Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak, highlighted nationalist ideals reflected through weeklies like Swastika and inspired the staff employed by the weekly to upkeep the ideals by dint of relentless ‘Karma Yoga’. He also put forward similarity between Azadi ka Amrit Kaal and 75 years journey of Swastika, and enumerated the importance of upholding the ethos of discipline and patriotism on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Bengali nationalist weekly Swastika which concluded with a public event on October 3. The ceremony was organised at Abhedananda Hall in Belur Muth, Howrah. Dr Mohan Bhagwat was chief guest in the programme.
While addressing the gathering, Sarsanghachalak also warned about the activities of global deep state and the need to regulate both the capitalist and communist forces. Due to such detrimental activities, Bharatiya society, economy, culture, and Dharma nowadays face certain severe challenges. He also addressed the audience to overcome these challenges while keeping the enemies at bay.
The programme started with a patriotic song Dhono Dhaanyo Pushpo Vora written by DL Roy. Later, Mohan Ji along with other guests garlanded the photograph of Bharat Mata and offered floral tributes. There was an introductory session, where identities of respective guests of honour were detailed. Thereafter, guests were welcomed with floral greetings.
In his speech, After Mohan Ji’s enlightening speech, Shri Sarada Prasad Pal (Editor Swastika) presented the vote of thanks in the august ceremony on the committee’s behalf. The programme concluded with the national song Vande Mataram sung by Shri Shibendra Tripathi. The audience present therein also joined the auspicious tune. The entire programme was hosted by Prof Rabi Ranjan Sen and Dr Moumita Bar.
In his presidential speech, Adv Sourav Ghosh briefly narrated the journey of Swastika to establish its own nationalist identity since 1948. He also outlined the literary value of the contents published in ‘Swastika’.
Former Editor of Swastika Dr Bijoy Adhya shed light on Swastika 75th Year Commemorative volume and discussed the introduction of the book. The book comprised articles written by 75 eminent authors. The articles entail various aspects of pre and post Independence era like Bharatiya freedom struggle, Partition of Bharat, atrocities on Bengali Hindus across East Bengal, refugee crisis, promulgation of Emergency, infiltration, Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He also emphasised the tireless efforts of Swastika to flare up the nationalist ethos and portray Hinduism as a way of life.
Thereafter, Shri Prabir Bhattacharya (Anchor Akash Vaani, Kolkata) presented an editorial piece published in the first issue of Swastika (September 11, 1948) on the auspicious day of Janmashtami).
An online news portal of Swastika named www.swastikprakashan.org was launched at the event. A documentary depicting the journey of Swastika since its inception was screened. After that, Swastika 75th Year Commemorative Volume was made public by Dr Mohan Ji. The book launch was followed by a solo song performed by Shri Kalyanbrata Bhattacharya.
