Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today released the book ‘Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka', published by Saptahik Vivek, at Uprashtrapathi Bhawan.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book ‘Vishwasanchar Hindutva Ka’, published by Saptahik Vivek, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan today. The Vice President expressed hope that the book would encourage deeper reflection on Bharat's cultural journey and its engagement… pic.twitter.com/fsNodKfYum
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-President noted the long history of Saptahik Vivek, established in 1948, and its engagement with Maharashtra’s social, cultural and public life. He appreciated its tradition of publishing books and research-oriented literature on Bharat’s culture, national and international affairs and important social questions. The Vice-President said the publication of the book is particularly timely as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur in 1925, has completed its centenary. “I have had a long association with the Sangh and it is a personal honour for me to be a part of this book release,” he said. The Vice-President said the RSS was established with the objective of reviving cultural Hindutva and that Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar underscored the bond between Hindutva and the Sangh. He said the centenary provides an occasion to reflect upon the history, ideas and working methods associated with an organisation that has evolved over a very long period. He observed that the working methodology of the Sangh has stood the test of time, enabling it to establish itself as a significant organisation with a presence across diverse areas of social life. Emphasising the inclusive character of Hindutva, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said, “Hindutva is not against anyone. Hindutva cannot be against anyone. It takes everyone together.” He said cultural Hindutva represents a union of core values, cultural ideals, genuine human relationships and the ideal of universal well-being. The Vice-President also noted that the word “Hindutva” has acquired different meanings in different historical and intellectual contexts and has been interpreted differently by political thinkers, scholars, organisations and critics. He said a serious engagement with the subject therefore requires an examination of its historical development, philosophical dimensions and the different interpretations surrounding it. Drawing an analogy with the Ganga, the Vice-President said that the river begins as a small stream in the Himalayas and, as it grows and reaches the Bay of Bengal, becomes capable of carrying even large ships. He said the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh could similarly be viewed as one of remarkable expansion. “The Sangh started with a few people as a small organisation. Today, it has become a global organisation and spread across the country, with its swayamsevaks contributing to different spheres of national and social life,” he said. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said Yoga, from an ancient Indian discipline, has become a global practice and represents how an Indian tradition can travel beyond its geographical and cultural origins and become part of a wider global conversation. The Vice-President said the term “Vishwasanchar” evokes the movement and communication of ideas across the world.He said the book invites readers to examine how elements of Bharat’s cultural heritage have travelled, interacted with other societies and acquired new forms and meanings. He called upon young people to read, question, investigate and understand Bharat’s rich heritage while remaining conscious of the constitutional values and democratic institutions that shape the present. “A civilisation thrives and grows when it has the confidence to engage with change while retaining its roots in its foundational values, culture and ethos,” he said. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan congratulated the authors, researchers, editors and the entire team of Saptahik Vivek for bringing out Vishwa-sanchar Hindutva Ka. He expressed hope that the book would encourage deeper study of Bharat’s cultural journey and stimulate thoughtful discussion on Hindutva, cultural identity and Bharat’s relationship with the world. The dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Vinod Tawde, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Shri Shivshankar, Managing Director, Suyog Telematic Limited, Mumbai; Shri Ravindra Gole, Editor, Saptahik Vivek; and others.