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March 13, 2016

India: Gandhian Sarva Seva Sangh Call for 36 Hour Fast for Peace and Harmony 5-6 April 2016 in New Delhi


Sarva Seva Sangh Call for 36 Hour Fast for Peace and Harmony 5th and 6th April 2016 at Rajghat, New Delhi

Fanatic frenzy spread in the name of patriotism and religion is not in the interest of the country or religion


March 8, 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Sadar Jai Jagat!

The Executive Committee of Sarva Seva Sangh which met at Mourigram (Howrah) West Bengal on 25-26 February 2016 took serious note of the fanatic frenzy spread in the name of patriotism and religion and declared that it is not in the interest of the country or religion and decided to organize a 36 Hour Fast for Peace and Harmony on April 5 and 6, 2016 at Rajghat, New Delhi. A Press Release is enclosed herewith for your information. Kindly circulate this Press Release and give it a wide publicity in your areas.

Please participate in the event and ensure that large number of Lok Sevaks, Sarvodaya Mitras and Sarvodaya Karyakarthas participate in this event. Please make your travel plans so as to reach New Delhi on April 4 evening or early morning of April 5. Sarva Seva Sangh will arrange for accommodation and other logistics in Delhi.

Please do confirm your participation to this Office and intimate your travel plans to :

Sri Ashok Sharan : 9416005533 (Mobile)
Email: sharanashok@yahoo.co.in

Yours Sincerely,
GVVSDS Prasad, Secretary


FANATIC FRENZY SPREAD IN THE NAME OF PATRIOTISM AND RELIGION IS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY OR RELIGION

36 Hour Fast for Peace and Harmony 5th and 6th April 2016 at Rajghat, New Delhi

Sevagram: The National Executive Committee Meeting of Sarva Seva Sangh (All India Sarvodaya Mandal) which met at Mourigram (Howrah) West Bengal on 25-26 February 2016 expressed its grief and concern over the increasing happening of undesirable incidents around the country. These incidents may be of extremist nature, irresponsible criticisms, Communal riots or curtailing the autonomy and restrictions on educational institutions, the suicide of Rohit Vemula who was a student of University of Hyderabad, or of the happenings in the campus of J N U. We are dazed at these incidents and feel hurt.

It is absolutely wrong to shout slogans wishing India’s ruin during a programme in JNU campus. But the backlash after this incident to distribute pamphlets of patriotism is equally worrying to peace loving citizen who support and uphold democracy in the country. Attacks on students and media persons in Patiala House Court in the presence of Police indicate a deep-rooted conspiracy.

The lawless atmosphere in the name of patriotism is a threat to the freedom of expression of the citizen. Such incidents which shake the roots of democracy are creating an atmosphere of undeclared emergency. Let us understand that the law of sedition was used by the British to protect their imperialistic interests and to oppress Indians and it is still being used in free India today. It is necessary to rethink on this law.

The following saying of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan would be of guidance for us:

“Freedom had been my life’s beacon light, which remains so till today. As we progress with time, this freedom should transcend from the freedom of the country to not only the freedom of people from all forms of bondage in all places but progressing to the freedom of human personality, freedom of thoughts, freedom of the soul. Freedom has become an article of faith in my life. I cannot compromise my freedom for food, power, safety, prosperity, prestige of the state or for any other thing.”

Sarva Seva Sangh is an organization founded on the lofty ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Loknayak Jayaprakashnarayan and perpetuates their legacy. We reject the concept of parochial nationalism or communalism. The fanatic frenzy spread in the name of Nationalism or in the name of Religion is in the interest of neither the country nor the religion.

In this context, a quotation of Acharya Vinoba Bhave is ideal for the whole world:

We are not a special admirer of any country, not committed specially to any religion;
not bound specially to any caste.

Assimilation of all noble thoughts – is our Religion To establish harmony in different ideas

To evolve and develop universal thinking - is our philosophical mission.

Shri Mahadev Vidrohi, President of Sarva Seva Sangh appealed to all parties and conscious citizen for their constructive role to bring to an end these happenings and to have a debate. In this context, Sarva Seva Sangh decided to organize a 36-hour fast for Peace and Harmony on April 5 and 6, 2016 at Rajghat, New Delhi. It may be remembered that April 6 is Salt Satyagraha Day. It is on this day in 1930 that Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi made Salt and offered his Satyagraha. This incident had shaken the foundations of the British Empire.

Bhavani Shankar Kusum
National Spokesperson
Sarva Seva Sangh