SEP-20 BOUDHIK YOJANA
Sep-06-2020 Samachar Sameeksha: Bangalore Riots
Ø On 11th August Bangalore areas of KG Halli and DJ Halli were rocked by riots of Jihadi mob
Ø The pretext was a facebook post on Prophet by nephew of Congress MLA
Ø The facebook post was in reaction to a derogatory post on Hindu Gods, this fact was conveniently ignored by the media and Leftist-Liberal cabal
Ø In reaction to the post a few people assembled outside MLA’s house to protest and the crowd soon swelled to hundreds
Ø Crowd was armed with sticks, petrol and kerosene cans and began throwing stones and vandalizing properties
Ø Crowd also attacked DJ Halli police station and set the police vehicles on fire
Ø This incident joins to a long list of riots perpetrated by Jihadi mobs on pretext of blasphemy i.e insulting Islam
Ø It follows a pattern, Muslims abuse Hindu Gods on Hindu festivals publicly leading to a reaction
Ø Reaction can be in a form of refuting the abuse or counter abuses on Islamic faith
Ø Muslims gather large crowds and threaten or kill the person also causing large scale riots and damaging Hindu property
Ø It bears a chilling resemblance to Kohat riots, a small town in NWFP , currently Pakistan, in 1924
Ø Muslims published an offensive anti-Hindu poem, in retaliation a man named Jiwan Das circulated a pamphlet on Prophet
Ø This led to large scale rioting uprooting the entire Hindu and Sikh population from Kohat to Rawalpindi
Ø Congress and Gandhiji kept a stony silence on it and white-washed it completely
Ø History repeats and we tend to never learn from it
Sep 13-2020 Katha: Dattopant Thengadi
Parents and Birth
Ø Sri Bapurao Thengadi was a famous Barrister from Vidarbha, Maharashtra. Bapurao hailed from Arvi located in Wardha district and was renowned for his skills in handling legal cases involving financial and criminal issues. With his hard work Bapurao had secured and nourished the family. Bapurao was married to Janaki. She was known for her very graceful, caring, soft and calm nature.
Ø Along with taking care of household chores in the family, Janakibai also actively took responsibility in Dharmic and social activities.
Ø Bapurao and Janakibai were very upset having lost their children in their infancy. Being very pious and a faithful devotee of Bhagawan Dattatreya, Smt Janakibai took up a 101 day Dattatreya upasana vrata and meticulously followed it with a vow, please protect my next child, I shall dedicate my child to your service.
Ø With the anugraha of Sri Guru Dattatreya, on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali Gregorian date November 10 1920, Smt Janakibai and Sri Bapurao were again blessed with a boy child. The boy was naturally named Dattatreya (a blessing of Guru Dattatreya).
Early Childhood
Ø Dattatreya was fondly called as Dattopant at home (and the name stuck to him in his later days as he rose to become a prominent public figure).
Ø Dattopant had his early schooling in Arvi Municipal School, right from his early school days Dattopant stood out as a very sharp student with exceptional abilities and a voracious reader. Quite naturally Dattopant used to secure highest grades too.
Voracious appetite for knowledge and a budding OratorØ In addition to school curriculum, Dattopnat used to spend a lot of time reading from the Library and even before he appeared for his Matriculation, he has already thoroughly studied scores of books from various disciplines (Dattopont’s early student life reminds us very much of Parama Pujaniya Sri Guruji).
Ø Just as Dattopant used to get highest grades, he also stood first in public speaking competitions etc, a budding orator emerges.
Nationalistic spirit and resolve (I may give up Puranpoli but will not giveup struggle for Swarajya)
Ø Dattopant had formed a group called ‘Vanara Sena’ in his school. Dattopant indeed was the Hanuman among the group, his friends looked up to him and the Vanara Sena yearned to take part in the Freedom struggle.
Ø Though Bapurao Thengadi was also very much a part of Gandhian freedom struggle, he felt children must focus more on studies and not in any such activities.
Ø A pooja was arranged at Dattopant’s home, among the feast Puranpoli (Dattopant’s favourite) was also prepared. But, instead of being home, Dattopant had gone to a Freedom rally wearing Gandhi topi. A visibly angry Bapurao dragged Dattopant right from the middle of the gathering, Dattopant managed to release himself from his father's grip and escape. Angered by this Bapurao declared that Dattopant shall fast today, as Dattopant came home to quench his thirst, his mother Janakibai tried to pacify him but neither mothers love or the lure of Puranpoli could convince him. The young Dattopant declared I may give up sweet, I may give up even puranpoli but I shall never make any compromise in the matters of Swarajya. Dattopant had developed an uncompromising resolve at such a young age.
Education and Youth
Ø Sewa and Samparka manobhava
Ø Sewa Manobhava and developing a cordial rapport with a lot of people (Samparka) was a second nature to young Dattopant. Coming from a reputed family did not stop him from connecting and feeling one with people from all classes of the society, by frequent visits to many such homes he could experience and understand their trials and tribulations.
All rounded Personality
Ø A regular with vyayam, Dattopant was adept at Kabbaddi, Kho Kho, would go on Long runs, and was very fond of practicing Wrestling in nearby Akhadas.
Ø After completing High school in Arvi, Dattopant pursued college education in the reputed Morris College in Nagpur. With his sharp intellect and oratory skills, Dattopant became a very popular figure in college. Dattopant took up LLB and passed with Distinction.
Sangha
Sri Guruji as Guiding light
Ø Dattopant had already come in contact with Sangha in early days. When in Morris college, he stayed at Param Pujaniya Sri Guruji's home, giving him closer access to understand Sangha much deeper. The emphasis on vyakti nirmana, samarpana bhava in Sangha vichara made a lasting impression on Dattopant during his stays at Sri Gurujis homes.
Ø After studying Law, Dattopant arrived at the decision to become Sangha Pracharak. Bapurao was furious when he learned that his Son with such extraordinary abilities has decided to forego such a career.
Sri Guruji’s guidance, Krishnarao speaks to Sri Bapurao
Ø Pa Pu Sri Guruji requested Sri Krishnarao Moharir to meet Dattopant’s father and convince him. Sri Krishnarao went to Bapurao’s house along with Arvi Sanghachalak Sri Annasaheb Deshpande. Bapurao immediately upon their arrival declared with anger that I cannot allow Dattu to become a Pracharak.
Ø After patiently listening to Sri Bapurao’s outburst, Krishnarao Mohrir very calmly addressed him, Bapuji, you are verily like my father, your exceptional son true to his name is a from of Sri Guru Dattatreya and the work that his cut out for him is no ordinary work, it is verily Sri Guru Dattatreya’s work. By virtue of that, he will indeed bring respect due to you and your stature. Dattopant is very well aware of what is right and wrong, and about his path, kindly without further thoughts kindly bless him and allow him to serve as Pracharak.
Ø With the graceful behaviour and address of Sri Krishnarao Moharir, Sri Bapurao had calmed down and obliged.
Pracharak Journey
Ø On March 22, 1942 Sri Dattonpant Thengadi went to Kerala as his first assignment as Pracharak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Ø About a fortnight later Smt Janakibai and Sri Bapurao came to Sangha Karyalaya in Nagpur and met Pa Pu Sri Guruji. Sri Bapurao greeted Sri Guruji with garland and fruits and expressed that it was as if he met Bhagwan himself and he is very pleased that our Son is serving RSS and under your able guidance. He requested Sri Guruji that his son be allowed to meet his parents now and then. By now Bapurao had completely changed and accepted the path chosen by Dattopant.
Ø Sri Dattopant Thengadi’s pracharak journey began in Kerala, but meanwhile in 1943 due to brief illness he returned to Nagpur and was given the responsibility to look after Sanghatan work in the Jilla where Kendra Sangha karyalaya was situated.
Ø During this period he had ample opportunity to freely express his thoughts on various topics with Pa Pu Sri Guruji, this experience turned out to be his guiding light for all his future endeavours.
Ø In 1945 he was assigned the responsibility to carry on organizational work in Bengal. Sri Dattopant Thengadi during his 5 years in Bengal along with expanding Sangha organization work there could fluently converse in Bengali language. In 1950 he was asked to return and serve in Nagpur again.
Organizational work ...
Ø The ‘Swa’ of Swarajya, Swabhasha, Swatantra
Ø This was the period when Bharat had recently attained Freedom from British rule. The essence of Freedom lies in the ‘Swa’tva or the expression of the self in Rajya (state), Polity (Politics), Tantra (Polices), Bhasha etc and it has become imperative that Sangha played a major role in shaping Bharat in this path. Sri Dattopant Thengadi was at the forefront of leading these initiatives.
Ø Let us very briefly go through some of the Sangha inspired Organizations which were either started/influenced by Mananiya Sri Dattopant Thengadi.
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)
Ø In any Nation, the labour force is one of its important facets. Russia in particular and Communism in general was the only influence on all Labour based organizations and activities those days.
Ø Pa Pu Sri Guruji entrusted the task of reclaiming the trust of the Labour force and infusing this field with Hindu Integral thoughts and pulling it out of communist grip.
Ø While initially Dattopant ji drew from his experience and learnings as Pracharak in Kerala and Bengal, to understand and gain direct experience of the work in the field and understand the ideology in work, he joined INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress) as a member and worked there. Based on these experiences Sri Dattopant Thengadi decided to start an initiative to Organize the labour force and thus Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh was born on July 23 1955.
Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS)
Ø Bharatiya Kisan Sangha was started under the guidance of Sri Dattopant Thengadi in 1979.
Ø With the tagline kRshimit kRshitva (roughly translating to Krishi is the most refined/sarvotkRshta activity), the primary objective being to help our disorganized farmers by bringing together various training programs and help our Farmers be more informed. Haladhari (Plough wielding) Balarama Jayanti was chosen as Rashtriya Kisan Diwas.
Ø Laying emphasis more on growing food grains, Cow as the centre of farming (Gau-adharita kRshi), Bringing back Organic farming practices, Irrigation, Electricity requirements for Farmers and where needed peacefully fighting against injustice and administrative bottlenecks have been some of the major activities of BKS.
Samajika Samarasata Manch
Ø The misuse of jati vyavastha, upper-lower caste divisions, untouchability was creating rift and divisions in the Hindu society. With an intent to solve this through a different method (non confrontational) Samajika Samarasata Manch was started on 14th April 1983 (Ambedkar Jayanti).
Ø Bringing about feeling that we all are children of the Same Bharatmata, memes of same family, meeting often, cordial discussion during these get togethers (sneh milan), various Samarsata Karyakrams bringing everyone together has been some of the activities of SSM.
Sep 20 – 2020 Boudhik : National Education Policy
Ø Launched after 34 years, last education policy came in 1986
Ø It is a guiding document and not an execution document
FeFew Principles
Ø recognizing, identifying, and fostering the unique capabilities of each student
Ø no hard separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra-curricular
Ø multidisciplinarity and a holistic education across the sciences,social sciences,arts,humanities,and sports
Ø creativity and critical thinking
Ø promoting multilingualism and the power of language
Ø teachers and faculty as the heart of the learning process
Ø a rootedness and pride in India
VisionØ This National Education Policy envisions an education system rooted in Indian ethos that contributes directly to transforming India, that is Bharat, sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society
School Education
Ø This policy envisages that the extant10+2 structure in school education will be modified with a new pedagogical and curricular restructuring of 5+3+3+4 covering ages 3-18
Ø The above-described stages are purely curricular and pedagogical, designed to optimize learning for students based on the cognitive development of children; they will in form the development of National and State curricula and teaching-learning strategies at each stage
Ø Wherever possible, the medium of instruction until at least Grade5,but preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, will be the home language/mother tongue/local language/regional language.
Teachers
Ø To ensure that outstanding students enter the teaching profession-especially from rural areas-a large number of merit-based scholarships shall be instituted across the country
Ø Such scholarships will provide local job opportunities to local students, especially female students, so that these students serve as local-area role models and as highly qualified teachers who speak the local language.
Ø The harmful practice of excessive teacher transfers will be halted, so that students have continuity in their role models and educational environments.
Ø Schools/school complexes will be encouraged to hire local eminent persons or experts as ‘master instructors’ in various subjects, such as in traditional local arts, vocational crafts, entrepreneurship, agriculture, or any other subject where local expertise exists
Ø By 2021,a new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education, NCFTE 2021,will be formulated by the NCTE in consultation with NCERT, based on the principles of this National Education Policy 2020
School ComplexesØ Samagra Shiksha Scheme and other important efforts across the States-has helped to ensure near-universal access to primary schools,it has also led to the development of numerous very small schools.AccordingtoU-DISE2016–17 data, nearly 28% of India’s public primary schools and 14.8% of India primary schools have less than 30 students.
Ø One possible mechanism for accomplishing the above would be the establishment of a grouping structure called the school complex, consisting of one secondary school together with all other schools offering lower grades in its neighbourhood including Anganwadis,in a radius of five to ten kilometers.
Standard Setting and Accreditation
Ø At present,all main functions of governance and regulation of the school education system-namely, the provision of public education,the regulation of education institutions,and policymaking-are handled by a single body,i.e.,the Department of School Education or its arms.
Ø The current regulatory regime also has not been able to curb the commercialization and economic exploitation of parents by many for-profit private schools,yet at the same time it has all too often inadvertently discouraged public-spirited private/philanthropic schools.
Ø The Department of School Education, which is the apex state-level body in school education,will be responsible for over all monitoring and policy making for continual improvement of the public education system;
Ø An effective quality self-regulation or accreditation system will be instituted for all stages of education including pre-school education-private, public,and philanthropic
Reference: https://www.mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English_0.pdf
Sep-27-2020 Charcha: 9/11 and Islamic World
11th September 2001 popularly known as 9/11 might be the single most important day of 21st century. It was the day when Islamic terrorism and fundamentalism finally arrived in the developed World. Till 2001, Terrorism in countries like India was a law and order problem as per West and Government machinery was responsible for controlling it. Post this day the whole Western world woke up to the dangers of Jihadi terrorism and no country however powerful could be safe from it.
US war on terror impacted Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan directly and whole Islamic World indirectly. As predicted by Huntington in his seminal book, it was clash of civilizations between Islam and West. Islam is the only civilization which has put the survival of West in doubt, and it has done at least twice. However viewing Islamic world as one bloc is not a complete view.
As in Islam, so also in geo-politics there is a perennial conflict between Sunni and Shia which is displayed in enmity between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Conflicts in Islamic countries like Syria or Lebanon or Yemen are basically a power struggle between these 2 countries to lead the Ummah. A third player has also emerged recently in this power struggle based on past aspirations i.e Turkey. Turkey tried unsuccessfully to join EU, however was rejected due to Christian and Islamic conflict. It has given up on those dreams and is now positioning itself under Edrogan as a Caliph for Islamic World.
Another variable in the game is Western interests. Discovery of Oil in Gulf states, attracted Imperial powers as Oil was the fuel of twentieth century. Initially whole chain of exploration to retailing was controlled by Western companies like Exxon-Mobil, Shell, BP etc. However awakening of financial interests and need to control bigger part of value chain led to formation of OPEC and companies like ARAMCO. West especially US still continued to support Gulf states i.e kingdoms due to Oil interests. At the same time, Iran after Islamic revolution in 1979, became a mortal enemy of US and Israel.
Israel, a Jewish state, is seen by all Muslims as someone which has usurped land on Western support. However following strategy of divide and rule, the seeds of this conflict were sown by British after First World War. Palestine is an identity issue in Islamic world and all Islamic countries want Israel to vacate the occupations in West Bank and Gaza. Initially no country in Arab World recognized Israel, however decisive victories in wars forced Egypt and then Jordan to recognize and negotiate with Israel. Recently with US influence, UAE also established full diplomatic relations with Israel sending shockwaves through the Islamic world. It is also a formation of alliance against Iran, common enemy of Arabs and Israel.
Outcomes of this churn are also showing impact across Indian borders in Pakistan. Pakistan has unsuccessfully tried to get OIC (Organization of Islamic Countries) to discuss Kashmir and 370 abrogation. However it has been snubbed by OIC which is headed by Saudi Arabia. In a show of bravado, probably at behest of China, Pakistani Foreign Minister bragged to break OIC into 2 camps on support of Iran, Turkey and Malaysia. Sensing a threat to Saudi authority, Saudis stopped the 3 billion $ in loans and stopped sale of Oil on deferred payments. They also asked for immediate payment of 1 billion $ which Pakistan coughed up on Chinese support. It also reflects on active diplomacy followed by current Indian government which has given us levers in the Islamic World against Pakistan.
Reference: 1) The Clash of Civilizations by S Huntington 2) PBS documentary on “50 years of Arab Israel War” on Youtube
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