Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is the beginning of new Samvatsar (Bharatiya Calendar). This day of New Year is associated with many important historical incidences of Bharat. In practice it is more known in the name of Vikramaditya who liberated Bharat from the external aggressions of Shakas and Hunas. Different states celebrate it with different names. On Friday, April 8, 2016 a new year of Vikram Samvat 2073 would begin. Best wishes to all.
This day is a witness of many auspicious occasions of history. It is also a pleasant coincidence that this happens to be birth anniversary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh founder and First Sarsanghachalak Param Pujaniya Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The glorious freedom struggle of Bharat brought best out of many; Dr Hedgewar was one of the prominent figures among them. After taking firsthand experience of all the possible movements, Doctorji decided to make RSS as an instrument to realise his goal. To carry forward this momentous effort, he identified an extraordinary spiritual figure like Shri Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golvalkar and after handing over the organisational responsibilities on his shoulder, he left for his last abode in 1940.
Babu Jayprakash Naryan aptly paid tribute to the Second Sarsanghachalal of RSS, Sri Guruji in following word, he said, “Sri Guruji was a ‘Saintly’ figure. This is a great realisation that we are Bharatiyas and ours is tradition of thousands of years. Bharat can be reconstructed on the foundations of Bharatiyata.” Sri Guruji ably undertook all the tasks necessary to the cause he was dedicated for. To realise the same objective, when Dr Syama Prasad Mukerjee proposed to found a new political party, he chose Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and handed over to Dr Mukerjee. After seeing the caliber of Deendayal ji in the first Kanpur session itself, Dr Mukerjee said, “If I had two Deendayals, I could transform the political face of India.”
Bharat Prakashan decided to dedicate the special edition on Varsha Pratipada of Vikram Samvat 2073, to Pt Deendayal Upadhyay, this being a birth centenary year of Deendayalji. September 25, 2016 would be his 100th anniversary. For the nationalist school of thought this is a significant year as it is a centenary year of Shri Nanaji Deshmukh and Respected Balasaheb Deoras. This year will provide us with many opportunities to think about nation and nationhood purely with Bharatiya perspective.
Organiser has a glorious tradition of special editions. In this series, special edition in the memory of Pt Deendayal Upadhyay is being presented to you. Deendayalji was the voice of Bharatiya ‘Chiti’ (a soul that is fundamental and central to the nation from its very beginning) and organiser of ‘Virat’ (The strength and energy activating the nation). He was the ambassador of culture in politics. He was an idealist politician and a realist sage. This edition is a small attempt to introduce his enormous personality. The matter we have received from eminent writers is appropriate; it satisfies as well as stimulates the curiosity at the same time. Deendayalji is known to many but very few understand him. Perhaps the future generation would be able to comprehend him. He would be more relevant to the future generation as he was much ahead of his time.
This edition is a collection of various articles that are a tribute as well as inspiration. I am really grateful to the Bharat Prakashan Pariwar, especially the editorial trio, Shri Jagdish Upasane (Group Editor), Shri Hitesh Shankar (Sampadak, Panchjanya) and Shri Prafulla Ketkar (Editor, Organiser) who made me a companion in this devout effort. Greetings to all!
Shubham!
Dr Mahesh Chandra Sharma
Guest Editor
