A fair organised by the Hindu Adhyatmik and Seva Foundation was inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar along with Jagatguru Nimbarkacharya Shyam Sharan Devacharya, Sadhvi Ritambhara, Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Dr Chinmay Pandya. The fair, which is being held for the fourth time in Jaipur, aims to provide information about the service work being done by the monastery, temples and social organisations of the Hindu society and an opportunity to join them. In his inaugural address at the Hindu Spiritual and Seva Mela 2024, the vice president addressed pressing issues facing society today, emphasising the core values of Indian culture and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
He expressed concern over the troubling rise of religious conversions, stating, “We are witnessing very painful religious conversions in a structured manner as a policy, which is antithetical to our values and constitutional premises.”
Highlighting the inclusive nature of Hinduism, he remarked, “The Hindu religion is quintessentially inclusive in the true sense; it extends to all living beings on the planet.”
He further emphasised that the essence of Indian culture lies in “spending life in the service of others,” calling this the fundamental mantra of the society.
Talking about the spirit and compassion of the Hindu society, the vice president said that the spirit of service remains vibrant within Hindu society, asserting, “Even today, the spirit of service is strongly present in Hindu society.”
He praised the collective resilience of Indian society, stating, “Indian society handholds in distress at the cost of one’s stress.”
Through these reflections, the vice president expressed the enduring values of compassion and service that define Indian culture, calling for a commitment to uphold these principles in contemporary challenges.
Addressing ongoing national and international discussions, the vice president challenged the notion that only 40% of Indians engage in public service, asserting that the figure is much higher. He celebrated the Vedic culture of inclusivity, which transcends boundaries and emphasizes the welfare of all living beings.
He pointed out that the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution are reflective of Sanatan Dharma, advocating for a path of inclusivity and humanity.
“Sanatan Dharma is the essence of our Constitution,” he stated, calling it crucial for addressing current global challenges, particularly climate change.
The vice president noted that India is leading the way in promoting sustainable practices and urged a return to the philosophical teachings of Sanatan to combat climate change.
He also addressed the issue of religious conversion, describing it as a systematic and dangerous trend that threatens India’s unity. He warned against efforts to target vulnerable communities, particularly among tribal populations, and called for vigilance and proactive measures to counter such threats.
In closing, he expressed concern over rising narratives that undermine Indian nationalism and democracy, urging unity and patriotism in the face of challenges.
Sadhvi Ritambhara emphasised, “It’s important to keep both, our minds and our surroundings clean.”
She remarked, “We should instruct others to dispose of waste properly, advising against throwing household garbage in front of neighbours.
Chidanand Saraswati said that while Sanatan is respected worldwide, some individuals from India travel abroad to question its values, which he deemed completely inappropriate. He stressed that Sanatan is inclusive and embraces everyone. He added that during the Covid-19 pandemic, all nations provided free vaccines, he noted, and asserted that now is not the time for isolation, as the RSS is working toward unity along these lines.
