BHUBANESWAR: A series of large-scale Hindu conferences was organised across different parts of Odisha as part of the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), highlighting Bharat’s civilisational heritage, cultural values, and its growing stature on the global stage. Senior RSS leaders and speakers emphasised social unity, spiritual consciousness, and collective responsibility in nation-building, while calling upon citizens to remain rooted in cultural values amid rapid development.
Addressing a major Hindu conference held at the Shankara Reserve Ground in Sundargarh district, RSS All Bharat Sah Prachar Pramukh Pradeep Joshi said that Bharat’s history has been exceptionally glorious. Despite numerous invasions, adversities, and challenges over the centuries, he noted, the essence of Hindutva has remained secure and continues to advance with strength and resilience. He added that more than 75 years after Independence, Bharat is now making sustained efforts to reach the pinnacle of development and reclaim its rightful position in the world.
Joshi said that Bharat is gradually establishing a strong presence across every sphere globally. “Today, Bharat is once again emerging as a powerful nation on the world platform,” he stated, adding that the RSS has been consistently working not only for the protection of Hindutva but also for awakening the fundamental strength of society—its spiritual consciousness. He underlined that a spiritually aware and socially harmonious society forms the backbone of a strong nation.
During his address, Pradeep Joshi appealed to the people to adopt the concept of ‘Panch Parivartan’ (Five Transformations) in their daily lives. These include family awareness and values (Kutumb Prabodhan), social harmony, environmental protection, self-discipline and character development, and civic duties. He stressed that meaningful social change begins with individual conduct and collective participation.
The Sundargarh conference was presided over by Parashuram Choudhary, while Swami Tanishthanand Saraswati attended as the chief guest. The programme was conducted by Dr Narayan Chandra Patel. Prior to the main event, women from various localities of Shankara Basti participated in a Kalash Yatra, adding a traditional and devotional dimension to the programme. The event also featured yajna, intellectual sessions, and cultural performances by students of the Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram.
In addition, special exhibition stalls showcasing RSS literature and materials on the theme of ‘Panch Parivartan’ were set up, with books also available for sale. Several RSS functionaries and social workers, including Shobhit Agrawal, Neeraj Sahu, Amulya Choudhary, Surya Narayan Mahapatra, Ratnakar Behera, Dheeraj Behera, Sanjay Indu R, and Sanjay Bahidar, actively participated in the programme. The conference concluded with the distribution of prasad.
Massive Hindu Conferences Held at Various Locations in Balasore District
A United Hindu Society Will Strengthen the Nation: Dr Anil Mishra
Similar Hindu conferences were held in other parts of the state, including Balasore district, where large gatherings highlighted the importance of unity within Hindu society. Addressing a massive Hindu conference held at Kuruda Haat Ground in Balasore, RSS Utkal Purva Prant Karyavah Dr Anil Kumar Mishra said that a united Hindu society is essential for building a strong nation.
Quoting Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, Dr Mishra said that a true Hindu is one who does not act solely for personal gain. He recalled the famous lines, “Nija swartha lagi jatanuhen Hindu, vishwae hite tara prati rakta bindu,” explaining that Hinduism is rooted in the welfare of the entire world rather than individual self-interest. However, he added that while working for the welfare of others, it is equally important not to lose one’s own identity and cultural existence.
Dr Mishra emphasised that the present time demands greater organisation and unity within Hindu society to re-establish its lost glory and cultural pride. He pointed out that the very name of the country—Hindustan—reflects its civilisational identity, and strengthening this identity through social cohesion is vital for national progress.
The Balasore conference was attended by several distinguished guests, including Nagababa Diwakar Maharaj as chief guest, social worker Somnath Sethi, Shyamsundar Das, the father of Kargil martyr Gangaram Das, programme convener and Kuruda Gram Committee president Prashant Mahapatra, and RSS Balasore Nagar Karyavah Ramesh Mahakud. The programme began with a grand procession of 108 Kalash from Chandan Pokhari, followed by havan, yajna, and Nagar Kirtan. Cultural performances by students from local schools and Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Angargadia, added colour to the event. More than 5,000 devotees partook in prasad at the conclusion of the programme.
In continuation of these events, another Hindu conference was organised at the Bhimpura TV Centre Ground. Triveni Ashram saint and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Dharma Prasar Department’s Sant Sampark Pramukh for Remuna block, Baba Dayanand, attended as the chief guest. VHP Odisha Purva Prant Organisation Minister Sharat Kumar Pradhan addressed the gathering as the main speaker. Other dignitaries present included Balram Jena, convener of the Pandit District Gayatri Parivar, environmentalist Manoj Khanda, and programme convener Yugal Kishore Rathi.
A Kalash Shobha Yatra originating from the Rameshwar Temple circumambulated Bhimpura village before reaching the conference venue. The programme concluded with yajna, cultural performances, and prasad distribution.
Grand Hindu Convention Organised at Shailashree Vihar in Bhubaneswar; Call to Work for the Protection and Promotion of Dharma and Culture
Meanwhile, a massive Hindu conference was also held at the Durga Puja Ground in Sailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar, organised by the local Hindu community to mark the completion of 100 years of the RSS. The event witnessed the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand, a religious congregation (Dharma Sabha), and a grand bike rally.
Aditya Vahini Puri, President Pandit Matru Prasad Mishra, and Baba Vishwanath Das of Siddhigiri Peeth attended the programme as honoured guests and provided guidance to the gathering. The conference was presided over by retired Bharatn Administrative Service officer Sudarshan Nayak, while retired headmaster Vishwambhar Pani addressed the audience as the main speaker.
Speaking on the occasion, Pandit Matru Prasad Mishra elaborated on the concept of ‘Panch Parivartan,’ focusing on civic responsibility, self-awareness, environmental protection, social harmony, and family values. He said that only a united Hindu society can ensure a strong and prosperous Bharat. Main speaker Vishwambhar Pani highlighted the intrinsic relationship between Hindutva and nationalism, stressing the need to preserve and practice dharma and culture. He added that the life of Hindu society must be rooted in enduring moral and cultural values.
The conference concluded with blessings from Baba Vishwanath Das, followed by an Odissi dance performance. Arrangements were made to distribute prasad to all participants.
