Jaisalmer/Ramdevra: Under the auspices of the
Samajik Ekta Manch (Social Unity Forum), the historic 'Marwar Mahasammelan' was
organized on Sunday at the holy pilgrimage site of Ramdevra in Jaisalmer. The
grandest feature of this event was its historic 'Jal Samagam' (Water Confluence),
where people from all castes and classes poured water brought from their
respective homes into a single 'Sarvodaya Kalash' (Urn of Universal Upliftment)
and took a solemn oath to completely root out casteism.
This was perhaps the first such occasion on the soil of
Marwar where such a massive crowd gathered without the labels of caste or
religion, engaging in deep brainstorming on meaningful societal issues. The
main focus of the conference was centered on three key points: the eradication
of unemployment, the abolition of casteism, and environmental conservation.
Historic Moment: 'Jal Samagam' and 'Sarvodaya
Kalash' Around 1:00 PM, the most emotional and historic moment of the
event, the 'Jal Samagam', was witnessed. Erasing the divides of caste, people
from various communities brought water with them. All of this water was poured
into a single urn as a symbol of unity and harmony, which was subsequently
named the 'Sarvodaya Kalash'.
Industrialist Meghraj Singh Royal's Emphasis on
Unemployment, Education, and Environment: Addressing the gathering,
prominent industrialist and Chairman of the United Global Peace Foundation,
Meghraj Singh Royal, clearly stated that unemployment is currently the biggest
problem. He noted that meritorious children of Marwar scoring above 90 percent
are left behind due to a lack of resources. The foundation is preparing such
children for higher education and administrative services (IAS, IPS), ensuring
that capable individuals enter the administration in the future to change the
state's landscape.
Highlighting the immense potential for solar energy in
Rajasthan, he suggested that unemployed youth should be allotted barren land
and integrated into solar power generation. This, he noted, could generate
crores in income and millions of jobs. He also described tourism as a massive
source of employment. He elaborated on five key points:
- Solution
to Unemployment and the Solar Energy Model: In his keynote address,
Royal explained that Marwar possesses limitless wealth in the form of the
sun. Presenting a solid economic model, he stated that if just 10% of
Rajasthan's barren land is given to the unemployed and farmers, 1 megawatt
of electricity can be generated on 4 acres of land, yielding an annual
income of ₹50 lakh. This model can provide direct employment to 4.5
million (45 lakh) people in Marwar and generate crores in revenue, with
indirect jobs reaching into the millions.
- Tourism and Revival of
Traditional Arts: He shared his journey of putting Jaisalmer on the
global tourism map in 1986 alongside Dr. Lalit K. Panwar. He explained
how, starting from camel stables, he built a hotel industry that didn't
just construct buildings but provided local Manganiyar singers, artisans,
and dancers with a global platform and sustainable employment.
- Scientific and
Historical Explanation of Casteism: Launching a scathing attack on
casteism, Royal said that in ancient times, 'caste' was identified not by
birth but by skill and occupation (such as potter, barber, gardener). It
was merely a work style, which was later twisted into the disease of
'casteism' by the British and politicians for their selfish motives. He
compared casteism to the salty water of the sea, urging people to abandon
it and create sweet water through the technology of hard work.
- Tsunami of Technology
(AI) and Warning of East India Company 2.0: He warned the youth that
in the near future, technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) will
snatch away jobs on a massive scale. Therefore, it is essential to
preserve manual skills and traditional arts. Terming large corporate
retail chains as the new "East India Company," he appealed to
the public to stop ordering goods from foreign online companies and to
support local traders and brethren instead; otherwise, 70% of the coming
generations will be left unemployed.
- Public
Policy, Not Politics (Lokneeti, Not Rajneeti): Meghraj Singh Royal
clarified that the purpose of this platform is not to form a political
party. However, he called upon the public to send educated, capable youth
who wear suits and ties and understand technology and the economy to the
Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha, rather than uneducated leaders.
Marwar's Cultural Heritage and Brotherhood - Arvind
Singh Bhati: Arvind Singh Bhati, Student Union President of Jai Narain Vyas
University, Jodhpur, stated that today's Mahasammelan is a collective effort to
save Marwar's 'Apanayat' (sense of belonging) and love. Citing historical
examples, he reminded the audience that Lord Ram ate the half-eaten berries of
Mata Shabari, and the supreme societal positions given to Maharishi Valmiki and
Mahatma Vidur prove that karma (deeds) is paramount. He recalled Marwar's
social fabric, where from birth to death, every auspicious and religious
function sees the equal and respectful participation of all castes like Nai
(barber), Suthar (carpenter), Manganiyar, etc. Bhati urged the youth to avoid
the 'digital cocaine' of social media and have the courage to call out what is
right.
Solutions Along with Problems - Mukesh Meghwal:
UGPF Manager Mukesh Meghwal, in an emotional address, shared that to prepare
this unity platform, he toured the villages and hamlets of Marwar for three
months, inviting all 36 communities. He emphasized that Shri Meghraj Singh
Royal doesn't just point out society's problems but implements concrete
solutions. Hotel management training for 100 youths at Suryagarh with a monthly
stipend of ₹25,000, funding marriages for poor daughters, and providing free
education for 700 children through the foundation are living examples. From the
land of Baba Ramdev, he administered an oath to all attendees to strengthen
social unity and brotherhood.
Hard Work is the Real Prestige - Sant Omdas Maharaj:
Sant Omdas Maharaj stated that a person's prestige comes not from their money
or position, but from their Purusharth (hard work/effort). Praising the
selfless service of Shri Meghraj Singh, he remarked that he is 'Royal' not just
on the outside, but on the inside as well. The saint honored the sacrifices
made by the ancestors of the Meghwal community (such as Raja Ram Meghwal,
Manana ji, etc.) for water and society during the historical construction of
Pushkar, Pichola, and Mehrangarh. He called upon everyone to tear down the
walls of hatred and be threaded together like beads in a single garland.
Example of Great Men and Youthful Energy - Moti
Singh Jodha: Youth leader Moti Singh Jodha, in his impassioned address,
asserted that untouchability and hierarchy were never part of our original
culture. The chief guest at Lord Ram's coronation was Kevat (a boatman). Pabuji
Maharaj was accompanied by brave men of the Bhil community, and in Maharana
Pratap's army, Bhils, Gadoliya Lohars, and Hakim Khan Sur stood firmly shoulder
to shoulder. He urged the crowd to stand with full strength behind platforms
and champions of action who strive to advance education, employment, and the
entire society together.
Confluence of Heritage, Culture, and Folk Art:
The program was formally inaugurated by Umrao Singh Jodha and Raees Ahmed
Malik. Impactful screenings of the 'Marwar Documentary' and 'Soch Documentary'
took place. Youth leader Lokendra Singh Bhati delivered a speech on the
glorious history of Marwar, while Madho Singh engaged in a deep discussion on
'Heritage and Culture'. Following this, Babu Khan Jinawati infused new energy
among the attendees with his brilliant 'folk poetry' performance. Representing
women's empowerment, Mrs. Asha Meghwanshi explained the critical 'Role of Women
in Social Integration'.
Importance of Education: Educationist Prof.
Amrika Singh, who has served as Vice-Chancellor of universities in Rajasthan,
highlighted the pivotal 'role of education' in the upliftment of society.
Message from Former IAS Lalit K. Panwar and Prof. Shakeel Parvez: During the conference, former IAS and son of Marwar, Lalit K. Panwar, and the CEO and Academic Director of the Marwar Muslim Welfare Educational Society, Prof. Shakeel Parvez, delivered special messages via video conferencing. Both speakers highly praised the three main initiatives raised by the Samajik Ekta Manch and United Global Peace Foundation—eradicating unemployment, abolishing casteism, and conserving the environment—and affirmed that the foundation is doing excellent grassroots work in these directions.
From Integral Humanism to Sarvodaya: People of
all religions and communities set an incredible example of unity and harmony by
simultaneously pouring water into the urn placed on the stage. The clarion call
of this Mahasammelan, rising from the holy land of Baba Ramdev, made it clear
that Marwar has now taken a step in a new and positive direction based on
employment, education, and brotherhood. Dr. Vikrant Singh Tomar stated that
this urn is a symbol of moving from Integral Humanism towards Sarvodaya
(Universal Upliftment). The Mahasammelan proved that if the entire society of
Marwar unites to focus on education, employment, and the environment, the
stigma of unemployment and casteism can be wiped out from Rajasthan forever.
This successful Mahasammelan concluded with a vote of thanks by Durjan Singh.
Booklet Attracted Attention: A booklet
distributed by the organizers caught everyone's attention. It revealed the
truth behind the dominance and glare of solar companies in the region. It
detailed two projects outlining a blueprint for unemployment eradication and
environmental conservation, leaving everyone highly intrigued.