Panchjanya, the weekly national magazine, marked its 77th-year journey with the ‘Baat Bharat Ki’ Confluence programme held at Hotel Ashok in Delhi on January 15, 2024. The event witnessed discussions on various aspects, including India’s cultural and economic development, the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, and the extensive progress of India to date. Panchjanya also released a special issue of the weekly Hindi magazine on Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
The ceremonial inauguration of the event took place with the lighting of the lamp by Swami Avadheshanand Giri Ji, the Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara. The occasion proved to be a platform for intellectual deliberations, providing insights into India’s diverse dimensions and its trajectory towards progress.
While addressing the gathering, Acharya Balkrishna, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ‘Patanjali Ayurved, expressed his gratitude for the ongoing construction of Bhagwan Sri Ram’s mandir in Ayodhya, stating that it is a momentous occasion for India.
Acharya Balkrishna emphasised the significance of witnessing the construction of the Ram temple, calling it a fortunate event. He expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the cause, stating that it is an integral part of Indian culture.
Addressing the need to understand India at a global level, Acharya Balkrishna stressed the importance of knowing and comprehending world history. He highlighted that India’s culture has roots dating back 10 to 12 thousand years, and its Ayurvedic medical system had reached global prominence around 6 thousand years ago. According to him, Ayurveda forms the basis for many medical practices initiated globally.
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha in his address said that there has been a three-fold increase in the number of foreign tourists after the G20 summit. He revealed that this year, Jammu and Kashmir welcomed two crore eleven lakh tourists, compared to last year’s figure of one crore eighty-eight lakh, indicating a significant transformation in the region’s tourism scenario.
Sinha credited the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for bringing peace and development to the union territory. He praised the government’s initiatives, stating that he, too, is contributing to the cause like a squirrel in the Ramayana. He emphasized the shift from stones in the hands of the youth to tablets and laptops, symbolizing progress and development.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed that the past four and a half years have witnessed the realization of dreams spanning generations. He highlighted the improvement in the standard of living for people, stating that today’s youth in Jammu and Kashmir hold tablets and laptops instead of stones. Sinha added that the region has moved from darkness to light, with celebrations at Lal Chowk in English New Year symbolizing the entry of Jammu and Kashmir into the era of progress.
Sinha asserted that terrorism is on its last legs in Jammu and Kashmir. Even amidst the biting cold, tourists across the country are enjoying the nightlife. He concluded by stating that the region is no longer associated with gunfire but is resonating with the noise of progress.
In the ‘Aankhon Dekhi’ session of the ‘Baat Bharat Ki’ Confluence program, three journalists associated with the Ram Temple movement, Ashok Srivastava, Subhash, and Gopal Ji, shared their insights.
Gopal Sharma expressed a deep connection with the Ram Janambhoomi Ayodhya movement. He mentioned that being part of such a significant event is a matter of great fortune. Gopal Sharma highlighted that he might be one of the few witnesses who were present during the momentous event when the disputed Babri Mosque was demolished.
Subhash shared his experience during Nehru’s government, revealing that he had written a letter during that time, urging the removal of statues from the site. However, the district administration and the UP government opposed the removal. He narrated the events of February 1986 when the lock was opened during Rajiv Gandhi’s government.
Ashok Srivastava, a senior journalist recounted his coverage of the event on December 6. He described how large number of Karsevaks had assembled for such a big cause and he was at the forefront to capture the images of the individuals who were climbing the disputed structure. Initially, Lal Krishna Advani who was present at that time had attempted to prevent the karsevaks from climbing.
Nitishj Bharadwaj, known for playing the role of Bhagwan Krishna in the iconic television series ‘Mahabharat,’ spoke during the ‘Baat Bharat Ki’ Confluence program. Bharadwaj highlighted the concept that every avatar comes to present certain eternal values in life, a principle elaborated in the Vishnu Purana.
He expressed that whether one prefers Rama or Krishna is not the question; living as Ram in some places and as Krishna in others is the reality. He emphasised that this duality will continue in the Kalyug era also.
Regarding the ongoing developments in Ayodhya, Bharadwaj was asked a hypothetical question: “While Bhagwan Ram is getting a new home in Ayodhya, what does Bhagwan Krishna have to say?” Bharadwaj humorously suggested that he would ask Bhagwan Krishna if he needs a home, and as soon as he gets an answer, he would share it with the audience.
Bharadwaj touched upon the significance of one’s birthplace, asserting that the birthplace holds great importance. He advocated that the birthplace of great personalities should be revered and preserved.
Purnima ji, sister of the Kothari brothers who laid down their lives during the Kar Seva in Ayodhya was also present at the confluence where she said that it is a matter of pride for her that she is getting to see the inauguration of the Ram Mandir and the sacrifice that was made by her brothers has not gone in vain. The Kothari brothers were dragged from the house in which they had taken shelter and they were shot dead.
The other prominent speaker who was part of the confluence was Piyush Mishra. The confluence ended with questions being asked from the audience.
