Hojai (Assam), 31 May (HS): The 20-day Karyakarta Vikas Varg (Pratham, Samanya) organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Assam Region, concluded on Sunday at Geetashram in Hojai in a grand and inspiring atmosphere. A total of 102 volunteers from different states of Northeast India participated in the training camp. The disciplined and impressive physical demonstrations presented by the trainees during the closing ceremony drew special appreciation from the audience.
Addressing the gathering, chief speaker and Assam Region Intellectual Head Shankar Das Kalita said that the RSS has been continuously engaged in social organization and nation-building for the past 100 years. He stated that during the colonial period, Indian history, culture and traditions were presented in a distorted manner, causing younger generations to drift away from their cultural roots. He added that Western materialism, excessive individualism and consumerism have also challenged traditional social and family structures.
Kalita said that India is the world’s youngest nation and various ideological forces are attempting to influence its youth. He noted that what he described as a reductionist approach divides society on the basis of caste, language, region, and other narrow identities, thereby weakening social unity. He further alleged that tendencies such as scientific socialism and urban Naxalism promote artificial divisions and a mindset of conflict within society.
Referring to the present situation in Assam, Kalita said that while globalization is often discussed, attempts are simultaneously made to divide society along lines such as Upper Assam and Lower Assam, Barak and Brahmaputra Valleys, Assamese and Bengali-speaking communities, Hindi-speaking and non-Hindi-speaking groups, as well as various ethnic identities. He emphasized that diversity should serve as a foundation for social harmony and cultural enrichment rather than conflict. Issues related to language and script, he added, should not be allowed to become tools for social division.
He said that the RSS works to organize society on the basis of eternal values such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” and “Ekam Sad Vipra Bahudha Vadanti,” with the aim of fostering universal brotherhood and social harmony.
In his blessings, Habapan Syn Syiem, Deputy Chief of the traditional Khasi state Hima Khyrim in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, expressed hope that the ancient value system of Seng Khasi, rooted in indigenous faith and traditions, would contribute to peace and harmony in society and the nation.
Thousands of volunteers, well-wishers, and distinguished citizens from various districts of Assam attended the closing ceremony. The camp was conducted under the guidance of Camp Director PVSLN Murthy and Camp Executive Dineshwar Singh. Assam Region Sanghchalak Dr. Umesh Chakravarty was also present on the occasion. The programme concluded with expressions of patriotism and a collective resolve to take India to the pinnacle of glory and prosperity.---------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
