SHIMLA: “Despite numerous invasions on Bharat, Hindutva has never weakened due to the nation’s deep-rooted internal cultural strength,” said Prem Kumar ji, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Toli Sadasya, while addressing the gathering at the release of Matrivandana Magazine Special Issue and Calendar organised by Matrivandana Sansthan at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla on April 14, 2026.
He emphasised that Bharatiya culture has ensured that its civilisational consciousness remains intact through the centuries.
Commenting on contemporary media, he noted that news promoting national pride often receives limited space, whereas divisive content is given undue prominence. He also expressed concern that social media is gradually losing its credibility.
Highlighting the journey of Matrivandana, he informed that its first issue was released in April 1995 in Mandi district by Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiyya), the then Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Regular publication began in Shimla in 1997. Today, the magazine reaches over 11,000 villages across Himachal Pradesh, including remote areas, connecting diverse sections of society. He added that the state has the highest average membership in the country, which is a matter of pride.
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, also graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The Governor elaborated on the concept of Panch Parivartan and also launched the Matrivandana mobile app, enabling wider outreach, especially in remote regions. He called for making Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state and described Matrivandana as a publication that inspires patriotism and a sense of national duty.
On this occasion, the Special Issue of Matrivandana was formally released. Dayanand Sharma, former founding editor of the magazine and a distinguished Sanskrit scholar, was honoured for his exemplary contributions.
Dr Karam Singh, the magazine’s editor, shared that Matrivandana was initially launched in July 1992. He also presented an overview of its journey through the special issue titled “Five Resolutions for Social Transformation.”
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Mahidhar Prasad (State Executive Member), Pratap Samyal (Prant Prachar Pramukh), Motilal Gautam (Prant Sah Prachar Pramukh), Ajay Sood (Vibhag Sanghchalak), Dr Sapna Chandel, Hitendra Sharma, and other members and intellectuals associated with the institution.
