VISION 2000 - VIVEKANANDA CELEBRATIONS -

The much awaited event of the century finally celebrated the great son
of our motherland Bharat Swami Vivekananda's advent to America in 1893.
In a way it was also the introduction of the Hindu thought to the West
after a gap of 1000 years of darkness and savagery under Islamic
invasions. This event announced that India is coming to conquer the
world with its spiritual strength and not by the sword or by money.

Usually I do not prefer large gatherings. However, they serve  their own
purpose. The best thing I liked about this gathering was that the VHP
sold over 100,000 books of Swami Vivekananda published by the Ramkrishna
mission at dirt cheap prices. I bought a complete set of Vivekananda's
works (5 books) for under 10 dollars. I am sure VHP would not have even
covered the shipping costs.

Another reason I attended the conference was because the amount of
efforts the leftists, communists and the Indian Governmenmt put in
stopping this event and ensuring small attendance. I was convinced then
that I should attend. I finally decided in the last two days to attend
the Hindu Kumbh Mela in Washington DC in America. Lot of last minute
attendees like myself must have put a lot of burden on the organizers
and volunteers. Washington was full of desis. 10,000 in total. This was
probably the largest Hindu gathering in the United States. The chief
spiritual leader of every Hindu sect was there.

The Dalai Lama who has had 4 decades of close ties with the Sangh
Parivar had to decline in the last week. Surprisingly, I had the
opportunity to meet the grandson of the Dalai Lama who attended the
conference. The poor Tibetan community and the Dalai Lama depend upon
the mercy of the Indian Congress Government. He had no choice but to
agree to Narsimha Rao's command not to attend the Conference. What a
shame. While Muslim organization  representatives are given visas and
Government subsidies to attend Organization of Islamic Countries
conferences and workshops which are blatantly anti India and anti Hindu.
The Congress Government works overtime to ensure the absence of the
Dalai Lama at a Hindu convention celebrating one of the greatest sons of
India Swami Vivekananda.

I have conveyed certain suggestions to ensure a better program to the
VHP organizing commiiittee. But they are mere technicalities which I
need not bore the netters with. These suggestions are about food and
living arrangements.

The panel of speakers on five different themes were one of the best in
the world. I counted over 85 different speakers from all countries,
disciplines, races, economic backgrounds, etc. The stimulating
discussions that followed were equally great. Time was short. some of
the volunteers I am told did not get to listen to any talks, eat or
sleep during those three days. I am very grateful to the organizers for
providing me with this opportunity. Another striking feature of this
conference was  a large number of young volunteers. A lot of volunteers
were born and brought up in America. They werent at all like the
stereotype of a ABCD. They knew more about India, its culture and Swami
Vivekanada than some of the westernized and anglicized Indians that I
have met here. Hats of to the VHP to keep the spirit of Hindu culture
alive in the next generation. The valedictory address by Swami
Ishwarananda Giri was the most stimulating and touching speech that I
have ever heard. That speech touched my heart and soul. The hectic two
days were immediately forgotten by that last speech by the Swami. I
experienced what it must have been to listen to Swami Vivekananda and
felt the presence of Vivekanada at the conference.

The festival on Saturday was like a mini India created for a  day. The
Prabhat Kala group's dance drama on Swami Vivekananda was spectacular.
At times it brought a tear in my eyes and my heart was filled with
emotion remembering my motherland India. I would appreciate if the
organizers can post more information on the dance drama and its various
performers.

The immense crowd was witnessing the resurgence of a Hindu society
declaring without reservation the age old and timeless Universal approach
of the Hindu philosophies. The immense crowds was a witness to the fact
that Mother India has finally broken the chains of slavery and bondage
after a 1000 years of Darkness. It reminded us all the responsibility
and duties we owe to the mother to restore her old glory and pride. I am
sure Swami Vivekananda was there to bless us all.

Inspite of communist and leftist efforts the event was a grand success.
The 15-20 communist protesters looked like jokers. They got lost in the
large crowd. Some volunteers were so concerned about them that they
wanted to take them some lunch. I decided to warn them that to show
sympathy to these communist traitors was like feeding the snake. But the
sincerity of those young volunteers stopped me. This was an indication
that in the modern world of dirty propaganda and politics Hindus can
even feed a hungry enemy. A mistake made by Prithviraj Chavan. Will it
be repeated here again. Time will tell.

Reporters of India Abroad and India Today two virulently anti Hindu
Newspapers will definitely put their own spin on the event. An
indication that the enemies of HIndu society are not across the Sutlej
but right amongst us parading as the guardians of truth. I would be
surprised if they have nice words to say about the event. Fabrication of
lies, propaganda and maligning Hindu organizations is their agenda. The
Washington based reporter of India Abroad Aziz Haniffa is a man to
watch. From some of my leftist sources (who surprisingly hate him) Aziz
Haniffa has connections with the Islamic Center in Washington DC. What a
pity Indians reading India Abroad have to rely on India's interests as
reported by this Mr. Aziz Haniffa who has his own agenda. BUt why should
anyone care. The owner and editor of India Abroad Mr. Gopal Raju who is
a Christian and is alleged to have sent money to Christian missionaries
and proselytizing organizations.

Hindus have a long way to go in controlling the media. India Abroad
which promoted the leftist and communist groups recently by giving the
advertisements did create an impression that a large number of people
will attend their rally against the VHP. But when only 15 people
attended it shocked many in the VHP. Thus the power in the hands of the
media is immense. India Abroad has been promoting divisive anti India
and anti Hindu forces in the United States for the last 2 decades. Some
body needs to challenge them and expose the true purpose and nature of
India Abroad.