Latest news with #KaryakartaVikasVarg
Time of India
28-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Vigyan Bharati holds volunteer development workshop
Nagpur: Vigyan Bharati, Vidarbha Prant, organised a one-day Karyakarta Vikas Varg (volunteer development workshop) and a special felicitation meet on June 21 at the Neeri Auditorium, Nagpur. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The session commenced with the traditional lamp lighting and salutation to Bharat Mata. Ravi Bhusari, former kshetra pracharak, guided volunteers on the ideal qualities of a true karyakarta through real-life examples. Ramkrishna (vice-president, Vigyan Bharati) and Prasad (zonal organising secretary) spoke on the scope of work and key traits of dedicated volunteers. Around 170 volunteers from across Vidarbha participated in group discussions focused on improving outreach and youth participation. In the post-lunch session, various Vigyan Bharati heads reviewed past activities and outlined the upcoming year's events. National executive member Naresh Chafekar and Vidarbha secretary Prakash Itankar presented detailed action plans. Felicitation of nationally recognized students was a highlight. Senior scientists and academicians also graced the event.
News18
25-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Empirical Evidence From Caste Census May Reframe Conversion Conversation, Delisting Debate
Last Updated: The delisting of tribal converts from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) categories has long been a core demand of the RSS-affiliated Vanvasi Kalyan Samiti (VKS) With the timeline and other administrative details for the caste census now firming up, fresh empirical data on the tribal population is expected to add a new dimension to the ongoing debate around the religious conversion of tribals and the demand for delisting the converts. The delisting of tribal converts from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) categories has long been a core demand of the Vanvasi Kalyan Samiti (VKS), an RSS-affiliated organisation that works among tribal communities across India. The VKS has been working among the communities across all tribal-dominated states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Odisha. The RSS has also formed an organisation, Janjati Suraksha Manch, to protect the tribals from conversion and to spearhead the delisting movement. The issue regarding delisting gained renewed attention during the recent Karyakarta Vikas Varg in Nagpur, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also said that the Sangh has been consistently working on this matter related to 'illegal" religious conversion of the tribal population. Delisting of 'converts' Significantly, the growing push for data-backed policies around Scheduled Tribe benefits has now been intersecting with longstanding ideological concerns, potentially setting the stage for a sharper national conversation. Senior functionaries of Vanvasi Kalyan Samity said that the movement for 'delisting" of the converted tribal population has been continuing for a long time and that the VKS also convinces the converts to return to their religion, which is Sanatan (Hinduism). 'They (tribals) are generally lured to a different religion through several means. Most of the time, the conversion is illegal as they do not inform the authorities, which is legally mandatory. Many of the tribal brothers and sisters return to the Sanatan, realising their mistakes, while some choose not to. We want them to follow the legalities," said a senior functionary. Historical and ideological standpoint of the RSS Religious conversion of the tribal population has long been a serious concern for the RSS, seen not merely as a spiritual or religious shift but as a civilisational, cultural, and demographic disruption in the country. Over decades, the Sangh has articulated, through several pieces of literature and other official documents, a consistent and assertive stance against what it terms 'organised, deceitful, and foreign-funded conversion activities", particularly targeting the vulnerable communities in tribal and SC belts. The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS has passed multiple resolutions talking about this 'threat"—from as early as 1980, warning of missionary-led separatism in Eastern Uttaranchal (northern), to 2015's resolution highlighting a widening population growth rate imbalance. These are not sporadic outcries but part of a calculated and calibrated ideological framework. The 2004 and 2007 resolutions eventually note the demographic shifts and their long-term implications on national integration, with the 1999 resolution directly accusing the Church of global conspiracies aimed at 'cultural colonisation". 'Aggression' against Indian culture Sarsanghchalaks, from MS Golwalkar, known as Guruji, to Mohan Bhagwat, have time and again reiterated that conversion, especially through several allurements or coercion, is a form of 'aggression" against Bharatiya Sanskriti (Indian culture). Bhagwat, in his recent speeches at public programmes, has emphasised that 'conversion breaks families, alienates communities, and undermines socio-cultural harmony". According to RSS documents, ground-level realities support these assertions as they say that states like Odisha (Kandhamal), Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and the Northeast have witnessed sociopolitical fractures attributed to aggressive proselytisation. NFHS data and census trends show the religious demographic shifts in pockets, prompting legal responses. Several states—including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—have enacted certain forms of anti-conversion laws, aiming to curb forced, illegal, or fraudulent conversions.
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Move beyond caste divides to build more inclusive India: Bhagwat
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that access to temples, water bodies, and cremation grounds should be equal for all communities. He emphasised that society must move beyond caste-based inequalities to build a more inclusive India. Addressing over 400 volunteers during the regional 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg' camp at Deendayal Upadhyaya School in Nawabganj, Kanpur, Bhagwat said: 'The RSS's core aim is character-building, and that individuals must recognise their responsibilities not only to their families but also to the wider society, the nation, and humanity.' Stressing that the Sangh has grown by deepening its roots in society, the RSS chief said the centenary year is a time to expand its work. The RSS is focusing on the 'Panch Parivartan' , which includes building a socially responsible, environmentally conscious and united society, free from divisions. Bhagwat urged all volunteers to help carry RSS literature to every household, promote value-based living, and strengthen familial bonds. 'Every Hindu home should be rooted in values, so that the Sanatan tradition may thrive again,' he said. Earlier in the day, Bhagwat attended the morning 'shakha' at the training camp and later met senior functionaries, including pracharaks, sanghchalaks, sah-pracharaks, and prachar pramukhs. Separate discussions were also held with regional office-bearers. The RSS chief also highlighted the need to increase 'shakhas' in both urban and rural areas and encouraged provincial units to take responsibility for this expansion. Bhagwat, who arrived in Kanpur on Saturday afternoon, will be in the city till June 10. RSS's second-in-command, Dattatreya Hosabale, had addressed the same camp for two days prior to Bhagwat's arrival. Another training camp is being held simultaneously at Meharban Singh ka Purwa, a known Samajwadi Party stronghold that has lately aligned with the BJP. In his Sunday address, Bhagwat also focused on service initiatives in urban slums and urged volunteers to adapt their work according to local needs and conditions.
News18
06-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Until The Two-Nation Theory Exists...': Mohan Bhagwat Explains Why India Must Stay 'Prepared'
Last Updated: Commenting on India's strategic position, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also noted how international alignments have come under scrutiny after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. The two-nation theory and the double standards by Pakistan might make peaceful coexistence difficult, and India needs to stay 'prepared' despite being a country that believes in 'non-violence', RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said, adding the Indian society has to remain 'united and alert' under all circumstances. Addressing the Karyakarta Vikash Varg in Nagpur on Thursday, Bhagwat also mentioned Pakistan's strategy of 'thousand cuts' and the ways of modern warfare, coupled with proxy war. 'Until the two-nation theory is completely discarded, peaceful coexistence will remain difficult and the unrest along with the double standards we face will continue," the RSS chief said, referring to the long-standing ideological framework that still fuels cross-border hostility and terrorism. Bhagwat also warned that modern conflict has moved far beyond the conventional fights on the battlefield with tanks. 'This has been a different conflict. They (Pakistan) wanted us to bleed through a thousand cuts – terror attacks, cyber warfare, proxy battles and so on. Now it takes just the press of a button to launch a drone. This is the new front. We must remember – the nature of warfare has changed," he added stating Bharat must be self-sustainable in defence. 'We have to be atmanirbhar (self dependent) when it comes to our security. Newer technology should be developed and research should be done," he said. Lauding Operation Sindoor, Bhagwat said, 'In the inhuman attack at Pahalgam, terrorists killed common citizens of our country. There was a natural anger and grief in our minds. Necessary action was taken. The capability and valour of our armed forces yet again came to the fore in this operation. Our innovation and research in the defence sector proved to be effective." 'Our political class, cutting across all political parties, showed a much-awaited reasonable and cooperative approach in the interest of the nation is also visible. The entire society has presented a big picture of unity and integrity. If such a situation is sustained even after the events are over, then it would be a great strength for the country. As in the atmosphere of patriotism, we have forgotten the differences in the national interest, competitors are cooperating with each other – this is the picture of ideal democracy – this should be sustained is the wish all of us cherish," he added. During its Karyakarta Vikas Varg parade , the RSS cadres showcased a formation symbolising Rafale jets, referring to them as the aircraft that played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor. Bhagwat also urged Indian society not to let its guard down, stressing that emotional reactions could backfire. 'Under no circumstances should any section of society fight with any other section, we will have to maintain goodwill amongst ourselves. It is not right to become tyrants on an emotional impulse. Now it is our government, governed as per the Constitution of India. Therefore, using abusive language without any reason – we will have to give up all these things," he stated. Commenting on India's strategic position, Bhagwat also noted how international alignments have come under scrutiny after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. 'These situations reveal who truly stands with us and who does not. That is why we must become fully self-reliant and self-sustainable in defence. We are a non-violent country. We see no one as our enemy – but we must remain completely alert," he added. First Published: June 06, 2025, 09:45 IST
NDTV
05-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'Understanding Among Parties After Pahalgam Attack Should Continue': RSS Chief
Nagpur: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said the mutual understanding displayed by the political class following the Pahalgam terror attack and action taken by India later should continue and become a permanent feature. After the April 22 massacre of tourists in Pahalgam, people were angry and wanted the culprits to be punished and the action followed, he said in an indirect reference to Operation Sindoor which saw Indian armed forces target terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK, and subsequent bombing of airbases in the neighbouring country in retaliatory strikes. The society also gave a message of unity, Mr Bhagwat noted, addressing the concluding event of the Karyakarta Vikas Varg for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers in Nagpur. Coming out strongly against religious conversion using force and pressure, the RSS leader said, "Conversion is violence. We are not against it when done by choice. But luring, forcing and pressurising is something we are against. By telling people that their ancestors were wrong, it is an insult of them. We are against such practices." "We are with you (in fight against conversion),' Mr Bhagwat said, referring to tribal leader and former Union minister Arvind Netam, who was the chief guest at the event. Once again referring to the May 7-10 India-Pakistan military conflict, he emphasised everyone saw the grit of the country's decision-makers in the action taken after the Pahalgam terror attack. "Action was taken after the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam. The valour of our Army shone once again in it. The firmness of the administration was also seen. The political class also showed mutual understanding. The society gave the message of unity. This should continue and become a permanent feature," he averred. India should be self-dependent in matters of security, the RSS chief insisted. Without naming Pakistan, Mr Bhagwat said, "Those who can't win a direct fight with India want to bleed our country by the policy of a thousand cuts and waging a proxy war." During World War II, Hitler bombarded London for nearly a month, expecting Britain to surrender. In response, Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the nation and later told Parliament the British would fight on the "seas and on the beaches". Referring to this episode, Mr Bhagwat remarked that Churchill had said society was the true lion and he merely roared on its behalf. The RSS leader observed that one person's gain can sometimes mean another's loss, and a lack of understanding between individuals may lead to dissatisfaction. In the national interest, no group or class should come into conflict with another. Acting impulsively, engaging in unnecessary arguments, or taking the law into one's own hands was not in the country's interest, he stressed. He reflected on the time when India was not independent, saying (British) rulers then encouraged divisions and supported disruptive elements, forcing ordinary people to take up the fight. Today, however, he said, the government functions under the Constitution. Mr Bhagwat warned against the use of abusive language and overreactions, stating some individuals deliver provocative speeches for personal gain. "Our roots lie in unity, not in division," he said, adding that while people may speak different languages and follow different customs, unity stands above all differences. Mr Bhagwat argued that the idea of ethnic differences among Indians was a misconception fostered by British colonial rule. Tribal leader Netam, who served in the cabinets of former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and PV Narasimha Rao, was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the RSS volunteer training camp. The 25-day training camp, Karyakarta Vikas Varg Dwitiya, in which 840 volunteers from across the country participated, began on May 12 at Dr Hedgewar Smriti Mandir located in Reshimbag area of Nagpur. Mr Netam, who hails from Chhattisgarh, said no state government has so far taken the issue of religious conversions seriously. "I think RSS is the only institution which can help us in this area," he said. The RSS should pressure the central government to come out with an action plan after Maoism ends to ensure the menace does not raise its head again, the former Congress minister stated. Mr Netam said no government implemented the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 and added the central government is mum and even helping industrialists. The PESA Act aims to ensure self-governance in tribal areas through Gram Sabhas, empowering them to manage resources and make decisions related to their communities.
