The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has embarked on a remarkable journey to take 8,000 students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and other deprived communities to the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The initiative, spearheaded by Vidya Bharti, the education wing of RSS, is not just about visiting the world’s largest religious gathering but is aimed at immersing these students, predominantly from poor backgrounds, in the essence of Indian spirituality, culture, and tradition.
Beginning on January 16, the first batch of 2,100 children from the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh will travel to Prayagraj for an eye-opening spiritual journey. These children, all above the age of 10, are students at Sanskar Kendras, which are special schools run by Vidya Bharti for slum-dwelling children who cannot afford to attend regular schools. The goal of this trip is clear – to help these children gain firsthand exposure to India’s spiritual and cultural heartland, protect them from the influence of religious conversions, and reinforce the values of Hindu tradition.
At the Mahakumbh, the children will embark on a spiritual exploration like no other. They will visit the various ashrams of revered saints, explore the ancient akharas (spiritual centers), and visit the sacred Sangam Ghat, where millions of devotees come to bathe, believing it will cleanse them of their sins. The significance of this revered event, known for its spiritual power, is not lost on these students. Ramji Singh, an instructor from Seva Bharti schools in Awadh, explained, “The idea is to bring these children closer to their roots. They will experience not just the physical grandeur of the Kumbh but also the spiritual essence it carries. Through this, they will be empowered to better understand their own culture and become resistant to the false narratives of conversion often propagated by missionary groups.”
The Sanskar Kendras are at the heart of this endeavor. These centers, which operate across the country, primarily cater to children from underprivileged backgrounds, offering them an alternative to formal schooling. The children at Sanskar Kendras are not just taught regular academic subjects but also receive a strong cultural education. This includes learning songs of Bharat Mata, chanting slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, and practicing respect for elders and deities. The curriculum also emphasises nationalistic values and teachings on patriotism, creating a well-rounded educational experience.
Singh emphasised, “These children, despite their difficult circumstances, are being groomed to understand and embrace their identity. The cultural teachings imparted at the Kendras will help them navigate the challenges of their communities, where religious conversion efforts are sometimes widespread.”
The Kumbh Mela visit is not merely a tour; it is a transformative experience for these children. RSS volunteers and instructors have been planning every detail meticulously, ensuring that the children’s stay in Prayagraj is comfortable and educational. A special camp has been set up in Sector 9 of the Mela area to accommodate the students and their parents. The camp is equipped with all necessary amenities, including safe drinking water, food, and rest facilities, ensuring that the children’s focus remains on the spiritual journey they are about to embark upon.
Singh adds, “We want them to feel a connection to the sacredness of the Mela, to witness the massive scale of devotion, and to understand the historical and cultural significance of the Kumbh. When they return, they will not just share their experiences but will have a newfound pride in their heritage.”
The initiative is set to expand beyond the Awadh region, with plans already in motion to send students from Gorakhpur, Kashi, and Kanpur regions to the Kumbh Mela later this month. From January 24 to 26, another set of students will travel from the Gorakhpur region, and similar trips are scheduled for children from Kashi and Kanpur. Discussions are also underway to extend the initiative to the students from western Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that the program reaches as many children as possible.
This strategic, region-by-region rollout ensures that more children are exposed to the profound teachings of the Kumbh Mela and will continue to engage in cultural activities upon their return.
In line with the RSS’s holistic approach to this initiative, environmental consciousness has also been a key part of the planning. Prabhat, the Machhlishahr district Pracharak, has sent 2,500 biodegradable plates and 1,100 cloth bags to the Kumbh Mela. This move is part of a larger campaign to make the Kumbh Mela a plastic-free zone. As part of this environmental drive, the district pracharak has raised the slogan, “We will make our country free from polythene, drive away plastic from the earth, and save the earth from becoming barren.”
RSS and Seva Bharti volunteers are also ensuring that the bathers at the Kumbh Mela are well taken care of. A special welcome camp has been set up at the roadways complex in Prayagraj, where free tea and herbal kadha (a traditional Ayurvedic concoction) are being distributed to the bathers. The warm gesture aims to create a sense of hospitality and connect the community with the Sangh’s values of service.
In addition to this, the RSS and Seva Bharti have arranged a night shelter for the bathers, complete with cots, blankets, and proper sanitation facilities. The night shelter is equipped with CCTV cameras for safety and has provisions for RO water, chairs, and a cozy environment for those staying overnight at the Mela.
Upon returning from their Kumbh Yatra, the students will gather for a special session where they will share their experiences and insights from the trip. This will not only serve as an opportunity for them to reflect on what they have learned but will also allow them to express how this journey has impacted their understanding of spirituality and their cultural identity.
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