VEDIC THOUGHTS

AUM
An Eye Witness Account:
ARYA SAMMELAN SAMAPAN SAMAROH
By Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant,VSM
Indeed an international show it was. Hosting Aryas from 21 countries besides from the states of Bharat was no joke. Men and women , not forgetting children- from teenagers to tiny-tots, hailing from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, lived together and listened to soul-touching music and Vedic discourses in furtherance of the Aryan ideals. They all had love for the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and were in no mood to brook any tampering with his writings and the Thought. Persons attempting to derail the mission of Dayanand were dubbed as mischief-mongers, irrespective of the shade of clothes they wore. Captains and commoners, laymen and literati condemned wolves in sheep’s clothing.
The Arya Apravasi Bhartiya delegates held sway over the podium on the penultimate day. They recounted their experiences and those of their ancestors in the adopted lands in a language and tone that moved our hearts. Some listeners broke into tears. The Surinam Indians sang Bhojpuri songs to describe how they rose from rags to riches. Mahashay Uday Narain Gangu of Mauritius narrated how the Arya Samaj there launched a literacy campaign among the Indian labour class to enable them to register as voters for the national elections. Its success brought the Indian community to the corridors of political power. They did not have to look back thereafter and are now politically privileged people, thanks to the Arya Samaj. Girmitiye(contracted labourers under an agreement) to Prime Minister is indeed a success story of the Arya Samaj written in letters of gold.
Pt Ram Lall Ji of America announced with aplomb that the Arya Samaj there will host the next Arya Maha Sammelan in New York City. He drew an applause. The delegates from rural Nepal asked us to wake up to the dangers of a diabolic Islamic design to change the religious character of the world’s only Hindu State. Here is a job cut out for the International Aryan League provided they rise above internal bickerings and faction fights. The less said the better. The New Zealand Aryans too had a success story to tell that was as fascinating as Cindrella's. No wonder the session spilled over to the final day of the samapan samaroh. We loved it.
Chaudhari Bhupinder Singh Hoodda,yes that is the name of the gentleman who is presently Chief Minister of Haryana and,of course, our Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. Both the compere and the world-famous Arya leader,Dr Ram Prakash introduced him to the audience in glowing terms. We were thrilled to learn that Arya Samaj had given his grand father,Chaudhri Mangtu Ram, the proud privilege to wear a janeyu. When the ponga-panthi pundits objected to it, Mangtu Ram Ji , with Aryas’backing, rode roughshod over it saying that he would part with the janeyu only after being beheaded. The audience cheered lustily. The Chief Minister said that he was proud to belong to the Arya Samaj. He also made a grant of Rupees five lacs to the Arya samaj for a social project that might be undertaken. Everyone enjoyed the proceedings except the black cat commandos who were warily looking for lurking terrorists to pump the bullets into their bodies. Fortunately none was around.
The Rashtra Raksha Session on the morning of 28th October was a memorable one. Arya Naresh, who is identified because of his erudition, dress and demeanour walked away with the cake of the session. His scathing attack on the separatist mulla-led Muslims went well with the audience. He exhorted the fellow Indians to beware of the hidden enemy and eliminate him at the earliest opportunity. On being congratulated on his brilliant exposition, he said that our leadership was indeed Napunsak. People around nodded approvingly. Some speakers were lost in the semantics of grammar and the compere had to remind them time and again that they were running out of time.
When called upon to present my paper, I quoted profusely from chapter six of the Satyarth Prakash and said that defence of the nation was a continual task that could not be relegated to weekends. Our Generals made that mistake in Kargil and the Paki enemy intruded into our motherland and remained entrenched for months before we woke up. Thanks to our young officers and Jawans we could win the territory back. The cost in terms of young lives was tremendous. May God grant us wisdom to remain alert and thwart the cunning enemy’s diabolic design. We must always nip the trouble in the bud, I summarised.
Capt Deo Ratna Arya presided over the krinvanto Vishwamaryam session, notwithstanding his physical disability. In fact he attended all the sessions and it was commendable. Shri Satyanand Ji Munjal of the Hero Honda group was the Chief Guest of this session. His presence was indeed inspiring. Dr Mahesh Vidyalankar delivered the keynote address, as good as ever. A number of eminent Aryas from around the world were felicitated for dedicated service to the cause of the Arya Samaj. Shri Ram Nath Sehgal, the ever smiling tall Arya leader and Shri Udaya Narain Gangu Ji were among the ones felicitated. Shri Mohan Lal Ji Mohit and Shri Onkar Nath Ji were felicitated posthumously for the yeoman's service rendered to the Vedic Dharm. A vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Prakash Arya, mantri Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.
Before I sign off for the day it would be appropriate to mention that bhajan singers like Satya Pal pathik, Havan Brahna like Dr Annapoorna and Ved Bharti Ji, Arya Veer Dal swyamsevaks under Swami Devvrat ji and hosts of Arya volunteers under their respective pradhans and mantris were always at their posts carrying out the allotted tasks. Be it the bhojanshala or the toilets or the gates, Arya Veers were alert and on the job. Commendable indeed. There were many who worked day and night for the grand success of the world Jambooree but remained anonymous like the foundation stone of an edifice. Hats off to them.
Last but not the least the role of audience is worth appreciating. They sat patiently and listened to all that was spoken, ungrudgingly. The peals of peanuts present all around in the junta segment of the spacious pandal bore a witness to what they underwent. Moral of the story is : Let there be music between spoken words of speakers. Let the number of lecturers be limited to fit into the time frame so that the compere is spared the verbal torture of repeating "just two minutes for you,sir. Gagar mein sagar bhar deejiye or words to that effect should be few and far between. Of course, shanka samadhan session was a roaring success. The new, young and vibrant sanyasi, Swami Vivekanand Ji of Rojad,Gujarat handled it with aplomb The number of doubting Thomases was definitely reduced if not eliminated. More of such sessions would be welcome in halls meant for serious chats of this nature.
Never a dull moment from morning till evening, nay night. The International Arya Maha Sammelan commenced on 26 October and finale was done on 29 October 2006. The period of four days passed into history before one could say Jack Robinson. Indeed young Aryas made history that would be written in letters of gold by the posterity. Our children’s children will read it and feel proud of it.
The yoga and Pranayam sessions were very popular, thanks to the awakening and health consciousness created by Swami Ram Dev Ji. The Arya Nagar was always bustling with some activity or the other – all meaningful and gainful. The bouquets go to Brahmachari Raj Singh Ji and his dedicated team of young Aryas who have proved to the world that the Arya Samaj is alive, vibrant and ever on the move. May Param Pita parmatma lead the Arya Samaj on the path of progress ever and ever.
AUM SHANTIH SHANTIH SHANTIH.
UPVAN, 609 Sector 29, NOIDA – 201303 INDIA 0091-9811173590.

AUM
An Eyewitness Account:
VEDIC CONFLUENCE ENTHRALLED ALL
By Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant,VSM

Aryas came, Aryas saw and Aryas conquered. They came from all over the world, both old and new. Over 40,000 men, women and children from as many as 21 countries assembled in the Arya Nagar, Rohini, Delhi from 26 to 29 October 2006 for the International Arya Confluence. The aim was: Introspection, Interaction, Spiritual Resuscitation and Rededication to carry the mission of Maharishi Dayanand forward to eradicate Avidya and inculcate Vidya. It was resolved to spread the message of the VEDAS to every nook and corner of the world to enlighten all human beings.
The international meet began with a bang. Swami Ramdev Ji, an Arya sanyasi of world fame, who is known as the yoga guru, came to inaugurate the deliberations on the first day in the first session. He stayed on till the afternoon to preside over and deliver the keynote address at the Ved sammelan. He remained in focus of the media, both print and electronic, all along. The eyes of common man remained glued to him for the entire duration. As per estimate of the sponsors the crowd swelled as the Swami spoke and paid tribute to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. The yoga guru said that but for the Maharishi he would have still been harvesting bajra (a coarse grain eaten by the rural poor) It was the enlightenment and unfolding of the Vedic knowledge that men and women from the so called backward areas risen high. Everyone wanted to hear him and when he spoke in glowing terms about the Vedic knowledge made available to all and sundry, exhilaration was experienced by one and all. No one was disappointed. The Vedic thought was discernible all along. He reiterated the sixth principle of the Arya Samaj in his simple but forceful message. The physical, the spiritual and the social wellbeing of the entire Mankind is the main mission of us all, Swami Ramdev said. His session came to a close with a bang, not a whimper, when he took leave of the congregation to carry on the mission elsewhere.
Dr Naveen Ramgoolam, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Mauritius had very kindly consented to preside over the opening session. However, pressing matters of state did not let him leave the island state for the land of his ancestors. He made it a point to send a special message befitting the occasion. His Excellency Mr Mookhesswur Choonee, the High Commissioner of Mauritius in India , accompanied by his lady wife, was gracious enough to come to the Sammelan and deliver the message of the Prime Ministetr in person. He spoke in Hindi about his own views on the Vedic Dharm which was applauded by the large audience. Likewise Smt Sheela Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, who could not make it in person, was represented by Dr Yoganand Shastri, Minister of Health in the Delhi government. Of course, as a product of the Arya Samaj, he came to speak in his own right. It was all about the Arya Samaj without the slightest reference to the political scene here there or anywhere.
With a view to putting the record straight, allow me to mention that some spectators of the dissident camp who took the trouble of counting chairs placed in the pandal estimate that not more than 15,000 men and women were present for the address of the yoga guru. Many of them melted away thereafter. Vrindavan and Agra attracted them more. As an eyewitness I am in no position to confirm or deny this assertion. Indeed many stalwarts of the Arya world were conspicuous by their absence from the international conclave for reasons best known to them and the office bearers of the many-fangled Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabhas. The common man wished that the hydra-headed monster of factionalism was put on the pyre. However, if wishes were horses beggars would ride them. Period.
Let us go back to the first morning and participate in the Congregational Havan in a specially built Yajna shala. It was so ethnic in design and construction that the faithfuls wanted it to be retained there for ever. Of course, that was not to be. A temporary but pretty structure wont be able to withstand the fury of Nature for long in an open area of the Swarna Jayanti Park and had to be shifted elsewhere on conclusion of the international meet. Its cost of two and a half lakh rupees came in donation after a persuasive appeal made by Brahmchari Raj Singh, pradhan of the Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha. The donor was none else but his own brother. Charity begins at home in a philanthropic way. Commendable indeed. All the Yajmans contributed generously to meet the ever growing budget that may exceed a crore and a half rupees as per a conservative estimate.. Among the celebrity yajmans and liberal donors was Shri Sahib Singh Verma, former Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent BJP leader. This healthy trend of announcing handsome donations continued till the end.
AUM DHWAJ, the flag of Param Pita Parmatma was hoisted at 10 AM just outside the main venue of the Maha Sammelan by Acharya Baldev Ji, a guru of Swami Ramdev Ji. I was called upon to deliver a short discourse on the importance of a flag in a revolution or a battle and how it is a rallying point in adverse circumstances. The honour was given to me because of my military background.
A large number of people from foreign countries were present at the inaugural session. Most of them stayed on for the four-day conclave. Perhaps sightseeing was the lesser attraction for them. Mauritius and Nepal fielded the largest contingents, 350 and 250 persons respectively. Shri Uday Narain Gangu, leader of the Mauritius delegation, was always in the limelight. He presided over the convention of the foreign delegates too. The delegation of Aryas from Pakistan was in focus most of the time as we all wanted to know the problems that they faced in practising the faith of their forefathers. They were rather reticent on this issue and kept a smiling face all along. The Armenians and the white European from the Czech Republic vowed to establish Arya Samaj in their countries. Time alone will tell of their success or failure. Of course, the Czech gentleman has changed his name from Karen Astrigen to Kamlanand and is making rounds of the Vedic scholars to learn all about the sixteen Sanskaras. Let us wish him the best of luck in his mission. A black delegate from Kenya was in prominence too but I could not meet him to know of his plans of joining the Vedic dharm.
While dwelling on our foreign Arya friends I shall mention of the lone delegate from the UK – Shri Gopal Chandra, our bhrata ji. The octogenarian veteran Arya Samajist from Birmingham is a pillar of strength to the Vedic missionaries who need succor in the UK. His residence is an open house for Aryas visiting England to preach the Vedic dharm. A question arises : when and where will the next Arya Vishwa Sammelan be held? Pundit Ram Lall Ji of the United States of America has volunteered to host it in New York next year. A septuagenarian affable and smiling person that he is, he is bound to succeed in his sankalp. Ram Lall Ji is an outward-bound person and is the first one to extend his hand of friendship for a good shake. That is how he and I met while shopping for Vedic literature and he unfolded his plans warning us to be aware of those shady fellows who sell the name of Dayanand for personal petty gains in foreign lands. After America, the world Aryas are scheduled to meet in Mauritius in 2008 to carry forward the mission of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. We wish Gangu Ji and his team of devoted Aryas Godspeed and a roaring success.
The Arya Shiksha Sammelan was the finale of the first day. After the Havan and Sandhya in the twilight period, we all assembled in the main pandal to hear a galaxy of educationists headed by Dr Ashok Chauhan Ji, an Arya Samajist to the core. Of course, Smt Meera Kumar Ji, slated for this session, had made a debut in the afternoon and made an open breast of her thought process. Coming of a dalit family, she acknowledged that it was the Arya Samaj that taught her grand parents and parents to recite the Ved mantras and live with dignity. The torch of Vedic knowledge must be passed on, she said.
Dr Ashok Chauhan is an eminent educationist in his own right. He has not only started the Amity group of secondary schools but also has the proud privilege of founding an Amity University. The Amity University is gradually gaining eminence as an institution that nurtures talent. What is of great relevance to us in the present context is that he was accompanied by many generations of his family who pledged to work for the Arya samaj relentlessly and spread the good word of the Vedas. He went round the Arya Nagar shivir and was impressed with the arrangements. Indeed it was a morale booster for Brhamachari Raj Singh and his devoted team of Aryas who had worked for months to make the Maha Sammelan a grand success.
Allow me to bow out for now. I promise to return soon with the rest of the story.
AUM SHANTIH SHANTIH SHANTIH.
Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
UPVAN
609 (SU) Sector-29
Arun Vihar,
NOIDA-201303. INDIA
Tel: +91 120 2454622 Mobile : 9811173590.
Fax: +91 120 2454511
Email: upvanom@yahoo.com

AUM
An Eyewitness Account:
VEDIC CONFLUENCE ENTHRALLED ALL
By Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant,VSM
Aryas came, Aryas saw and Aryas conquered. They came from all over the world, both old and new. Over 40,000 men, women and children from as many as 21 countries assembled in the Arya Nagar, Rohini, Delhi from 26 to 29 October 2006 for the International Arya Confluence. The aim was: Introspection, Interaction, Spiritual Resuscitation and Rededication to carry the mission of Maharishi Dayanand forward to eradicate Avidya and inculcate Vidya. It was resolved to spread the message of the VEDAS to every nook and corner of the world to enlighten all human beings.
The international meet began with a bang. Swami Ramdev Ji, an Arya sanyasi of world fame, who is known as the yoga guru, came to inaugurate the deliberations on the first day in the first session. He stayed on till the afternoon to preside over and deliver the keynote address at the Ved sammelan. He remained in focus of the media, both print and electronic, all along. The eyes of common man remained glued to him for the entire duration. As per estimate of the sponsors the crowd swelled as the Swami spoke and paid tribute to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. The yoga guru said that but for the Maharishi he would have still been harvesting bajra (a coarse grain eaten by the rural poor) It was the enlightenment and unfolding of the Vedic knowledge that men and women from the so called backward areas risen high. Everyone wanted to hear him and when he spoke in glowing terms about the Vedic knowledge made available to all and sundry, exhilaration was experienced by one and all. No one was disappointed. The Vedic thought was discernible all along. He reiterated the sixth principle of the Arya Samaj in his simple but forceful message. The physical, the spiritual and the social wellbeing of the entire Mankind is the main mission of us all, Swami Ramdev said. His session came to a close with a bang, not a whimper, when he took leave of the congregation to carry on the mission elsewhere.
With a view to putting the record straight, allow me to mention that some spectators of the dissident camp who took the trouble of counting chairs placed in the pandal estimate that not more than 15,000 men and women were present for the address of the yoga guru. Many of them melted away thereafter. Vrindavan and Agra attracted them more. As an eyewitness I am in no position to confirm or deny this assertion. Indeed many stalwarts of the Arya world were conspicuous by their absence from the international conclave for reasons best known to them and the office bearers of the many-fangled Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabhas. The common man wished that the hydra-headed monster of factionalism was put on the pyre. However, if wishes were horses beggars would ride them. Period.
Let us go back to the first morning and participate in the Congregational Havan in a specially built Yajna shala. It was so ethnic in design and construction that the faithfuls wanted it to be retained there for ever. Of course, that was not to be. A temporary but pretty structure wont be able to withstand the fury of Nature for long in an open area of the Swarna Jayanti Park and had to be shifted elsewhere on conclusion of the international meet. Its cost of two and a half lakh rupees came in donation after a persuasive appeal made by Brahmchari Raj Singh, pradhan of the Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha. The donor was none else but his own brother. Charity begins at home in a philanthropic way. Commendable indeed. All the Yajmans contributed generously to meet the ever growing budget that may exceed a crore and a half rupees as per a conservative estimate.. Among the celebrity yajmans and liberal donors was Shri Sahib Singh Verma, former Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent BJP leader. This healthy trend of announcing handsome donations continued till the end.
AUM DHWAJ, the flag of Param Pita Parmatma was hoisted at 10 AM just outside the main venue of the Maha Sammelan by Acharya Baldev Ji, a guru of Swami Ramdev Ji. I was called upon to deliver a short discourse on the importance of a flag in a revolution or a battle and how it is a rallying point in adverse circumstances. The honour was given to me because of my military background.
A large number of people from foreign countries were present at the inaugural session. Most of them stayed on for the four-day conclave. Perhaps sightseeing was the lesser attraction for them. Mauritius and Nepal fielded the largest contingents, 350 and 250 persons respectively. Shri Uday Narain Gangu, leader of the Mauritius delegation, was always in the limelight. He presided over the convention of the foreign delegates too. The delegation of Aryas from Pakistan was in focus most of the time as we all wanted to know the problems that they faced in practising the faith of their forefathers. They were rather reticent on this issue and kept a smiling face all along. The Armenians and the white European from the Czech Republic vowed to establish Arya Samaj in their countries. Time alone will tell of their success or failure. Of course, the Czech gentleman has changed his name from Karen Astrigen to Kamlanand and is making rounds of the Vedic scholars to learn all about the sixteen Sanskaras. Let us wish him the best of luck in his mission. A black delegate from Kenya was in prominence too but I could not meet him to know of his plans of joining the Vedic dharm.
While dwelling on our foreign Arya friends I shall mention of the lone delegate from the UK – Shri Gopal Chandra, our bhrata ji. The octogenarian veteran Arya Samajist from Birmingham is a pillar of strength to the Vedic missionaries who need succor in the UK. His residence is an open house for Aryas visiting England to preach the Vedic dharm. A question arises : when and where will the next Arya Vishwa Sammelan be held? Pundit Ram Lall Ji of the United States of America has volunteered to host it in New York next year. A septuagenarian affable and smiling person that he is, he is bound to succeed in his sankalp. Ram Lall Ji is an outward-bound person and is the first one to extend his hand of friendship for a good shake. That is how he and I met while shopping for Vedic literature and he unfolded his plans warning us to be aware of those shady fellows who sell the name of Dayanand for personal petty gains in foreign lands. After America, the world Aryas are scheduled to meet in Mauritius in 2008 to carry forward the mission of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. We wish Gangu Ji and his team of devoted Aryas Godspeed and a roaring success.
The Arya Shiksha Sammelan was the finale of the first day. After the Havan and Sandhya in the twilight period, we all assembled in the main pandal to hear a galaxy of educationists headed by Dr Ashok Chauhan Ji, an Arya Samajist to the core. Of course, Smt Meera Kumar Ji, slated for this session, had made a debut in the afternoon and made an open breast of her thought process. Coming of a dalit family, she acknowledged that it was the Arya Samaj that taught her grand parents and parents to recite the Ved mantras and live with dignity. The torch of Vedic knowledge must be passed on, she said.
Dr Ashok Chauhan is an eminent educationist in his own right. He has not only started the Amity group of secondary schools but also has the proud privilege of founding an Amity University. The Amity University is gradually gaining eminence as an institution that nurtures talent. What is of great relevance to us in the present context is that he was accompanied by many generations of his family who pledged to work for the Arya samaj relentlessly and spread the good word of the Vedas. He went round the Arya Nagar shivir and was impressed with the arrangements. Indeed it was a morale booster for Brhamachari Raj Singh and his devoted team of Aryas who had worked for months to make the Maha Sammelan a grand success.
Allow me to bow out for now. I promise to return soon with the rest of the story.
AUM SHANTIH SHANTIH SHANTIH.
Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
UPVAN
609 (SU) Sector-29
Arun Vihar,
NOIDA-201303. INDIA
Tel: +91 120 2454622
Fax: +91 120 2454511
Email: upvanom@yahoo.com

AUM
An Eyewitness Account:
VEDIC CONFLUENCE ENTHRALLED ALL
By Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant,VSM
Aryas came, Aryas saw and Aryas conquered. They came from all over the world, both old and new. Over 40,000 men, women and children from as many as 21 countries assembled in the Arya Nagar, Rohini, Delhi from 26 to 29 October 2006 for the International Arya Confluence. The aim was: Introspection, Interaction, Spiritual Resuscitation and Rededication to carry the mission of Maharishi Dayanand forward to eradicate Avidya and inculcate Vidya. It was resolved to spread the message of the VEDAS to every nook and corner of the world to enlighten all human beings.
The international meet began with a bang. Swami Ramdev Ji, an Arya sanyasi of world fame, who is known as the yoga guru, came to inaugurate the deliberations on the first day in the first session. He stayed on till the afternoon to preside over and deliver the keynote address at the Ved sammelan. He remained in focus of the media, both print and electronic, all along. The eyes of common man remained glued to him for the entire duration. As per estimate of the sponsors the crowd swelled as the Swami spoke and paid tribute to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. The yoga guru said that but for the Maharishi he would have still been harvesting bajra (a coarse grain eaten by the rural poor) It was the enlightenment and unfolding of the Vedic knowledge that men and women from the so called backward areas risen high. Everyone wanted to hear him and when he spoke in glowing terms about the Vedic knowledge made available to all and sundry, exhilaration was experienced by one and all. No one was disappointed. The Vedic thought was discernible all along. He reiterated the sixth principle of the Arya Samaj in his simple but forceful message. The physical, the spiritual and the social wellbeing of the entire Mankind is the main mission of us all, Swami Ramdev said. His session came to a close with a bang, not a whimper, when he took leave of the congregation to carry on the mission elsewhere.
With a view to putting the record straight, allow me to mention that some spectators of the dissident camp who took the trouble of counting chairs placed in the pandal estimate that not more than 15,000 men and women were present for the address of the yoga guru. Many of them melted away thereafter. Vrindavan and Agra attracted them more. As an eyewitness I am in no position to confirm or deny this assertion. Indeed many stalwarts of the Arya world were conspicuous by their absence from the international conclave for reasons best known to them and the office bearers of the many-fangled Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabhas. The common man wished that the hydra-headed monster of factionalism was put on the pyre. However, if wishes were horses beggars would ride them. Period.
Let us go back to the first morning and participate in the Congregational Havan in a specially built Yajna shala. It was so ethnic in design and construction that the faithfuls wanted it to be retained there for ever. Of course, that was not to be. A temporary but pretty structure wont be able to withstand the fury of Nature for long in an open area of the Swarna Jayanti Park and had to be shifted elsewhere on conclusion of the international meet. Its cost of two and a half lakh rupees came in donation after a persuasive appeal made by Brahmchari Raj Singh, pradhan of the Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha. The donor was none else but his own brother. Charity begins at home in a philanthropic way. Commendable indeed. All the Yajmans contributed generously to meet the ever growing budget that may exceed a crore and a half rupees as per a conservative estimate.. Among the celebrity yajmans and liberal donors was Shri Sahib Singh Verma, former Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent BJP leader. This healthy trend of announcing handsome donations continued till the end.
AUM DHWAJ, the flag of Param Pita Parmatma was hoisted at 10 AM just outside the main venue of the Maha Sammelan by Acharya Baldev Ji, a guru of Swami Ramdev Ji. I was called upon to deliver a short discourse on the importance of a flag in a revolution or a battle and how it is a rallying point in adverse circumstances. The honour was given to me because of my military background.
A large number of people from foreign countries were present at the inaugural session. Most of them stayed on for the four-day conclave. Perhaps sightseeing was the lesser attraction for them. Mauritius and Nepal fielded the largest contingents, 350 and 250 persons respectively. Shri Uday Narain Gangu, leader of the Mauritius delegation, was always in the limelight. He presided over the convention of the foreign delegates too. The delegation of Aryas from Pakistan was in focus most of the time as we all wanted to know the problems that they faced in practising the faith of their forefathers. They were rather reticent on this issue and kept a smiling face all along. The Armenians and the white European from the Czech Republic vowed to establish Arya Samaj in their countries. Time alone will tell of their success or failure. Of course, the Czech gentleman has changed his name from Karen Astrigen to Kamlanand and is making rounds of the Vedic scholars to learn all about the sixteen Sanskaras. Let us wish him the best of luck in his mission. A black delegate from Kenya was in prominence too but I could not meet him to know of his plans of joining the Vedic dharm.
While dwelling on our foreign Arya friends I shall mention of the lone delegate from the UK – Shri Gopal Chandra, our bhrata ji. The octogenarian veteran Arya Samajist from Birmingham is a pillar of strength to the Vedic missionaries who need succor in the UK. His residence is an open house for Aryas visiting England to preach the Vedic dharm. A question arises : when and where will the next Arya Vishwa Sammelan be held? Pundit Ram Lall Ji of the United States of America has volunteered to host it in New York next year. A septuagenarian affable and smiling person that he is, he is bound to succeed in his sankalp. Ram Lall Ji is an outward-bound person and is the first one to extend his hand of friendship for a good shake. That is how he and I met while shopping for Vedic literature and he unfolded his plans warning us to be aware of those shady fellows who sell the name of Dayanand for personal petty gains in foreign lands. After America, the world Aryas are scheduled to meet in Mauritius in 2008 to carry forward the mission of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. We wish Gangu Ji and his team of devoted Aryas Godspeed and a roaring success.
The Arya Shiksha Sammelan was the finale of the first day. After the Havan and Sandhya in the twilight period, we all assembled in the main pandal to hear a galaxy of educationists headed by Dr Ashok Chauhan Ji, an Arya Samajist to the core. Of course, Smt Meera Kumar Ji, slated for this session, had made a debut in the afternoon and made an open breast of her thought process. Coming of a dalit family, she acknowledged that it was the Arya Samaj that taught her grand parents and parents to recite the Ved mantras and live with dignity. The torch of Vedic knowledge must be passed on, she said.
Dr Ashok Chauhan is an eminent educationist in his own right. He has not only started the Amity group of secondary schools but also has the proud privilege of founding an Amity University. The Amity University is gradually gaining eminence as an institution that nurtures talent. What is of great relevance to us in the present context is that he was accompanied by many generations of his family who pledged to work for the Arya samaj relentlessly and spread the good word of the Vedas. He went round the Arya Nagar shivir and was impressed with the arrangements. Indeed it was a morale booster for Brhamachari Raj Singh and his devoted team of Aryas who had worked for months to make the Maha Sammelan a grand success.
Allow me to bow out for now. I promise to return soon with the rest of the story.
AUM SHANTIH SHANTIH SHANTIH.
Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
UPVAN
609 (SU) Sector-29
Arun Vihar,
NOIDA-201303. INDIA
Tel: +91 120 2454622
Fax: +91 120 2454511
Email: upvanom@yahoo.com

AUM

VEDIC PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
By Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
The shortest road to the goal where one does not tread on the toes of others and does not go against ones own conscience may be the right path. A thinking individual always makes an endeavour to set a goal for himself as well as for the society and then proceeds to achieve that goal. Every man needs a role model to inspire him, to guide him and not to allow him to feel depressed when things don’t work out the way he or she wanted it to. The role model helps us to remain on course, not deviate and keep on striving to achieve the goal. Individuals with a high rate of success are called high achievers and they become role models to fellow individuals, socially, nationally and maybe internationally. In our case, Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram and Yogeshwar Krishna have been our role models for many a millennium. They continue to be so even now.
The Rigveda enjoins on human beings to follow the path of righteousness while doing the laid down duty, without going off course by following the glorious examples of the Sun and the Moon. Both the celestial bodies are of immense benefit to the entire universe and have never faltered in discharging their duties. The 15th mantra of the 51st Sukta of the fifth mandala of the Rigveda is quoted below:
Swasti pantha manucharem surya chandra masaviv.
Punardadata aghnata janata sangmemahi.
`May we human beings walk on the path of righteousness following the glorious examples set by the Sun and the Moon. In order to have strength to follow the right path, may we keep company with those who peacefully give and take, exchange views, follow the path of ahimsa (not knowingly or deliberately hurting other living beings). And, of course, be with the knowledgeable ones who endeavour to understand one and another’s point of view.’
This Ved Mantra encourages all human beings to give away a part of their income in charity. Danam or donations must always be given to deserving individuals and institutions. Some individuals, in their enthusiasm to donate a part of their income in order to reap a better harvest in life after death give alms to whosoever asks for it. The anti-social elements kidnap, maim children and put them on the street as beggars to arouse sympathy and collect the alms money. Thus the quality of charity degenerates into acts and omissions of crime. One has to take care and not increase the number of disabled children by ones misplaced sympathy. Encouraging deserving and bright children to pursue higher studies will be beneficial to the society in general. Here Danam must be encouraged to bear fruitful results.
The Vedic ahimsa cautions man against hurting the sentiments of others or unnecessarily causing body harm. However, the Vedas have emphasized more than once that the Dharma has to be upheld and adharma must be vanquished by using force, if necessary. In these circumstances ``Himsa, Himsa Na Bhavati,’’ that is use of force to uphold righteousness is not termed as violence.
It needs no underscoring that the company of saints and wise men who encourage free flow of ideas, nurture a spirit of intellectual liberalism is an asset to an individual or a group. One should not excessively rely on ones innate goodness and feel his intrinsic good nature will keep harm at arm’s length even if he is in the company of the fallen people. A man is known by the company he keeps and, therefore, the Ved Mantra buttresses the dictum: keep company of the good.
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Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
609 (SU), Sector-29
NOIDA-201 303 INDIA
Telefax 0091-120-2454511
Phone 0091-120-2454622 Mobile : 9811173590
e-mail: vedicupvan@hotmail.com

AUM
REMEMBERING KARGIL

By Brig Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
The Kargil victory was indeed a glorious one. The defeat of the enemy was complete. The enemy had made heavy inroads into our territory – 160 km long and 10 km deep in the Kargil area. The intrusion had been going on undetected and absolutely unnoticed for a considerable period of time during the winters of end 1998 and beginning 1999. Our intelligence outfits will never be able to wash this stigma from their fair name. The Pakistan army had deployed its regular officers and soldiers in the garb of mujahideen and had even moved big artillery pieces like 105 mm field guns deep into Indian territory. Their helicopters had flown in supplies day in and day out and yet our men in uniform, both regular and para-military did not have the slightest idea of what was going on. It is understood that our spy planes flying over the area had detected some Paki choppers parked in our territory but their reports were not taken seriously by the then decision makers in the Indian army Shocking indeed!
We as a nation have reasons to be proud of our young officers and jawans who, when deployed against the well-entrenched enemy, did not blink and moved forward to dislodge the enemy. Many Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. Those who survived were not deterred but kept on fighting till the enemy turned his tail. Indeed it was the whole Indian nation that had fought the war in Kargil. A schoolgirl in Maharashtra and a schoolboy in Tamil Nadu, not forgetting the farmers of Punjab and Rajasthan rose as a nation to express solidarity with the jawans waging war on the Kargil front. Students wrote emotionally moving letters, housewives knitted sweaters and gloves which reached the fighting Indian soldiers in their bunkers and `sangars.’ The morale of the fighting man went sky high. The soldiers knew that they had the backing of the entire Indian nation and their families would be looked after in case they made the supreme sacrifice. The Indian nation had never closed ranks like this before. Kargil was on everybody’s mind and our fighting men deserved all praise that they got. Victory was ours.
WHY WAR IN KARGIL
Pakistan wanted to grab Kargil as it had grabbed the high features around the town in 1947-48 immediately after independence. In fact Gilgit, Chitral, Skardu and Nubra that had all belonged to the Maharaja of Kashmir were almost handed over on a silver platter by the departing British officers to Pakistan who instigated a revolt among the Muslim troops of the Maharaja’s army in those areas. Pakistan wanted to grab the areas liberated by Indian troops in 1948-49 again.
More over the National Highway from Srinagar to Leh, which is the lifeline for Siachen glacier too runs through Kargil. Pakistan nursed a dream of cutting the lifeline of the Indian army midway in Kargil. Had this succeeded, the Indian officers in Siachen and Ladakh would have been bereft of rations, ammunition, supplies and support from the rest of the country. The result would have been disastrous. It was a valour and wisdom of Indian army officers and men that saved the situation in the nick of the time.
In 1984 India occupied the Siachen glacier for good. Pakistan could not stomach this. Notwithstanding their repeated counter attacks, they could not make a dent into the Indian defences. This was an additional insult to the injury they were nursing after the loss of east-Pakistan in a decisive action by the Indian army. Therefore Pakistan wanted to grab not only Siachen but as much of Indian territory as possible by hook or crook. The present president of Pakistan and then army chief, General Pervez Musharraf was the wily brain behind the failed plan to grab Kargil and Siachen. He had launched `Operation Badr’ in Kargil, Dras and Batalik which ended in a fiasco. In fact a former prime minister of Pakistan had also denounced this misadventure.
It was in May 1999 that a small patrol of one officer and six jawans of a Jat battalion that had gone to ascertain the enemy intrusion went missing. In fact two Buddhist shepherds Tashi Namgyal and Tsering Morup were the first ones to inform the Indian army that tall bearded foreigners in black salwar shirts and white snow jackets were noticed on peaks in the Batalik sector. But for their alert Pakistan army troops would have advanced deeper into Indian territory. Initially the military top brass dismissed these intrusions as `minor ones’ and their military appreciation of the situation was indeed far off the mark. The then Indian army chief General Ved Prakash Malik not appreciating gravity of the situation went on a 10-day official tour of Europe. The Army commander of northern command went to Pune while the massive intrusion was going on. Anyway wisdom dawned soon and the Indian leadership launched operation Vijay on May 26, 1999 to restore Indian authority to the line of control in the entire area.
TABLES ARE TURNED
The Indian army moved infantry and artillery to the high hills and valleys in large numbers. The infantry soldiers were ordered to climb the peaks and drive the enemy away. However, Pakistani troops were well entrenched, well armed and well prepared. From their tactically located bunkers and sangars they brought down heavy machine gun fire on the climbing Indian soldiers. Many climbers fell but others came forward to take their place. The saga of chivalry was written and rewritten on the peaks of Kargil when the Indian jawans moved forward in the midst of hail of enemy fire, dislodged them and reoccupied the Indian territory. In many a gallant assault the Indian artillery, especially the 155 mm Bofors howitzers played a very important role in obliterating the strong defences of the enemy. In some cases the infantry advance would not have been possible but for the heavy artillery support which was given in good measure.
Tololing. The name rings a bell in every ear keenly tuned to Kargil. The first taste of victory for the army after more than a fortnight of setbacks. Pakistan army had occupied this peak overlooking Drass town and the national highway. After the initial failures of infantry assaults, the army reorganized its attack plan. By the second week of June additional guns and resources had arrived in the battle zone. On the night of June 12 as many as 120 guns including the 155 mm Bofors howitzer, multi barrel rocket launcher, 130 mm and 105 mm guns boomed together targeting a single mountain top. After four hours of intense artillery pounding, the infantry launched an assault occupying the peak at dawn. The army’s morale sky rocketed.
One after the other peaks fell but the enemy remained well entrenched in the crucial Tiger Hill. More than a month into the operations the army found reoccupying Tiger Hill an uphill task. As army advanced steadily towards the LoC in Batalik and Mushkoh valley, all resources were re-aligned and focused on Tiger Hill. And on the night of July 3, the artillery and infantry launched the operation to recapture Tiger Hill. The Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters had been pounding the peak for over three days. However, the enemy was very well entrenched. As infantrymen climbed the peaks, the enemy brought down heavy fire. The Indian infantry soldiers called for artillery back up. ``We don’t mind if we die from our own shells, at least the enemy will die too,’’ was the refrain as artillery initially hesitated bringing down fire on `own troops.’
In the little gap as the enemy ducked for cover during artillery shelling, the Indian infantry advanced. It was a supreme test of will power of mind over man. After a six-hour-long excruciating climb to launch an offensive on a determined enemy is no mean task. However, the Indian army succeeded in doing just that. On the morning of July 4, Tiger Hill was captured in a brilliant military operation. However, the enemy immediately launched a determined counter-attack. The victory was hard fought and retained by the Indian army jawans.
The operations lasted till July 26 when the LoC was restored. But skirmishes continued till well into October. The Indian army suffered over 500 fatal casualties including the death of 25 officers. The Pakistan army lost over 700 men including 45 officers.
The Kargil war which had begun well for Pakistan ended in a total disaster for them. The Indian honour was upheld and the superiority of Indian arms over enemy arms was established once again. The entire world recognized that the Indians had fought for a cause and had rightly won. The world opinion was with the Indian people and Pakistan was absolutely isolated. The need of the hour is for Indians to remain vigilant always and every time.

Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
609 (SU) Sector-29
NOIDA-201 303, India
Telefax: 0091-120-2454511 Mobile : 9811173590.
Phone: 00 91-120-2454622
Email : upvanom@yahoo.com

AUM


MAHARSHI DAYANAND ON NATIONAL DEFENCE
By Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM

Maharshi Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who brought in a religious renaissance in the 19th century India, in his principal work Satyarth Prakash (Light of Truth) has dwelt at length on the question of national defence in the sixth chapter. The sixth chapter is basically about good governance and, of course, national defence is an integral part of good governance. The bottom line of the Maharshi’s writings on defence is: National defence is a national affair which should be attended to on a day to day basis. In other words the defence officials as well as strategists have to evolve a standard operating procedure by which the threat perception is fool proof and indeed comes in motion suo motu well before the threat develops to a menacing degree.
A student of Indian military history is well aware of the fact that right from the medieval period to the post independence period the enemy has by and large caught us napping. Our intelligence agencies rarely lived up to their mandate and the national security councils, if and when they were functional, failed to appreciate the developing threat. Consequently the enemy always had gained the upper hand and brought us to battle on grounds of his own choosing. Therefore, the results were disastrous. The obvious results need not be overemphasized as they might cause morale of common man to sag.
Deriving profusely from the Manusmriti and quoting its original slokas in Sanskrit, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati brings out a very important factor in national defence and it is strength of the common man. As a matter of fact, both in Europe and Asia, not touching the new world at all, the general emphasis of the royalty or the oligarchy was placed on strengthening the armed forces and their arsenals. The common man was by and large a neglected lot. With the result many a time the fate of many a kingdom was decided by the outcome of a single battle where the king lost his head and eventually his kingdom. Common citizens were least concerned about the outcome of these battles and continued with their normal occupation. No doubt they themselves were the worst sufferers because of this acute apathy to outcome of battle. Nonetheless, no one paid attention to this factor before the advent of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati.
The Maharshi wrote in his epoch making book, Satyarth Prakash or Light of the Truth, ``If the citizens of a state are weak, their weakness in turn weakens the rulers, the state itself and eventually causes the entire society to perish.’’ History bears witness to this. Dayanand Saraswati was a sanyasi and as a sanyasi had received little training in defence matters. Yet he paid attention to this aspect of statecraft and drew from his deep meditations to contribute his original thought to the concept of defence and proper threat perception at the proper time. The Maharshi also emphasized a crucial aspect of training of defence planners by saying that they must develop equanimity of mind under all circumstances. A complete absence of anger under stress is absolutely essential for making decisions which affect the future of the nation. Decisions taken in haste or in anger bring the decision maker and his followers to a ruin. An example is made out of a lion who rushes into a hail of bullets in anger and thus brings his life to an end. On the other hand a sagacious commander of men and women appreciates the situation in a cool and calculated manner.If the enemy is overwhelmingly superior, wisdom lies in withdrawing from the place of action until the time is ripe to annihilate the enemy forces.
Chhatrapati Shivaji, who founded the Hindavi Swaraj and built it up from the scratch, had mastered the art of perceiving the threat and dealing with the enemy from a position of strength. Apparently he had drawn heavily from the wisdom of Manusmriti in this aspect. With a view to gaining the advantage of defence in depth he sowed the seeds of Maratha empire both on the west coast and the east coast of peninsular India. His sons Sambhaji and Rajaram reaped the harvest at a later date when pressed hard by the Mughal emperor of Delhi. Not confronting the enemy when we are weak has been given due display by Swami Dayanand too. He says that when the circumstances are adverse, we should resort to a `tactical retreat’ and disappear from the scene of confrontation with the speed of a hare or a Sasa (that is the word used by the Maharishi).
On gaining sufficient strength a counter attack may be mounted with the prowess and speed of a tiger. The Swami emphasizes the element of thorough preparation well in advance before giving a battle to the enemy. The strategists should strive day after day to build up the defence machinery and the logistics required for it. By quoting the example of the tiger he has taken into account even the occasional failures in achieving the aim. Wildlife observers say that on an average a tiger makes attempts to catch his prey as many as 18 times before making a kill. The underlying idea is to make ceaseless effort. The Sanskrit couplet in this context goes thus:
Udyamen hi sidhyanti karyani, na manorathaih
Na hi suptasya sinhasya pravishanti mukhe mrigah.
It is only through ceaseless efforts that one is able to achieve one’s aim and the aim is never achieved by wishful thinking. The perfect example is that of a tiger who never gets his feed while lazying in his den but has to make a kill.
Dharm or a conduct of righteousness in battle and out of battle has been dwelt at length by the Maharshi in his book referred to before. He says: ``Remember your dharm all the time and never fight shy of joining the battle against your enemy. Make use of your intellect in battle in order to achieve victory in the shortest possible time.’’ Dwelling on the same point and drawing once again from the Manusmriti the Swami advises soldiers to have strength of character. Character will hold a soldier in good stead in battle under adverse circumstances. The edifice of determination is built on the foundation of character and it is the dharm which cements your resolve to win. Therefore, fight for your cause with all your heart and never let your resolve to win be weakened. Be a Braveheart always and everytime.
Among many traits of a soldier of good character is a resolve not to go in for loot (plunder) of men and material belonging to the beaten enemy. The Maharshi specifically mentions that the women and children of the defeated enemy should be taken care of and never viewed with a lustrous eye. Perhaps he was dwelling on psychology in war. When the beaten enemy finds its women have been ravished and cultural wealth is being plundered, he resolves to give a last ditch battle again, instead of surrendering. Naturally it results in more bloodshed in a prolonged war. Good grace avoids unnecessary bloodshed. Moreover soldiers who have an eye for women are susceptible to be caught in a trap laid by the enemies’ intelligence department. There are examples galore how many a brilliant officer had his career cut short because he fell for the beauty in a beastly manner. The Satyarth Prakash advises caution on the part of individuals and vigilance on the part of higher echelons of command.
It is a pleasant surprise that the Rishivar in his monumental work, RIGVEDADI BHASHYA BHUMIKA has paid due attention to defence matters.It is well known to straegists of eminence as well as a greenhorn going into battle that Speed is of essence in achieving a victory. Swami Dayanand Saraswati has underlined this major point in the chapter on the construction and utilization of ships and aircraft in war. These means of transport in the air, on ground and at sea will lend speed to operations. The Rishi has added a new dimension to it, SPACE or antariksha. This dimension was unknown to captains of war even in Europe. Dayanand Saraswati takes no credit for it when he says that he is only narrating what the VEDAS already have in their mantras. He also says that a thorough preparation on these counts have to precede a desire for victory. In the present context it is recommended that one must read the chapter, Ath nau Vimanadi Vidya Vishayas Sankshepatah.
Let us put into practice the logical Vedic teachings of Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati on matters military relating to Defence. A nation should always remain prepared for war. The policy makers should know who the prospective enemy is or can be. It is a well known fact that in international relations there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies. There are only permanent national interests that guide the formation of policies both in peace and war. Therefore, the bottom line once again is pay attention to national defence on a day to day basis, remain prepared for war and talk of peace from a position of strength.
Brigadier Chitranjan Sawant, VSM
609, Sector-29
NOIDA-201 303 INDIA
Telephone 0091-120-2454511. Mobile 0-9811173590
E-mail : vedicupvan@hotmail.com
upvanom@yahoo.com