SEMINAR ON ‘NATION BUILDING IS POSSIBLE THROUGH CHARACTER-BUILDING: UPENDRA TYAGI

SEMINAR ON ‘NATION BUILDING IS POSSIBLE THROUGH CHARACTER-BUILDING: UPENDRA TYAGI

27-APRIL-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR----------------------------On the occasion of the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a major public seminar was organized at the local Anant Vijayam Academy auditorium in Dumraon. Addressing the gathering, Upendra Bhai Tyagi—the Provincial Education Chief for the Southern Province—stated that nation-building is impossible without character-building.

Citing the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda, he noted that the Swami aspired to elevate India to the status of a "Vishwa Guru" (Global Mentor) through the efforts of a hundred dedicated individuals. Inspired by this very vision, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Sangh in Nagpur nearly a century ago.

In his address, Tyagi explained that the Sangh's *Shakhas* (branches) foster the holistic development of the individual, which serves as the foundation for the upliftment of both society and the nation. Describing Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, and Dr. Hedgewar as innate patriots, he presented detailed anecdotes from their lives. He remarked that Dr. Hedgewar demonstrated a spirit of patriotism right from his childhood; despite pursuing his education under arduous circumstances, he lived a life dedicated entirely to the service of society and the nation.

He further outlined the plan for the Sangh's centenary year: rather than organizing a single grand event, the focus is on reaching every village across the land through a series of smaller, localized programs. On this occasion, under the initiative known as "Panch Parivartan" (Five Transformations), special emphasis is being placed on themes such as social harmony, environmental conservation, family enlightenment (*Kutumb Prabodhan*), self-reliant living, civic duty, and etiquette.

Expressing concern over social ills and distortions, Tyagi underscored the pivotal role played by the family unit and traditional values ​​(*Sanskars*). He suggested that by incorporating religious and cultural activities—such as the recitation of the *Hanuman Chalisa* and the *Gita*—within the family environment, the values ​​of patriotism can be effectively instilled in the younger generation. Additionally, he issued a call to every individual to plant at least one tree as a contribution toward water and environmental conservation.

The proceedings of the program were anchored by Vimal Ji, the *Karyavah* (Secretary) of the Bhojpur Division, while the session was presided over by Virendra Rai, the City *Sanchalak* (Coordinator). The vote of thanks was delivered by the school's Director, Chandan Mishra. On this occasion, hundreds of distinguished individuals were present, including Jai Shankar Pandey, Rajiv Bhagat, Raghuvar Singh, Santosh Ji, Om Jyoti Bhagat, Vandana Bhagat, Ramesh Keshari, Upendra Gautam, Pushpanjali Chaubey, Jitendra Tiwari, Sanjay Chaubey, Prof. Rajendra Prasad, and Bharat Srivastava.