Lokmata Ahilyabai- (Beacon) Shining Example of Women's Leadership :Yuva Bharati May 2025

 

As we commemorate the tricentenary jayanti of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, we are reminded not merely of a historical ruler, but of a timeless spirit who embodied the finest essence of Indian civilization. In an era often remembered for political turbulence, Ahilyabai emerged as a guiding light— the queen who revived traditions of national unity by transcending boundaries of region, religion, and caste.

 

Ahilyabai’s governance was deeply rooted in the dharmic principles of justice, service, and compassion. Her reign, often referred to as Ahilyabai's welfare state, set a precedent for what a just and inclusive administration could look like. Under her rule, the state became a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual solace, economic stability, and cultural continuity. She revived pilgrimage centres across India—from Kashi to Rameswaram—symbolically knitting the nation together through spiritual and cultural rejuvenation.

 

More than a monarch, Ahilyabai Holkar stood as the epitome of Bharateeyata—a perfect embodiment of the Indian value system. Her leadership style was neither authoritarian nor aloof. Instead, she functioned like a mother to her people, involved in their joys and sorrows, ensuring equity and dignity in governance. She demonstrated that authority need not be separated from humility and that power, when rooted in service, can uplift even the most neglected. On this historic occasion, her vision remains ever relevant. In a world striving for harmony amidst diversity, Ahilyabai’s life continues to be a beacon—reminding us that unity is not uniformity but the respectful celebration of differences under a shared ethos. She remains a shining example of how women’s leadership can transform society with strength, wisdom, and grace.

 

As we honour her 300th birth anniversary, we are happy to share the May issue of the magazine having articles on different dimensions of Punyashloka Lokamata Ahilya Bai Holkar. Let us not only remember Ahilyabai Holkar as a great queen but also imbibe her spirit in shaping a unified, inclusive, and value-based Bharat.

 

This month commemorates the jayanthis of acharya dwaya – Adiguru Shankaracharya and Sri Ramanujacharya.

 

Shankara Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, the great 8th-century philosopher and spiritual reformer who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. Celebrated on the Panchami of Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaishakha, this day honors his profound contribution to Indian philosophy, his establishment of four mathas (monastic centers), and his emphasis on the unity of the soul (Atman) with the Supreme (Brahman).

 

Ramanujacharya Jayanti commemorates the birth of the great 11th-century saint and philosopher Sri Ramanujacharya, the proponent of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. Observed on the Thiruvadirai Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Chithirai, this occasion celebrates his teachings on devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu, equality, and social harmony. His inclusive vision laid a strong foundation for the Bhakti movement and continues to inspire millions.

                           Dr. S Padmarekha

The Books are waiting for you! :Yuva Bharati April 2025

Imagine that there is not a single book in this world. ...And if there are no books, can we imagine schools, colleges and universities? We cannot. How can banks, the judicial system, parliament, assemblies function without books, pen and paper? They cannot. Therefore, no one can imagine a society without books. Yet, today many educated people spontaneously say that printing of books and magazines should be stopped. Why bother about paper in the digital age, when we have mobile phones in our hands. It is also true that digital platforms are available everywhere and at all times, then what is the need for books in the digital age? This question is one of the many questions of the present time. Youths who have become addicted to devices like mobile and laptops definitely ask this question. Therefore, we should think deeply about the relevance of books in the digital age. It is true that we are living in the glare of the digital world. Today, it has become compulsory for the government, administration, parliament, sports, schools, colleges/universities, publishing institutions to connect with the digital platform. Compulsivity has become our need. Therefore, now beyond mobile and computer, we are entering the world of AI. We are all riding the flight of development. But in this speed, we are getting away from many important features and possible achievements of our life. For example, our progress in the field of contemplation is coming to a halt. The habit of directly contacting our friends is disappearing. We have started lying on the phone. We are not able to do simple calculations without a calculator. We do not remember tables. We do not remember songs. We are missing playing musical instruments. Instead of sitting together with the family and chatting, we are watching TV. College students are using mobile phones or tabs instead of books for studying. Not only doctors, psychiatrists, but even common citizens can tell how much negative impact the mobile screen has on their eyes, brain and mind. We all know this, but it is more entertainment on mobile. But how right is it to be engaged in mobile for entertainment only? Out of 24 hours of the day, very few youngsters are seen taking out one hour for their own exercise and one hour for self-study. Doing yoga-pranayama and surya namaskar regularly keeps our health good. Playing on the playground gives happiness and walking makes the body flexible. We have to think, what will keep my health good? Which activity will make my mind work in a positive direction? Study of which literature will inspire me to live a meaningful life? There is a need to ask many such questions to ourselves. A suitable environment is needed for introspection and this environment is created by reading a book, not by using a mobile.

Book is the true friend of man

Since childhood, we have been hearing that book is the true friend of man. If a student is studious and has a habit of reading, then it is easy for him/her to achieve success. Therefore, students are advised to become friends with books. Studying the biographies of great men inspires students’ life. Reading books stabilizes the mind, increases our concentration. Books work as a guide in every sphere of life. We get knowledge from books, and without knowledge we cannot decide what is right and wrong, fair and unfair. Studying literature develops our personality qualitatively. Thus, books are always present amongst us as a teacher of all time. That is why since ancient times, sages and saints composed the Vedas. Later on, Puranas, Upanishads, commentaries and epics were composed. In modern times also, many great and important texts were written so that the common people could take advantage of them. Swami Vivekananda had studied Bharatiya Darshanashastra (philosophy) as well as Western literature in his childhooditself. Swamiji continued to read and teach till the last moments of his life.Freedom fighters like Swatantryaveer Savarkar, Mahatma Gandhi, SubhashChandra Bose themselves kept reading, writing and kept inspiring others to read and write literature. The joy of reading books is something that is to be experienced. A person who reads a book doesn’t scupper. Because books encourage a disappointed person;show the right path to a confused person. A book never lets its friend break down. That is why a book is called man's best friend. Various books are waiting foryou in the reading rooms in every city, metropolis and village panchayats of our country. For human development, book study is the best choice. It is necessary to fix a time limit for watching mobile and TV. Every day, we have to plan for at least half an hour from our busy routine to read books. This will prove to be a good habit. Reading books not only gives us knowledge, but also increases our imagination and develops our creative skills. By studying for a few hours every day, our vocabulary increases. Our memory power increases and linguistic skills develop. Linguistic proficiency is helpful in understanding the concepts. With conceptual understanding, we start expressing ourselves in society. Our expression is sometimes in the form of a speaker, sometimes as a writer and sometimes as a social worker. Vivekananda Kendra, has published more than 650+ books in 17 languages of the country. Further Kendra publishes magazines in various languages such as Kendra Bharati (Hindi), Yuva Bharati (English), Vivek Vichar (Marathi), Vivek Sudha (Gujarati), Vivek Jagriti (Assamese), Vivek Vani (Tamil) andVivekananda Kendra Patrika (halfyearly). April 23rd is World Book Day. International Book Day posters will definitely be posted on social media. But this alone will not suffice. Come, connect with literature, and donate literature. Read literature every day, inspire others to read literature.

 

Original Editorial in Hindi by Dr. Lakheshwar Chandravanshi

                                                                                                    (Translated into English) Jyoti Herkel

Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna – a path to unity in this chaotic world:Yuva Bharati March 2025

 

Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was not just another person who renounced the material world, but one who realised and experienced the Spirituality and paved way for a lineage which is working for the 125 years in the establishment of Dharma. He adhered to various religious practices from the Hindu traditions of Vaishnavism, Tantric Shaktism, and Advaita Vedanta.  And not just these but he practised Islam and Christianity too. The essence of these practices formed the base of his teachings which emphasised inclusivity among the various paths of Spirituality. In a world strife ridden due to religious fanaticism, this inclusive approach to religion and spirituality is the possible way out. His experiences across different religious traditions reinforced his belief that all paths lead to the same ultimate reality or Godhead. This universal message resonated deeply with many seeking spiritual truth.

Ramakrishna's experiences with Kali led him to believe that she was not just an idol or a deity confined to a temple but the embodiment of the entire universe. He taught that every face, every object, and every experience is an expression of the Divine Mother. This realization became central to his spiritual path, emphasizing that God or the divine is omnipresent. His devotion to Kali did not limit him; instead, it broadened his perspective on spirituality. Ramakrishna practiced various religious traditions like Vaishnavism, Tantric Shaktism, and Advaita Vedanta. His famous declaration "as many faiths, so many paths" reflects this inclusive approach. This inclusive approach of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna has influenced global spirituality by promoting interfaith understanding. His teachings have inspired countless seekers worldwide who find solace in their universality. Fanaticism is result of dogmatic following of religious edicts. But Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna advocates personal spiritual experience over dogmatic adherence of any particular tradition. He even placed personal experience above mere intellectual understanding or adherence to scriptures. By separating spirituality from traditional religious structures, he paved the way for interfaith harmony and made spirituality accessible as an individual quest rather than confined within specific religious frameworks.

He used everyday examples to convey his spiritual messages in an effective manner. His famous parable of a pandit boasting about his knowledge but cannot swim when needed during a storm, while the boatman, though uneducated in scriptures, knows how to swim and thus saves himself clearly elucidates the importance of personal experience. A man understanding this and giving prominence to his own personal experience is the perfect antidote to religious fanaticism which arises due to dogmatic adherence.

                                                                                             V.V. Balasubramanian

                                                                                                        YB-ET

Maha Kumbh A Timeless Confluence of Spirituality Humanity and Progress:Yuva Bharati February 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest congregations of humanity on the planet, stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, tradition and unity. Rooted in the ancient ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—this grand event goes far beyond its spiritual significance, serving as a bridge between the timeless wisdom of the past and the dynamic aspirations of the modern age.

It is a Celebration of Service and Unity. At its core, the Maha Kumbh embodies the spirit of service (seva) to humanity. The event thrives on the collective effort of countless individuals and organizations, offering services that cater to the diverse needs of millions of pilgrims. From meticulously planned accommodations to round-the-clock medical aid, the infrastructure reflects a deep commitment to ensuring the comfort and safety of attendees. Food services, or anna daan, symbolize the tradition of selfless giving, providing nourishment to visitors regardless of their background.

Adding a unique dimension is Sahitya Seva, or literary service, which enriches the intellectual and spiritual fabric of the event. Discourses and cultural performances create a platform for the dissemination of knowledge and wisdom, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual ethos that the Kumbh represents.

Kumbh Mela is a Catalyst for Economic Growth. The Maha Kumbh is not merely a spiritual gathering; it is a powerhouse of economic activity. The influx of millions of pilgrims sparks a surge in local and regional economies. Small businesses, artisans, and local vendors benefit immensely, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the event itself. Infrastructure development for the Kumbh, such as improved roads, bridges, and public facilities, leaves a lasting legacy for host cities and their residents.

Moreover, the event acts as a magnet for global tourists, eager to witness the spectacle and immerse themselves in the cultural richness of India. This international participation not only boosts the tourism sector but also showcases India’s heritage to the world, strengthening its position as a hub of spiritual and cultural tourism.

In an era of rapid globalization, the Maha Kumbh serves as a vital bridge between age-old traditions and the modern world. The use of technology for crowd management, virtual darshan (viewing), and real-time updates has made the event more accessible and safer than ever before. Yet, the essence of the Kumbh—its rituals, discourses, and communal harmony—remains deeply rooted in tradition. This harmonious blend of old and new offers a blueprint for integrating cultural heritage with technological advancement.

The Maha Kumbh is increasingly attracting the participation of youth, who see it as an opportunity for introspection and leadership. Workshops, seminars, and volunteer opportunities provide a platform for young minds to engage with timeless philosophies while addressing contemporary issues. The event inspires new-age thought leadership, urging the younger generation to embrace values like compassion, sustainability, and unity, while finding innovative solutions for the challenges of today’s world.

The Maha Kumbh’s message transcends religious boundaries. It celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity, reminding us of our shared responsibility towards each other and the planet. The principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam resonates deeply in every aspect of the event, making it not just a spiritual pilgrimage but a global celebration of unity and service.

As we look to the future, the Maha Kumbh remains a shining beacon of hope and inspiration. It exemplifies how ancient traditions can coexist with modern aspirations, creating a confluence that nurtures the soul, strengthens communities, and paves the way for a more inclusive and harmonious world.

                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                        Dr. Padmarekha

Samartha Bharat Parva & Swami Vivekananda Jayanti:Yuva Bharati January 2025

 
    Samartha Bharat Parva & Swami Vivekananda Jayanti

Vivekananda Kendra celebrates 25th December to 12th January as Samarth Bharat Parva every year. Swami Vivekananda had started his three days meditation at the mid-sea rock in Kanyakumari on 25 December. His historic meditation was to know his role for the regeneration of Bharat. Therefore, Vivekananda Kendra, celebrate Samarth Bharat Parva starting from 25th December and it culminates on 12th January - the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

At the times of Swami Vivekananda, India was in such a pathetic condition that only a visionary like him could have seen her rising again. It is easier to be proud of your country when everything is going on well. But when there is an all around poverty, when country is under foreign rule without any sign of freedom, society divided in many communities and regional pride and prejudices, educated looking down upon its own country and praising the rulers, it is difficult to see what is good in it. At the best, in such times some people may love their motherland because it is their motherland but to see her potential is difficult. But Swami Vivekananda not only loved the country but believed in the destiny of India, and brought back her confidence in herself. How did he do it?

Generally we see what is happening but fail to see the intrinsic worth of anything. If we also see only the apparent variety then we cannot feel the strength of large India united in her vision and values. A spiritual approach to the problem, i.e. seeing beyond the apparent degradation, beyond the apparent unconnectedness, it can give real insight. Swami Vivekananda saw the Oneness of India and stressed on it. He focused on the unifying principles - common basis - of the varied communities with their apparently diverse traditions and customs. He stressed on Oneness and inherent strength. At Lahore, in his speech "Common bases of Hinduism”, he gives us those unifying principles. Generally, the perceived dilemma is that if we strive to have unity, then diversity is destroyed, thus, then the communities lose their identities. This is what Christianity has done all over the world. In enforcing the uniformity, many communities lost their traditions. Communities without their identity become rootless and resort to violence.

But then, if only the diversity is emphasized, the communities start warring with each other. We have to protect the identity of all the communities but at the same time we cannot have the warring communities hating each other intensely. For this, the approach has to be to see the unifying principles and also cherish the diversity. Stressing on the common principles of Hindu Dharma and also different expressions of it in various communities is the integral approach. In this approach, the identity of each community is protected at the same time integrated society emerges as the strong entity to fulfil its destined role. This is possible only in vision of Oneness. When one knows that the other is only an expression of my own inner being, then one ceases to be wary of diverse traditions, diverse practices. In fact, the diversity is protected only in having the world view of oneness.

Ultimately, each living or a civilization in the creation has something to contribute for the further unfoldment of the divinity. This is what Swami Vivekananda explained to us.  Swami Vivekananda said, "Each nation has a message to deliver, a destiny to fulfil, a mission to accomplish."

If a nation is awakened to its mission then to fulfil that, it's existence becomes meaningful. It gets a point of reference in understanding the happenings and the ideologies in the world. India has to give this vision of Oneness to the world, a society, which is sustainable, based on the fact of inter-connectedness and inter-dependence of the existence. If all those who with their exclusive approach are opposed to this vision of Oneness, then it becomes the obstacles in the path of national mission. India's fighting spirit itself was impaired because we had stopped identifying enemy - the Asuric forces. Swami Vivekananda by awakening us to our national mission, indirectly also gave us the criteria for identifying the enemy. He had said that if Hindu converts to other religion it is not one Hindu less but one enemy more.

India does not have the agenda of ruling or dominating over the world. Her mission is to guide the world in creating an ideal social order, a society which is interconnected and therefore caring for each other, a society where human beings are aware of their innate divine nature and strive to realize that. But to give such noble message, India needs to be strong and successful civilization. No one would listen to the message of a weakling however noble may be the message. For the good of the world India has to be a strong and successful country. Today there are indications that our country is coming up. It is becoming an economical power but also there are indications that the nation is not owning its heritage and mission. Will the destiny of the India, an emerging super power be in the hands of those who cherish India, and her Dharma? Thus only strong and successful country does not make India Samartha - capable to fulfil her mission. She also has to be aware, proud and purposeful of her identity - her Sanatana Dharma.

In Swamiji's life we see that he made it a mission of his life to awaken the nation to her glory and the destiny. For that he underwent hunger, hurts and humiliations in America. As he had to represent Hindu Dharma he did not limit himself to any sect or path but gave the unifying principles of Hindu Dharma. He could rise above even his total devotion to Sri Ramakrishna while giving the message of Hindu Dharma. He rather understood that devotion to Sri Ramakrishna does not mean only proclaiming his name to all but spreading his teachings without even telling his name to others if that enhances the acceptance. When ultimately in the Parliament of Religions he got unprecedented acceptance, he also kept away all the temptations and remained steadfast on his path. When he returned to India, he dedicated his name and popularity again for awakening India and not to project himself. For India, he also gave the message of do or die. Applying the ancient vision of seeing Ishvara everywhere, he stressed on divinity of man, and the aim of life as the manifestation of our innate divinity. He also emphasized to see the living God. With all these dimensions of the life of Swami Vivekananda, let us pay floral tribute to him 12 th January in our house, our localities, our offices and factories and whole our life by working for our nation and manifesting the best in us in our behaviour.

                                                                                                                    Nivedita Raghunath Bhide

                                                                                                                              Vice President