RADAUR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Radaur witnessed a series of educational, cultural and community activities around Dussehra, including a programme promoting Vedic values and a drug-free youth, school celebrations, an online dialogue and a political outreach campaign.

The Arya Yuva Samaj, Haryana, organised a ‘Vedic Heritage, Drug-Free Youth’ felicitation ceremony at DAV Public School, Radaur, on the occasion of Anand Parv. The programme highlighted the preservation of Vedic culture, the development of moral values among young people and the need to build a drug-free society.

Yogi Suri, national youth president of Arya Yuva Samaj, was honoured for his efforts to connect young people with Vedic heritage and promote freedom from substance abuse. Students also presented a short play highlighting the harmful effects of drugs.

Retired Justice Pritam Pal of the Punjab and Haryana High Court attended as the chief guest. Anil Kumar Rao, former Director General of Haryana Police and vice-president of the DAV College Managing Committee, presided over the function. Swami Sachchidanand Maharaj delivered his blessings.

Justice Pritam Pal said Vedic culture was an integral part of India’s identity and stressed the importance of connecting young people with their cultural heritage and ethical values. Rao urged students to stay away from drugs and channel their energy into education, sports and social service.

Yogi Suri emphasised character-building, patriotism and social responsibility among youth. School principal and Arya Yuva Samaj Haryana minister Raman Kumar Sharma welcomed the guests and said modern education should go hand in hand with Vedic values. Principals of various DAV schools, Arya Samaj representatives, members of Bharat Vikas Parishad and Gurdwara Singh Sabha, and other prominent residents attended.

Shyama Public School celebrated Dussehra with a havan and Kanya Pujan, combining traditional rituals with educational and creative activities. Amid Vedic chants, the havan was performed to pray for peace, prosperity and the bright future of students. Kanya Pujan followed as an expression of reverence and respect for girls.

Students of Classes I and II participated in a quiz competition, while those from Classes III to V took part in an art activity and created colourful drawings based on Dussehra. Their artwork depicted Lord Rama, the burning of Ravana’s effigy and the victory of good over evil.

School director Shashi Bhatla and principal Manisha Sasan encouraged the students and said such celebrations help children connect with Indian culture, religious traditions and moral values. They urged the children to follow the path of truth and develop good values.

MLN Senior Secondary School organised a special activity to mark Dussehra, with Class VI students enthusiastically participating in a painting exercise based on the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana. The students showcased their creativity through colourful artwork conveying the message that truth ultimately triumphs over falsehood and good overcomes evil.

The activity was conducted under the supervision of teacher Vilshan Kumar. Principal Pramod Grover explained the significance of Dussehra and said the festival teaches people to follow the path of truth and righteousness. He described Lord Rama’s life as an example of dignity, patience, sacrifice and commitment to duty.

Grover said Ravana’s defeat symbolises that evil, regardless of its strength, cannot prevail over truth and goodness in the end. Such activities, he added, help develop students’ creative abilities while familiarising them with Indian culture and the significance of festivals. Teachers Aanchal Sharma and Ankit Sharma, along with other staff members, were present.

Satyarth Group of India, an organisation dedicated to social service and national service, held its 12th Satyarth Samvad online on the theme ‘Dussehra: A Festival of Inspirational Light’. The session was coordinated by group chairman Dr Saurabh Arya and presided over by chief patron Sushil Bhatia.

Dr Arya said Lord Rama represented dignity and righteousness, while Ravana’s arrogance led to his downfall. Dr Keemti Gaur said Dussehra should inspire people not only to witness the burning of Ravana’s effigy but also to resolve to overcome inner weaknesses such as anger, ego, jealousy and greed.

Kripashankar Jha and Ajay Kumar Gautam also stressed character-building, good values and the responsible use of power. Participants from India and abroad shared their views, while devotional songs and poetry presentations conveyed the festival’s message. Event manager Vanshika Verma said the next Satyarth Samvad would be held on November 29.

Congress leader Umesh Kamboj Bubka criticised the BJP government, alleging that people in Haryana were struggling with inflation, unemployment and unresolved public problems. He said the government had failed to fulfil its promises, while the Congress continued to raise issues affecting ordinary citizens.

Kamboj was addressing villagers during a public outreach campaign on Monday. He visited Pasi Ka Dera, Aurangabad, Marupur and Thaska, among other villages, and interacted with residents. He said Congress policies prioritised the interests of the poor, farmers, labourers and young people. Rising prices, he added, were putting pressure on household budgets, while young people faced difficulties finding employment.

Kamboj appealed to villagers to maintain communal harmony and work together to address local concerns. He said the purpose of the outreach campaign was to listen directly to people’s problems and convey their concerns to the appropriate forums. During the visits, he also gathered residents’ suggestions and feedback.