Sunday, 1 June 2025
Yoga for Internal Peace and International Peace. :Yuva Bharati June 2025
Thursday, 1 May 2025
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
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
The Books are waiting for you! :Yuva Bharati April 2025
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 HerkelSaturday, 1 March 2025
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
Saturday, 1 February 2025
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