‘Dharma is our duty’: Kulshrestha urges national devotion at Virat Hindu Sammelan

Nagpur: Emphasising the importance of ‘dharma' and national devotion, renowned national thinker and senior journalist Pushpendra Kulshrestha said that, according to Hindu culture, "Dharma is our duty and Sanatan is the true religion." He was speaking at the concluding session of the 2-day ‘Virat Hindu Sammelan' held at Lendra Park Ground in Ramdaspeth, organised jointly by Sakal Hindu Samaj and Ramdaspeth Nagarik Mandal to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Saturday.Addressing a large gathering, Kulshrestha highlighted that while some politicians misuse religion for personal gain, it is crucial for citizens to understand its core principles. Speaking on ‘National devotion and organisation', he stressed the need for fearless discussions on pressing societal issues and encouraged the creation of people-powered leadership to achieve meaningful social change. He also remarked on the growing prevalence of misleading literature in society and the decreasing courage to speak the truth openly.
Retired naval officer and RSS pracharak Shekhar Kelkar emphasised preserving the joint family system, noting that smaller families reduced interaction, which hampered the transmission of cultural values. He urged families to adopt ‘Panch Parivartan' practices such as shared meals, evening walks, and participation in community and environmental activities to strengthen familial and societal bonds.Social activist and physics professor Leena Gahane spoke on the role of women in nation-building, paying tribute to great women like Jijamata and Muktabai. She urged women to share inspiring stories at home and nurture a ‘Nation First' spirit. Her address also commemorated the Pulwama attack martyrs of 2019, reinforcing awareness of both internal and external challenges facing the country.The closing ceremony was marked by the melodious rendition of Bharat Mata Aarti by women from Kachipura and Lendra Park, followed by a spirited "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" from the audience. Sushrut Godse recited the Amritvachan of Swatantryaveer Savarkar, while Amrita Soni presented her song ‘Matrubhu Aradhana'.The programme was introduced by Dr Nikhil Kusumgar and moderated by Ajay Patki of Swadeshi Jagran Manch. Key attendees included Mukesh Agarwal, Deepak Heda, Dr Sanjay Marathe, corporators Vinay Dani and Shilpa Rawal, and haematologist Dr Avtar Krishna Ganju, who was felicitated by Kulshrestha. Organisers said the Sammelan successfully combined devotional, cultural, and national values, leaving a spontaneous and enthusiastic response among citizens.