Society for Hindu Academics, Narrative (De) Construction, Knowledge and Heritage (SHANKH) organised a symposium and dialogue program on the theme “Social Harmony: The Indian Perspective” at the Allahabad Medical Association Auditorium, Civil Lines, Prayagraj on December 23. The event featured Anil Ji, a senior Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Kshetriya Pracharak of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, as the keynote speaker, with social thinker Anubhav Chak serving as a distinguished speaker. The program was chaired by Advocate Vijay Shankar Mishra, Senior Advocate and Chief Standing Counsel of the Allahabad High Court, and special guests Dr Kirtika Agarwal and Dr Santosh Singh were also present at the event. The event facilitated meaningful discussions on uniting Indian society through the principles of harmony.
In his address, the keynote speaker, Kshetriya Pracharak of RSS, Anil Ji, emphasised that social harmony is not merely a topic for speeches, but something that must be lived and practiced. He stressed the need to re-imbibe the systems established by our ancestors to maintain the unity of India. Anil Ji remarked that some political parties are attempting to gain political advantage by sowing caste-based divisions, causing society to drift away from ideal discourse. He also noted that foreign forces are funding institutions that aim to disrupt Indian society, and in the age of social media, these divisive forces are gaining momentum. However, harmony has always been inherent in Indian society, and our ancestors have successfully fostered it through social structures. He highlighted the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest gathering, where all Hindus, regardless of caste, live together and bathe in the confluence at Prayag. He urged that anyone seeking to witness the true essence of India should visit the Kumbh. Anil Ji concluded by stating that the path to societal harmony begins within the family, and only then can it manifest throughout society.
Distinguished speaker Anubhav Chak praised SHANKH’s ongoing efforts in addressing such crucial topics. He remarked that today, it is not enough to merely reflect on the issue of harmony; concrete action is needed. Since time immemorial, the concept of a harmonious society has been embedded in Indian traditions, and there is now a pressing need to revive this ethos.
Advocate Vijay Shankar Mishra, who chaired the event, pointed out that certain political parties have a tendency to divide society and are using social media to further this agenda. He emphasized that these divisive forces must be confronted and defeated if we are to realize the vision of a harmonious Indian society.
Program convener Dr Kirtika Agarwal extended her best wishes to all and summarized the topic for the audience. She called for the establishment of a better society grounded in Indian values.
Special guest Dr Mrityunjay Rao Parmar, Assistant Professor at Allahabad University, stated that Indian philosophy has always been an advocate of harmony. He noted that India has taught the world the principles of social harmony, and it is ironic that we now find ourselves discussing this issue within our own country. He underscored the importance of re-embracing Indian culture.
At the conclusion of the program, Dr Santosh Singh, the program’s patron, delivered a vote of thanks. The event was also attended by SHANKH President Alok Parmar, members Dr Kunwar Shekhar, and Abhinav Mishra.
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