A Thank you Note from Haindava Keralam

30/11/2009 06:02:07

During the month off August, Haindava Keralam launched 'Lavanya Mangalya Nidhi' to help organize the wedding of Smt. Lavanya, daughter of Late Shri. Pushparajanji of Chooranadu, Kerala.

( http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=8984&SKIN=S )

We are happy to announce that with the help and support of all our readers and well wishers, Haindava Keralam was able to raise a sum of One Lakh and Twenty Five thousand rupees for this wedding. The amount has been received by the Seva Bharathi in Kerala and handed over to the family. The wedding was held on 27th August 2009 with the blessings of all our supporters

Haindava Keralam takes this opportunity to thank one and all of you and expect your support in all our future commitments to our Hindu society all over the world.

I wish someone here would tell me why such a thing as collecting money for a wedding is sought to be done, that too by swayamsevaks, who ought to know better. Why, to register a marriage legally, not more than Rs.100 is required. Every single paisa spent above that is, according to me, vulgar. If such a nidhi was sought for a person's medical operation, it is understandable. But for marriage? Was it to buy gold that the bride or groom could not afford? But why is gold essential? Was it to give dowry? But is not dowry pernicious? Was it for the feast at the wedding? But why feast? Almost all who would have been invited would have been people who come from houses which have at least food to eat. Donating for charity? Ah, this makes sense. But I am sure that not much would have been actually spent on giving food to people who would otherwise have gone to bed without food that day. Maybe some food may have been given to beggars - but we ought to know that most beggars these days are a professional lot, being part of syndicates that exploit situations.

So I think that a movement like Hindava Keralam (yes, I don't see Haindava Keralam just as a media organization) should be more idealistic and less material. I hope my words do not offend anyone here. But we are selling ourselves to the materialistic mindset more and more as the days pass. This is no Hinduism. Hinduism is all about spirituality, not materialism.

Reply to Shri Venugopal and Congrats HK
Dear Venugopal,

Here what we are discussing is the marriage of a Swayamsevak's daughter who was brutally killed by the enemies of Sangh.If Pushparajanji was not a swayamsevak and had opted a life just like as that of a passive Hindu - He should have been still alive and he should have been there to conduct the marriage of his daughter without the support of any one of us.

If all the marriages of Swayamsevaks and their family members were done by spending less than 100 Rupees then I could digest what you were saying.

How many of us swayamsevaks are ready to conduct our daughters marriage in a court?

Here what the swayamsevaks in the area did is a exemplary job by conducting the marriage of their fellow swayamsevaks daughter considering her as their own swayamsevaks.

It was for the first time I noticed HK appealing for the help of it's readers for a genuine cause, Though they have posted various news clips of appeals from various other organisations they never appealled in their behalf, if I am right.

Thanks to Haindava Keralam for taking up this cause and Venugopalji , probably we have to initiate a debate about Swayamsevak's marriage but certainly not here.

A Swayamsevak

Let not the corrupt set our norms
Dear Rajeshji, I understand your sentiments and share it with you. But I think you've missed the point. As you pointed out, if Pushparajanji was not a swayamsevak he might have still been alive and might have conducted his daughter’s marriage as ordinary Hindus do. That is the whole point. Ordinary Hindus have become so materialistic that the norm of a marriage is to spend at least a lakh rupees on it. So ordinary Hindus decide what is the norm. Well, if we go by the norms of ordinary Hindus, the moneyed would buy our souls. It is precisely because ordinary Hindus were faced with self-destruction that Doctorji decided to create extraordinary Hindus who would rise to the occasion and set examples of what should be the norms in Hindu society. Are we rising to the occasion? That is the question.

Simple living and high thinking is what should be expected of swayamsevaks, for the greatest benefit lies therein. If swayamsevaks, who speak of Hinduism more than anyone else do not get the benefit of Hinduism's highest teaching, who else would?

Last but not least, I would say that the greatest disaster awaiting Hindus (or any other society) is corruption. By corruption I mean not just the ordinary type, but the corruption of sublime ideals itself. I would go to the extend of saying that the greatest enemies of our nation are not the Islamic or Communist terrorists, whom we have already recognized as such, but the corrupt ones because we have not yet recognised them as enemies. On the contrary, their style of living has become our norm. I think corruption exemplified by the Reddy brothers of Karnataka, to whom we succumbed, would do our nation more harm than having Osama bin Ladens loose in our midst. It would be the corruption within us that would allow Osama bin Ladens to thrive in our midst. You have only to study the circumstances of 26/11 in Mumbai to see this clearly.

The wedding
Venugopalji

Probably you wouldn't understand the situation of a family who lost a family member for the sake of an ideology he believed in.

Every mother would love to see her daughter married off in a way that is respectable in a society. Our swayamsevaks simply took up the task over a promise made by the Sangh to the family of a fallen soldier of hindutva.

In issues like this money is simply paper value infront of values and relationships.

I salute HK and all swayamsevaks who came forward to help sangh fulfill this promise made by its elders.

Maybe it would be immaterial, but to mention that the wedding g was not done to a swayamsevak. If a swayamsevak would have come forward (as in majority cases), this wedding would have been done in a much more simple manner.

At this moment we should all say sorry to the countless number of sisters who were not lucky enough to receive our help.

Rather than complain about what we spent !!


Hitching good intentions with society's material standards.
Dear Krishnakumarji, I assure you that I am proud of all the swayamsevaks who came forward to shoulder the burden of marriage of our late beloved swayamsevak's daughter. It was pure love that moved them and it is this trait of swayamsevaks to sacrifice for fellow-swayamsevaks that has been the hallmark of Sangha.

However, I sought to raise a bigger question here. You have pre-empted my question when you said, "married off in a way that is respectable in a society". This is the whole tragedy which we do not even seem to recognise. That huge amounts have to be spent on marriages to qualify to be a respectable member of society has become the norm that has been set by ordinary Hindus. But ordinary Hindus are on a self-destructive course, not the least because of their indifference to the higher teachings of Hinduism. If swayamsevaks are only going to be ordinary Hindus, what hope would the Hindu society have? Ideally a swayamsevak should have come forward to marry Lavanya. Maybe it did not happen because we did not pursue it with the seriousness it deserves. Or maybe because we, being somewhat cynical, were sure it would not work and therefore did not strive for it. Whatever, the moment we cease to have faith in idealism, we would fail to have any chance of being extraordinary.

I am sorry that the point I have raised is seen by you as my complaining even when a good job has been done. Not true. I have no complaints. I only wish to caution our swayamsevaks against hitching good intentions with society's material standards of respectability.

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Movement for simple marriages
I think Sangha should start a movement against lavish weddings (by seeking to influence the public at large to go in for simple marriages) and Haindava Keralam could take the lead in propagating this movement.

I wish to mention some things in this regard.

1. Narayana Gurudevan spoke of simple marriages where only 5 persons from the bride's and groom's side each take part.

2. Nair marriages were considered the simplest and quickest as far as rituals went.

3. Even a generation back, marriages were conducted at home and those invited joined in the previous evening to prepare the items for sadya the next day. Today marriage feasts take place in public halls and even non-vegetarian items are served.

4. As far as expenses go, we have multiplied it, what with sadya at "urrakal" or engagement, sadya at the actual wedding, and a tea-party reception for those who could not attend the wedding. These days another sadya is given at the place of the groom also!

To venugopalji
Thank you for your clarification.

However, I would like to inform you that we only helped that family financially for that wedding and did not actually conduct it.

Anyways your message is clear and very true. But I guess in some circumstances these things are bound to happen.

Appreciate the effort by the swayamsevaks who stood by and made sure of a future for Lavanya.

Kerala exists on Hindu Samskar -Parameswarji

09/11/2009 00:20:41 HK

Kannur: Sri Prameswarji, Director, Bharathiya Vichara Kendram has said that Hindutva is the foundation of Kerala. Kerala is now caught between tradition and modernity and different groups are trying to find a place for itself in the Kerala bandwagon. The driving force of Kerala is our eternal Hindu Dharma. Prameswarji was speaking during the first anniversary of Madhav Memorial Seva Trust. Hindu cultural nationalism must be understood by those who follow alien dogmas and conflicting ideologies. The cultural synthesis based on Hindutva is part of everyday life.

Hindu cultural continuity is essential for peace, progress, harmony. contented life and identity. He cautioned that we should be cautious against those who declare war on Hindutva and our future. Ideologues who promote class war and groups who are aligned with alien ideologies are campaigning hard to destroy our language and reorient Keraties into the nightmare of cultureless desert. Deliberate language and cultural destruction, if unchecked will likely to prove fatal to everything Kerala hold sacred. He cautioned that Hindu cultural destruction may create another Kashmir type situation in Kerala.

Throughout history, Hindutva has tried to provide for Keralites insights, values, and purpose. The vehicle for cultural continuity is our eternal Hindu Dhrama. To move forward, he cautioned Keralities to preserve our language and culture based on Hindutva. Language is the foundation of our culture. There are forces in Kerala actively working to make Malyalam to disappear. While other states in India is trying to protect its language and culture, Kerala government is working to eliminate Malyalam, destroy cultural institutions and Hindu temples.

To protect our Hindu culture, promote our language and values and preserve our sacred Dhrma, we have to continue with our Karma. To continue our Karma, we have to keep our body and mind together.

He cautioned that RSS is not in the business of creating conflict. At the same time, RSS is not afraid of facing conflict created by vested interest groups. Marxists are in the habits of eliminating those who are opposed to their class war concept. RSS is not interested in class war, yet RSS is not afraid of defending our eternal Hindu Dhrama which is the foundation of Kerala. Prameswariji reminded that Shanti will not come from dreams alone. RSS is for peace and peace will come from constant and continuous service.

Sri.C.Chandrasekharan presided the meeting.RSS Saha Pranth Pracharak Advocate K.K.Balan welcomed the gathering. Senior RSS Pracharak R.Venugopal, P.R.Sasidharan, P.P. Suresh Babu also spoke at the occasion. Madhav Seva Trust Director A.K. Narayan gave Vote of Thanks.

K.Venugopal
10/11/2009 14:15:05 Differentiating between Islam and Muslims.
Dear Sadiq Mehrab, I would distinguish between Islam and Muslims. Muslims are only individuals striving their best to follow Islam, which they believe is the word of God. A Muslim is as good or bad as any other individual following any other religion anywhere. But Islam I would say is the very antithesis of Hinduism. I am not here elaborating the reasons why I think so, except to say that Hinduism is inclusive in its intention whereas Islam is exclusive in its intention.
K.Venugopal
10/11/2009 13:07:32 RSS - creating men with capital M.
Dear Shri Manojji, That Man of epochal dimensions who founded the RSS - Dr. Keshava Baliram Hedgewar - obviously knew more about Hindu society than we would suspect. He himself expected only a figure of 1% of those who stay in villages and 3% of those who stay in cities to attend the shakha (or is it the other way round? I am not sure). But the influence of Sangha has gone much beyond the number of swayamsevaks and in various fields, as surely Doctorji must have expected. As organisations in India go, I think the class RSS is in is revealing when we compare it with old organisations or movements in India like Congress or Communism. One would have supposed Congress would have turned out to be a reflection of what Gandhiji stood for or the Communists would have been people dedicated to the toiling masses. But look what a caricature both these organisations have turned out to be - the Congress has hypothecated itself to a foreigner and the communists are more concerned about serving "minority" causes than those of the "toiling masses". Now look at the RSS. The pristine vision of Doctorji of a glorious awakened India is still the mantra that even the newest swayamsevak is introduced to. It would also be worth bearing in mind that the RSS is dedicated to serving the cause of integrated Mother India and not the spread of Hinduism, for which cause it has created organisations like the VHP. The RSS is essentially dedicated to inspiring the individual to unravel such qualities within him that pointing to him the whole society would say - he is a man with capital M. From the daily shakhas to the annual camps, including the 30 day camps in Nagpur, are all oriented to this direction.

It is true it would seem that the RSS often does not seem to be too excited about issues which we may think are burning. But dedicated as it is in creating the quality manpower to handle issues on a long term basis, it knows that excitement and reactions are not enough.

Omkar
10/11/2009 10:30:10 The bitter taste of Sugar
I agree with Manoj's observations and share his concerns. I am also a disturbed Hindu like him.

It is incorrect to say that RSS or it's leadership failed anywhere. Nobody can save Hindus unless they themselves change their attitude.Many Hindus consider RSS man "Matha Branthan" and Jama Uthee Isalmi or Muslim leaugue man as "Matha Viswasi". The cunning Padri and conversion specailist is "Jeeva Karuanya Pravarthakan" to them!.Many Hindus look at Rev. Father as a great person and his counterpart in Hinduism , a comic figure for entertainment.
RSS is not at all tainted. It is not at all defamed. The problem is with our mind set up. We have taught to believe like that. By the perpetrators of Nehrivian secularism and media fully controlled by church and their cronies. the media,The problem is with our attitude. We see a Muslim with self respect as "Matha Viswasi". We look at a Christian with self respect as "Matha Viswasi". But when we see a Hindu with self respect we call him " Matha Branthan"!. Who is reponsible for this pathetic state of affairs? Certainly not RSS.
Still we are slaves mentally. We have to come out of that negative thinking. If RSS is "tainted and defamed" I am proud of being a part of it. Just like "Adiyanu Panchasarayude Kaipu
Ishtamanu".
Manoj
10/11/2009 02:23:29 Response to K.VenuGopal
Dear Mr.Venugopal,
I appreciate your clarification on the shakha. I have attended RSS shakhas on and off for many years. However let me point out some shortcomings that I am noting regarding the RSS.
The RSS expects every Hindu to attend the shakha. However that will never happen and the majority of Hindus will shun the shakha due to many reasons like the bad image foisted on the RSS by the enemies of Hindus since the Gandhi assasination onwards and the defamation of RSS continues unabated till date. What is the current membership of the RSS when compared to the total population of Hindus in India? RSS never bothered to defending its reputation . However the RSS is unable to understand the reasons for reluctance of the majority of Hindus to join it. RSS feels peeved and I notice that this is also causing an exclusive club mentality in the RSS. i.e We care for you only if you are a member and attend shakhas. If you are not a member we do not care for you or for Hinduism in general?
This mentality is really unfortunate and this is what causing the sinking feeling in me.
RSS is the only organisation for Hindus and the RSS should also realise this. RSS should change its isolative mentality and should boldly take up the leadership of Hindu samaj. This should be done by
1) Identifying the shortcomings in Hindu society
2) Identify the threats faced by the Hindu community from enemies.
3) Chalk out a vision for Hinduism covering the next 10 years.
4) Develop action plans to counter threats against Hinduism.

When the RSS does the above then the mainstream Hindus will start accepting RSS.

First and foremost RSS should develop a cadre of modern and young leaders who can adapt to the fast changing threat scene. Old men above 60 years are dead wood and cannot achieve the above. Until then RSS will remain a great army with poor generals.
And if I am wrong in saying the above, then correct me please!!
Sadiq Mehrab
09/11/2009 23:57:07 Question to Mr. K Venugopal and Haindava Keralam
Do you think Islam is an enemy of Hinduism? It is rather foolish if the Hindu brothers are taught this way. Think before act and not act and then think. Islam has not destroyed Hinduism. But some one wants Islam and Hinduism on constant clash. Who is that? Think loudly and you all will get answers. They are fooling around Hindu and Muslim leaders. Who is that?
K.Venugopal
09/11/2009 07:46:42 Shakha - social self-discovery
Much of this "sinking feeling" about Hindu future would vanish if we understand a certain magic that the RSS has. It is nothing other than its shakha. While it could be that not all shakhas are run with the full complement of its 1 hour daily activity, there are many that do. I would request those who have not participated in a daily shakha with its one-hour non-stop action to enquire for the model shakha nearest them and attend it regularly for a few weeks and experience the difference it would make to their confidence. Confidence is the first and foremost thing we require to build up the required Hindu power to counter all anti-Hindu activities and the magic that a shakha does is to build up your confidence. Once your are brimming with confidence, as regular attendance of a shakha would make you, than there would be no end to your dedication to serve the Hindu Samaj in all manner as our individual capabilities would allow us.

Therefore all we have to do is to attend shakha regularly, imbibe the great self-confidence it would empower us with as swayamsevaks, help start more and more shakhas and begin writing the history of our beloved nation in golden Hindu letters.

Remember, shakha is free of all monetary expense, therein we learn military discipline, yoga, loose all tensions in child-like games and gallant sports like Kabadi and Kho-Kho, learn the most lyrical of songs, a bit of Sanskrit, slices of history, a lot of friendship and above all, full of confidence – all within one hour. As a robust swayamsevak, whatever be our age, we will cease wailing about our inadequacies and start celebrating our victories. Under our saffron flag in the name of our Motherland. Shakha is to the samaj what meditation is to the individual – both help us to discover our true identity – as Hindus and divine beings.

Vijaya
09/11/2009 06:56:39 Attention please, Manoj

Good comment from you! Since you are a Kerala resident, you might want to contact the RSS directly and find out how you can help.
Sunilkumar
09/11/2009 05:17:08 Hinduism in Kerala
I agree with Manoj.The Hindu organisations in Kerala may open up a non-controversial fund or so and spend the money to provude free magazines etc to Kerala's balance hindus. The sangh organisations should educate the people about the massive conversion activities undertaken by Church in South and Eastern India. The recently concluded conferenec of Catholics have deicided to strike now and destroy Hindusim for ever from India. This is a serious matter for most of the Hindus in Kerala. We are ready to contribute to make any activity that couner Christianity in Kerala/India by RSS or sangh parivar organisations. A campaign like "padayatra" etc by RSS in each and every nook and corner of the state may help to get people notice of the importance of protecting their customs and rituals. As some of the commentators in this website pointed out 99.9% hindus are not aware that Ambika Soni,Ajit Jogi, YSR Reddy, Manish Tiwari, Jagdeesh Tytlor etc are actually Christians. Unless such messages reach the masses they will continue to think that Indian National Congress will save them and their childern.
Venugopal
09/11/2009 05:08:17 Little Hope
We are too late in the game. It is now very difficult to get back Hindusim for India. The writing on the wall is clear- either to convert or to perish. I think even RSS and other Hindu organisations are not getting the pulse of Hindus in Kerala and India. There are many who want to protect their rights and rituals from the onslaught. Sadly, we are not seeing any saviours now a days.
Manoj
09/11/2009 01:41:34 How exactly is the RSS planning to defend Hindus
Pranam Parameswar ji,

I fully agree with you that the axis of evil, namely Marxists, Secularists, Christians and Muslims have aligned themselves to destroy the Hindu religion, culture, Temples etc. However this is not a new phenomenon. It is been going on for more than four decades, only that the enemies are sensing final victory and are moving in for the kill. Their years of patient efforts in weaning away Hindus from Hindu religion is a near total success through indoctrination through Christian schools, Disinformation through their Newspapers and TV Channels, destruction of Temple as a cultural centre of Hindus, attack and defamation of the Hindu ashrams & Sanyasins through government power etc and the list is endless. Sensing victory the Christians have launched their cultural assimilation programme by imitating Hindu rituals, hoping that Hindu who is now ripe for a conversion will fall into their trap with minimum effort. (This is exactly what they did in ancient Rome under last Roman emperor Constantine). The Muslims have launched their love Jihad, and other programmes through their Newspapers & TV Channels etc. The communists are destroying the Hindu Ashrams.
In view of the extremely serious crises that the Hindus are facing in Kerala and rest of South India, may I know what the RSS is doing to counter the above. Have you first of all identified all the threats that the Hindu samaj is facing?
Have you made an action plan on how to counter these threats. I have a sinking feeling that you have also been influenced by the enemy's propaganda and have been rendered impotent?
There are thousands of people like me who are willing to contribute financially as well as offer other voluntary services if you can lead the Hindus to fight back. I personally do not want to leave this world without fighting for restoring Hinduism at least for the sake of my children.

Can HK please contact Parameshwar Ji and request him to answer this letter.