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LokManthan Bhagyanagar 2024: A colloquium of Nation-First thinkers and practitioners

Written by Prajna Pravah

Bhagyanagar is planning to host LokManthan 2024, with a curtain-raising event held in Jalavihar. On this occasion, the reception committee was announced, a book detailing the event’s concept was announced, a book detailing the event’s concept was published, and a dedicated portal was made available to the public. The speakers explained the idea and concept of the upcoming big biennial event.

Bhagyanagar, the city of fortune, played host to an intellectually stimulating event on Saturday evening at Jalavihar, Necklace Road. The gathering, titled “LokManthan Bhagyanagar -2024: A Colloquium of Nation-First Thinkers & Practitioners,” saw a confluence of scholars, retd civil servants, defense personnel, practitioners, and leaders from various professions who came together to deliberate on issues central to the unity and progress of Bharat.

The event began with the Deep Prajwalana ceremony, followed by cultural performances by artists showcasing Oggu Dolu, Dappu Dolu, Bathukamma. Potharaju, and traditional songs. The event on August 10 served as a curtain raiser for the grand program scheduled for November 2024. The organizers also announced the reception committee for the upcoming event.

The event was presided over by Bandi Sanjay, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. In his opening remarks, Bandi Sanjay emphasized the importance of fostering a collective national identity that transcends regional and cultural divisions. He highlighted the role of such discussions in shaping policies and narratives that reflect the true spirit of Bharat.

The guest of honor, Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma, Founder of Rishipeetham, spoke on the significance of cultural and spiritual unity in sustaining the nation’s ethos among all people, whether they live in forests, villages, or urban areas. He elaborated on the ancient wisdom embedded in Bharatiya traditions, which can guide contemporary society in overcoming the challenges posed by modernity.

J Nandakumar, the National Convenor of Pragna Pravah, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme and the reasons behind “LokManthan”. He said in recent times, we have witnessed a deliberate attempt to create artificial divisions within our society—divisions that are alien to our culture and philosophy. There is a narrative called ‘Classic’ and ‘folk’, largely influenced by Western perspectives, that seeks to label and separate our people. This narrative paints a picture where those living in rural or forested areas are seen as uncivilized, while urban dwellers are considered civilized. This is not just a distortion of facts; it is an outright denial of Bharat’s intrinsic values.

The terms “classic” and “folk” were used by colonial forces to create societal binaries, a division that persisted in Bharatiya society even after independence, contrary to the common man’s expectations Our ancient wisdom does not subscribe to such divisive labels. Instead, it recognizes the inherent oneness that permeates all aspects of life. The distinction between the so-called civilized and uncivilized is a construct that has been propagated by certain academic circles and left-liberal groups, aiming to weaken the very identity of our society. Our culture, our traditions, our way of life—these are all testaments to the oneness that binds us.

Today’s event is just the beginning. It serves as a curtain raiser for the grand program scheduled for November, where we will continue to celebrate the oneness of our society. Bharat’s strength lies in its unity, and through this colloquium, we shall reaffirm that strength and carry it forward.

Dr. T Hanuman Chowdary, Chairman of Pragna Bharati and a Padma Shri awardee, emphasized the need for a united stand against divisive narratives being spread through different platforms. Announcing the Reception Committee for the upcoming grand event, he shared that it includes 108 eminent personalities. Among the distinguished names are G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal, Retd Justice Narasimha Reddy, Bandi Sanjay, Minister of State for Home Affairs, along with several other notable figures from diverse professional backgrounds.

Swamini Suvidyamrita Prana of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, another esteemed guest of honor, shared insights on the spiritual dimension of unity and launched the dedicated portal of the event.

At the same time, Lok Kalaakaar Shri Dasari Kondappa, a Padma Shri awardee from Telangana, highlighted the role of arts in preserving and promoting Bharatiya culture. He is the last surviving artist who can make Burraveena and render music using the same. Though coming from a remote rural background, the lyrics of his music reflect the same common wisdom of Bharat that can be seen even in so-called classical (as per Western classification) literature and philosophies.

The colloquium served as a precursor to the larger event, LokManthan, scheduled for November 21-24, 2024. LokManthan is Bharat’s largest colloquium, celebrating the nation’s diverse yet unified culture. This biannual event aims to dismantle the perceived artificial divisions among people from varied backgrounds, thought processes, traditions, and systems.

As the evening progressed, the speakers and participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, underscoring the significance of such platforms in shaping a cohesive and forward-looking Bharat. The event concluded with a strong message of unity, cultural pride, and the reaffirmation of the nation-first philosophy that LokManthan stands for.

LokManthan provides a unique platform for engagement and deliberation with eminent academicians, thinkers, philosophers, researchers, artists, and activists. Through these discussions, the event seeks to establish a common understanding and approach to the divisive narratives prevalent in society. Ultimately, LokManthan aspires to evolve a new discourse that strengthens the unity of Bharatiyas, embracing diversity as a cornerstone of the nation’s identity.

At the event, the organizers launched “Lokmathanam: Sankalpana,” a 32-page booklet outlining the theme and concept behind this celebration. Additionally, a brochure was introduced, providing details about previous Lokmanthan events held in Bhopal 2016, Ranchi 2018, Guwahati 2022, and the upcoming event scheduled for November 2024.

The LokManthan Bagyanagar 2024 event is supported by the following partners: Pragna Pravah, Pragna Bharati, Itihasa Sankalana Samiti, Samskara Bharati, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Vijnana Bharati, Itihasa Sankalana Samiti, Samskara Bharati, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Vijnana Bharati (Vibha), and Akhila Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad.

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Prajna Pravah and GIA appeal UNHRC intervention amid escalating anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh

Written by Prajna Pravah

Amid rising violence against Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, Prajna Pravah and the Group of Academicians and Intellectuals (GIA) have urgently appealed to the UNHRC for intervention, highlighting.

A collective of intellectuals, academics, lawyers, and concerned citizens, under the banner of Prajna Pravah and the Group of Academicians and Intellectuals (GIA), has written to the United Nations Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), calling for urgent intervention in Bangladesh. The letter draws attention to an escalating wave of violence targeting Hindus and other minorities, allegedly driven by Islamic extremists under the guise of an anti-reservation movement.

Increasing Persecution Amid Political Instability

The letter, signed by prominent figures from various fields, expresses deep concern over the escalating persecution of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. The signatories argue that that the political instability following a recent military coup on August 6, 2024, has exacerbated existing discrimination, leading to widespread chaos and violence across the country.

Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was reportedly forced to leave the country following the coup. The coup was preceded by a series of violent street protests against a public policy, which has since spiralled into a larger wave of unrest. The letter points out that this political vacuum has resulted in an alarming increase in violence, with opposition members and minorities being particularly vulnerable.

Brutal Attacks and Mass Exodus

Reports emerging from Bangladesh paint a grim picture of the situation on the ground. The letter references multiple sources, including Bharatiya and international media, to underscore the severity of the attacks. Many Hindu and other minority men, women, and children have been subjected to brutal assaults, with several cases of murders creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

Additionally, there are reports of Hindu women being subjected to atrocities as part of a broader campaign of terror aimed at forcing minorities into submission or migration.

The continuous persecution has led to a mass exodus of Hindu families from Bangladesh. It is estimated that over 1.5 million Hindu and other minority refugees, including men, women, children, and the elderly, are attempting to seek refuge in Bharat.

Demographics: A Stark Decline

The letter also highlights the stark demographic changes in Bangladesh, which have left minority communities increasingly vulnerable. According to the 2022 national census, Muslims constitute about 91 per cent of the population, while Hindus make up roughly 8 per cent, with other minorities comprising just 1 per cent. This marks a shift from the 2011 census, where Muslims were recorded at 89 per cent and Hindus at 10 per cent. The plight of other minorities remains similarly dire, with their numbers also declining over the years.

A Plea for International Action

In response to these alarming developments, the intellectuals have made a series of appeals to the UNHRC. They have urged the Council to send a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to assess the ground situation, interact with victims, and document the human rights violations against Hindu and other minority communities. The letter also calls for the UNHRC to engage with the Bangladesh government, pressing them to take immediate and effective measures to protect the lives, property, and dignity of minorities.

Furthermore, the signatories have called for the facilitation of safe passage for those seeking refuge and the provision of necessary humanitarian assistance. They have also emphasised the need for international intervention to pressure the Bangladesh government to uphold human rights and protect its minority populations.

Long-Term Solutions

Beyond immediate relief, the intellectuals advocate for long-term strategies to ensure the protection of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. These include legal reforms, enhanced security measures, and community support initiatives aimed at rebuilding the lives of those who have lost their livelihoods. The letter underscores that the minority communities in Bangladesh are facing an existential crisis and that immediate action from the UNHRC is essential to prevent further atrocities.

The letter concludes with a strong plea for the UNHRC to take urgent and decisive action to address this grave humanitarian crisis. The signatories express hope that the Council will respond swiftly to prevent further violence and ensure the safety and dignity of the minority communities in Bangladesh.

Sign the Appeal Here

This collective appeal by intellectuals, academics, lawyers, and concerned citizens reflects the gravity of the situation in Bangladesh and underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect vulnerable minority communities from further harm.

Those who wish to sign the letter can find the link here:

https://organiser.org/2024/08/13/251571/bharat/lawyers-intellectuals-and-academics-urge-unhrc-intervention-amid-escalating-violence-against-hindus-in-bangladesh/

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Articles

Lokmanthan 2018: Inaugural event Highlights

Written by Prajna Pravah

The Prajna Pravah will organise the second edition of Lokmanthan, a biennial brainstorming for nationalist thinkers and practitioners, in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. With a view of reviving Bharatiyata and Bharatiya value system and discussing “the idea of Bharat”, the three-day national convention will be held at Hotwar’s mega sports complex from September 28, said Shri J Nandakumar, the national convener of Prajna Pravah. He was addressing the media in the inauguration programme of the Lokmanthan 2018 office of Prajna Pravah in Ranchi on May 8.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Raghubar Das and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sah Sarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale inaugurated the office of the event at Nivaranpur in Doranda. “To make Bharat world guru again, it is necessary to promote our thousands of years’ old culture, civilisation and language, said Chief Minister Raghubar Das in the programme. “Bharat is created by sages, literature and art lovers. We have to bring our civilisation and culture to the masses. The State Government and its people will cooperate in Lokmanthan programme to be held in September. The Jharkhand Government is working in this direction,” he added.

“A reception committee with chief minister Raghubar Das as patron and an organising committee chaired by state art and culture minister Amar Kumar Bauri have already been formed for the purpose,” Nandakumar told the media. Rich Bharatiya values and culture that suffered severe jolts following repeated foreign invasions over centuries and were nearly crushed during the British rule needed to be revived. The ideal time for their revival was immediately after Independence, he added.

Speaking on the objectives of the mega event, Shri Nandakumar said that they were not against scientific discoveries or innovative ideas but advocated academic vigour directed towards “decolonising the Bharatiya mindset from Eurocentric impact”.

Speaking to Organiser, Shri Nandakumar said, “Lokmanthan 2018 is intended to provide an ideological platform for multi-layered discussions on topics from arts to environment. We will have representatives from all strata of the society.”

Prajna Pravah is a rational umbrella that stimulates, trains and synthesises individuals to recognise the inherent strength of Bharat. The first edition of Lok Manthan was organised by Prajna Pravah in Bhopal in November 2016. The proceedings of the Bhopal Lokmanthan were released in volumes in 2017. “While we discussed Desh-Kaal-Sthiti (the country’s contemporary situation) in the Bhopal meet, in Ranchi we will mull Bharatbodh: Jan-Gan-Man (the idea of Bharat: nation-society-mind),” he said.

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