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By Amit Kshirsagar (Ann Arbor, MI – Swayamsevak) My main purpose in writing this article is to describe the role of religion in the work of The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangha and its activities as I learned from my interview with Mr. Saumitra Gokhale, whom I have known since December 1980, when I first became a childhood member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha in Pune, India. Given all of the present global condition of unemployment, chaos and worldwide restlessness, what role does the Hindu religion play in shaping one’s mind to deal more effectively with these problems and concerns? Hinduism helps to counteract against a World view, which places too much emphasis on material things, which are essential to survive on this planet Earth, such as food, shelter and clothing, as well as basic good Health (both Mental and Physical) and an overall sense of general well-being. However, when these things become the be all and end all of life, people will run in to problems, such as drugs, Bi-polar Disorder, Marital problems, Schizophrenia, as well as a whole host of other problems, which can take a lifetime or more to recover from. Instead, what Hinduism proposes is that the Individual should practice a mode of detachment from the body and mind. To find happiness, one has to fulfill all aspirations based upon the Spirit. Along with gyan (knowledge) and bhakti (devotion), one has to practice spirituality based on dharma (based on karma, or duty). That is taking into account one’s responsibility towards the Society, in order to maintain harmony (a win-win situation), versus a totally rights oriented, or self-interested paradigm. 2. How does the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangha view the role of marriage in the Western Society, as opposed to the role prevalent in India? First of all, marriage is defined the same way in both the Western Society, as well as in Non-Western countries like India. Marriage is a bonding of both houses, rather than just bride and bridegroom. 3. Whom do you consider to be your present day Indian heroes in Indian Politics, whether it is in the BJP, Congress, etc? Of course, there can be several such people whom I deeply admire. Among these are: Mr. Nitesh Kumar: The Bihar Chief Minister who helped to improve the overall quality of Education and Law and Order. Many of Mr. Nitesh Kumar’s officers are required by law to meet in villages, with members of the general public from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Mr. Narendra Modi: Who is the Chief Minister of Gujarat, helped to speed up the functioning of governance in that state. There were several cases pending in the High Court. He persuaded all judges to agree to meet for one extra hour every day to dispose of cases. Often this is far from enough. There are often shortages in power supply, such as in Gujarat. His efforts increased the economic growth of Gujarat, taking it above the National average. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Shivaraj Chauhan, is also an able, efficient person, who is praised for the way he improved the tone of the Administration. 4. What challenges do you see organizationally, within the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangha, nationally, in comparison to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha in India? First, let me just start of by saying that in the beginning, due to long distances, it required considerable time for a full-time Pracharak to commute. But, due to innovations and Internet technology, in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kerala, etc., new methods have been found to address these issues. By contrast, in the United States, clear and concise Information bullets are provided to all Swayamsevaks. The Youth Seva form of Spirit is more prevalent in the United States. Youths for Seva have been working concertedly for twenty years. There is no doubt that people like Dr. Yashwant Patak, were ridiculed for his extreme devotion to the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangha program in America, but since its beginning in 1990, the number of Shakhas (branches) in the U.S. has grown exponentially from 200 in its first six months, to 1000 new Shakhas within its first six months alone, with active Hindu Swayamsevaks across all University campuses. In 20 years, this number of Indians in the U.S.A has now grown to 1 million. More Hindu Swayamsevaks are active in the United States Congress. Their devotion is praiseworthy. 5. What has impressed you the most about life in the United States, as opposed to life in India? That is an easy question. Life in the United States is certainly more organized. There is a lot more predictability. Unlike in India, the Society is not in a state of dysfunction, especially in terms of relationships. There is more personal freedom in the U.S. In India, there is more corruption. Also, in my opinion, people are far more courteous in the United States, than in India, commonly using phrases like “Please”, and “Thank You”; People seldom smile or show emotions in India. Further, people seem to be a lot more hospitable at home in the United States. This is apparent in the Culture and in Civic Organizations. Whereas, in India, there less formal display of hospitability in relationships. 6. What has disappointed you the most about life in the United States in Comparison to India? What I am pleased to see here in the U.S. is that there is still very much an emphasis on the Old School Philosophy of thought, ranging from Emerson through dialogues of Swami Vivekananda and Rockefeller to Vida Goldstein. Even though this may be the case, here in the United States, there still does seem a lack of depth to personal relationships. There is initially no emotional bonding; that is, a kind of shallowness. On the contrary, in India, the Government indirectly influences the whole Society, whether it is through money, bargaining by big donors, or by National Leaders, as in the case of the Kashmir Resolution, which is being helped by members of the Hindu American Foundation. It was reported in the news that both President George W. Bush on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, and President Barak Obama, through visiting members of the Hare Krishnas, both felt a sense of being “at-Home” while in India. 7. Any last minute words of wisdom for those who are new to the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangha? First, always remember that the future is bright! Our Dharma is at Stake!