RSS Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Nagpur

RSS Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Nagpur

Virag Pachpore

Reiterating its commitment to spread values in the society, the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) concluded in Nagpur on March 18 at Dr Hedgewar Smriti Mandir premises with the newly elected Sarkaryawah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi giving a clarion call to the swayamsevaks to expand the Sangh work with a renewed thrust on qualitative development and consolidation of the shakhas.

Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi also drew the attention of the nation towards the rising clout of regional parties in the political horizon in the recent days and waning influence of the national political parties among the common masses. This did not augur well for the nationalist outlook and patriotic feelings and fervour, he commented at a press conference convened immediately after his election to the highest coveted post in the world’s largest Hindu organisation on the concluding day of March 18.

While the recent election results in Uttar Pradesh sprang a surprise for the national political parties the RSS Sarkaryavah too analysed the election results in the largest state of the Hindi heartland. “The results depict that voters are giving more importance to local issues. This change is not good for the national politics and development. If this trend continues, the national parties may become redundant in future,” Shri Joshi explained.

Strongly refuting that UP election results were a big blow to Hindutva ideology, Shri Joshi said that such a conclusion would be hasty and too premature to arrive at. “Sri Ram Mandir issue is still fresh. We are waiting for the legal process to conclude. The plan for the temple construction is ready. The work will be started as soon as the order comes,” he said.

Increasing support for Sangh Work

Shri Joshi also rejected the notion that the Sangh work was on a downward slide. On the contrary, he claimed that the number of shakhas have gone up along with the number of participants in the summer training camps registering an upward growth. The ideology of Sangh found its acceptance among the IT professionals for whom special shakhas were being held at Bangalore, Mangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Noida, Gurgaon, etc. In Bangalore alone, there are 90 such shakhas, he added.

The Sangh expected a promising participation of youths in its 70-odd training camps to be organised all over the country to train its activists, Shri Joshi said.

The Sangh has spread its activities in the rural areas of the country where the rural youth and college students are associating themselves with the RSS in large numbers. “It is relatively easy to work in rural areas as compared to the urban pockets,” he added.

The newly elected Sarkaryavah also reiterated the organisation’s resolve to continue its campaign against killing of cows. “With the initiative of Sangh activists we have started 600 gaushalas in the last couple of years besides holding training programmes for youths for their economic self-relaince,” he explained.

The RSS has taken up the task of village development and so far 200-odd villages in the country have been transformed as Model Villages. The RSS swayamsevaks run over 1.6 lakh service projects in education, healthcare, vocational guidance, self-help groups, women empowerment etc. in the slums, rural and Vanvasi areas of the country, he said adding that “we are reaching out to the nomadic tribes also”.

Echoing similar sentiments Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, Sahsarkaryavah, said that massive programmes were held in the recent past showing the strength and expanse of the RSS work in the country. One such remarkable programme was held in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time in which over 500 swayamsevaks in full uniform participated. RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat attended that programme. Another such big programme was held at Kanyakumari in which 17000 swayamsevaks from South Tamil Nadu participated and 50,000 general public attended the function.

150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

The big project the RSS would undertake in the ensuing year would be 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari would take the lead in organising this programme with the RSS lending its full support to it. During this year-long campaign the RSS would try to reach out to masses with Swamiji’s inspiring nationalist thoughts and vision for the youths, intellectuals, village populace and women. The Sangh would also take a drive against the social inequality and discrimination, Shri Joshi said.

The year 2012 will be devoted for training the activists and publishing literature for distribution. Plans are afoot to involve social organisations in this year-long programme. The celebration would be inaugurated on January 12, 2013 and conclude on January 12, 2014.

RSS favours balanced growth

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) favoured a properly balanced utilisation of natural resources in the wake of new wave of privatisation and liberal economic policies, said Shri Dattatreya Hosabale in an interaction with the mediapersons at Reshambag premises immediately after the formal inauguration of the ABPS by Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi by lighting the traditional lamp in presence of 1400-odd representatives gathered from across the country.

Shri Hosabale said the Sangh was in favour of holistic, integral model of economy for the country. Economy based on such a model would consume less energy, create more job opportunities, and would not propagate the establishment of SEZs. He said the RSS had adopted a resolution to this effect five years ago. However, time has come to have a rethinking on this policy in the changed scenario, he said.

The resolution expressed the view of balanced growth and opposed the totalitarian approach. The RSS believed that the government has to play a limited role in regulating the economic activities and protect the rights of the people.

In tune with this thinking the RSS adopted a resolution criticising the new draft water policy of the Central Government. “RSS will ask the Centre to rethink the policy,” Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi said.

Sarkaryavah Report presented at the Pratinidhi Sabha

PP Sarsanghachalakji; respected team of Akhil Bharatiya Padadhikaris; Sanghachalaks and Karyavahs of the Kshetras; Members of the ABPS; other invitee brothers and sisters working in various fields of our national life! I extend a hearty welcome to all of you to this Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha session taking place in Yugabd 5113—March 2012 AD.

Status of our activity

Sangh Siksha Vargas (SSV) take place every year; they prove useful for qualitative and quantitative improvement of our activities. In 2011, a total of 69 SSVs were held in the country. Pratham Varsha Vargas were held at Prant level while Dwitiya Varsha Vargas were held at Kshetra level. A Vishesh Tritiya Varsha Varga was also held in November-December 2011 at Nagpur.

In Pratham Varsha Vargas, a total of 11507 trainees from 7322 places participated; 2781 trainees came from 2102 places for Dwitiya Varsha. A total of 732 trainees from 675 places attended regular Tritiya Varsha and 474 trainees from all over the country attended Vishesh Tritiya Varsha Varga. Trainees attending Vishesh Tritiya Varsha Varga were mature in experience and responsibility. Hence the atmosphere in the Varga was very impressive. All trainees completed the training successfully.

At the concluding programme of the Samanya Tritiya Varsha Varga Pujya Shri Jayendra Saraswati Maharaj, Peethadheesh of Kanchi Kamakoti Math, delivered his benediction. Sri Gana Raju of Vijayawada was the chief guest.  PP Sarsanghachalak Mananiya Mohanji Bhagwat also spoke on this occasion. National president of Kshatriya Yuva Sangh Shri Bhagwan Singh from Jaipur, also spent 3 days in the Varga and appreciated the programmes.

As per the available information, currently there are 40891 shakhas at 27978 places. Saptahik Milans are being held at 8508 places and Sangh Mandali at 6445 places.

It was decided at the ABPS of Puttur in March 2011 to concentrate and review our work more on qualitative improvement of certain aspects of the work. Consequently at all levels in all Prants, initiatives have been taken in that direction.

Special report on PP Sarsanghachalakji’s tour

PP Sarsanghachalakji toured 19 Prants in his itinerary this year. During this tour Vargas of district and Mandal Karyakartas and samanvay baithaks were organised in various Prants. Mananiya Mohanrao  visited Arunachal Pradesh for the first time this year in the capacity of Sarsanghachalak. He was received there with great enthusiasm. Physical demonstrations at Alwar in Rajasthan needs special mention here. The swayamsevaks continuously presented non-stop physical programmes for 22 minutes exhibiting their prowess. Also the meetings with special invitees and prominent personalities of the society at Guwahati, Jammu, Bhopal, Harigarh (Aligarh), Bilaspur (Himachal), Mumbai were remarkable. Besides Gurupujan utsav of Kochi and bouddhik programmes at Bhagyanagar and Nagpur deserve special mention.

Shareerik Vibhag

In the Akhil Bharatiya Shareerik Varga held at Vadodara, 227 karyakartas participated. Such Vargas are held once in four years.

PP Sarsanghachalakji, Sahsarkaryavah Mananiya Sureshji Soni and myself were present in the Varga and guided the participants.

Ghosh Shivir

This year in Purva Andhra Jaibheri, in Chhattisgarh Nadsangam and in Deogiri Rashtra Chetana special camps of Ghosh Vadaks (bands) were organised. Good programmes with planned efforts were organised at various places as precursors to these camps. This resulted in impressive performance of swayamsevaks in all these events. In Ghosh camp of Purva Andhra 570 Vadaks from 27 districts participated while in Chhattisgarh 526 Vadaks from 70 places of 25 districts and 351 Vadaks from 59 places of 15 districts in Deogiri Prant took part in these camps. Ghosh units are set up at these places as a result of these camps.

Bouddhik Vibhag

An All India meeting and orientation of Prant Bouddhik Pramukhs and workshop for speakers were organised after the Sangh Shiksha Varg. Similarly such meetings were held in almost all the Prants. In December, a special Bouddhik Prashikshan Varg of selected swayamsevaks, who completed Third Year in recent years, was held at Bhagyanagar in which 38 karyakartas presented an overview of eleven important subjects which included ill effects of  consumerist lifestyle, place and role of women in society, rural development, environmental imbalance and the concept of national reawakening as envisaged by Swami Vivekananda. This proved to be beneficial for development of next generation karyakartas.

Prachar Vibhag

Various training programmes were held by Prachar Vibhag in 2011-12 on subjects like panel discussion, press conference etc under the guidance of some media experts. Baithaks for in-charges Jagaran Patrika, Vishwa Samvad Kendra, publications, periodicals etc were also held.

Sewa Vibhag

In collaboration with Rashtriya Sewa Bharati ‘Sewa Sangam’ programmes were organised at 10 places by Sewa Vibhag. Representatives of 706 organisations from 17 Prants participated in these programmes. This included 3153 representatives including 480 women members. Benedictions of Pujya Swami Vasudevananda Saraswati, Swami Satyamitranandji, Swami Kailashanandaji and other saints were received in these programmes. Besides, guidance from various social activists was also provided.

These programmes were successful in creating necessary enthusiasm, inspiration and impetus to the work. The experience of these programmes was that such collective thinking and exchange of notes should take place on a regular basis.

Gram Vikas

With the positive effects of Vishwa Mangal Gou Gram Yatra and active participation of our swayamsevaks in village development, nearly 200 villages have been converted as Prabhat Gram. In some Prants, due to project-oriented shakhas, the pace of social transformation in villages has accelerated. In most of the Prants campaigns for protection of cow progeny and bio-farming are being undertaken. Experiements in Kalpataru Patratu (Jharkhand), Mohad (Madhya Pradesh), Idakadu (Karnataka), Kathada (Gujarat) are worth mentioning here. A meeting at Mohad in November 2011 was attended by 75 karyakartas from all over the country. This meeting deliberated on expanding the scope of activities with the help and cooperation of matrishakti (women), shishu-bal-yuva shakti (children and youth) and sajjan shakti (virtuous people).

Vishesh Vritta

Dakshin Tamil Nadu

Massive congregation of Dakshin Tamil Nadu Prant was organised at Kanyakumari in view of the 150th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The congregation was attended by 15906 swayamsevaks in full uniform reflecting the growth of Sangh work in that Prant. 52000 citizens too attended the programme and listened to the speech of PP Sarsanghachalakji. This massive congregation indeed reflected the acceptability of Sangh ideology and activities in Tamil Nadu, which was achieved by the hard toil and untiring zeal of our karyakartas.

Hindu Shakti Sangam Maha Shibir in Uttar Karnataka

Extensive preparations were going on for this Maha Shibir for the last two years. A total of 21,763 swayamsevaks from 1982 places attended this Maha Shibir. The Maha Shibir of entire Karnataka held in 1981 was attended by 21,000 swayamsevaks. Our activity has grown leaps and bounds in the last several decades. Support of the local people was also impressive. 15 per cent swayamsevaks were first timers for such a Shibir; yet discipline, physical demonstrations and arrangements had been very impressive. Support of the media too was satisfying. This Shibir will certainly prove to be a landmark in the growth of Sangh activity in Uttar Karnataka. Participation from 55 per cent Mandals in the Shibir and a total of 1616 Ghosh players from 66 places in the Shibir need special mention. An exhibition by name ‘Yuga Drishti’ depicting various aspects of our country, culture and Sangh was also held in the Shibir which was visited by more than 1 lakh citizens. Three symposia were organised on the last day of the Shibir; 176 saints were present in one while 1500 eminent citizens attended the other. Over 3500 women attended the third. About 47000 citizens attended the concluding ceremony of the Shibir.

Paschim Andhra

After a gap of several years camps were organised for swayamsevaks at district level. 14,890 swayamsevaks participated from 1633 places. 455 graduate students attended one camp among whom were 45 from one college.

Gond Samaj Sammelan

In Andhra, Dharma Jagaran Samanvay Vibhag organised a meeting of 200 prominent people of Gond community. Various problems of the community were discussed there. It was decided there to organise a massive Hindu Sammelan. 52 community meetings were organised at 40 places. 70 karyakartas travelled to 300 villages in preparation to the event. 8000 men and 3000 women attended the Sammelan. Participation of saints enhanced the prestige of the event. Programme was held in the auspicious presence of Swami Chinmayanandaji and Sri Sri Vidyaranya Bharatiji from Haridwar.

Devgiri Prant

A week-long focused campaign was undertaken to strengthen shakhas. Special efforts were made on 243 shakhas in at 151 places. It resulted in the increase of 114 shakhas. As a follow up, Shakha Darshan programme was undertaken. It had good results. A special programme was organised this year. There were campaigns in the past years on issues like ‘Punyabhumi Bharat’, Prarthana Abhyas’ and ‘Surya Namaskar’ etc. Keeping the water problem in view a ‘water literacy week’ had been planned this year. Programmes were held during 1-8 January in 177 villages and 120 towns. Water conservation, clean drinking water etc issues were highlighted through discussions, stickers etc. 25,692 families have been contacted. Shakhas in rural areas contributed to a great extent in implementation of this programme.

Gujarat Prant

Social Goodwill Meetings (Samajik Sadbhav Baithak) were organised at 58 places in all the 38 districts for a discussion on “Communal and Targeted Violence Bill, 2011” in which 4100 special invitees were present. The presence of youth in these meetings was worth mentioning. Participation of revered saints representing 40 different sects was also encouraging. 150,000 Gujarati and 5000 English booklets were distributed in the Prant on this topic. This issue was discussed among various communities during the Dipawali Milan programmes.

Malwa Prant

On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya a total of 18124 saplings were planted at 657 places. Akhand Bharat Sankalp Diwas programmes were held on 14-15 August at 382 places in which 33,828 students participated. A camp for selected Bal Swayamsevaks was held in the Prant, which was attended by 3388 Bal Swayamsevaks from 238 shakhas. 750 villages were contacted and public meetings were held during the 10-day Jagaran Yatra of Dharma Jagaran Vibhag in Badvani district. Vanvasi brethren participated in it in large numbers. Indal Raja Worship, which is popular in that Vanvasi region, was celebrated as a public festival on large scale. More than 35,000 Vanvasis attended the festival and collectively vowed to protect and preserve the dharma and culture.

Madhya Bharat Prant

In view of PP Sarsanghchalakji’s first ever tour to Rajgarh district which boasts of having maximum number of shakhas in the Prant, a karyakarta sammelan and Hindu Samagam was organised. In this programme 10215 karyakartas from 1020 villages were present. Besides, 9600 citizens including 900 women participated in the programme.

On the other hand, the route march organised in Shivpuri, one of the districts with least number of shakhas, was unprecedented. It was decided to organise a route march as a morale booster with 10,000 swayamsevaks. To achieve this goal a schedule of programmes was also drawn up. Over 1000 karyakartas attended the meeting for preparation followed by 168 meetings all over the district. 80 karyakartas gave full time as Vistaraks. 20 hostels, 18 graduate colleges and many other private institutions were contacted. 5,800 swayamsevaks from 350 out of the total 750 villages of the district participated in the route march. From around 100 families swayamsevaks of 3 generations participated in the march. Manniya Suresh Soniji addressed the programme.

Mahakoshal Prant

Health camps were organised by Sewa Vibhag for women, children and handicapped in the remote Vanvasi regions of the Prant with the help of Sewa Bharati and Saksham. These camps were held in districts like Dindori, Shahadol, Damoh and Mandla. Sewa Bastis in Jabalpur too were included. 22,621 citizens were provided with medical check up with the help of the services of 283 doctors. 604 karyakartas were engaged in this campaign. All attendees at the health camps were presented with a photo of Bhagwan Ram and a locket of Maa Narmada. Follow up plan has been chalked out.

In Jabalpur Mahanagar, environment protection scheme was chalked out by Sewa Vibhag in collaboration with shakhas and under this 5500 trees were planted.

Punjab Prant

Events that call for special mention in Punjab Prant include the Shakha Darshan programme and the camp for graduate students. 142 senior functionaries visited 423 shakhas in a stipulated period. As a result reduction in number of shakhas during winters could be arrested.

A camp for university students was organised in November 2011 in order to increase our activity among them. There was participation from 142 graduate colleges and 9 universities in the camp. Three Vice Chancellors, 8 senior professors and 30 lecturers too participated in the camp. This camp was the first experience of Sangh for over 180 students. Follow up plans have also been drawn.

Meerut Prant

Special attention was given to expanding the work among the college students in Meerut Prant. This year too, Vibhag-wise camps for college students were organised in which 2910 students from 786 places participated. Out of these, 1586 students attended the camps for the first time. The participation registered a growth of 700 swayamsevaks over the last year’s number.

Dakshin Bang

Costal districts of Gangasagar and Sunderban (South 24 Parganas) of Dakshin Bang are sensitive districts which are sensitive and prone to natural disasters and communal tensions. Special efforts were undertaken for expansion of our work in Sunderban district. In view of PP Sarsanghachalakji’s visit special attempts were made due to which the number of shakhas have gone up from 56 to 124. 1800 swayamsevaks in full uniform participated in the programme of PP Sarsanghachalakji. Besides 8000 citizens were also present. 500 swayamsevaks performed physical activities.

Earthquake relief  work in Sikkim

The October 18, 2011 massive earthquake devastated badly and shattered the life of people in North Sikkim. But the help from our swayamsevaks was instantaneous and quick. With whatever available material they plunged into relief activities. Bhukamp Pidit Sahayata Samiti was formed to provide succor to the affected people. They were given tarpaulin, blankets, utensils, ration, medicines and other necessary items. For permanent relief, schemes are underway under the auspices of Kanchanjangha Sewa Trust-Sikkim. Plans are being chalked out to set up hostels and other service projects.

Programmes held against Communal and Targeted Violence Bill, 2011

Programmes were held all over the country in the context of the Communal and Targeted Violence Bill, 2011 to awaken eminent citizens, social and religious leaders. Sampark Vibhag, VHP, Adhivakta Parishad were in the forefront in organising these programmes and exposing the divisive, unconstitutional and anti-Hindu mindset of the Congress. As per information available, 3117 programmes were held at various places in the country in which 1,54,358 eminent citizens includes 13,652 women, participated.

National Scenario

Mass campaign against corruption

Massive popular campaigns were launched last year for bringing in Jan Lokpal Bill and bringing back Indian black money from banks abroad. Sangh swayamsevaks also as consciouos citizens participated in this movement in a big way. These campaigns received huge popular support. Unwarranted controversy was sought to be created for narrow political ends over the involvement of Sangh in these campaigns. Instead of addressing the concerns of these campaigns efforts were made to divert the public attention.

Reprehensible attempts were made to crush the campaigns using brute force of power. Need of the hour is for all political, social and religious leaders to come together and brain storm over systemic reforms and inch towards that. That only can ensure solution to this problem.

Communal and Targeted Violence Bill,  2011

Controversy arose from the first day itself over this proposed Bill at all levels everywhere. The National Advisory Council, which is akin to parallel power centre, neither truly represents the society nor is the Bill proposed by it is in national interest. Wording in the draft and recommendations made smack of political and anti-Hindu mindset. Definition of ‘group’ in this draft totally negates the spirit of ‘One People’ in our Constitution. It divides countrymen into minority and majority. It holds majority Hindu community responsible for all kinds of communal violence. It recommends different punishments for same crime on the basis of minority and majority. This draft also conspires to divide Hindu society by including SCs and STs in the definition of  ‘group’.

Proposal to constitute a ‘National Authority’ will undermine the Constitutional powers of the State Governments given under federal system. This draft needs to be rejected lock, stock and barrel by all sections of the society including all political parties, religious and social
leaders.

Opposition to Religion-based Reservations

The decision of the Union Government to extend 4.5 per cent reservations to Muslims out of the OBC quota of 27 per cent following the recommendations of the Sachar Committee is against the spirit of our Constitution and affirmative action. There is already provision for reservations to the backward section among Muslims. 4.5 per cent provision is only for the sake of vote bank and Muslim appeasement politics. Religion-based reservations are neither in tune with the spirit of the Constitution nor in the national interest. It adversely affects the benefits being extended to the OBCs. On the other hand the reservations for SCs/STs in non-Hindu institutions, which receive grants from the government, have been terminated. This will only result in more conversions.

Country is witnessing dangers of conversion and demographic imbalance. It is necessary to mobilise public opinion through public awakening campaigns and ensure that such anti-Hindu measures are prevented.

Unwarranted Misapprehensions

Incidents that cast aspersions on the credibility of the personnel of the defence establishment and sensational media campaigns on such matters lead to unwarranted misapprehensions in the minds of the people. It will not only damage the trust in the security establishment but also destroy the morale of the establishment. It is not in national interest to target defence establishment and the scientists. Let there be impartial investigations but it is imprudent to create atmosphere of doubt and apprehension.

150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda

Country is going to celebrate 150th Birth Anniversary of Swamiji next year. Life of Swamiji inspires the whole country for a vibrant life. It inspires in the countrymen intense Hindutva, passionate commitment for the motherland, sensitivity towards the society and profound motivation for performing our duty. His message, delivered more than 100 years ago, remains relevant to this day.

Our Sangh work is in reality the manifestation of the ideals enunciated by Swami Vivekananda on several occasions. He said, “National integration of Bharat is consolidation of its scattered spiritual strength; an organized society whose hearts reverberate with the same spiritual music. Such an organized society is Bharat Rashtra”. He further says: “By rekindling the faith in self various problems confronting the country can be gradually solved. What is required today is this faith. This society must become strong, powerful. Strength is must today. Strength is life. What makes an indivdual work? Strength only inspires one to work.”

The nature of our work is to create strength in the Hindu society. PP Shri Guruji had said that once we inspire our society of crores with a divine mixture, kindle pure emotions in their hearts and, inculcate discipline to use that collective strength with judiciousness, we can undoubtedly create an impenetrable, invincible and ever victorious prowess. Our resolve is to manifest such massive judicious strength in our working system of day-to-day shakha.

Resolution-1

Uphold unity and integrity of the society as paramount

Bharat is witnessing upsurge of popular movements in different parts of the country over various issues like land rights, political rights, dams and river water sharing, movement of people from one state to the other, conflicts between different groups based on tribe, caste, religion, etc. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha expresses concern over the growing ill will among various sections of the society due to the actions of certain vested interests of these movements.

The ABPS exhorts that mature polity should handle such movements with utmost care and sensitivity. It should accord greater priority to unity and integrity of the society while handling these issues. Unfortunately what we experience today is exploitation of public sentiments for political expediency resulting in harm to the social cohesion.

Media play an important role in public education and awakening. Sensationalism of sections of media in such matters will not only cause harm to the interest of the movement but also adversely impact the social fabric. Leaders of voluntary and non-government organisations, who take active part in several such movements, have an onerous responsibility of ensuring that fissiparous tendencies don’t creep in and vested and foreign interests don’t take advantage of the movements to vitiate the atmosphere of social harmony and national unity. The ABPS calls upon the media and the NGO leadership to play a constructive role in providing right direction to such movements.

There are bound to be genuine grievances and complaints from each side in most of the issues that give rise to such movements. However the ABPS appeals to the leaders and participant people of these movements to never lose sight of the greater unity and integrity of the  society. Nothing should be said or done in the course of pursuing demands that would create fissures in our social fabric and weaken our national bonds.

It is a matter of grave concern for the ABPS that the actions of the Government in issues like Communal and Targeted Violence Bill and Minority Reservations are potential triggers for creating disunity and discord among various sections of the society. Anti-Constitutional decision of the Union and certain State governments to carve out 4.5 per cent as Minority Quota from the OBC Quota of 27 per cent reservations calls for rejection by the entire nation. The ABPS exhorts that the national policy should be guided not by short-term political gains but by the principle of One Nation – One People.

The ABPS calls upon the countrymen in general and swayamsevaks in particular to play a proactive role in ensuring that the attempts by some sections of our society to destroy our social unity for narrow selfish ends never succeed.

Resolution-2

Draft National Water Policy-2012 needs to be reconsidered

Natural wealth of the nation is sacred heritage of all the living beings.  Hence the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is of the considered opinion that our water resources, soil, air, minerals, cattle wealth, biodiversity and other such natural resources should not be treated as means of commercial profit.  Our approach, policy and practices towards utilisation and conservation of these resources should be based on the principle of our long sustained reciprocal coexistence of entire living universe, rather than being based on short term motive of private profits.  We constitute 17 per cent of the world population and are dependent upon 2.5 per cent of the earth’s land mass and 4 per cent of fresh water. In view of the above facts, Government’s initiative towards private monopoly and commercial profiteering in water which is one of the sacred elements among the “Panch-Mahabhootas”, is a matter of grave concern.

In the recently circulated draft National Water Policy – 2012 of the Central Government while describing water as the basis of life, has very cleverly incorporated the formulations and models of the World Bank and MNCs.  This clearly manifests the evil designs of the Central Government.  The proposals in the new draft on water policy regarding increase in water and electricity tariffs in the name of rationalising consumption of water and also making it cost based, will only make water scarce for ordinary people and will pave the way for earning massive profits by the corporate engaged in water trade.  As suggested by the World Bank, attempts at handing over the control of water distribution in the hands of private monopoly in the name of public-private  partnership, indicates  the intentions of  handing over this vital basic necessity of life totally in the control of private ownership and to a large extent foreign  multi-national corporations.  Experiences of private monopoly of water across the world have not been satisfactory with respect to the quantity and quality of water supply, regularity of supplies and tariffs.  By accepting water as a tradable commodity or as an economic good in the water policy, the Government is in fact supporting the logic of those international business consultants who view privatisation of water as booming trade opportunity worth billions of dollars in Bharat and other developing countries.

ABPS is of the opinion that water is lifeline for our entire living world.  Therefore, rational water resource management ensuring availability of pure water to each and every citizen, appropriate water supply to agriculture and different meaningful economic activities at proper rates are administrative imperatives for the Government. Serious debates and deliberations from village Panchayats to top level regarding the National Water Policy, changes in land utilisation and other basic issues concerning management of natural wealth, should form the first priority of the Government while formulating the policies.

In such a scenario, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha calls upon all the countrymen to desist themselves from misuse, wastage and all those activities which pollute this divine gift of Nature.  They should leave no stone unturned in the conservation of water.  The Pratinidhi Sabha also expects from the Government that instead of handing over natural wealth like water in private monopoly, it should adopt all appropriate measures to ensure water conservation, harvesting and proper management. In view of the growing demand, effective steps like reprocessing, desalination and optimum utilisation of river water should be taken for easy availability of water. For conservation and augmentation of major sources of water it is necessary to curb pollution in sacred rivers like Ganga and Yamuna.  It is also equally important to take effective steps for revival of the ancient river Saraswati.  The Government should also call upon the society, social organisations and Dharmacharyas to co-operate in this endeavour. With respect to the National Water Policy draft, the Pratinidhi Sabha also cautions the Government that if it accepts the recommendations of the new water policy document in toto and makes the water tariff cost-based to ensure private profit out of it, then it would have to face public wrath.

The new national team of RSS

The three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha concluded with election of Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi as Sarkaryavah and declaration of the new team of Karyakari Mandal. The new team has four Sahsarkaryavahs, three Sah Sampark Pramukhs and one Sah-Prachar Pramukh. This was done in view of the growing response to and acceptance of the Sangh ideology amongst the masses. The new team is relatively young and deeply rooted in the ethos and ideology of RSS and capable of carrying the message of national reconstruction to the people in the language they would easily understand.
Shri Mohan Bhagwat                    Sarsanghachalak
Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi                        Sarkaryavah
Shri Suresh Soni                           Sah Sarkaryavah
Shri Dattatreya Hosabale             Sah Sarkaryavah
Shri Krishna Gopal                      Sah Sarkaryavah
Shri KC Kannan                           Sah Sarkaryavah
Shri Anil Oak                               Sharirik Pramukh
Shri Jagadish Prasad                  Sah Sharirik Pramukh
Shri Suhasrao Hiremath               Sewa Pramukh
Shri Ajit Mahapatra                     Sah Sewa Pramukh
Shri Sakalchand Bagrecha         Vyavastha Pramukh
Shri Balkrishna Tripathi             Sah Vyavastha Pramukh
Shri Mangesh Bhende               Sah Vyavastha Pramukh
Shri Manmohan Vaidya              Prachar Pramukh
Shri J Nand Kumar                     Sah Prachar Pramukh
Shri Hastimal                              Sampark Pramukh
Shri Aniruddha Deshpande        Sah Sampark Pramukh
Shri Ram Madhav                      Sah Sampark Pramukh
Shri Arun Kumar                       Sah Sampark Pramukh
Shri Suresh Chandra                Pracharak Pramukh
Shri Vinod Kumar                     Sah Pracharak Pramukh

Members of the Executive Committee

Shri Madan Das, Shri Madhubhai Kulkarni, Shri Shankar Lal, Dr Dinesh, Shri Mukundrao Panshikar, Shri Sitaram Kedilaya, Shri Sethumadhavan, Shri Indresh Kumar, Shri R Vanyarajan, Shri TV Deshmukh, Dr Ashokrao Kukde, Shrikrishna Maheshwari, Shri Purushottam Paranjape, Dr Bajranglal Gupt, Shri Darshanlal Arora, Dr Ishwar Chandra Gupta, Shri Siddhinath Singh, Shri Ranendralal Banerjee and Shri Asim Kumar Datta.

Invitees

Shri KS Sudarshan, Shrikant Joshi, Shri N Krishnappa, Shrikrishna Motlag, Shri Sunilpad Goswami and Shri Ashok Beri.

Obituary

Today we all miss some of our brethren who had been with us for many years. Mananiya Bhawarlal Kothari, Prant Sanghachalak of Jodhpur, a dedicated servant of the Gou Vamsha (cattle wealth), had just returned from a pilgrimage with family only to set off again on his final journey; Mananiya Rajendra Agrawal, who had been the Prant Sanghachalak of Kashi Prant for a long time is no more. Sri Venkatesh Gurunayak of Karnataka, who started effective sewa activity in Gulbarga through the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and succeeded in mobilising the support of many eminent citizens through his effable personality left us for heavenly abodes after a prolonged fight with cancer. Sri Krishnachandraji Bhardwaj, a senior Pracharak in Punjab too passed away due to old age (92 years); Sri Narendra Singhji, Mananiya Vibhag Sanghachalak of Darbhanga, Sri Rutum Kamgo, our Sambhag Karyavah in Arunachal Pradesh met with untimely demise in an accident; Sri Satyanarayanji Goyal, who was well-known for his artistic skills, too departed away permanently leaving behind his Kalakunj family; Dr Madhukarji Bhatwadekar of Vidya Bharati from Jaipur, life-member of NMO Dr PS Mathur and journalist and former Pracharak Sri Madanlalji Veermani from Kapurthala passed away. National Treasurer of Sanskar Bharati Sri Puranchandji Agrawal passed away suddenly; eminent thinker who left profound impact on all of us through his perspicacious writings on social issues Sri Arvind Godbole of Mumbai and former Editor of Rashtra Dharma and former President of Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad Sri Ramnarayanji Tripathi ‘Paryatak’ succumbed to cancer and left us; Sri Narayanji Bhagat who was instrumental in establishing Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram work in Jharkhand and served as its vice president for long years and Sri Satyadeoji Ram, state secretary of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Shri Jamanadasji Shah worked as a Pracharak in Gujarat and started work in cooperative sector in Nagpur, too left for heavenly abodes.

Senior Pracharak Sri Ashwini Kumarji, who was working in the BJP passed away after a brief illness while Sri Sukumaran Nambiar, a BJP leader from Chennai and Sri Anil Gupta, a dedicated and committed activist too met with untimely death; former president of Utkal Pradesh BJP Sri Aseem Bose too passed away; Minister for Higher Education in Karnataka Dr VS Acharya passed away suddenly due to massive heart attack.

Vice-president of Bharat Sevashram Sangh Swami Abhayanand Maharaj who served Hindu refugees from Bangladesh, Pujya Panditkaka Dhanagare from Vidarbha also passed away. Former Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri S Bangarappa and veteran politician of Maharashtra Sri Bapusaheb Kaldate of Sambhaji Nagar, too are no more. Padma Vibhushan Dr Bhupen Hazarika, who left an indelible impression on not only Assam but also the entire Bharat through his music and veteran film actor Sri Dev Anand will now remain as cherished memories in the minds of the people of the country. Former Chairman of IAEA Dr PK Aiyengar and; renowned industrialist and philanthropist Sri Arvindji Mafatlal, famous choreographer Sri Subodh Sarkar, Smt. Indira Goswami well-known writer who was recepient of Jnanpeeth Award and theatre artist Sri Satyadev Debey, Padmavibhushan hounoured first women photo journalist Homai Vyarawala, Sri Natwarlal Pandya ‘Ushanas’, famous for his Vaishnav songs in Gujarati, founder member of Mohanbagan Club and well-known Indian football player Sri Shailen Manna will now remain only as eternal memories of the science, industry, literary, arts and sports fields for the countrymen.

We express our deep condolences for our brethren who departed from this world due to natural disasters, or died due to violence perpetrated by terrorists and naxalites, and we pay our homage to nobel departed souls.