Author: Pramod Kumar
Publication: Organiser
Date: October 17, 2004
URL: http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=46&page=22
Introduction: Kalyan Ashram's Golden
Jubilee Sammelan begins in Delhi
"Vanvasis who contributed immen-sely
in preservation of Hindu culture since centuries, are today facing acute
onslaught on their culture, identity and existence. Merely organising functions
and extending support to them is not enough. If we really want to bring
back Ramrajya and save the Hindu culture, we must go to the Vanvasis. They
will help us in this cause. The immediate step that the people of cities
and towns need to take is that they should revive the concept of vanprastha
ashram and a larger number of people above the age of 60 should pledge
to work in Vanvasi areas for several years. If this concept materialises
the missionaries or the forces who are targetting the Vanvasi culture and
identity will leave with their bags and baggage," said Swami Satyamitranand
of Bharat Mata Mandir, Hari-dwar. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony
of Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram's Golden Jubilee Karyakarta Sammelan
that began in Delhi on October 6. About 2,500 Vanvasis from different parts
of the country participated in the Sammelan, which concluded on October
10.
RSS Sarsanghchalak, K.S. Sudarshan
released a book, Wide Wings of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram-A Tale of Service
and Struggle, written by veteran Kalyan Ashram worker, Surya-naryan Saxena.
An exhibition highlighting Vanvasi life and culture was the prime attraction
at the Sammelan.
Swami Satyamitranand said that the
favours bestowed by Vanvasis on Hindu society couldn't be judged lightly.
"If Vanvasis were not there who would bring up the children of Rama. They
were Vanvasis who saved Indian culture in the form of Sita. At that time
there was only one Ravana. But now there are innumerable Ravanas who are
trying to destroy the Hindu culture. The need today is to raise the self-respect
of the Vanvasis," he said. He expressed satisfaction over the progress
of Kalyan Ashram work.
Presiding over the function, managing
director of Mahashiyan Di Hatti (MDH), Mahashya Dharmpal said that nobody
was Vanvasi or nagarvasi; all were one. He said that Vanvasis had been
backward because of the rich people who did not tolerate the poor and downtrodden.
Kalyan Ashram president, Jagdevram
Oraon, said that the Kalyan Ashram had developed a space in the hearts
of common Vanvasis through its work during the past 50 years. He said the
basic objective behind organising the Sammelan in the national capital
Delhi was to bring the nagarvasis and Vanvasis together. Earlier Kalyan
Ashram general secretary, Dr P.D. Sapre presented the annual report. Prominent
among those who attended the inaugural function included Shri Shivanand
Murti, a famous saint of Andhra Pradesh, Babulal Murmu, a scholar from
Santhal Paragana, Roop Singh Bhil and Moren Singh Poorti, both vice-presidents
of Kalyan Ashram, Swami Anubhutanand, Satyanarayan Bansal, Delhi Prant
Sanghchalak and Shivdutt Gupta, chairman, reception committee.