London: Golden Jubilee of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)-UK witnessed an unprecedented residential gathering of over 2,400 Hindus from across UK and Europe at Hertfordshire County Show Ground, near Luton in London in 2016. The Sanskriti Mahashibir-2016, as the event was titled, began on July 29 in a fully tented city specially created with over 400 tents and concluded on July 31. RSS Sarsanghachalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat inaugurated and also concluded the Mahashibir. Senior functionary of HSS-US Soumitra Gokhale, Dr Ram Vaidya of HSS UK and other senior functionaries were also present during the inaugural ceremony.
Apart from RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, the Maha Shibir was addressed by Head of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre UK Swami Daytmananda, Head of London Sewashram Sangh UK Swami Nirliptananda, and Acharya Vidya Bhaskar from Omkarananda Ashram Switzerland. Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, attended a breakfast meeting with top business HSS leaders. An exhibition displaying the numerous achievements of HSS in the last 50 years was special attraction of the event.
Formed in 1966, the HSS UK is involved in charity, spiritual activities and many other social activities which have always proved inspirational for all. In earlier years, it has received pat from British Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher to David Cameroon for its immense contribution in fostering the message of Universal Brotherhood through social work and spiritual activities.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony RSS Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat said the world would flourish when all cultures in their diversity are respected. He called Hinduism as a way of worship which is “more inclusive and not exclusive”. He spoke about the positive aspects of Hinduism which believed in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Dr Bhagwat also spoke about the conflict between development and environment and said, “Hinduism has answers to the question should environment be compromised because of development. Emphasising that exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, he said healthy society depends on leading a disciplined life, with proper eating habits and regular exercise. During the three-day deliberations, there were in-depth discussions on different topics including sanskar, sewa and Sangathan.
(This article was first published on August 8, 2016)
