IT Correspondent
Guwahati, Dec 29:
Unity is not uniformity, but it is unitedness, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat while addressing the Purvottar Sant Manikanchan Sammelan 2023 at Uttar Kamalabari Satra in Majuli, a human-inhabited river island of Brahmaputra in northeast India. In the presence of 104 spiritual leaders belonging to 48 Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and 37 different religious institutions & sects from the entire north-eastern region of Bharat, the RSS chief reminded that all Indians have the same ancestors and they possess the same values, which need to be taken forward even adhering to diversities.
Organised after a long gap (since 1966 Jorhat Sant Sammelan), the religious congression on 28 December 2023 aims to pursue coordination, goodwill, and harmony among all the different Sanatan spiritual traditions & communities. With a unanimous call for mutual cooperation among all stakeholders, Sarsanghchalak Bhagwat asserted that the people of Bharat need to try hard to make society self-reliant through service, education, healthcare, and employment.
He analysed that like every person has a particular nature, every nation has its own unique way of life, and the nature of the nation is derived from its culture. The Bharatiya culture is reflected through Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti (the Upanishad statement describes that truth is one, but it’s reflected differently). The all-inclusive tradition exists only in Bharat, asserted Bhagwat adding that in today’s crucial timing, Bharat has to stand firm to give this message of peace & coexistence to the entire world.
“There is a great need for national awareness in families to upkeep Bharat’s eternal spiritual values and time-tested customs. All Dharmacharyas and Maths, as well as temples, have to work hard while conveying this great message and Bharat’s best spiritual values to the new generation,” commented Bhagwat. He also added, like Assam’s 15th century great saint-scholar, philosopher, and creative genius Shrimanta Shankardev brought social reforms to the society, every Bharatiya has to eliminate social evils through benevolent behaviour.
The conference was graced by Janardan Devgoswami of Uttar Kamalabari Satra, Chittaranjan Maharaj from Tripura Shantikali Ashram along with Satradhikar Prabhus from Auniaati Satra, Dakshinpat Satra, Garhmool Satra, Sundaria Satra of Barpeta. Pramukh Bhonte from Namsai Buddha Vihar and Pramukh Mahant of Parshuram Kund of Arunachal Pradesh, Daloi Shri Puramon Kinjin of Meghalaya’s Jaintia hills, Rajashree Bhagyachandra Foundation of Manipur, Jheliang Rong Hararkka, Bodo Bali Batho Samaj, Lakhiman Sangh, Kargu Gamgi Samaj, a number of prominent leaders from Shrimanta Shankardev Sangh, Assam Sattra Mahasabha, etc. were also present on the occasion.