sewa sagar_english 2015

Publisher : Rashtriya Sewa Bharati

Managing Editor: Gurusharan Prasad 09431104644Email: [email protected] Editor: Uday Joglekar 09869070763Email: [email protected]

Administrative Office: Rashtriya Sewa Bharati, Community Centre, III Floor, Tank Road, Karol Bagh , New Dehli- 5Phone: 011-25814928, 25814693Web: rashtriyasewa.orgEmail: [email protected]

Rashtriya Sewa Sangam-2015 concluded in Delhi from April 4 to 6 with new a pledge and renewed agenda for next five years. The presence of top spiritual personality Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, corporate giant Shri Azim Premji and the guidance of RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwatji proved highly motivating for the over 3000 delegates. Shri Mohan Bhagwat set the goal for workers to ensure sewa work in all Sewa Bastis and bring more like-minded sewa organisations in the fold of Rashtriya Sewa Bharati before the third Rashtriya Sewa Sangam to be organised in 2020. Describing the event as advitiya (extraordinary) RSS Sahsarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale stressed the need not to compromise the quality, management and impact of the work, while expanding the work in new localities or areas.

The initiative of bringing like-minded sewa organisations at one platform, which had received a boost at the First Rashtriya Sewa Sangam organised in Bangalore in 2010, now seems to be fruitful. Today, around 900 sewa organisations are associated with the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati and this number is expected to increase in coming days. In this situation the successful completion of Second Sewa Sangam is expected to prove to be a milestone in the expansion of the work and also generating the sense of harmony in the society. That is why the Sewa Sangam has been covered extensively in this issue.

The Sewa Bharati work has expanded in all nook and corners of Madhya Bharat during the last two decades. This work had received a big boost with the arrival of Shri Vishnu Kumarji in 1996. He gave new dimensions to the work there. The interesting outcome of all these activities is that now a large number of beneficiaries are turning into benefactors. In fact, it is the objective of our sewa work. Therefore, a report highlighting sewa activities of the Sewa Bharati Madhya Bharat has been included in this issue.

Equally, Vikas Bharati Bishunpur has developed a model of development in Naxal affected areas of Jharkhand, which can be useful for many other regions of the country. It has work in 2500 Panchayats of the state. Apart from it, 15,000 projects are dedicated to health, skill development and education alone. Extensive work is being done for water conversation, cleanliness, secondary education, child and mother care, nutrition, agriculture and horticulture, family planning, community awareness, etc. Significant work has been done to enhance the income of about one lakh families in the state. More than 15000 youth are involved in self-employment with the inspiration of Vikas Bharati. More than 500 villages have opted for organic farming. A report has been carried in this issue highlighting all these successful experiments.

Hindu Seva Pratishthan has conducted many inspiring experiments in Karnataka. One such experiment is Seva Din organised on the death anniversary of former Prant Pracharak of Karnataka the late Ajit Kumarji every year. This has given a new dimension to the sewa work in the state. A report elaborates how it is carried out.

Kindly continue to enlighten us with you valuable feedback, as it gives us energy.- Gurusharan Prasad, Editor

In this issue

Sewa Sagar April-June, 2015 1

The successful organisation of Second Rashtriya Sewa Sangam in Delhi from April 4 to 6, 2015 was the outcome of five years rigorous sadhana by lakhs of Sewa Karyakartas in the form of Sewa Sangams organised at Prant level, as per the pledge taken at the first Sewa Sangam in Bangalore in 2010. A total of 3050 delegates representing 707 sewa organisations from 41 Prants (29 states, 532 districts and 695 places) thoroughly discussed various aspects of sewa for three days and pledged to accelerate the speed of the work. Before leaving for their respective destinations

The Second Rashtriya Sewa Sangam organised in Delhi from April 4 to 6 concluded with a pledge by sewa workers, setting targets for

next years and meeting in 2020 with double strength.

Double projects with double speed Pramod Kumar

everyone was clear to the task for next five yearsmeet in 2020 with double the number of projects without compromising the quality, management and impact of the work, and also double the number of sewa organisations associated with the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati.

The Second Sewa Sangam was unforgettable for many reasons. Apart from the presence of top personalities of spiritual and social sector, the huge presence of top personalities from corporate sector indicated that there will be no scarcity of resources in expansion of the work in new areas

and bringing more needy people under the net. In this way, the Sewa Sangam gave a new dimension to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The presence of Wipro chairman Shri Azim Premji, GMR Group founder chairman Shri GM Rao, Zee Media Group chairman Shri Subhash Chandra and scores of many other leading personalities from business and corporate sector stressed on collective social responsibility. Mata Amritanandamayi Devi also gave some suggestions for sewa work. RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi also set new goals for the workers.

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi speaking at the inaugural session. Others on dais from left are Shri Suryaprakash Tonk, Shri Subhash Chandra, Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi, Shri Atul Gupta, Dr Krishna Gopal and Shri Ajit Mohapatra

I complain I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.

2 April-June, 2015 Sewa Sagar

Although the Sewa Sangam was organised from April 4 to 6, the preparations for it had begun about one month back. After the bhoomipujan on March 21, hundreds of workers worked day and night to create an exclusive Samarasata Nagar combining three resorts in outskirts of DelhiBlue Sapphire, MH1 and City Park. A huge hall was created after third RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Balasaheb Deoras, where all main sessions were conducted. Apart from it, about a dozen sub cities were created for accommodation of the delegates. The ExhibitionSewa Sarita Kumbharemained prime attraction. The event was so big that a daily multi-colour newspaper'Sewa Sangam Varta'in Hindi and English was published for three days to keep the people visiting the Sewa Sangam and also the delegates informed and updated.

On April 5, Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat called upon the workers to accelerate the

"Accelerate the speed and double the number of sewa projects in five years. There is need to bring more like-minded individuals and organisations with the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati. Undoubtedly, the task is gigantic therefore it has to be achieved with collective efforts. No section of our society should feel neglected and discriminated."-Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghachalak, RSS

speed and double the number of sewa projects in five years. He also stressed the need to bring more like-minded individuals and organisations with the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati. He agreed with Shri Azim Premji that since the task is gigantic it has to be achieved with collective efforts. He said no section of the society should feel neglected and discriminated. Whether somebody is a swayamsevak or not, Hindu or not, this has nothing to do with the sewa. We believe anyone who is needy should be helped, he said adding that the Sangh swayamsevaks have been serving the people since its inception in 1925. In 1926, the swayamsevaks served the pilgrims during Shri Ram Navami celebration. He said the objective of sewa is to turn todays beneficiaries into tomorrows benefactors.

RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi said the prime objective of sewa is to generate the feeling of self-respect among those being served. There are about 35 crore people in the country who need support. They cannot be brought in the mainstream solely depending upon the government. The government can only provide facilities; the real awakening has to be brought about by the society. We should have the

The one who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction is a wise person.


"Like the entrepreneurs and businessmen are economic engine for the country, the voluntary organisations and philanthropists are social engine. They are equally required for development and growth of the country, society and the people. It is good Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is bring them at one platform."-GM Rao, Founder Chairman, GMR Group

Good education is the key to make India a global power: Azim Premji

"Good Education is not about rote memorisation and getting good grades, its about ability to think critically, to question, and to develop the individuals autonomy. Good Education is about developing good human beings, who are empowered to make informed and ethical decisions, and who grow into responsible and caring citizens. First, our aim should not be to create a parallel system of private schools, but to revamp and enable the vast existing public system which today reaches almost every village in our country. It is imperative that we revitalise this system. Second, the problem is while we have many excellent policies and intentions, our execution on the ground has been very weak. We must focus on execution and implementation on the ground. Third, improving the entire Education system is only possible if we carry all stakeholders with us. This means that not only must all the states be committed and their institutions involved, but most importantly our millions of Teachers be motivated to change. We must recognise the critical role of Teachers and make them partners in the change. Fourth, improving the Teacher Education system, including the B.Ed., D.Ed. colleges is crucial if we want to develop good teachers. Fifth, we must make sustained and systematic efforts to develop the capacity of existing teachers by providing comprehensive on the ground support in multiple ways, including opportunities and mechanisms for peer learning. This will require revamping our Cluster and Block Resource Centers as well as our 600 odd existing District Institutes of Educational Training (DIETs) which can then take the lead in addressing the multiple needs of school Education, including capacity development of Teachers. Sixth, it is also most important to improve early childhood care for our pre-school children to ensure they receive proper nutrition and early Education."

Unnatural work produces too much stress.


feeling that whatever we have today has to be shared with the society. Our action should be according to the needs of the society. Any work done without the feeling of sensitivity cannot awaken the society in real sense, he said.

RSS Sahsarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal said the then Sarsanghachalak Shri Balasaheb Deoras in 1989 had set a target of 5,000 sewa projects before the workers. They achieved that target before 1995. And today we have over 1.5 lakh sewa projects across the

country. But the speed and the number of the projects have to be accelerated and after five years when we meet in the Third Sewa Sangam the numbers of the projects should be double.

Speaking at the concluding session on April 6, RSS Sahsarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale termed the Sewa Sangam as advitiya (extraordinary). He said the Sewa Sangam is not merely an event it is part of a greater movement, as we want to make sewa a mantra of life for everyone. He said sewa is

Retired people need to spare two years for sewa: Amma Inaugurating the Sewa Sangam, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi called upon the retired fathers and mothers to spend at least two years in villages in order to conduct classes that foster values in children there. We should hold regular classes to teach our children about the values of Sanatan Dharma. At every temple there should be funds set aside to distribute spiritual books to children for free. Instead of only taking our children to scenic locations for holidays, we should also take them to poor villages so that they can see for themselves the lives of the less fortunate. This will help them develop compassion and service-mindedness from a young age, Amma said.

Amma further said there are two kinds of poverty in the world today: a poverty of food, clothing and shelter, and a poverty of love and compassion. We should pay more attention to the second type of poverty because if people have love and compassion in their hearts, they will whole-heartedly serve and help those without

food, clothing and shelter, she said.

Amma also stressed the need to curb the growing t e n d e n c y o f assaulting young girls and women even on the roads. Many people feel no shame assaulting young girls, womeneven children and the elderlyright in the middle of the road. The rate at which this collective insanitythis mass hysteriais spreading throughout our country is unbelievable. Rashtriya Sewa Bharati should be at forefront in snuffing out this disgusting trend. And environment is in which men respect women and womanhood, and in which women are able to live in society fearlessly, with a sense of independence, must be fostered, she added.

RSS Sahsarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal RSS Akhil Bharatiya Sewa Pramukh Sh Suhasrao Hiremath

The faith of each is in accordance with ones own nature.


a medium to repay the social debt. Unfolding action plan before the workers he said skill and mindset are needed to execute the plans and to make them result oriented. When we talk about expansion of the work in coming five years we should clearly understand that it has to be expanded in all respects. We have to start the activities keeping in view the needs of the people, but the quality and impact of the work should also increase accordingly, he said. He stressed the need

to acquire specialisation in respective fields. The onslaughts are made on the weakest points of the society. Therefore, it is time to identify the weak points and work to correct them timely. Only then we can make Bharat a strong nation in real sense, he added.

Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sewa Pramukh Shri Ajit Prasad Mohapatra said the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is trying to bridge the gap between the haves and haves not. We are connecting the well-to-do people with

RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi RSS Sahsarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale

Hell has three gateslust, anger and greed.

Rashtriya Sewa Bharati Dy. Gen. Sect. Smt Renu Pathak addressing the women delegates at a session of the Sewa Sangam


the deprived one, as we feel that it is the collective responsibility of all to make the country strong and for that everyone has to be stronger. Through various activities we are generating self-respect among the deprived people so that they can stand on their own feet. More than 700 such organisations working with same vision and goal have assembled here to further expand this work collectively.

Shri GM Rao, founder chairman of GMR Group, said just like the entrepreneurs and businessmen

Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe addressing the workers at a session. Dr Narendra Desai and Shri Suryaprakash Tonk

are also seen

Rashtriya Sewa Bharati organising secretary Shri Sunderlakshman introducing noted Tamil film singer Shri Gangai Amaran, who sang a Hindi song at the Sangam

The wise sees knowledge and action as one, they see truly.

Final Touch before the Begining of a Session: Shri Shyam Parande and Smt Renu Pathak


are economic engine for the country, the voluntary organisations and philanthropists too are social engine for the country. They both are equally required for development and growth of the country, society and the people. We have good number of NGOs but what is required is collaboration amongst them. It is good that the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is providing that platform so that each one can connect with each other. I highly appreciate the great work being done by the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati, he said.

Chairman of Zee Media group Shri Subhash Chandra said after meeting the people engaged in sewa activities here I feel myself a very small person. It is

the assembly of dedicated people who have sacrificed themselves for the society. They work in highly remote areas without seeking any publicity and expecting anything in exchange. I am here not as chairman of Zee Group but as a swayamsevak.

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi and other dignitaries released the Samarasata issue of Sewa Sadhna at the inaugural session. The issue of Sewa Kunj was also released at another session. Eighteen selected organisations presented their activity reports, which were highly motivating. Other organisations also presented their reports in other sessions. Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, director of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini guided the workers on how to work more transparently and in an organised manner. Noted Tamil film singer Gangai Amaran presented a song on sewa in Hindi which touched the heart of all. The proceedings in the inaugural session were conducted by Rashtriya Sewa Bharati trustee Smt Amita Jain, while the proceedings of the main function on second day were conducted by Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sewa Pramukh Shri Gunwant Singh Kothari. Leading industrialist Shri Atul Gupta presided over the inaugural session.

At the concluding session, Akhil Bharatiya Sewa Pramukh Shri Suhasrao Hiremath said after five years when we meet in next Sewa Sangam there should remain no Basti, street or locality in the country where we do not have any sewa activity. Our work should be multi-dimensional touching

Former Akhil Bharatiya Sewa Pramukh Shri Premchand Goel at the Sewa Sangam

Rashtriya Sewa Bharati Treasurer Shri KL Mallya welcoming Shri Subhash Chandra at a session

The wise should not unsettle the mind of the ignorant, who is attached to the fruits of work.


all needy people. Let us move ahead taking other people with us. After reaching our respective areas focus should be on organising Sewa Sangams at District levels involving all organsations active there whether local or national. Apart from it, we should also organise Gram Vikas Sewa Sangams at Prant level bringing various organistions engaged in rural development work together. Similarly, the organisations working for cow protection should also be mobilised through Prant level Sewa Sangams.

Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sewa Pramukh Shri Ajit Prasad Mohapatra

Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sewa Pramukh Shri Gunwant Singh Kothari

A man is great by deeds, not by birth.

All these activities will bring good and dedicated people with us, he said.The Sewa Sangam proved a source of renewed energy for the workers involved in sewa activities. For some, it was an opportunity to learn new, while some got the opportunity to share their experience with others. Finally, all returned to their respective areas to materialise the pledge of meeting in 2020 with more strength of projects and organisations associated with the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati.

From left Shri Subhash Chandra, Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Shri Atul Gupta, Dr Krishna Gopal and Shri Ajit Prasad Mohapatra releasing the Sewa Sadhana at the Sewa Sangam


Inaugurating the exhibition Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarashram Maharaj told the people to love all as the same God resides in every soul. Referring to sewa, he said issuing orders or preaching is an easy task but sewa is the most difficult task. Describing service to human being as the biggest service he said selfless service is an easy way to achieve the God.

Noted film director and producer Shri Subhash Ghai, who came all the way from Mumbai for the event, said he has been listening about Rashtriya Sewa Bharati for a long time and he is deeply impressed with its activities. He questioned the double standard

Exhibition: Sewa Sarita KumbhaThe Sewa Sangam began on April 3 with the inauguration of a grand exhibition.

A total of 31 selected organisations displayed their activities in the form of photos, products or models. However, many other organisations had requested to participate

in the exhibition, they could not be permitted due to limited space at the venue.

of people about English. He said we perform all religious ceremonies in Sanskrit but force our children to study in English medium. He said we cannot make desired progress disconnecting from our roots. He congratulated the workers engaged in sewa activities and said they are truly serving the God in the form of needy people.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy General Secretary of Rashtriya Sewa Bharati Shri Gurusharan Prasad said the society cannot be made stronger without restoring harmony. He said many organisations associated with the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati run various

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Pujya Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarashram Maharaj and film director Shri Subhash Ghai inaugurating the Exhibition. Rashtriya Sewa Bharati general secretary Shri Rishipal Dadval is also seen at the centre


projects but the objective of all the activities is to make the people competent in all respects. He said serving the needy people has been part of our culture since centuries and this work is done expecting nothing in exchange. He said the number of orphanage and old age homes is increasing due to western thinking. On the other hand we want to develop the society where nobody feels him/her orphan or careless. Rashtriya Sewa Bharati president Shri Surya Prakash Tonk and the delegates came from different parts of the country were also present on the occasion.

"Social harmony is the key to development. The objective of the sewa activities condcuted by all organisations associated with the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati is to make the people competent in all respects. Serving the needy people has been part of our culture since centuries and this work is done expecting nothing in exchange."

-Gurusharan Prasad,Deputy General Secretary,

Rashtriya Sewa Bharati

Our greatest glory is not in ever falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Rashtriya Sewa Bharati deputy general secretary Shri Gurusharan Prasad speaking at the inaugural function of the Exhibition. Shri Surya Prakash Tonk, Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarasham and Shri Subhash Gahi are also seen

Delegates enjoying the 'Sewa Sangam Varta'


"We perform all religious ceremonies in Sanskrit but force our children to study in English medium. This double standard has to be abandoned. We cannot make desired progress by disconnecting from our roots. I am deeply impressed with the sewa activities being conducted by all of you. You are truely serving the God in the form of needy people."

-Subhash Ghai, Noted film director, Mumbai

"Love all people as the same God resides in every soul. I know issuing orders or preaching is easy task, but condcuting sewa is the most difficult task. Service to human being is the biggest service and selfless service is an easy way to reach the God."

-Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarashram Maharaj

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.


The arrival of senior Sangh Pracharak Shri Vishnu Kumar, in Madhya Bharat in 1996 accelerated the sewa work in the Prant. He had the experience of conducting some highly successful sewa experiments in Delhi. That experience contributed hugely in training the volunteers and starting new projects in Madhya Bharat, then undivided Madhya Pradesh. Though Vishnuji is no more, his vision and motivation continue to inspire the volunteers.

For smooth functioning, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has divided central India into four PrantsChhattisgarh, Mahakaushal, Madhya Bharat and Malwa. Each Prant has its own organisational structure. As per the Government record, there are 16 districts, but in Sangh working there are 30 districts in the Prant. The first sewa project of the Prant is Gandhi Ashram, a hostel for differently-abled students, which was originally a refugee camp started temporarily to cater to the needs of Sindhi refugees. Currently, there are 23 differently-abled students in the hostel, which is now run in a well equipped building. Many children, who studied here, are today well educated citizens and hold senior posts in different fields. To name a few, Shri Sandip Roy did M.Tech from Delhi University and is currently teaching in a private Engineering College.

Sewa Bharati Madhya Bharat

Beneficiaries turning into Benefactors Somkant Umalkar

Child Care Centre-Matrichhaya

It is the first orphanage and adoption centre started in Bhopal in 1997 catering to the infants who are abandoned by their mothers immediately after birth due to various reasons. It is also an adoption centre, wherein infants are offered to issueless couples thereby enriching the lives of both the children and the parents. Apart from Bhopal, similar Kendras have been started in various other cities including in Gwalior. One in Baitul is awaited. Till date, 260 children have been adopted. The Government of India has permitted the Matrichhaya Bhopal to offer children to NRIs too. Till date, two NRI couples have adopted children from this centre. The strong support of the public has been a backbone in the progress of this project

Hostel

The need of imparting basic education to Janjati students initiated the opening of a hostel in rural area of Madhya Bharat. The importance of educating girl child was also strongly felt, as an educated girl is the strong pillar for the future generation. But unfortunately, the Janjatis were against educating girls. Under the guidance and initiative of Sewa Bharati, six hostels were set up in Madhya Bharatthree for girls and three for boys. Approximately, 147

Yajna A Function of Matrichhaya

A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.


girls and 185 boys stay here now and pursue their studies. Various kinds of facilities have been provided to the inmates.

A specific pattern has been designed to select the children for the hostels. A group of students under one volunteer or teacher is formed, wherein the children are carefully judged and guided for 10 days. After conducting a thorough examination of all the students, some are shortlisted for admission in the hostel.

Fifteen to twenty day summer camps are conducted for students studying in 9th and 11th standards from three-four centres. Emphasis is laid on their overall personality development. They are motivated to participate in various camps conducted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Rashtra Sevika Samiti. The children thereby educate their Janjati folk including old people when they return home. This project has set an example and has been very successful in the expansion of the services offered through Sewa Bharati.

Pran Baldev Bhandari Sewa Vidya Mandir

This school was set up in 2000 for the children belonging to economically deprived classes. With the dedication and hard work of the teachers, the school attains 99 per cent result every year. The first batch of the passed out children came from families who were totally in dark of what a school was ll about.In 2001-02 an inspection was conducted by NCERT Directors. After the inspection the school was granted the certificate of excellence. Presently, there are 472 students studying in the school. Apart from this, a hostel cum residential school for rural Janjati students was opened in Dabra, which attains cent per cent result every year. Presently, there are 135 students in this hostel.

Employment Oriented Training

In order to impart vocational training to the children of Sewa Bastis and Janjati students various training camps are conducted. Some projects are as follows:

Vishnu Kumarji, who arrived in Madhya Bharat in 1996, had extensive experience of conducting

some highly successful sewa experiments in Delhi. That experience contributed hugely in

training the volunteers and starting new projects in Madhya Bharat, then undivided Madhya

Pradesh. Though Vishnuji is no more, his vision and motivation continue to inspire the volunteers.

Cutting Tailoring Centre Health Camp

Three things cannot be long hidden the Sun, the Moon, and the Truth.


Computer Training Centre: Keeping in tune with the current trend of earning money through information technology, computer training centres were started for children belonging to economically deprived families. Since they cannot deposit huge fees, they remain deprived of this training. The first centre was started in Bhopal. Several centres were then started in various other areas.

Typing Centres: These centres have been set up for students who have completed higher education. Presently, there are four centres in Bhopal, wherein the morning session is reserved for girls and evening session for boys. After completing six

months training in typing they are encouraged to appear for an exam conducted by Madhya Pradesh Government. Till date hundreds of students have cleared this exam.

Work in Sewa Bastis

Sanskar Kendra: Sanskar Kendras are run in Sewa Bastis of urban areas for the students studying in classes 3rd to 5th. Personal attention is paid towards their primary education and home work. Children are also imparted education on moral values, patriotism, environment protection and good conduct. Their parents too are encouraged to get involved in various programmes organised by the centres. These centres also train the children and their parents the importance of saving, good hygiene and other moral values. Parents of many children have abandoned alcohol after coming into the contact of these centres.

Tailoring Centres: These centres have proved highly beneficial towards the financial empowerment of women. Women who received training at these centres are now financially helping their families. They are also encouraged to appear for the exams conducted by the Child and Women Development Department. They are then guided to utilise their hard earned amount as a capital to start new business. There are 155 such centres, which have helped nearly 6400 women till date.

Nivedita Bharati: In 2004, centre for teenage girls belonging to Sewa Basits between the age group 14-18 years were started. Moral values and skill development training are imparted at these centres. Presently, there are 82 such centres. The syllabus has been designed as per the requirements of the girls. Knowledge about yoga, sports, healthcare and hygiene, general knowledge, knowledge about festivals, etc is provided.

Bhajan Mandali: Bhajan Mandalis have proved highly beneficial for educating women about individual, family and social issues. There are 85 such Bhajan Mandalis in Bhopal. Some competitions are also conducted at Mahanagar level every year.

Anand Dham: This is an old age home for the people who lead a lonely life. Many old age people live together and share their experiences to enrich the

Computer Training Centre

Recitation of Shri Sunderkand

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.


society. Several counselling sessions are also held to unite the old aged with their families. Success has been achieved in 30 cases till date.

Anganwadi Kendras: A total of 51 Anganwadi Kendras have been started under 51 village of Gairatganj block in Raisen district. The children here are offered basic education, moral values, healthy diet, as well as vaccinations on regular basis. Presently, there are 180 Anganwadi centres in the area. The Ladali Laxmi Yojana of Madhya Pradesh Government has also been implemented. The Janani Suraksha Yojana takes complete care of expecting mothers during the pregnancy and ensures that the delivery is done at hospital only.

Health: Several rural areas in Madhya Bharat are poorly equipped with health related emergencies. Similarly, various activities like black magic and superstitions also prevail in these areas hampering the lives of rural people. Pregnant women and children remain malnourished.

Mobile Medical Van: Government of Madhya Pradesh has started Deendayal Mobile dispensaries. Fourteen such vans are operationalised in 242 villages of Khargon and Badwani districts. They aim at providing free medical aid to all. Till the last year approximately 2.5 lakh people availed this benefit. Unfortunately, this continued only for 3 years. But presently the health facilities are being provided in Sewa Bastis of Bhopal through the medical van provided by State Bank of India. Weekly tour in seven Bastis of three areas take care of the people. Approximately 3500 people avail of this facility every month.

Neurotherapy Treatment and Training Centre: A new system of remedy wherein treatment

is done without medicines is practised in this centre. This system of therapy was originally discovered by Shri Lajpat Rai Mehra. Many people in Bhopal avail of this therapy.

By and large, Sewa Bharati has been on the forefront of providing various kinds of services to the needy people. It has provided education and also offered job opportunities to many. On the social front, it has organised many programmes like Janmashathami, felicitation of meritorious students, Guru poojan etc. Now many people who earlier availed benefit from the Sewa Bharati centres are serving the needy people of other Bastis. Apart from full timers, many retired people are also contributing to the sewa work in Madhya Bharat. Women from well to do families also contribute enthusiastically in various activities. Though the goal is larger, the workers are working whole heartedly.

Anand Dham is an old age home. Many old age people while living

here share their experiences to enrich the society. Several counselling

sessions are also held to unite the old aged with their families. Success has been achieved in 30 cases till date.

Senior Citizens at Anand Dham

Practice of yoga

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.


Inspired by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), four youth from Uttar Pradesh and Punjab (Dr Rajneesh Arora, Dr Rakesh Popli, Dr Mahesh Sharma and Shri Ashok Bhagat) in 1982 reached South Bihar to work in Vanvasi areas. Before starting any activity they conducted study of the issues faced by the local people in Khunti, Chaibasa, Kolhan and Santhal Pargana.

The results of the first of its kind study in the region helped the youth to start work in Bishunpur block of Gumla district. The population there is comprised of six different primitive tribes. There were no signs of education, health and employment in the area in those days. Their condition was so much pathetic that some people at times ate the rotten left over flesh, inviting various permanent diseases. In those days, malaria epidemic was at its peak resulting in every day some or the other family falling prey to it.

Analysing the requirements of the area, prominently education, health, skill development, agriculture, commerce, trade, land and forests were taken up as the key fields for development. They owned some particular activitiesskill development by Dr Mahesh Sharma, education by Dr Rakesh Popli, office management by Dr Rajneesh Arora and organisational work by Shri Ashok Bhagat.

Vikas Bharati Bishunpur

A development model for Janjati areasIn order to kick start the development process,

these activists decided to start a mass movement with the involvement of local people. Special efforts were made to help local people have rights over the forests, water and land, and emphasis was made over their preservation and promotion. Apart from it, work was done to get the Forests Right Act amended and ensuring peoples right over the minor forest produces. Together with these programmes a Dharati Raksha Vahini was formed to give a new dimension to development process by preserving the local culture and farther the agenda of village development. Water conservation efforts in seven remote hilly villages involving local people were also initiated. As a result, the villages became self-dependent in irrigation.

A Shram Niketan was set up to educate the people in their surroundings. The Bihar Government followed the method by starting the Harvaha, Charvaha Schools. For educating women, night schools were started. Today, the Vikas Bharati runs 13 Ashrams for Janjati children, 3 schools and a separate school for differently-abled children. These benefited more than 2000 local children. About 40,000 students including girls helped joining the mainstream of education through Navachari Shikshan Kendra. Work is also being done to curb migration from rural areas.

Sh Ashok Bhagat showing the products made by the activists Restoring smile on the faces of Vanvasi girls

Diligence is the mother of good luck.


On health front also remarkable work was done. About 10 lakh people are getting benefited through 28 mobile medical vans. Began in the form of cycle medical units, health awareness has been turned into a movement. Similarly, anti-Malaria Diarrhea campaign and forest medicines campaign was also undertaken. Apart from it, two hospitals are run in highly remote hilly areas.

The Vikas Bharati has also initiated a campaign to connect agriculture and forest to the Janjatis. The agricultural produces have changed the eating habits of local people. Even the primitive tribes are now connected with farming. Setting up of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Institute in the region also educated the Janjatis about new farming techniques. Skill development training to illiterate and neo-literate youth has provided unlimited opportunities for self-employment. Today, lakhs of people are self-employed in the region.

Migration and misguiding of youth by certain anti-national elements are also the prominent problems of Jharkhand. Awareness campaigns through sports activities, marathon and traditional cultural activities

are conducted in 2000 Panchayats and 15000 villages. Vikas Bharati is also making efforts towards preservation of traditional culture, empowering of rural women, strengthening of local self-governance and skill development. As a result Vikas Bharati has been successful in setting up Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Public Education Institutes, hospitals, schools, Ashrams, food processing units, etc. All these activities have earned fame and respect for Vikas Bharati at national level. It has been felicitated by both Government and non-government institutions. It includes Indira Priyadarshini Vriksh Mitra Samman in 1991, award for social reforms in 1992, Humanitarian Samman in 2008, Bhaurao Deoras Sewa Samman in 2006, Shri Guruji Samman by RSS Jan Kalyan Samiti Maharashtra in 2006 and Jharkhand Gaurav Samman by Prabhat Khabar in 2014.

Vikas Bharati is today ensuring participation of local people in developmental activities under Naxal affected areas. Technical assistance is being extended to the state government under the leadership of Shri Ashok Bhagat.

Vikas Bharati is a registered organisation under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and is working in naxal-affected areas of Jharkhand. During the last 32 years presence in Naxal-affected areas it has ensured the involvement of local people in development process. The misguided people have returned into the mainstream. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Janjati development model of Vikas Bharati in naxal-affected areas can be replicated in other areas of the country also.

Vanvasi girls at a function of the Vikas Bharati

Jatara Bhagat, the father of non-violent movement


Panchaya t s covered2500 , v i l l ages covered15000.

Mobile medical units, professional skill development, primary education

Water conservation and cleanliness, secondary education, technical assistance in mother and child health care and nutrition, agriculture and gardening, family planning, community awareness and hospitals

Improvement in income of over one lakh families by extending employment opportunities. More than 15000 youth opted for self-employment

Promotion of organic farming and adoption of scientific methods in farming in 500 villages. Literacy rate, especially girls literacy rate, improved substantially. About 40,000 children were brought to educational mainstream.

Improvement in health, cleanliness and sanitation level. Reached up to 40,00,000 patients through National Mobile Health Units.

Women SHGs helped 1000 women becoming

self-reliant. Their products are sold under the brand VIKAS.

Enhancement in skills of 500 traditional artisans by imparting them training. Value addition to their products improved their income.

Considerable reduction in minor girls marriage through hostels and Ashrams

Reduction in infant child death and maternal maternity rate

Better reach of Government Programmes and Schemes

Positive change in daily conduct and practices of local people. A strong mechanism for local governance and leading the fight for resources developed.

About 500 villages where Vikas Bharati works have witnessed remarkable change in the health behaviour of people. Enrolment in schools increased remarkably.

Trust of people in government machinery also increased. There is also drastic reduction in naxal activities.

Some major achievements

Health Check up Hostel girls nurturing the plants

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The late Ajit Kumarji was a Sangh Pracharack in Karnataka. After completing his technical education in two streams, he dedicated himself to the nations cause. When he was Karnataka Prant Pracharak, he was, unfortunately, killed in a road accident.

Ajitji gave an entirely new dimension to the sewa work in Karnataka. He demonstrated through his work that social service can serve the purpose of social integration and harmony within various sections of the society and improvisation of virtues and character. He was instrumental in setting up of the Hindu Seva Pratishthana and a huge network of sewa activities under this banner. He motivated thousands of youth, both boys and girls, to work for the needy people of the society. Social service should become an essential part of ones daily life was his mainstream thought. He dreamed to build a new virtuous and harmonious society through sewa.

Even before the Pratishthana could complete 10 years, Ajitji passed away. The Chancellor of the Hindu Seva Pratishthana Swami Vishwesh Teerth Maharaj suggested to commemorate his death anniversary (Margashirsh Vadya Dviteeya) as Seva Din every year to bring his vision and dream into reality. This is how Seva Din is celebrated every year.

Unique initiative by Hindu Seva Pratishthana, Bengaluru

Sewa DinObjectives of Seva Din

To inculcate the feeling of sewa among the common masses

The feeling of sewa should manifest through sewa activities

Service should become a social movement. Those who have interest in sewa should join sewa activity as per the planning of the Pratishthana

Bring together the like-minded organisations and individuals for sewa.

Nature of the Sewa Din It could be one hour, one day, one week or one

month programme Walk for Sewa, procession, rangoli, get together,

physical and intellectual competitions, cultural activities, etc. are some of the activities to be taken up on that day

The programme can be held under the banner of Hindu Seva Pratishthana, in association with other organisations or exclusively under their own banner.

The message from the Chancellor of the Pratishthana or other leaders has to be read out at the function

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

Karnataka South Prant Pracharak Shri Mukundji

Prant Pracharak Sh Mukundji speaking at Seva Din functionCultural activity during a Seva Din function


The Seva Din programme will be held at the project run by a Sevavrati or other places also

Subscription of Pratishthanas newsletters will be increased

Starting of Balagokula, Matri Mandali, Kishore Bharati or other activities at new places

Training camps for volunteers Creating awareness on water harvesting and

organistaion of symposiums on the topic Spreading information about environment.

People to be educated about segregation of the waste at home itself.

Some other suggestions for Seva Din To start any new activity for betterment of the

society To honour and express gratitude to the

persons working for public welfare like barber, electrician, cobbler, etc

To organise joint programmes of all organisations of the state

To survey the state of nearby localities and to understand the limitations to fulfil

To conduct survey nearby sewa bastiidentify the problems there

To start Self-Help Groups To conduct, shramdaan, blood donation, clothes

donation, eye donation, land donation, etc To motivate other organisations, colleges,

educational institutions to initiate and organize programmes

To encourage and motivate people to take this cause and dedicate part of their life as full time volunteers

To raise funds

Take a pledge to work as Sevavrati for social cause. Motivate others too. Retired people can also work as Vanprasthi.

Some activities of last year

Sewa Din was organised in Mysore on December 7, 2014. There is a project called 'NELE' here. The project aims to uplift the street children who work as garbage collector or indulge in garbage segragation. The second floor of the project was built with the contribution from a gentleman Dr VR Pai. He was felicitated on the day. The head of Pariwar Probodhan Shri Su. Ramannaji addressed the gathering. The street children presented various cultural activities as part of the programme. Puja was also organised in the morning.

A function was organised in Bengaluru on December 8, 2014. Karnataka South Prant Pracharak Shri Mukundji addressed the gathering. The programme was presided over by Dr Vijaya Laxmi Belekundri, who is Cardiac Surgeon in Bangalore's famous Jaideo Cardiac Hospital. NELE kids also performed group song. Shri Madhu Singhal was felicitated at the function.

Hindu Seva Pratishthanas office 'Ajitshri' also houses a counselling centre known as Prasanna Counselling Centre which has started training programme for lay counsellors. More than 600 trainees participate in the counselling training. Shri Vishropacharya, who himself is a devoted worker and visits many homes for counselling was honoured on the day.

Shimoga Nagar Sewa month witnessed total 33 programmes. All the programmes were organised at 33 places. More than 1300 people attended the programmes. The region all together witnessed about 200 programmes. Funds were collected at 15 places. Shramdan was also organised at some places.

There is nothing lost or wasted in this life.

Sewa Sagar, New Delhi, April-June, 2015 (For Private Circulation only)

sewa sagar_english 2015

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