RSS to use Samaveda’s Urdu translation to convey its message to Muslims
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New Delhi: As a follow-up effort to engage with the Muslim community, the RSS has translated one of the four Vedas, the Samaveda, into the Urdu language. According to reports, this translation will be launched by the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, during a function at Red Fort on Friday.
Bollywood scriptwriter and filmmaker Iqbal Durrani's Urdu version of the Samaveda, which the RSS believes can be made accessible to a large section of the Muslim community. The message of the Samaveda is intended for the benefit of all humanity, the Sangh said.
In recent times, the RSS has made various attempts to interact with the Muslim community. Under the leadership of Bhagwat, the organization has engaged in dialogues with Muslim intellectuals and organizations. The objective of these efforts is to foster greater comprehension of Sangh's activities among the minority communities in the country.
In 2021, the RSS had translated a book titled "Bhavishya ka Bharat" (India of the Future) into Urdu. The book was based on a three-day lecture series that Bhagwat had conducted on Sangh's vision for India.
The Indian Express has quoted Jeevakant Jha, the organizer of the event, as saying in its report that there had been no attempt made to translate an ancient Hindu text since the 17th century when Mughal Emperor Dara Shukoh attempted to translate the Upanishads into Urdu but was killed by his brother Aurangzeb.
Jha added that the Shastras (scriptures) are not confined to any particular religion; rather, they are universal and meant for humanity. He explained that the idea of translating the Samaveda, the Veda of melodies and chants, is to make Muslims understand that it is not a religious text but a cultural text meant for them as well. He also believes that the Veda could foster love and affection between Hindus and Muslims.
“We call ourselves Sanatani, but we have not been doing research. The idea is to have a discussion on the essence of the Samaveda and to ensure that love sprouts in the hearts of men rather than hatred. That is why this book is being launched at the Lal Qila,” Jha was quoted by TIE.
In regard to Bhagwat releasing the translation, Jha said that being the chief of the RSS, the largest social organization that is running the government, it was obvious that he is the right choice for it.
Jha stated that the book, which contains the Samaveda's 1,875 verses and spans over 900 pages, has been designed to be easily accessible to readers. He explained that the book features Sanskrit mantras at the top, with Hindi translations on the left and Urdu translations on the right. Additionally, the book includes illustrations along with the mantras.