Samajik Samskar

(Ennobling Social Conduct)

Hinduism has a long tradition of instilling noble and elevating habits in individuals and society.

It is samaskars which ennoble a person. A person who has imbibed good samskars rises in stature in society. One who has allowed himself to be overtaken by wrong tendencies eventually destroys himself. Many sections of society have stagenated because of negative tendencies. But they are out brethren too, and we have an obligation to lift them up.
As Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya has said, "To help those at the lowest rung in the society to lift themselves up is real Sewa".
In this view, the Sangh Swayamsevaks are carrying on thousands of Sewa projects all over the country - in villages, Sewa-Bastis in cities, forest regions, etc., endeavouring to help these sections lead better lives.
Manya H.V. Seshadriji has said time and again, "Awakening the divine potential of people through samskars is a tradition with the Hindu society going back by centuries".
It is in line with this long legacy that the medium of Sewakarya has been harnessed to re-orient social conventions in accordance with the present times, to wean people from wrong habits like drinking, gambling, etc., and to discourage dowry, inter-community squabbles, etc., by emphasising the spiritual and moral values cherished by society. Sewa-karya not only serves the cause of dwellers of Sewa-Bastis, but also imparts higher samaskars to the Sewa workers themselves.
To highlight the results of some of these endeavours is the aim of this chapter.
Adapting the Hindu tradition of the three Rinas (obligations) emphasis has been laid on Deva-Rina (obligation towards the gods), Rishi-Rina (obligation towards the sages), Pitri-Rina (obligation towards the ancestors) and Samaja-Rina (obligation towards the society) as the tetrad forming the bedrock of material and spiritual progress.

It is through adherence to this path that our society achieved all-round progress in earlier timer. But because of social distortions it is now not easy to establish rapport with people in the lower rungs of society. As a Sewa worker has observed, "Our situation is like a coconut. On the outside there is a thick encrustation of fibre. When we cut through this, then we face the hard shell. If we succeed in breaking this hard shell, only then can we have access to the kernel and nectar-like water inside".

Breaking of such a shell in Sewa-karya.

Getting rid of addictions

V.H.P. Maharashtra

For the last twenty-five years, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has been running hostels and muti-purpose Sewa Kendra in a village called Talasseri near Mumbai, Maharashtra. About two hundred children from forest-dwelling communities come to this Kendra for studies. When the project was announced, Vanvasi brethern attended in large numbers. Many Vanvasi villagers have the habit of drinking. But children staying in the Talasseri hostel are free from the evil habit. When a meeting of the villagers was called the organizers appealed to them: "All of you desire the welfare of your children. Therefore, may we request you all not do drink at least during the days these children come to stay with you during holidays?" They all agreed.

After a time, the second step was taken. The villagers were told: "Tuesday (Mangalvar) is a sacred day for the worship of Hanumanji. It will not be proper to drink on that day. May we therefore request you not to drink on Tuesday - for one day in the week?" The villagers agreed, saying: "After all we drink every day. So, why can't we give up drinking on one day?

Gradually, because of the children, they stopped consuming liquor on one day in the week; many have given it up altogether. Now, the environment in many of the villages has changed remarkably. Pooja and Bhajan take place in the households of these villages. Ganeshotsav is celebrated with the involvement of all the villagers.

Most of the children, instead of seeking employment elsewhere, are opting to return to their villages to pursue agriculture. This has helped in the reform process. The credit for this transformation goes to the late Madhavrao Kane who had totally identified himself with the Vanvasi communities and dedicated his entire life for their welfare till his last breath.

Goddess in human form

Delhi

There has been a tradition of offering pooja to a Kanya (virgin or pre-marital girl) as a manifestation of Goddess Durga. In course of time this had become a mechanical ritual. Its mass observance had little impact on the persons within families.

In this background, a little change was introduced. Earlier the Kanya-poojan was observed within particular neighbourhoods. Our Karyakartas expanded the concept. Over ten thousand Kanyas from about a thousand families in different extensions participated in the poojan. What is significant is that among there was congregation of Kanyas from the elite sections as well as Sewa-Bastis and all were offered poojan with devotion and warmth, in about a thousand houses of the elite of the society.
The programme was set off by the washing of the feet of the Kanyas by the elder or the couple of a household, applying tilak and offering sashtang pranam to the Goddess in the form of Kanya. Reciprocally, Kanyas from the elite localities were invited and offered poojan in the Valjit Nagar Sewa-Basti.

Through this pooja programme, naturally it was imprinted on the minds of the girls that they are the manifestation of Goddess Durga and should therefore lead clean and noble lives. Social harmony too received a fillip since, according to mythology, it is the combined prowess of all the gods which took the form of Goddess Shakti. All the gods had made to her a gift of their special ammunitions to enable her to slay the Aruras (Demons).

Thus, through the mass Kanya-poojan, a silent message was conveyed that harmonious interactions will lead to greater strength and prosperity of society.

Miracle wrought by bhajan

Delhi

Wherever youth gather in large numbers in public places, it is not uncommon to witness clouds of smoke and a free flow of liquor. But here was a scene in total contrast. Over three thousand youths had gathered - all from the Mohan Mandir Park Sewa-Basti of Harinagar in Delhi. The atmosphere was fragrant with sandal smoke. Instead of meaningless chatter, there was continuous devotional Keertan singing and Bhajan. Instead of squabbles one often finds, here was an air of love and fraternity. What was the secret behind this magic? The answer is simple: these youths had received samskars from Sewa Bharati.

Sewa Bharati
Realising the potential of Bhajan as an effective medium of samskar, our karyakartas started weekly Bhajan circles in all the Sewa-Bastis. From time to time all the Bhajan Mandalis are called for a special programme. New modes and directions are indicated to make the programmes more attractive. In the process, the latent talents of the people come out into the open, and people themselves, start exploring ways in which these talents can serve the cause of society.
In Mohan Mandir, a Bhajan contest started at 10 p.m. and went on till 6 a.m. the next day. In addition to the regional president of Sewa Bharati and other workers, the Prant Pracharak of Sangh was also present. Such programmes have helped in expanding the activities in Sewa-Bastis all over Delhi.

Enchanting form of Krishan
Children Dressed as Krishna	Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

Sri Krishna Janmasthami is celebrated with great reverence and enthusiasm in all temples and homes. It occurred to our karyakartas that this occasion too could be used for social change. Sewa Bharati and Samskar Bharati joined together to organize a programme in Shahjipur. Children bedecked themselves as Krishna in various attractive forms.

When Krishan comes, will the mothers, sisters and brothers be far behind? It was not merely a matter of costume. Children dressed as Krishna mentally identified themselves with Krishna. All the childhood pranks and adventures of Krishna were enacted with gusto and involvement - some dancing, some playing on the flute, some eating butter, some simulating Krishna's lifting up the Gowardhan mountain, some displaying the Sudarshan Chakra, and so on. Thus, Krishna pervaded the entire atmosphere.

The chief guest was Mohammed Khan, Principal of the local G.F. Degree (First Grade) College. He was so deeply impressed that he requested the organisers to have this programme every year.

The incident was reminiscent of the legendary Raskhan who once witnessed as satsang of Vaishnav saints. It had such a deep impact on his mind that he became a devotee of Lord Krishna, went to Gokul and was initiated in the Pushti Marga by Goswami Vittalnath. Raskhan's songs in praise of Krishna are famous.

Sacred Fervour
Sensitivity leads to Sewa	Delhi

Where there is trust, even difficult tasks become possible, paving the way for progress. Trust and dedication cannot be generated merely though money or exhibition. Shraddha is born when an individual is charged with sacredness of intent, spirit of sacrifice and selflessness.

Many are the instances when the sincerity and hard work of the Swayamsevaks have inspired the spirit of Sewa in others. Those thus inspired become collaborated in our Sewa endeavours. Here is one such example.

Once, on a cold winter night, a certain student of the Sewa Bharati hostel in Delhi had not returned till late-night. Our karyakartas became worried and went to the house of the student. He was moved beyond words by the situation in the house. The boy's father was asleep on the dilapidated cot, covered with the only available rajai (thick blanket). The room was small. On the floor, the mother and the boy's sister were sitting huddled on a tattered 'bed' made up of old pieces of cloth, with hardly anything to cover themselves with. The reason for the boy's staying away from the hostel became obvious. Our karyakarta told the boy affectionately: "I have arranged for a blanket for you in the hostel. You need nor bring your blanket from your house".

The boy accompanied the Swayamsevak to the hostel. For that night, the karyakarta gave his own rajai to the boy and himself slept with a light bed-sheet. The boy did not fail to observe what the karyakarta had done. Since then his warmth for the karyakarta and Sewa Bharati increased even more. As a consequence, all the residents of the Basti where the boy came from became intimate associates of Sewa Bharati.

Trust begets harmony

Delhi

Another time, a karyakarta of Sewa Bharati went to the house of student. As soon as he knocked on the door the boy rushed out, touched his feet and stood weeping. The karyakarta was puzzled. When he went inside, the usual words of welcome were missing.

The boy's mother was sitting in a corner on the charpai, in the next room the boy's sister-in-law was sitting sullenly. The karyakarta went and touched the feet of the mother; but silence continued.

On enquiry it transpired that because of a quarrel between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law, no food had been prepared.

The karyakarta and the boy went into the kitchen and prepared the food. But neither of the two women came forward to eat. The karyakarta then told them: "All right. If you people will not eat, I shall also not eat today".

This had a magical effect. The silence was broken. The mother repeated her complaint, and the daughter-in-law responded with her problem. The karyakarta then pacified both. By now the situation had cooled. All ate together happily.

A little gesture on the part of the karyakarta had succeeded in imparting the samskar of adjustability which would not have been possible through any structured programme.

In the service of the aged and ill

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

It we expect people to imbibe good samaskars, it is important that we reflect their samaskars ourelves in our actions. Convinced thus, the Swayamsevaks of Sewa Bharati constantly strive to mould their own lives. In Agra, the aged father of a Sewa Pramukh had a paralytic stroke and thus become dependent on others. But the son and the daughter-in-law served him day and night with such sincerity and warmth for several years that the father's condition became bearable to him. This dedication became an example to other karyakartas, inspiring them too to look upon their elders with concern. This ennobled attitude of mind came to be reflected in their daily actions. In order to highlight its importance, a special programme was organised to honour aged men and women, in a Basti. A 'Havan' was performed, after which the Mahanagar Sanghchalak of Sangh stood up, invited the oldest couple present to the stage, applied tilak to them and honoure them by offering shriphal on behalf of the entire society. The scene reminded many of the afection with which Sri Ram had embraced Guha of the lowly hunter-tribe while on his way to the forest. The message was effectively conveyed that elders amongst us should always be honoured. Needless to say, the children present were particularly impressed.

Quality of life Enhanced	Delhi
Through De-addiction

Yajna symbolises sacifice and dedication, establishing communion with the gods and through this process, spreading the divine impulses throughout creation. Inspired by this concept, Sewa Bharati in Delhi organised a 'Nasha-Mukti Yajna' to free people from evil addictions. Addiction generates arrogance, and this results in hatred and needless quarrels among the people. Thus, poisonous tendencies develop vitiating the entire community, ending in total degeneracy. Addictions thus are the biggest hindrances for social progress. When the root of such evils is exterminated, many other problems will automatically be solved. If the evil roots are replaced by seeds of fruit-bearing trees, there will be sweetness and felicity all round.
With this belief, the karyakartas contacted the households from which children had been attending our Sewa Kendras. They convinced the elders of the Bastis that their children too can make progress in studies and lead good lives but that for this to happen, the environment with the households had to be congenial. On bearing this, many parents replied. "We are prepared to do anything. When you are so deeply concerned about our children, naturally we shall try to do whatever you suggest. "Seeing that the elders were convinced, the karyakartas told them: "What we desire is a little gesture from you side". They came forth, "Please tell us without hesitation what we should do". The karyakarta then pleaded with the elders to give up drinking.
Gradually, most of them gave up drinking. A congregation of all of them was arranged to further strengthen their resolve; 'Nasha-Mukti Yajans' were arranged in various Sewa-Bastis. At these congregations till now some three hundred brethren have publicly vowed not to drink.

Inspiring visit of P. P. Sarsanghchalakji

Delhi

In a remote corner of Delhi, a young boy was melodiously reciting the verse from the Bhagavad-Gita (Chapter 13), "Nirmanamoha jitasangadosha adhyatmanitya vinivritta-kamah..." All were listening intently. Among the audience were some three hundred and fifty elders from a hundred and fifty Sewa-Bastis of Delhi. They had all come to see and listen to the renowned leader of Hindu Samaj, Parama Poojaneeya Sri Rajju Bhaiyya, revered Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This is the first time that these elders heard a boy from among themselves reciting Gita to mellifluously. This was possible only as a result of our Sewa activities.
The occasion was made even more emotive by the singing of the well-known bhajan-song of sant Ravidas "Prabhujee tum chandan mai panee..." ("O Lord, you are the sandal-paste, and I am like the recipient water".) It was a most inspiring song describing the devotee's oneness with the Lord. All present became filled with emotion, and began expressing themselves. The pradhan (elder) of Kalandar colony said, "Because of Sewa-karya our Basti is nor free from the evil of drink". The pradhan from Deenapurgaon said,"Because of Sewa-karya, in our locality the fanaticism of the Muslims has subsided". The pradhan from Sultanpuri said, "After the Samskar Kendra and coaching centre started work in our Basti, our children have developed interest in studying". The elder from Samatadham Basti said with folded hands, "Sewa Bharati had not reached our Basti, many of our people would have been converted to Christianity, as there were none of guide us. "he continued, "After Sewa-karya started, a temple has come into being. Daily pooja takes place in the temple with Arati. Because of this, the feeling of Hindutwa in our households has been awakened. All this is the contribution of Sewa Bharati. All of us have indeed become part of Sewa Bharati... We are all prepared to read the path shown by you".
P.P. Sarsanghchalakji told them all: "There is within all of you very great potential. By energising that hidden power, you will all definitely change the very picture of your Basits.

Religious Programmes inspire the youth

Delhi

If proper direction is given, our youth have the capacity to overcome social hurdles and achieve all-round progress. With this view, Sewa Bharati of Delhi organises camps, excursions, tours, pilgrimages and service programmes for the students of its hostels and coaching centres. As a result, the youths mobilise large numbers of these people to take part in Valmiki Jayanti, "Ram Baaraat" and other Shobha-yatra processions. Arrangements in temples in the Bastis were improved and those mandirs have all themselves become Sewa Kendras. Many new mandirs have also sprung up. Through these mandirs, Bhajan Mandalis, weekly stasang and daily Arati, gymanasia and other activities have been started. Many new and skilled karyakartas have joined us from among these Bastis. In addition to external and mental cleanliness very character of the Bastis has been changing.

True test of Samskar

The test of samskars comes when one has to grapple with human selfishness and when one overcomes his selfish ego and conducts oneself in a noble and mature manner. When this happens, such an individual earns respect and also brings credit to the source of his samskar.
Humanitarian impulse expresses itself when it serves one's individual interest. But the desire to work for other well-being can come only by long and sustained self-training through travails. In Delhi, the new academic session had to start. The new schools that the Basti children had to attend demanded new uniforms. Most of the children could manage their own uniforms. But our Sewa Bharati karyakarta found that there were students who, because of dire poverty,could not afford uniforms. The manager told all the Students that Sewa Bharati would take care of the uniforms for those five students. He than announced: "If any others among you need any part of uniform, you may give me your names". Instantly almost all the students began writing their names. The manager became sad that all these better-off students were acting in a narrow-minded manner. What had happened to the samskars they had received? But surprise was in store. When all the slips of paper were collected and scrutinised, it transpired that not one among them had written his own name. Most had written the names of students who could really ill afford the uniforms. What was even more surprising is that even those in need had not written their names but the names of some others in need of uniforms. Seeing this, the Sewa Bharati karyakrtas were moved to tears. Their long and strenuous Sewa-Sadhana had proved itself on the touchstone of actuality.

Character strengthened through Samskar

For the Delhi Sewa Bharati Karyakartas, the homes of the children have become like their own, and they frequently visit tiem. Once a karyakarta carrying a bag containing cash contributions went to a house. In course of the usual conversation, he forgot to pick up the bag and left the house. He realized after many house that he had forgotten his bag at some place. He could not even recall where he had left it. He cursed himself, "Why did I not remit the collection immediately to the office? Whey did I keep it with me?" He then got on his scooter and started looking for the bag in a few places he had visited during the day, but could not trace the bag. After a couple of days he thought of visiting the above house. But his mind was filled with various thoughts such as "It may my fault not to take care of public money. It is possible that these people could not have resisted the sight of but mine". Filled with such thoughts, he reached the house. He started conversing in his normal fashion, as if nothing unusual had happened. Within moments, the boy brought and handed over the bag to him and explained -"Guruji, this bag has much money. That day you left in a hurry leaving this behind. After you left, I went away to the school. When mother noticed it, she kept it inside and went away for work. After she returned she asked me to take it and give it to you. Meanwhile it is good that you happened to come here. You are aware of our poor condition. With difficulty we make both ends meet. In such circumstances, taking care of such money which is sacred is a big responsibility. We are now relieved". The karyakarta found the entire amount intact. He was happy and also proud, since after all the aim of Sewa-karya is inculcating moral sensibility.

Samakar through humane warmth
Wrong habits conquered	Delhi

Mashes, a student with our Timarpur Basti hostel in Delhi, had to arrange the marriage of his sister. Along with his own study, he had, with much difficulty, arranged for her private tuition. She successfully completed her M.A. in Enghlish. Considering that she had imbibed noble samskars and also acquired good academic qualification, Mahesh decided that her marriage should be celebrated in a manner that would set an example to the others. He was keen that drinks and meat-eating should not be there in the marriage.
All the arrangements were thoughtfully planned by his co-students and Sewa Bharti Karyakartas. People on both the sides were extremely pleased. Soon this example inspired people of other Bastis to do likewise, through the persistent effort on the part of the karyakartas.
One such instance was the marriage of Kundan Mani's sister in the Sangam Partk Extention. Around 2 o'clock in the night they needed some pooja articles for the Havan. All shops would naturally be closed at that hour. Seeing the problem, our Sewa Bharati karyakarta said, "I shall try". He went, woke up a poojari (priest) of his acquaintance and brought the needed materials from him. Now another problem arose. Kundan Mani had sent away his uncle as the latter was given to drinking. But his presence became necessary in the marriage ritual. Where to look for him? Also, even if traced, he might not agree to come.
In that situation Kundan Mani's Guruji, that is, the Sewa Bharti Karyakarta, himself functioned as the uncle of the bride.
Thus, Sewa Bharati has become totally identified with the families of the Basti-dwellers, so much so that even in their intra-community gatherings, the 'Bhojana Mantra' is recited at the time of food.

Victory over weaknesses
Transformation power of Love	Delhi

Students of the Sewa Bharati hostel and coaching centre, apart from themselves imbibing good samskars, have been trying to change the environment even in their house. Ashok kumar, coming from Sangam Park Valmiki Basti, once did not go to his home for several days in protest against his father's drinking habit. After the third day, the father became anxious to see his son. But he had to choose between liquor and his son. He struggled with himself. Gradually, his in-born affection for his son prevailed, and he came to the hostel. Ashok Kumar, as soon as he saw his father, bent and touched his feet. The moment his son prostrated, the father's mental struggle ended, and he vowed never to drink again. Such is the transformation that good samskars can bring about.

Flower from nettles

Nabal's father, who was a sweeper with the Delhi Municipal Corporation, died suddenly. The boy's uncle and relations through that it would be best for Nabal as a worker replacing his father, in the interest of the family. But Nabal was not prepared. He was keen on studying further so that, apart from earning a livehood, he would be able to do his mite for society, in line with the samskars he had received from Sewa Bharati. His relations argued, "It is not advisable to forgo this job, since jobs are difficult to come by". The Sewa Bharati karyakrtas convinced Nabal's relations and he was able to continue his education.
The same Nabal is today an engineer with the water supply division. Not only for the people of his Basti, in fact he has become a source of inspiration for the entire society. As soon as he got the position of engineer, he declared that he would contribute Rs. 250 every month for the use of students under the care of Sewa Bharati. Such is the flowering of good samskars.

Cordiality Restores Domestic Peace

Delhi

Through the coaching centre, Bal Samskar Kendra, eracy Center, Library, Reading-Room, Circulating Library, Tailoring Training Centre, Typewriting Centre, Occupational Training Centre, Mobile Hospitals, 'Samskar Rath', Matru Chaya, Bhajan Mandali, Sewa-Sourabh, Sewadham and numerous such activities, Sewa Bharati in Delhi has been serving about twenty-five thousand families of the poorest localities. Because of this men, women and children of those Bastis look upon Sewa Bharati as their warm friend.
Once a boy came weeping to the Samskar Kendra and told the teacher-behn, "Deedee, I am going away to my grandmother's house. So how am I going to study with you?" The teacher replied, "You may resume study after you return from your grandmother's house". The boy replied, "No Deedee. My mother has quarrelled with my father and is leaving him and is going away to her mother's place".
Hearing this, the teacher accompanied the boy to his house. The parents were both standing outside the house. On seeing the teacher, the boy's mother burst out, "This man drinks daily, comes home and abuses and beats everybody. I can no longer put up with it".
The teacher took the couple inside, made them sit, and slowly pacified both of them. Tempers cooled down. The father prostrated before the teacher and declared, "Hereafter I shall never drink. Nor will I ever beat any of you". The couple then went out together and brought in the bags.
Thus relieved, the boy resumed his study at the Samskar Kendra.

Parents Influenced by Children

Delhi

On the suggestion of the teacher-behn, children of the Vijdyalay had to touch the feet of their father before leaving for the school each morning. But the children had a problem: the father's feet were ensconced within blankets. If the father was made to wake up, he would become furious. So, some of the children went to the school without touching their father's feet. The teacher then advised children, "You may offer pranam by touching the rajai from outside". The children did so. One day, in one house, feeling a sensation of being touched, the father flared up. But the children silently went away to the school. After this happened for two or three days, the father began to rise earlier and attend to house-chores. The same was the case in a few other houses also. Thus, they could give more attention to house-maintenance and to the children's study. Needless to say, the little gesture of the children resulting from the samskar they received in Sewa Bharati had a far-reaching influence on the parents.

Hindu Identity Reclaimed

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

A Samskar Kendra had been opened in the Nagla Singi extension near Hathras in Braj. On the first day, when the teacher asked the children's names, one replied, 'Mahmood', another 'Rashid', and so on. The teacher was surprised, since Nagla was predominantly a locality of the Hinuds. How could there be so many Muslim boys? It came out that a certain Moulvi had been visiting the area from time to time, and it is he who had named the children. Hindu priests had hardly ever come to them. Even dead bodies were disposed of in the Muslim fashion.
Such was the state of affairs in this hamlet. The people belonged to the Ghumantu Banjara caste and traditionally lived by cattle-rearing. They had no contact at all with Hindu society. This had encouraged the Moulvi.
After activities of Sewa Bharati started, things changed. Children got not names. The life-style of the people too began changing. Children began to take an interest in learning. They were gradually introduced to tenets of Hinduism. In course of time, a person from the Basti itself has risen to the position of the gram pradhan (village chief).

Religious Discourses Effect Change

Meerut (Northern Uttar Pradesh)

It is well known that religious discourses (pravachans) are very good medium for imparting samskars. Once a weeklong series of such discourses had been organised in Gangohnagar in Saharanpur District. The effect of that programme became evident at the vary conclusion of the series. The leading karyakartas of Sewa Bharati who had arranged the pravachan had discussed among themselves what guidelines should be given to the people of their Sewa-Bastis through the pravachan. They decided after discussion that synchronising with the close of the pravachan series, a mass marriage should be performed for brides from five poor families.
Accordingly, along with the valedictory function, the mass marriage took place for five selected brides with all prescribed rituals. People of the locality heartily co-operated. All the brides were trainees at the tailoring coaching centre run by Sewa Bharati.

Dignity Underneath Poverty

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

Pooris and other eatables were being prepared in a Sewa Basti of Saharanpur. What was the festive occasion? When the smell enquired from her neighbouring woman, "Are any special guests coming here today?" The woman replied, "Yes, guests are of course coming, but not to these houses. There is going to be a Sangh camp from this evening. It will be attended by many guests from several villages and cities. It is for those invitees that we are preparing food." The old woman asked, "What is this Sangh?" Basti are being educated. It is Sangh which has made these arrangements". The old woman said, "It is very good. They are nice people. I shall also make some pooris".
By evening, the Sangh karyakarta came with a list of houses to collect packets of food. When he had come in the morning the old woman had gone away to the market for shopping and therefore her name was not in the list. Naturally the karyakarta skipped the house of the old woman. Seeing the karyakarta go away the old woman came out and called to him aloud, "Did you skip my house because we are poor?" The karyakarta pacified her saying, "Mother, when we came in the morning, you had gone out. We could not therefore ask you for food". She replied, "Son, no doubt we are poor people. But when guests come, our samskar says that we should feed them before ourselves eating". On hearing these words, the joy of the karyakarta knew no bounds.

Sewa Removes Caste-Consciousness

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

There was once a children's camp organised by the Sewa Kendra of Agra City. The responsibility for the afternoon meal was to be shared by some twenty families. The local houses were used to such programmes. The organisation deliberately decided to involve some new families this time. Accordingly, a few children of Sewa Kendra were sent to a Brahmin family in Ashok Nagar Colony for food.
The family was familiar to the Mahanagar Sewa Pramukh, who accompanied the children. The children were invited in and conversion started. In the meantime, the Sewa Pramukh went out to escort another batch of children. The children here in course of talk said, "We are Valmikis". Some said, "We are Jatavs". This information unsettled the host. The change was reflected in action too. By which the Sewa Pramukh returned there, the foodplates which had been readied earlier were being, replaced by leaf-plates. The dumbstural children were mutely observing. After sensing the unnatural environment, the Sewa Pramukh went inside the kitchen. Seeing him, the lady of the household chided him, "You have caused pollution to our tradition". He remained calm and said, "All right. Kindly let me also have a leaf-plate". The lady countered, "Why the leaf-plate for you? You after all belong to our household." By now, the pain in the heart of the Sewa Pramukh had begun to show up in this eyes. The lady on seeing it exclaimed, "But why are you weeping?" The Sewa Pramukh replied, "Mother, I am weeping because of the attitude here. These children are our God. If our God eats in a leaf-plate in this house, then I shall also do likewise". It then dawned on the lady that she had committed a grave sin. She immediately apologised, placed regular plates and served food to the children. She herself cleaned the plates after food. Thus, because of a determined approach to Sewa, outdated conversions are no longer there. Since that day, the doors of that house are always open to children of all castes.

Trust Drives Away Misconceptions

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

Chandra Nagar of Braj ergion has become known mainly because of Sewa Bharati activities there. Once a karyakarta was showing the Samskar Kendra to the provincial Sewa Pramukh of Sangh. By then, a temple had already been built in the Basti through the efforts of Sewa Bharati. The Sewa Pramukh was naturally taken to the temple first, and then to a house where the local karyakartas had assembled. There was discussion about the development of the Basti, the state of Hindu society, need for Sangathan, the role of Sewa Bharti, etc. Participating in the conversation, the Basti residents told the Sewa Pramukh, "When this karyakarta first entered our Basti, we were all suspicious. We had somehow harboured harsh feelings towards the'elite' sections of Hindu society, and we had misconceptions about Sangh. We in fact suspected the movies of this karyakarta and interrogated him severely, saying, "Why have you come to our Basti? Never step here again'. But he did not stop coming. Gradually our misconceptions melted away. Now we have all ourselves become karyakartas of Sewa Bharati."

Youth in the Vanguard

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

In Bareilly, after visiting the Samskar Kendra in Basti, the Sewa Bharati karyakartas met in a house for conversation. There were two or three old persons present. They at once began heaping abuses on Hindu society. They were so aggressive that they were in no mood even to listen to others. It appeared as if they were carrying on an advocacy for Christianity. When their harangue did not seem to end, their own children made them stop and told him, "Why are you repeating these old tales? You have yourselves seen that after the Samskar Kendra started in our Basti, important people from the city have started visiting our houses, and have tea with us. We also often visit their homes and they offer us food and tea. Is not this change significance?" the youths continued, "I have seen with my own eyes. Thousands of people attend the programmes of Sewa Bharati, including hundreds from our Bastis. All sit together, eat together, without any reservations, Please realise that Hindu society is not changing. Instead of blaming the Hindu society, we should ourselves change in tune with the times".

"He is one among us"

ASSAM

Among the Dimasa-Riyang community in the hilly region of Assam, it has been a custom not to allow any outsiders to stay overnight with them. Once, some karyakartas of Vishwa Hindu Parishad went to one such hill-village.
As it was late in the night, it was not possible for them to return. The villagers therefore arranged a vacant house for their stay. Three people could stay in that house. But there were four of them, and one of them a doctor. The villagers then said, "Let these three friends stay in the vacant house. Doctor-saab can stay in our house. After all he is one among us". Because of his Sewa, the doctor had become intimate with the villagers. The samskar accompanying Sewa activities had bound the people to one another.

Traditional samskar cherished

TRIPURA

Vishwa Hindu Parishad runs a residential Primary School in a village called Anandnagar in Tripura, close to the Mizoram border. For the last two years even the Christian Vanvasis have been sending their children to this school. The children freely mingle with the others and receive all the samskars there, even through they all know well that the school is run by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and that the school imparts Hindu samskars. Gradually it came to light that Vanvasi parents had realized that children attending Christian schools tend to distance themselves from the community and that many in fact had come under the influence of terrorists. It has also been their experience that children studying in the VHP-run school respect their parents and the village traditions. The fact is that these villages in their heart of hearts cherish the traditional samskars.

Highlighting the essence of rituals

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

Sewa avtivities on the one hand work for the amelioration of the economic and social conditions of the Bastis, and on the other awaken in the minds of the elite their obligation towards their less fortunate brethren.
By introducing a few meaningful changes in traditional festivals, poojas and utsavs, significant changes can be brought about in the minds of people. This has been our experience in many regions.

'Kanya-Poojan' breaks social barriers

It is customary to worship Goddess Durga during the Navratri period. The pooja observance is supposed to be complete only if Kanya-poojan is performed, food is served to the kanyas and Dakshina offered. Sewa Bharati gave this custom a social orientation by emphasising that all kanyas are manifestations of the Goddess and are therefore equally worthy of pooja.
As a result, Kanya-poojan on a mass scale began to be organised in numerous places during Navratri. A similar programme had been arranged in a village called Rajpur in Parrukhabad district. The village is covered under the Integrated Development Plan, and has a population of about five thousand. Brahmins constitute the majority in this village, and there are a number of people belonging to several other castes. The chief of Gram Vikar programme invited kanyas from all the communities for the Kanya-poojan programme. It social change can be effected through religious faith, why can't it be pursued? Thinking thus, the Kanya-poojan programme was held at the Bharadwaj Rishi Ashram. Starting with the Durga Ashtami day, there was daily recitation of Ramayan, and this went on up to Ram Navami day. A grand 'Havan' was arranged at the conclusion, in which the entire village participated and made Fir-offerings. After this, couples of the village washed the feet of the assembled kanyas, applied tilak to their foreheads and performed poojan in accordance with ritual injunctions. All then sat together and had their food. Thus, reverence for Goddess Devi was able to demolish narrow cast-feelings. The refrain of the popular song "Har bala devi ki pratima" ("Each girl is a manifestation of Goddess Devi") was thus actualised through this programme.

Superstition Discarded

North-East

Vanvasis of the region adjacent to Hojaichak village near Nagaland-Manipur border believe that if any boy of their community takes to study, his family attracts the wrath of God. In this background, the villagers had become annoyed at a person who had given his land to Vishwa Hindu Parishad for running a school. But due to patient efforts the belief of the villagers has undergone change.
Nor it is all. After witnessing the samskars imbibed by the children in the Vidyalay, the parents themselves started insisting that the children study well. The earlier irrational belief has disappeared. The change may be gleaned from the fact that the village now has also a Junior High School.

A Little Inducement goes a long way

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

When coastal Andhra Pradesh was devastated by cyclone, an appeal was circulated in Bareilly. The appeal described the havoc caused with pictures and a report of what measures had already been taken by our karyakartas, listing immediate requirements of the victims and seeking public assistance in various forms. The appeal was sent to trustees of various organisations and regional functionaries through mail.
Even that printed appeal was enough to impress many people who rushed to the Sangh Karyalay with contributions. Our karyakartas were surprised seeing how sensitive our society is and how full of concern for others. The need thus is to inform people of the requirements.

A Seven-Year-Old Metamorphosed

Calcutta(West Bengal)

Seeing the actual work being done in Vanvasi areas by our organisations has had a salutary influence on many people. Based on this experience, every year a 'Van-Yatra' is arranged wherein many city-dwellers with their family members participate. During the Van-Yatras there are rerular programmes imparting samskars. The programme created an impact not only on these well-wishers, but also on their families including children.
After the seven-year-old Dhruva from the city of Calcutta attended one such Van-Yatra, his parents were surprised at the change which had come about in his behaviour. "He used to be asleep till well after 8 a.m. But he now gets us by 5 and also wakens his father, asking that he be taken to Ganga for bath. After returning he lights the lamp in pooja room. He then makes obeisance to his parents". Naturally this has pleased the parents immensely. Whatever pocket money he gets promptly goes into the 'Sewa Patra' collection box that he keeps. When there are visitors he offers pranams to them. They, in token of their blessings, give him money as is the custom - sometimes Rs. 21, sometimes Rs. 51. These too are deposited in the 'Sewa Pata' box. Earlier Dhruva used to refuse money. But now he readily accepts and adds it to the box. Even money gifted to him on his birthday or other occasions ends up in the 'Sewa Patra'. The sight to poverty in the Vanvasi settlements has thus changed his very life-style. Such is the impact of direct exposures.

The Mission of a Nine-Year-Old

Calcutta(West Bengal)

Nisheeth Rawat of Calcutta, who is nine years of age, started a writing-slate collection drive soon after the returned from a 'Van-Yatra'. He innocently inquired from our organiser, "How many slates should I collect so that each Vanvasi boy can have one?" The organiser smiled and said, "Well, lakhs of slates will be needed. But you need not worry about that. It will be enough for you to collect whatever you can from people of your acquaintance". Nisheeth then started going from door to door to collect money for the welfare of Vanvasis. After several days, when the collection was not up to his expectation, he asked his mother-
"Mother, what are you planning to present to me on my birthday?"
Mother replied-
"I shall be happy to present to you whatever you desire".
Mother must have thought Nisheeth would ask for some toys or new dresses. The birthday was about a week away.
Nisheeth replied-
"You have promised to give me what I ask. Kindly let me have Rs.1.100".
Mother was surprised and asked-
"Why do you need so much money?"
Nisheeth replied-
"Mother, on my birthday I should like to gift this amount for purchases of slate for our Vanvasi boys".
Nisheeth's parents were, in fact, karyakartas of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, but they had never thought in the manner that Nisheeth had.

Trend-Setting VOW of Ten-Year-Old

Calcutta(West Bengal)

Ten-year-old Rahul belongs to an affluent family in Calcutta. He too once participated in a Van-Yatra for the first time.
Immediately after returning from the Yatra, he gathered together all his friends and vowed before them: "Our Vanvasi brethren have no clothes to wear. But our wardrobes are filled with more clothes than we shall ever need. Many of the Vanvasis eat only once a day; but all of us spend fifty rupees or more every day for chocolates, toffees and biscuits. I am now taking a vow that a least for the next one year I shall not eat toffees, and shall put all my pocket money into the 'Sewa Patra' collection box".
Little Rahul was as good as his word. He neither ate toffees and chocolates nor spent his pocket money. He added it all to the 'Sewa Patra'. No amount of lecturing would have sensitised Rahul, but a direct visual exposure to the Vanvasis had done the trick.

A crisis resolved by positive approach

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

A problem had arisen during the wedding of a girl from Valmiki Basti of Newrajnagar of Agra. They had planned for about fifty guests at the time of arrival of the bridegroom's party(Baaaraat). But more than two hundred and fifty people turned up. It was late-evening: there were many marriages taking place as it was the season, and the bridegroom's party were fast approaching. Cooking had already been completed and all the vessels had been kept out for later cleaning. At that late hour, where could they get extra utensils for preparing food for such a large number? It was matter of honour. The bride's party became worried. There was no solution in sight.
When the Sewa karyakartas present saw the situation, they told themselves- "After all, Bhagwan Krishna had himself cleaned the used leaf-plates at the Yajna performed by Yudhishthira. Why then can we not do so?" The solution dawned on them. They said to the bride's father, "By the time the two sides greet each other by garlanding etc. you can seat about 50 persons for food, to start with". In the meantime, the karyakartas applied themselves to cleaning all the used vessels. Seeing, this, several other neighbouring also joined in. As cleaned utensils became available, more food was prepared. All were soon served.
Apart from crisis-management and saving the honour of fellow-beings, the incident imparted other samskars too:

No task is too mean. Doing what is required at a critical time will earn the respect of society.
The image of Sewa Bharati karyakartas in the Bastis received a boost.
When faced with crisis, what is needed to calm thinking and confidence. One should not become perturbed.
There should be no mental barriers such as "This is mine" and "That is others"; all Hindus are one.
It is nor enough to preach noble ideals; they should be reflected in action.

Friendly Persuasion Succeeds

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

Often, when gratuitous advice is tendered, it elicits an adverse reaction. Conveying suggestions to Sewa-Basti dwellers is even more difficult. But, once a relationship of trust has been established, even the task of conveying suggestions becomes easy.
A Bal Samakar Kendra functions in the Valmiki Mandir located at the Jatavpura Basti in the city of Bareilly. Once a meeting was taking place in the temple quadrangle in which the local people as well as karyakartas from the city were present. Just a few feet away was a pen of pigs from which bad odour and the gruntings of pigs and piglets emanated constantly. The karyakartas were distributed by that sight. But being engaged in Sewa-Karya, they had become used to remaining calm and quiet in the interest of harmony. They pondered - Should we speak to them? How should we tell them? If we are not careful, we may jeopardise the good relationship which has been built all these days.
But desisting from speaking or acting as one sees proper may not be in the interest of the Basti people. After all, Sewa Bharati is committed to the well-being of the Basti-dwellers. Thinking thus, the karyakartas opened up and addressed a few questions to them.
"Your children often play in the same yard which is defiled by pigs. How can you expect your children to be clean? Because of this scared temple, is it not necessary to keep the surroundings clean? We are sure you will not desire that your children should remain dirty, un-educated and un-cultured?"

They replied in chorus - "No"

Among those present were also a few students studying in higher grades. They sensed the situation and spoke out - "You have been kind enough to bring our deficiency to our attention. We shall immediately set it right. By the time you come here next, you will find changed surroundings here". They acted accordingly and the surroundings of the temple changed for the better.
Speaking harsh truth, listening to it, and acting according to it-these mental attitudes cannot develop in a mere day or two. Long and patient efforts are needed, and this is illustrated by the Bareilly karyakartas.

Social oblivation recalled and strengthened

Braj Prant (Western Uttar Pradesh)

Sewa activities have multiplied in Agra city, and many service-oriented individuals have become directly involved in these efforts. One such person became active in Arya Samaj and later interested himself in Sewa Bharati programmes. By birth he is Jatav, by training as Arya Samaji, and by habit a social worker. Today he is a senior karyakarta of Sewa Bharati.
Agra city has a vast population of scheduled castes, and also a good number of IAS, IPS and gazetted officers belonging to these castes. Our karyakartas are acquainted with these officers, some whom often attend Sewa Bharati programmes.
During Ambedkar Jayanti, a seminar was arranged in the Sangh Karyalay auditorium on the theme 'Two doctors who healed our society's maladies' (Dr. Hedgewar and Dr. Ambedkar). For many this was the first opportunity to become acquainted with the Sewa-karya of Sangh. After the programme, our karyakartas visited the houses of these well-wishers from time to time, often taking them for visits to our Sewa Kendras. Thus they became sensitised to the need for Sewa-karya and one's obligation towards society.
Some who now occupied high positions came from humble background; they had indeed stayed in the local Jatav hostel during their school and college days and come up through diligence, rising to the position of collector, commissioner, superintendent of police, etc.
That recollection made these high officers now think-"How is it that we have conveniently forgotten our past? Should we not help other brethren to come up in life as we did?" This question had never occurred to their minds for so many years.
Another question arose too in the minds of these officers. Have we retained any contract with the Bastis we come from? Are we doing anything at all for the improvement of the condition of the Bastis? Most officers had built big houses in posh localities so far away that Basti-dwellers could hardly have access to them. Many officers also habitually looked down upon the Basti-dwellers because of the latter's 'un-cultured' ways. But the officers had themselves donelittle to raise the level of life in the Bastis.
Because of the contact with Sewa Bharti, this mental divide broke down and the sense of obligation was awakened in the minds of the officers. They made visits to their old boyhood hostel and met with the present students. They also had discussions with the managements about improvement of the conditions of the hostels. They became active members of the executive committees. Reforms began. Conjointly with improving the hostels, Sewa activities too received a fillip in the Bastis.
As a result, a few of these well-wishers have taken responsibility for varieties of Sewa activities and have also accepted positions of responsibility in Sangh.

Yogasana as cementing force

Karnataka

A major challenge of the present times is how to wean people away from the pervasive westernisation and the consumerist culture. Efforts to deal with the problem at a macro-level through Swadeshi campaigns have been many. The need, however, is to bring about a change in the thinking habits of people and to promote a healthy life-style. With this realisation, Swayamsevaks in Karnataka have fruitfully used the medium of Yogasana as a change-agent. Swayamsevaks took it up as a thrust area two decades ago. Today it has becomes a widespread movement. There are numerous ongoing Yoga centres. Apart from this, Yogasana constitute a major component of most service projects and social worker training programmes. Expositions of elements of Hindu Culture accompany the Yoga courses. The message instilled in the minds of people is that a healthy physique is the basis of a good life, and that it should be viewed as on instrument of service to fellow-beings.
In the two Yogasana centres run by Rashtrotthana Parishat in Bangalore (Karnataka), some five hundred people in different batches undergo the courses daily on an average. In response to need, training is being imparted also in Yoga therapy, Dhyana (Meditation), home remedies, etc.
A vast number among the thousands who have attended the Yogasana courses have, on their own, interested themselves in social and cultural activities. Yogasana has also proved to be a bridge brining together people of different strata and professions.

Children as change agents

Karnataka

What tremendous change can be brought about through children is illustrated by the effect that Shishumandirs and Bal Gokuls have had in Shimoga District of Karnataka. Children from scores of schools enthusiastically take part in Bal Gokul activities. Thousands of such children have undergone remarkable transformation. Instead of film-songs they sing patriotic and devotional songs. Instead of endless talk about film or sports stars, they read biographies of patriots and epic personages. Their behaviour at home and at school has become more cultured and refined.
How children become effective change-agents has been demonstrated in numerous places. In a remote corner of Karnataka, because of the child's habit of touching the feet of parents in obeisance every day, the child's mother too began to offer pranam to her mother-in-law every day. Naturally their relationship has greatly improved; now they seldom quarrel as they used to.
How even a casual act can trigger a vast change was demonstrated in an interior village in Bijapur District of Karnataka. One day, while having breakfast, the boy casually said to his parents:"Accepting money which is not our due is like poison. This is what Mataji told us".
These words of the child made a deep impression on his father who has a lowly-paid job as safai staff who cleans the 'pay toilet' in the local bus stand.
After a couple of days, when a traveller paid in excess of the prescribed fee, he promptly returned the extra amount, despite the persuasion of the of the satisfied traveller. He then recounted to the visitor what had happened, saying, "I have learnt this lesson from my son".
A Samskirt Bal Kendra has been Functioning at Girinagar in Bangalore(Karnataka) for the last six years. To the pleasant surprise of parents, children attending this Kendra have secured better grades in other subjects also in addition to Samskrit. Yet another change is that these children have automatically given up the habit of needlessly employing English even in day-to-day transactions; they in fact take pride in reciting Samskrit verses and songs in front of visitors.

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