ahead. He felt a greater team of young karyakartas needs to keep growing, perhaps at a little more pace and in the presence of the right guidance from the elderly. With the right combination of the two, he said we have only one way to move, forward!

Shri Suryanarayan Raoji - Shraddhanjali

Shri. K. Suryanarayana Rao was born on 20th August 1924, at Mysore. He joined as a Swayamsevak of R.S.S in 1942 at Bangalore. After completing B.Sc. (hons) in mathematics he became a fulltime Pracharak of R.S.S in the year 1946. He toured all-over Karnataka with various responsibilities. He was entrusted with the responsibility of organizing the first Karnataka State Vishwa Hindu Parishad at Udipi during December 1969 under the guidance of Shri Guruji In 1970 October, Shri Guru ji asked him to work in Southern Bharat with Chennai (then Madras) as his headquarters. He was Prantha Pracharak of TamilNadu from 1971 to 1984 and then he was Kshetra Pracharak, (Andhra, Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka) upto 1990. Subsequently he was assigned the responsibility as Akhila Bharathiya Seva Pramukh. With this assignment for 10 years he extensively toured all parts of Bharath for the development of Seva Projects and also some overseas countries like USA, Trinidad, Canada, England, Germany, Holland, Norway, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal to consolidate the Hindu activities there. Later he was a member of the Akhila Bharathiya Karyakari Mandal looked after Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Vanavasi Kalyana Ashram, National Medico’s Organization – Arogya Bharathi, Seva international and Samskri Bharathi. Kids Zone Budhi and Mann

Once upon a time, there lived a farmer who had a little land. His name was Budhi and he was a very kind and good-natured person. He lived in a hut on his land with his wife and children and earned by selling whatever crops he could produce on his small land.

Budhi loved to help others. Whenever someone fell ill or needed something badly, Budhi was there to help. If someone died in the village, Budhi assisted the family members of the deceased person in whichever way he could. If anyone fell ill at night, Budhi was right beside the village doctor to help him prepare the medicines. There seemed to be none who hated this man. He appeared to be loved by one and all.

But there was one person who hated Budhi with all his heart. He was Mann, a neighbour of Budhi, who lived in the land next to him. A lazy person by nature, Mann hardly put in as much effort to cultivate his land as Budhi did to produce crops on his own. So when the harvest season arrived every year, Mann found that he had very few crops to sell. Budhi on the other hand, earned a handsome profit through the selling of his produces.

One year, Mann could no longer contain his jealousy. Just days before Budhi was to reap his harvest, Mann set fire to his crops at night. Budhi was asleep at this time and it was only the alertness of one of his other neighbours that saved much of his crops from being perished in the deadly flames of the fire that Mann had lighted.

When the flames were doused, Budhi saw which direction the fire had started from. Mann's animosity towards him was known to Budhi. But he let the matters rest and decided to take action only if he saw Mann repeating his dastardly act once again.

That year, Budhi managed to sell the rest of his crops at a good price but he could not make much profit for a good part of his produces had been burnt. He had a heavy heart but he did not like to tell anyone about it.

Only days later, Budhi was awakened by the sound of lamentations. He went out to find a crowd beside Mann's hut. He rushed to find that Mann's son had fallen ill. He found that the village doctor was unable to provide a cure to his illness. Budhi knew what he had to do. He untied his own horse and rode it. Then he rushed to the town that was ten miles away and fetched a more experienced doctor who lived there.

This doctor was able to diagnose the disease correctly and provided an exact cure for it. Within hours, the boy was found to sleep soundly and Budhi went with the doctor to take him back to the town.

A day later, Mann went to Budhi's hut and began to weep bitterly. He confessed his sins but was surprised when Budhi told him that he knew about it all.

"You knew that I had set fire to your crops? And still you fetched the doctor for my son?" asked the astonished Mann. Budhi nodded and said, "I did what I knew was right. Could I do wrong just because you had done so?"

Mann stood up and embraced Budhi. Both men were in tears and so were the others who stood by them.

From that day, Mann changed himself. Within a year, he could produce much crops in his land through his hard work. When the others asked him how he had changed so much, he only replied, "It was the goodness and love of Budhi that transformed me." Why Did Doctorji Start Sangh...?

|Divyesh Parmar

“We are starting the Sangh today”, said Doctor ji. This was on Vijaya Dashmi, 1925, at his home, with 15 to 20 young, like-minded Men with him. “All of us must train ourselves physically, intellectually and in every way so as to be capable of achieving our cherished goal," he declared. Why start the Sangh? A doctor by profession, he was an active member of the Political Movement of Congress, a revolutionary; all this and more; so involved in all these and having been in the forefront of the freedom struggle, was constantly worried. He was worried about our Nation, that was,  civilized ages before all other countries of the world  known for great achievements in all spheres (science, arts, commerce, philosophy and spirituality),  rich in every aspect of life, culture and heritage  never colonized or converted other nations, countries & people. He was worried about our Nation (the Hindu Nation). Although we were at the top, with the most glorious heritage, what lead to our nation’s downfall? How come we were colonized by Mughals and the British? What was the root cause of our disunity as a Nation? How comes a few invaders conquered our great nation of such a large population? Since the death of Lokmaniya Tilak in 1920, the Independence struggle took a new turn. The revolutionary movement was dying, and the non-violence movement picked up. This struggle for independence made Doctor ji think deeply. Whom do we need independence from? Even if we get it, what next? Have we addressed the root cause, as to why the British came to power in the first place? Why the Moghuls ruled for 800 odd years? From 1920 to 1925, Doctor ji, thought deeply. For 5 years, though being active in all fields, he searched for answers. He thought deeply on the root cause, and how to solve it. The struggle for independence had begun from a long time. All great people who fought for independence, spoke alike, dreamt alike and worked towards only one goal – and that was to rouse the sleeping Hindu Spirit in the people, to action and by invoking the Hindu heart in tune with Hindu Nation. Be it Vikramaaditya, Shalivana, Chanakya, Vidyaranya, Pratap, Guru Govind, Rani Laxmibai, Savarkar, Bose, Vivekananda, Aurobindo, Tilak, Gandhi, and many more – their dream was the same. The root cause was the disorganized Hindu mind in the Hindu itself. Lost knowledge and no sense of pride in who we were. The Hindu Samaj was going through a dark night. People told Doctor ji, ‘Call me a donkey, but not a Hindu’. This taught Doctor ji one crucial fact – Our Nation’s basic problem did not lie in foreign slavery, but lay on its own disunity. Our Samaj lacked national consciousness. Thus Doctor ji thought we need to work towards our goal – the goal of taking the Hindu Nation to the pinnacle of glory, and this should be our base – to awaken and organize the Hindu people and instil in them an intense spirit of nationalism. The mission of Sangh should be to recharge our people with true national character. Thus a system of disciplining the body, the mind and the intellect, needed to be devised. This system was to include all the castes, creed, sect, class of the society, the entire national society, and nothing short of it. Such a patriotic and disciplined society alone could rise above the foreign slavery, and be able to form the basis for national reconstruction. To fulfil this grand vision of National Reconstruction, a simple yet most effective system or technique was devised, and this is what we call ‘Shakha’. The Shakha is the simplest system devised, having various aspects of its methodologies – each one of these conveying one message – the message of full devotion to National Integrity and National Identity. The child of this Motherland nurtured in Shakha, was the ‘Swayamsevak’, who was to present to the people a living image of what the Sangh stands for, and how it proposes to achieve its goal of all round national regeneration. This is what Doctor ji had in mind, when he said, “We are starting the Sangh today”. Humble Pen...

|Ram Vaidya Country Park Dew drops had just arrived on the tips of the grass shoots. Goddess Dawn was yet to arrive on the eastern sky. The birds were getting ready to fly. Gentle start of the weekend made me conscious of the tiny actions in the environs. A small wave emerging from the lake also was noticeable. Sprinkled light of rarely approaching cars was the only sign of urban civilisation. I wasn’t there for my morning walk to burn my calories. I was there to take a deep dive into the nature. I adjusted my speed with the breeze, not to disturb the dance of grass shoots carrying dew balls on their shoulders. This is not something I was imagining. I was experiencing ‘the Divine’ court of nature. You may or may not believe in God; but I could see an excellent expression of God. I went ahead. The hill in front was blanketed with fog. Wind was hammering the hill. Rocks were shielding the little wild flowers that had just sprouted behind. When I could see the valiant manifestation of the Wind God, how could I imagine the god separate from it? Whole ecstasy was standing in front of me. Suddenly I sensed some movement on the left. A herd of deer had just arrived and stood a few metres away from me. They must be looking at this strange guy staring at them. I smiled and tried to assure them that I was their friend or may be a family member. They didn’t bother much. They turned and disappeared. I couldn’t give enough assurance to the deer that I respect and consider him just like my brother. I guessed they must be aware of the human nature of enjoying everything for oneself. The human nature of putting oneself as a centre point of the Universe and thinking that the World is for their enjoyment. It is sad how human’s start caring about the nature, only when they are scared of extinction.

I came out of the country park and noticed a sign board. There were many instructions listed on the board. “Do not use this park for Bar-B-Q”, “Do not consume alcohol”, “No smoking is allowed in the park”, “Keep this park tidy”, etc. When I glanced under the board, I could see empty beer bottles, cigarette remains and of course, chewing gum stuck on the sign board. So, it was a country park; a reserve park; reserved for the need of humans and reserved from the greed of humans. For once, can we not imagine sharing this planet equally with nature? Can we not recognise the God present everywhere? Are we not the children of the same Mother Earth? Can we not enjoy together on her lap? We have been given an opportunity to scale up our consciousness and to identify ourselves with the environment around. The Upanishad proclaims, “Enjoy the world, with an attitude of giving back.” This can be shown with the example below: A boy was searching for his mother who got lost in his childhood. When he grew up, he went into wrong company and started snatching purses of ladies on road. One day he snatched a purse and started running. The woman followed him and finally caught him. The boy was about to hit her, when he realized that it was his mother. Immediately, his attitude changed and he became the protector of woman whom he tried to rob. To bring back balance in the universe, we need to start seeing things differently. The river isn’t just a flow of water. For us, she is “Ganga Mata”. When we start experiencing the change in our attitude, we shall think twice before we waste water. The cow does not serve as a “milk giving animal”, but we embrace her as “Go Mata”. The same applies with Mother Earth. Even at political or social level, this consciousness can be brought. Let us peel off various layers of concept of seeing nature as mother. Isn’t it palatable truth! Yuvas Speak

“How the Vishwa Sangh Shiksha Varg (VSSV) has been a life changing experience for me…”

First of all it has enhanced my knowledge on our Hindu Dharma, Sangh, Bharat and the great people and their contribution. This was possible because of the amazing Baudhiks, Vartas and Baudhik Vishesh given by the very experienced vaktas. I feel very proud and confident when I share this knowledge with my family and my colleagues. Hardik (KEN) The intense Shareerik and Yogasana of the 20days Varg has brought improvement in my fitness, flexibility and health. Moreover, it has boosted my motivation to do exercise daily. Through this Varg, I have learnt how to adjust myself with time, new environment and different kind of food. In addition, I have learnt to become time conscious and how to manage it wisely. During the Varg I have learnt leadership skills, different personality of people and learnt how to interact and work with them. I am sure this will help me in the future. It was a pleasure to meet Swayamsevaks from different parts of the world, some of them really inspired me and therefore, from this inspiration I would try to be like them.

Attending VSSV was a life changing experience. It wasn't just another camp which I have attended, it was different and fun. Meeting new people who I can call sisters now, gaining more knowledge about Sangha work, developing mentally and physically, listening to inspiring stories about the dedication of people and there is so Yashvi (KEN) much more I learnt and experienced in such a short period of time. This camp has also motivated me in doing Sangh work and taught me how to be a better person, so whenever I think about VSSV 2016 and it's experiences, I get all psyched to work towards the vision and mission of Sangh. These are the memories I will cherish the whole of my life. The theme of the camp was “Ubuntu”, which means I am, because we are. This camp contributed a lot to the intellectual and physical development of the participants. For physical development there were physical exercises like Yoga, Niyuddha (self defense), Dand (self defense with stick), Sharoodj (SUR) Padvinyaas (leg exercises) and Yogchap (movements with instrument). For intellectual development there were Charcha (discussions), debate, Boudhik (stories for creating awareness towards Hindu Dharma), Geet (singing) and Kaaryashala (workshops). There were also some fun and relaxation sessions. In 15 days the girls had a life changing experience, with many developments, unforgettable friendships and a great awareness about HSS’s vision “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means (the world is one family) and our mission “Vishwa Shanti” (world peace).

VSSV 2016 was indeed an exhilarating and memorable experience! The impeccable discipline, punctuality, structured program line-up, compact sleeping spaces, traditional washing facilities and prohibition on gadget usage made for a refreshing experience with positive impacts on physical, intellectual, interpersonal and Bharat (USA) spiritual health. The rich and myriad skills taught to us ranged from Dandyuddha, Vedic mathematics, Yoga & meditation to MBTI personality and management workshops. Baudhik sessions covered a range of invigorating subjects spanning Hindu Dharma, Sangha philosophy, Hindu history, biographies, comparative religion and the work of our partner organizations. Post-camp activities included a Nairobi city & temple tour, the Maasai Mara game safari, and an unforgettable trip to a HRSC sewa project in Machakos. VSSV gave us a unique opportunity to associate with Hindus across nations, age-groups, professions and languages. We felt truly blessed and inspired by the presence of so many HSS/RSS Pracharaks and senior Adhikaris. Kudos to the excellent planning, execution and hospitality of HSS, Kenya Karyakartas! The Kenyan Hindu community’s confidence, steadfastness and commitment to Dharma across generations while harmoniously integrated into the local society serves as a shining example to Hindu diaspora worldwide. I look forward to using the tools, skills and values acquired at VSSV in my personal, professional and Sangh life. VSSV is something that cannot be explained in words, ...it has to be experienced. I had a good time in VSSV. I met new people from different countries and we shared our experiences in Shakha, the challenges we faced and the solutions for these challenges. We were also trained in order to improve our Shakha and to achieve our mission Ishika (KEN) (uniting Hindus) and our vision (World peace). We were given inspiring Baudhiks from which we learnt a lot. We also learnt how to manage our time, gain more knowledge from Baudhiks, Charchas and Shaririks. We learnt a lot in VSSV and it just felt like I was at home due to the friendly environment.

मुझे अपने जीवन मᴂ पहली बार इस प्रकार के कार्यक्रम मᴂ भाग लेने का औसर प्राप्तु हवा।। जजस प्रकार अलग अलग जगहⴂ से पानी एकत्रित होकर नदी मᴂ ममलकर नदी के धारा के साथ प्रवाहहत होने लगता है वही 饃�र् हमे VSSV मᴂ देखने को ममला। अनेक देशⴂ से आर्े वर्ंसेवक बंधू और अमधकारी गण हकस प्रकार से एका配म होकर न कोई छोटा न बड़ा सब सामान Pankaj (THL) होकर एक भाव से ,,जगमत है पररवार हमारा,, इसे स配र्ात्रपत कर हदर्ा। एक आदशय कसौटी पर कसी ुहई जो वहां की 녍र्वथा थी ओ हमारे जीवन के कई मोड़ पर काम आएगी।

Visiting last years VSSV has been one of the most memorable experiences in my life. As enthusiastic as I was to go to the VSSV I was also hesitant because of the distance I needed to travel. From the start of the VSSV I got a rollercoaster ride. First of all I got to meet and know so many Hindu Shailin (SUR) brothers from 13 different countries. To meet so many passionate brothers at once and to be able to create a bond with all of them was a really fabulous experience. I also got the chance to expand my Sangh knowledge in sharirik and bouddhik which I can use to contribute to the Sangh work in my country. The hosting country did its utmost best to be able to give us an unforgettable experi- ence. Coming from a country where our Indian food is not so diverse, the food which was prepared everyday was something to look forward to three times a days. All of these factors made this VSSV a life changing experience for me. When I started my journey from NZ to Kenya my thoughts were wavering. As I was the only Sevika travelling from New Zealand for VSSV, I was nervous through my 29hrs of travel to Kenya. I took a couple of days to settle down with the daily routine at the camp. I started the Sharirk activities with an apprehension that I may not be able to do much. Then it Anupama (NZ) started getting very intense everyday. I was so exhausted physically in 7 days. Caring conversations with Van. Shantakkaji and Ma. Alka Tai ji inspired me to push my bounds and was successfully able to do all the Sharirik activities till the last day. Enlightening Baudhiks about different aspects of Hindu Dharma gave a clearer insight into Hindu way of life. Path Sanchalan was a very enlightening experience where we all marched with pride on the streets. Sevikas ranging from 15 years to mid-40s were at the VSSV. After each exhaustive and intense day, sevikas were busy massaging each other, singing & dancing as the end of the day activities. There was aathmeeya bhav in every shiksharthi. Parivaar bhaavana was blooming on every face. Sangh’s vision of “Vishwa Dharma Prakash” and promoting Vishwa Shanthi, and the mission of Hindu Sanghatan can be achieved through the media of parivaar – Sangh Parivaar. This has been the biggest learning for me from VSSV. VSSV has equipped me to contribute better to this Eeshwariya Kaarya.

The karyakrams in the varg were of high quality and systematic with experienced and qualified shikshaks and adhikaries. They conveyed important messages in different and lovely ways. That was a different experience for me, I have attended many vargs but this was a very different one for me. Ganesh (UAE) Ram ji and Saumithra ji really they lived in between shiksharthis and they taught so many lessons informally through their each and every actions, words and behavior. I can’t find words for the prabandhaks... and they all still coming in my memories in daily basis. I would see them everywhere in the varg with smiling faces, like my brothers I can’t forget the thrilling experience of the Patha Sanchalan through the Nairobi city with Dhwaj. I still sometimes wonder that it happened in the African continent… and I was a part of it! This all made possible by our people through their respectful behavior towards the local people. VSSV, Nairobi was a life changing experience for me as a karyakartha. It has helped me lot to be a good karyakatha… Viswa dharma ki jay. Origin and Development of… THE CALENDARS OF THE WORLD |Anita Hirani

The calendar system in the world was first discovered by Vedic people during the Vedic age. They discovered both solar and lunar calendars and later discovered a luni-solar calendar based on harmonization of lunar and solar cycles. The Vedic calendar was known as luni-solar or synodic lunar calendar. Here it may be noted that the time calculated based on lunar and solar cycles led to the origin of lunar dynasties and solar dynasties among the Vedic people in Bharat. The Vedic people were the first people who inhabited the entire globe at various phases of times. These migrations took place in the early ages as well as after nuclear and atomic war of Mahabharata. High radiation generated due to nuclear war of Mahabharata compelled the people from northern parts of Bharat to migrate to safer places. Thus, wherever the Vedic people spread on the earth, they took along with them their Vedic heritage. Vedic emigrants in Rome totally forget this division of Zodiac in 12 parts. They used to count 10 months in a year and left some days uncounted. They began a fresh year with full moon in spring season as was in their memory. The names of their months were still driven from their original language, Sanskrit; such as unus from eka, duo from dvau, tria from traya, quinque from panca, sex from sat, septem from sapta, octo from astau, noven from navan, decem from dasan. The 12 zodiac signs were known as 12 ambars / rasis or stars and as a result, the names of months were coined by suffixing ambar / amber to the numbers. With the passage of time, first to six months were renamed either after some historical personalities or some specific historical events, though the last four months survived in their original form signaling their very origin to the Vedic system. The history behind the Roman, Julian and Gregorian calendar goes as follows:

Roman calendar: Today’s AD year is based on the Roman calendar. It started with the establishment of the city of Rome - 753 years BC. Initially it had a 10-month year which lasted from March till December and had 304 days. Later on, King Pimpolius added two months, Jonu Arius and Februarius to it and made it 12 months with 355 days, but in the later years, because of the movement of the planets, the difference kept on increasing. Then, in 46 BC, Julius Caesar ordered a new calendar which had 365 ¼ days so as to set the difference right. That is why, in history, year ROMAN 46 BC is known as the ‘Year of Confusion’.

Julian calendar: Caesar gave 365 ¼ days to a year. Serially, the months were given 31 and 30 days. February had 29 days, but in a leap year, it had 30 days. Along with this, to immortalize his name, he changed the name of the seventh month from Quinitiles to July, which had, and still has 31 days. Later on came Emperor Augustus, who changed the name of the eighth month from Sextilis to August, to immortalize his name. At that time, August had 30 days but, to show that he was greater than Caesar, he took one day off from February and added it to August. Since then, the days and the months have continued to remain the same. JULIAN

Gregorian calendar: In the 16th Century, the Julian calendar was increased by 10 days and church festivals like Easter started getting into trouble. So, Pope Gregory XIII issued an order in 1582 to rectify it by observing 4th October as 15th October and the beginning of the year from January 1 instead of March 25. The Roman Catholics accepted the order of the Pope with immediate effect but the Protestants took some time to accept it. Britain kept following the Julian calendar and by 1752, there was a difference of 11 days. Hence, to rectify it, the day after September 2 was observed as 14th September. At that time, people used to shout slogans of “Criseus back out 11 days” After England, Bulgaria accepted the Gregorian calendar in

GREGORIAN 1918 and then, in 1924, the Greek Orthodox Church also adopted it.

From the forgoing discussion it can unhesitatingly be inferred that all the English months can be traced back to Sanskrit via Greek, Roman and Egyptian ones. However, the above discussion sheds an ample good light on how the scientific arrangement of months got an unscientific and communal coloring at the hands of their emigrants in Europe and elsewhere. The assignment of 31 or 30 days too to various months was done in tune with ‘Might is right’ ignoring any justification or norms. Thus one can see during the long span of time the calculation of the year and its months came down to us in its most scientific form without any communal, regional, personal, racial or other type of bias. Let us be Vedic (scientific) in out practical life and in our attitude. Sangh News from Kenya

Balagokulam celebrates Mahashivratri On Sunday, 26th February 2017, Balagokulam celebrated the Mahashivratri Utsav. The children dressed up as characters from Lord Shiva’s family. After the costume show, they made Shivlingas out of clay. The mothers and their children made these Lingas with a lot of grace and interest. To mark the end of the utsav, they watched a movie about Lord Shiva. After the movie there was a short quiz given to the children. The utsav was fruitful in that the children gained a lot of knowledge about Lord Shiva.

HRSC hosts an appreciation event for the sponsors The Seva wing of HSS, Kenya hosted an evening of appreciation on Sunday, 27th November 2016 at the Shiv Temple, Nairobi. The event included a cultural program, some speeches by karyakartas of HRSC and the beneficiaries of the HRSC projects and ended with dinner. The Sponsors have been loyal to HRSC and have been making generous donations through the years, and there are more and more joining in this noble cause of Seva. The main seva projects ongoing presently are the School Feeding Program at various schools in central Kenya, and Tree Planting projects at various sites around Kenya. Sangh News from Kenya

A new shakha started in Ruiru On Sunday, 26th March a new shakha was started in Ruiru. This is a positive progress towards the vision of Sangh which is World Peace, and a historic step for HSS, Kenya. Karyakartas from Nairobi visited Shree Hindu Sanathan Dharma Temple, the Sanghsthan for the new shakha to guide in holding the shakha. The residents of Ruiru enjoyed and learnt a lot from the activities of shakha and will certainly continue to have a fortnightly shakha. The sankhya of local swayamsevaks was 31.

HRSC launches a tree planting project in Kajiado HRSC kicked off the year with launching a new site to plant trees on Sunday, 29th January. 200 trees were planted at P. J. Dave Primary School and Isinya Primary School both in Isinya, Kajiado County. The project was done in collaboration with Mureisho Self Help Group whose Secretary General was present with his team for the tree planting. Students of both schools also participated and experienced first hand the joy of planting trees. “It was fulfilling to plant trees to contribute towards the environment”, said some of the students. Did You Know...

Mount Kailash in Tibet has never been summited by any human. Do you ever wonder what makes this peak so difficult to be climbed? Is it the physical infeasibility, the difficulty because of altitude, or some other mystic and inexplicable reason which are beyond human understanding? Here are some facts about the most mysterious mountain, Kailash...

 Mount Everest is 8848 metre (29029 ft) in height and its summit has been scaled by over 4,000 people, while Mount Kailash is 6638 metre (21778 ft) and its summit is unclimbed.  Every year, thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the foot of Mount Kailash, which is 52 km long.  At the height of 14,950 feet on the foothills of Mount Kailash, are Lake Maansarovar and Lake Rakshastaal. Both the lakes are located close to each other divided by a thin isthmus and still while Rakshastaal is constantly stormy, lake Maansarovar remains calm throughout all weather conditions.  Those who visit the area around the mountain have seen their nails and hair grow to a length in 12 hours, which in normal conditions would happen in 2 weeks! The mountain has an air that causes rapid ageing.

70 Yrs S. S. Vaasna drops anchor in Mombasa

Shri Jagdishji Sharda Shashtri Ji was a young man of 20years when he was in Moga teaching young girls and widows. He got a job offer from the SSD School in Nairobi, Kenya. It was a well paying job compared to his job in Moga at the time (more than twice). He made up his mind and left his whole family to go to Mumbai, from where he would board the ship of his destiny. Shri Maneklal Rughani was a young man of 17 years when he was returning back to Kenya after his studies in Porbandar. His family was living in Karatina at the time. He became a swayamsevak during his boarding school days in Porbandar. On 13th September 1946, a Ship named S. S. Vaasna, left port from Mumbai to begin its approximately 3 weeks journey towards Mombasa, Kenya. On board, there were three classes of comfort. In the first class were mainly the British and a few wealthy Indian merchants. In the second class were mostly Indians travelling to East Africa for business. In the economy class were only Indians most of whom were travelling to join their heads of families who were well settled in various towns of East Africa. There were others like Jagdishji who were travelling alone to enroll in their new jobs. The economy class was a sight to see… People sleeping on the floor, some on bedsheets, others without. Mothers pacifying their wailing babies, children running around the economy class jumping over sleeping bodies. Someone smoking a bidi in the corner while a group of young men discuss the new life they are going to encounter in Africa.

One day Jagdishji went to the deck to observe the stormy sea at evening. He noticed another young man on the deck was also watching the waves. Interestingly, the other young man was wearing the Sangh Ganvesh shorts. He was Shri Maneklal. Jagdishji approached Maneklal and they quickly sparked off what would be a lifelong relationship, all because of the Sangh Shorts. They held shakha at the deck every evening and did the Sangh Prarthna. Everyday more and more like minded people joined the Shakha, such that by the end of the voyage there were a total of 40 swayamsevaks disembarking from the S.S. Vasna in Mombasa. This shakha on board the voyage were his- toric and unforgettable, because it was the first time a Sangh Shakha was being held outside of Bharat… in the middle of the Indian Ocean! When the ship arrived at the port of Mombasa on 26th September 1946, there were so many people who came to receive their loved ones from India. It was a sight to behold for Jagdishji to see such affection and so many Indians outside of Bharat in a foreign land. Before dispersing, Jagdishji and Maneklal and other newly formed swayamsevaks promised to meet again in Nairobi as it was central for everyone. On 14th January 1947, the auspicious Makar Sankranti utsav, swayamsevaks got together in Nairobi and officially started Shakha in Kenya. In the months after that historic Makar Sankranti utsav, shakhas spread to various towns of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

(Ref: Inception of Sangh in Kenya) 70 Yrs Early Days of Sangh in Kenya

After his arrival at Nairobi, Shri Shastriji expressed his idea to the Sangh Adhikaries Ma. Chamanlalji and Ma. Madhavraoji Mulye in Dehli. They were pleased at the idea of starting Sangh outside Bharat and agreed to do so. Upon contacting old swayamsevaks and the ones who newly joined, Sangh was started in Nairobi on 14th January 1947 at Sanatan Dharma Sabha. Originally it was registered as Bharatiya Swayamsevak Sangh .

Eventually Sangh shakhas started to spread in different towns in Kenya. This spread is credited to many karyakartas and their combined efforts. The karyakartas together with Shastriji and Rughaniji put in their heart and souls to expand Sangh in Kenya.

Some of the towns in which Shakhas started are as follows:  Mombasa - 1947  Thika  Muranga (Forthall) - 1953  Nakuru  Eldoret - 1952  Kakamega  Kisumu - 1958  Kisii - 1960  Sampark Shakhas at Limuru, Ruiru, Voi and Malindi.

Sangh Shakhas also spread to Tanzania and Uganda in the later years after 1962. The main shakhas were in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanga, Arusha, Kampala and Jinja.

After its establishment Sangh has been able to achieve numerous projects and events some of which are:

 Bharatiya Cultural exhibition.  An exhibition of Ramayana in pictures.  Amar Bharati magazine.  A Treasure Hunt event in cars around Nairobi city.  Helped in provision of basic amenities and moral support during the 1982 political conflicts.  Free Medical camps.  Inititating the formation of Hindu Council of Kenya to umbrella all the Hindu institutions.  Construction of Deendayal Bhavan in Nairobi as our own kendriya karyalaya.

In 1975, Smt. Suryakalaben and Smt. Vasudha Dharmadhikari took the initiative to start Samiti shakhas in Nairobi. Thus Hindu Sevika Samiti was founded in Kenya. Ever since Samiti has been flourishing in all aspects. They have conducted many Abhyas Vargs to develop women physically, mentally and intellectually.

Both Sangh and Samiti have become fully-fledged and functioning organisations due to the guidance of adhikaries from both Bharat and Kenya. Difficult roads often lead to a beautiful destination. Sangh has overcome many obstacles in its early years which led to this organisation growing to this extent today.

|| Vishwa Dharma Prakashena, Vishwa Shanti Pravartake || World peace shall prevail in the light of the Universal Dharma (Sangh Vision) 70 Yrs Some Important Milestones

1947 1952 Sangh officially Shakha started in Eldoret established in Kenya on by Shri Kuldeep Nehra. 14th January on Makar Sankranti Day.

1953 1958 Shakha strated in Forthall  Shakha started in Kisumu by Shri (Muranga) by Shri Lalchand Punj. Mahendrapal and Shri  Amar Bharati begins Chhaganbhai. publishing as a regular magazine. 1960

Shakha strated in Kisii by 1968 Shri Bhupendra Dave and Foundation stone of Anilji Pota. Deendayal Bhavan laid by Swami Satyamitranandaji Giri. 1972 Completion of the construction of 1975 Deendayal Bhavan. Amar Bharati resumes Hindu Coucil of Kenya regular publication after formed by initiative of Sangh Karyakartas. a brief span of discontinuity.

1979 1987 Man. Rajjubhaiya installs a A grand Varshik Shibir to plaque on the wall of celebrate 40 years of BSS. Deendayal Bhavan. Man. Yadavrao Joshi graces the occasion.

1989 1997 50 Yuvas Jog from Nairobi 50 years celebration. 6000 to Mombasa over 6 days people gather at SSD to mark the Birth temple to hear Man. centenary year of Rajjubhaiya. Doctorji.

2010 2006 Name changes from Guruji Birth Centenary year. Man. Sudarshanji Bharatiya Swayamsevak graces the occasion. Sangh to Hindu Opening of Madhav Swayamsevak Sangh Smriti in Jan 2007. Kenya. 2015

2012 Sangh takes initiative to unite various institutes to Swami Vivekananda 150 form Yogakenya. Birth Anniversary. Various 5000+ gather at UoN to events through the year mark 1st International Day to mark the important of Yoga. year. 70 Yrs Prominent Persons and Senior Pracharaks at HSS, Kenya

Over the years, many well known personalities and various senior Sangh Adhikaris have visited Sangh activities in Kenya. Here is a list of a few selected names...

Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and his fellow freedom fighters 1951 visited the Githunguri annual Shibir. He attended a Shakha and had lunch with the swayamsevaks.

Sir Phillip Mitchell who was the governor of Kenya at the time, visited an exhibition of Ramayan in pictures 1952 on 26th Jan 1952.

Man. Laxmanrao Ji Bhide was the first Vishwa 1959 Vibhaag Samyojak and full time pracharak for BSS. From 1959, Nairobi was his base for many years..

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya visited Nairobi on 16th November 1963. The Karyalaya in Nairobi would later 1963 be named after him.

Shri Atal Behari Ji Vajpayee arrives in Nairobi on 25th 1965 November. He visited Kenya four more times after that year.

Swami Satyamitranand Ji Giri laid the foundation stone of the Kenya Karyalaya, Deendayal Bhavan on 1968 28th July 1968.

Lala Hansraj Gupta, then mayor of Delhi, visited 1969 Kenya in December 1969. Later in 1979, Shri Kedarnath Sahani, his successor also visited Kenya.

Swami Chinmayanandaji visited Deendayal Bhavan 1973 and gave talk to swayamsevaks in June 1986.

Shri Yadavrao Joshi (then Sah Sarkaryawah) graced 1987 the annual shibir held in Nairobi, on the occasion of 40 years of Sangh in Kenya.

Man. Mohanji Bhagwat (then Akhil Bharatiya Shareerik Pr.) guided the Sangh Shiksha Varg held in Mombasa. Poojya Pramukh Swami graced the 1996 Raksha Bandhan Utsav in Nairobi that year.

During the 50 years celebration in 1997, Man. Rajju Bhaiyya (then Sanghchalak) addressed a crowd of 1997 6000 people. Man. Suryanarayan Raoji (then Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pr.) also visited in the same year.

Shri Ashok ji Singhal who was then the International President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad addressed the 1998 newly formed Hindu Council of Africa, in August.

Man. K. S. Sudarshanji, the then Sanghchalak did the 2007 opening of the extension of Deendayal bhavan, which is named Madhav Smriti.

Shri Narendra Ji Modi (then CM of Gujarat) visited Kenya for diplomatic duties. Despite his busy sched- 2008 ule, he made it a point to visit Deendayal Bhavan. 70 Yrs

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (Kenya) www.hsskenya.org