Ushering an epoch of confidence: Unforgettable mega RSS camp of Hubli

• 21,729 Swayamsevaks from 1960 villages took part in the 3 day camp
• 162 Seers from various mutts participated in the Seers’ conference
• Grand route-march created sensation all over Karnataka
• Sangh camp was again witness to discipline and order
• Exhibition that enchanted all, History created at Tarihala

Sensational Hindu wave in North Karnataka

Having met with unmatched success, ‘Hindu Shakti Sangama’ now enters the annals of history. The historical camp that took place 27^th, 28^th and 29^th of January in the vast open space at Tarihala near Gokul road of Hubli, created a new chapter of the noble intentions of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh towards  society. The three day camp hosted 21,729 Swayamsevaks, hailing from 13 districts. 2 lakh people stood witness to the mammoth gathering that created history.

Being Sangh’s camp, discipline, planning and organization remained prioritized. The ceaseless efforts of Karyakartas created an entirely new town at Tarihala in Hubli in a span of one month. All amenities at the camp for 3 days including finest roads and tents to water and tidy toilets were at its finest.

About 2000 Swayamsevaks stayed at 16 townships constructed at the camp site, each named after a heroic fighter. The wakeup call each day was at 4.45 AM. After morning ablutions, every participant remained busy in various activities throughout the day till the retiring time of 10.15PM.

Time for food/snacks, bath/wash, exercises and debates and other activities was pre-decided. There was no confusion about anything. Every activity was discipline bound and took place in a stipulated time frame.

The Hindu Shakti Sangama gave a new direction to Sangh’s activities in North Karnataka. The event has heightened the self-confidence of the Karyakartas, who came from around 1960 villages of North Karnataka. Among them, 80% were youths and 60% were new to Sangh. But true to the camp’s intent, each of them assimilated well into the composite organizational strength.

Various programs like Saints’ conference, mothers’ conference and dialogues with eminent personalities were conducted during the camp. Selected representatives from civil society participated in these programs. They showed a keen desire to move in line with Sangh’s intentions.

An artificial lake that was created to hold 45 lakh liters of water was an added attraction. A team of senior Swayamsevaks from Andhra Pradesh arrived to examine the preparations, to facilitate a similar camp there, the next year.

Hundreds of new friendships were created at the camp. Participants exchanged mobile numbers and addresses as they packed their belongings. Even those participants who had no idea about Sangh previously, were heard chanting ‘desh ka raksha hum karenge hum karenge’ as they returned.

As the participants returned to their native villages from Tarihala, they recalled their experiences and avowed to continue Sangh’s work in their native places with renewed effort and additional rigor.

‘Sangh’s aim: Creating a Virtuous society’: Sarasangachalak’s valedictory speech

• We forgot to worship the divine force/‘Shakti’ and hence had to experience subjugation for a thousand years. The RSS is engaged in organizing and uniting such a divine force/‘Shakti’ in our society. The aim of Sangh is to create a society that is morally upright and virtuous in character.
• Ours is a Hindu nation. We should always be aware that we all are Hindus. It is only the ideology of Hindutva that can bring about the oneness of this nation. Bharat is not just a piece of land for us. We find  ‘motherhood’ in each and every particle of this land. One who has utmost respect for the motherland, its culture and faith in our forefathers is a ‘Hindu’.
• Sangh’s work does not require any publicity. Swayamsevaks are ever ready for the service of the nation. Whenever there is a natural calamity in the country, it is the Swayamsevaks who first attend to rescue operations, even before the arrival of the army or police. Sangh is involved in a silent transformation of the society through its one lakh and fifty thousand service projects.
• Sangh will never tolerate corruption. Sangh will support any movement against corruption. When each and every individual of our society is morally upright and socially committed, corruption will not sustain. Hence a society of virtuous character needs to be created.

Sangh’s exemplary discipline

• “Bharat has already demonstrated to the world, its capabilities in rocket science. We do not have any dearth of talent and capabilities. After the Green revolution, Indians have made enormous strides in defence technologies and have achieved 90% self-reliance. The ambience and discipline among Swayamsevaks are certainly praiseworthy.”

– Lt.Gen. Dr.V.J.Sundaram, Missile Scientist (In his presidential speech of the public function)

Vishwaroopa Darshana (Universal Form)

• “This mammoth Hindu Shakti Sangama camp demonstrates the Vishwaroopa Darshana (Universal Form) of the organizational strength. Bharat is our mother who gave birth to us. When the nation is in trouble due to internal and external factors, we all need to stay organized and united. Many should join and become ‘one’. It is only through the strength of organization can we solve the problems of our country”

– Pejawar Mutt Head Sri Vishweswarateertha Swamiji

Route March of Swayamsevaks in Hubli is an inspiration

“There is no service which is higher than the service of the motherland. Dharma and Culture have been the spirit of this land and we all are bound to safeguard it. Untouchability and religious conversions are curses that have stuck to our Hindu Dharma and we all have to strive to remove these from its roots. The society has been influenced by Sangh’s work today. The ‘Patha Sanchalan’/Route March of Swayamsevaks in Hubli is an inspiration. It feels as though the strength of the entire Bharat has been established here.”

– Sri Gurusiddha Rajayogeendra Swamiji of Mooru Savira Mutt

Patha Sanchalan / Route March

23 January, 5.23 PM: a historical moment at Chennamma Circle, Hubli. The confluence of Swayamsevaks who arrived in three streams in an attractive route march thrilled thousands of spectators. The route march commenced at 4.45PM from Nehru Stadium, Gangadhara Hockey Stadium and Ambedkar Stadium simultaneously. The march was welcomed by the public with floral showers  throughout. Patriotic slogans filled the city air creating an ambience of patriotism.

Yugadrushti-Exhibition

‘Yugadrushti’ was an exhibition that showcased the story of our nation’s evolution and culture and the subsequent birth of Sangh. The event received tremendous response from the public. The exhibition showcased art, science, literature, sports, tradition of saints and Sangh’s service activities, amidst ancient India’s proud facts. The exhibition was cast in a unique arrangement that aroused patriotic fervor in the audience.  A video exhibition on Sangh’s evolution and growth also received tremendous response. A puppet show depicting the glory and splendor of Vijayanagara kingdom stirred the audience’s imagination.

“This exhibition that has been organized with lot of effort has been a knowledge gainer. It can evolve by adding more facts and if translated into Hindi and English, will be presentable to Hindus the world over and will inspire them.”

– Mohan Ji Bhagawat, RSS Sarsanghachalak on the exhibition

• God is very mean. He has given us only two eyes.

– Shanta Bai Joshi (A Housewife on the exhibition)

•  I came to visit the camp unexpectedly. I got stupendous knowledge about our nation and culture.

– Nadap Navalgund

• It was only after I witnessed the exhibition was I made aware as to how little I knew about Bharat and how much more I need to know!

– Archana Pai, A student

• I found an amazing Bharat when I visited the camp. Thousands of years of original history, the vision required for the future of Bharat, hundreds of subjects, ideas from the society, inspiration for the youth on patriotism, Guruji Golwalkar’s message showcased here are all incredible. These are facts every Indian has to see and experience. Hundreds of facts as to how an individual can be a pillar of strength to the society are truly enchanting.

– D.V.Sadananda Gowda, Chief Minister

Sant Sammelan/Seers’ Conference

The Sant Sammelan or Seers’ conference was held on the third day of the camp. Seers from 162 various mutts across North Karnataka took part. Various problems plaguing the Hindu society and reforms that had to be implemented were discussed. Several senior seers opined that “Heads of mutts should initiate their wards not only in reciting mantras but also in patriotic activities towards the nation. We should forget our caste, creed, sects and reflect upon the country. We seers also need to contribute to the nation.” Mohan Ji Bhagawat who presided over the conference said “India is a multi-cultural society, but we now witness lack of harmony. We need to work together for our unity and progress. We need to enable people who have converted to other religions to return to their original religion. In this aspect, all heads of mutts must join hands with Sangh and help in nation building too.”

Dialogue with eminent personalities

The ‘Dialogue’ with eminent personalities happened on 29^th January, where about 2000 eminent personalities took part. Leaders from Christian and Muslims communities also participated in the event. Wide ranging topics including focus on issues of Kashmir and conversions were discussed in depth. RSS General secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi who spoke at the event said, “For hundreds of years the downtrodden and Dalits have never been provided wholesome opportunities for their upliftment. They  continue to be exploited even today. It is because of these reasons that the curse of conversion is spreading. We ourselves are the reason for this problem. We have to pay attention towards the stopping of conversions and strengthening of harmonious feeling. ” His request, “Activities of RSS requires support from all sections of society. Join hands with us” received outstanding response.

Mother’s convention (Mathru Samavesha)

More than 3,500 women participated in 3 different meetings at the ‘Mathru Samavesha’ or Mothers’ Convention. RSS Saha Sarakaryavaha Dattatreya Hosabale Ji, senior pracharak N.Krishnappa and Su.Ramanna addressed the convention.

The dais had as its backdrop, a striking painting of artist B.K.S.Varma.  Phrases like “Bharatavarsha’s grand new raise, wishes a unification of strength, we will win the world with knowledge, character, unity, harmony and friendship” proclaiming te essence of the camp enshrined it forever.

Exhilarating experience

“Watching thousands of Swayamsevaks in their uniform/Ganavesh was by itself a proud fact. It also gave me confidence to know that there are many Swayamsevaks like me, who conduct RSS shakas. I realized this when I saw many of them at a meeting/Bhaitak which was presided over by our Sarsangachalak. Hindu Shakti Sangama which was an unique event, displayed Sangh’s ‘virat’/universal form.”

– Sindhoora Umesh Joshi, Belagavi

Unique features of the Camp

• 21729 Swayamsevaks from 12 districts and 1960 towns/villages of North Karnataka participated at the three day Hindu Shakti Sangama.
• More than a lakh people witnessed the ‘Yugadrushti’ exhibition
• The three flames, ‘Vijaya Jyothi’ from Hampi’s Virupaksha temple, ‘Hanuma Jyothi’ from Anjanadri hills and ‘Keshava Jyothi’ from Chikkodi, reached the camp on the night of 26^th January.

• 8 people who ran with the Hanuma Jyothi and Vijaya Jyothi were Hindu youths who had converted to Christianity. With their participation in the 3 day, they understood the importance of Hindutva.
• It was a distressing moment when the main water supply pipe broke on 27^th night. Even before others came to know about it, a few inexperienced Swayamsevaks worked through the night and fixed it. Panic and anxiety among all disappeared. Water was readily available for the early morning ablutions.
• Anxious moments recurred again on 28^th night, when cooks in the kitchen could not prepare the vegetable curry. But with Karyakartas around, who made the impossible possible, the task was attended to. Those in charge of kitchen duty cast aside their personal work and swung into action. With only 6 quintals of vegetables remaining, food would be insufficient for all. But the remaining 19 quintals were supplemented and foos for the next morning was ready!
• ‘Rangoli’ was one of the attractions ofthe camp. 5 quintals of rangoli powder and 3 quintals of color were used for rangoli designs. 11 people, including 10 women and a male Karyakartha, were engaged in designing and laying the rangoli for 4 days and 34 hours. They spent 16 hours on the first day and 12 hours on the second day, at a stretch. Their dedication for laying the rangoli designs while working continuously, and being indifferent to day and night, immensely inspired one and all.
• Collection of ‘Holige’ at the camp was by itself a record of sorts. 1,34,472 Holiges were collected from 12,500 houses in and around Hubli, Dharwad and New Town. 175 people including 25 women folk from the city were involved in the task of collecting Holiges.
• Poojya Prajnananda Saraswati Swamiji of Kumta stayed in the tent along with other participants.
• Live webcast of the camp’s valedictory function was facilitated through 6 websites for interested viewers from India and world over. 42,000 viewers utilized this facility.
• The owners of the company from Bangalore that facilitated the live webcast, were themselves so impressed with the function that they returned to Bangalore without charging any amount in spite of much persuasion.
• It was indeed special to witness that journalists, who came to report the event, had brought along their families to the camp.
• Srikanth Patil, a 25 year old youth, for whom a leg was rendered useless, being polio stricken, cycled 180 km to reach the camp. This was done with his leg that functioned healthily. He hails from Nagarala village of Mudhol Taluk in Bagalkot district.
• With an intent to experience and witness the camp in person, Vijay Ruikar, a native of Balagavi , came from California, USA. Likewise, Dileep Majumdar arrived from Saudi Arabia.

• A group of 221 Swayamsevaks, all from the tiny village of Jambagi in Jamakhandi taluk arrived for the camp.
• While the unprecedented route-march was in progress in Hubli city on 28^th, the evening ‘Narendra’ shakha was conducted at the regional Sangh Karyalaya ‘Keshava Kunja’. A senior Sangh functionary, after participating in the route march, asked why the shakha was being conducted when route-march was in progress. Hearing this, the Swayamsevak conducting the shakha said in all humility, “Shakhas have to be conducted every day, isn’t it? And we are not expected to participate in the camp either!” Duties first, for Swayamsevaks.
• Lt.Gen.Dr.V.J.Sundaram, chief guest at the function became emotional at the valedictory function. He came to the ‘Ghosh’/Band column to experience the resonance of the instruments. Hearing the band, he was filled with enthusiasm. When he came to know that the band members themselves brought their instruments he exclaimed “Oh my god! I cannot believe!”
• A video documentary on Sangh’s growth and evolution was featured 74 times at the exhibition, during the course of the camp. It had an audience of over 20,000 people.
• News, videos, schedule of events and other information related to the camp were telecast through several websites. Over 2 lakh people received information through these websites and social networking sites during these 3 days.
• Couple of tents that were setup was uprooted in the heavy winds. But the task was promptly handled by Swayamsevaks, who erected inviolable tents again, in no-time.
• A total of 1 crore litre of water was utilized at the preparatory stage and the entire span of 3 days.
• A total number of 22,000 two wheelers and cars commuted to the camp.
• Literature based on nationalistic topics witnessed a high sale.
• A Kannada book ‘Belagidaru Pranadeepadaarathi’ recounting the decisive role of Swayamsevaks during the unfortunate days of Bharat’s partition was released.