Imphal: RSS Sah-Sarkaryawah Dr Krishnagopal urged Hindus to unite and address social challenges during a Hindu Sammelan at Dharmasala, Thangal Bazar, Imphal West. Organised by Bazar Upanagar Hindu Sammelan Samiti, the event is part of RSS’s 100-year centenary celebrations.
Speaking to a gathered audience, Dr Krishnagopal recalled how uniting Hindus was once seen as impossible. “That is why the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr K B Hedgewar with just one shakha. Over the past century, we have expanded to nearly 90,000 shakhas across Bharat,” he said. He described Bharat as unique for its global concern for others, defining Hindus by karuna (compassion) and prem (love).
“Hindus feed birds, worship rivers, lakes, hills, and nature; they ensure nobody sleeps hungry and help those in need as a core duty,” Dr Krishnagopal stated.
Hindus span all backgrounds—cobblers, sculptors, artists, barbers, painters; worshippers of Krishna, nature, sun, moon, or animals—including Meitei, Kuki, Jains, Biharis, Punjabis, Gujaratis, and more. “Bharat uniquely allows people of different castes, communities, religions, and beliefs to live together peacefully. All residents here are Bharatiyas and part of the Hindu family,” he added. Such Sammelans aim to awaken this Hinduness and build a samaj of peace, love, and friendship.
Amid global conflicts in Russia, Pakistan, Europe, and the Middle East, he credited Bharat’s resilience to Dharma. “Dharma means not harming others while fulfilling duties sincerely—like teachers educating with heart or parents raising children properly. Bharat is the only ancient civilisation surviving thousands of years, while others vanished,” Dr Krishnagopal noted.
Yet, Hindu society faces fragmentation from crimes like a Bengaluru engineer killing his parents over business funds or a Ghaziabad mother left decomposing for 15 days by absent children. “This stems from fading parivarik samskar. Families must talk more, share weekly meals, and care for each other,” he advised.
On drug abuse plaguing Bharat, he called for action: “Teach children to shun all intoxicants—drugs, alcohol, tobacco—and eradicate this menace completely.” He praised Manipur’s Hindus: “You have shown patience, endurance, and a peace-loving spirit during crises.”
Cultural programmes by different communities added vibrancy to events. Parallel Sammelans included Wangkhei Upanagar at BOAT, Palace Compound; Khurai Upanagar at Sangeet Kala Sangam, Khurai Lamlong; Uripok at Uripok Achom Leikai Basketball Ground cum Community Hall; Ningthoukhong Nagar at Radha Mantop; and Oinam Mandal at Oinam Public Community Hall.
In total, 64 events are underway across Manipur—22 in Imphal, 10 in Bishnupur, 7 in Thoubal, 15 in Senapati, 2 in Churachandpur, 3 in Chandel, 1 in Ukhrul, and 4 in Tamenglong (18 in hill areas)—continuing through late February.
