Background

India's cultural history bears witness that, from the dawn of creation to the present day, Brahmins have gained knowledge and science through their unrivalled reflection and austerity, and have adorned this great land and its society. The Brahmin has lived not for himself but for the nation, its culture and humanity. The guiding mantra of Brahmins has always been “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (may all be happy). Whenever society and the nation lost their way, Vipra sages, inspired by their Brahminical duty, showed the right path. Whenever the ruling class turned away from its duty to care for its people, they became Bhagwan Parshuram and set it right.

With the passage of time, times changed, circumstances changed, and in the clash of cultures our outlook on life was affected too. Westernisation became a synonym for modernisation. Of the four aims of life, artha (wealth) and kama (desire) kept swallowing up dharma (righteousness) and moksha (liberation). As pride in our own country and our own culture gradually faded, regionalism, class divisions, sectarianism, caste and sub-caste, and linguistic divisions took such hold of people's hearts and minds that the noble values of our ancestors were pushed aside.

In this age of decline, the role of the Brahmin community has become extremely important and necessary. By both tradition and destiny, the first responsibility for kindling radiance in the country, in society and in every individual falls on the shoulders of Brahmins. Therefore, to bring joy and blessing to the nation and to humanity, Brahmins must become fully active and fulfil their duty as teachers of the world. This is possible only when the triveni, the three streams of knowledge of our tradition, community consciousness and self-examination, keeps flowing within us.

To fulfil these aims, Shri Sushil Ojha, a distinguished and dynamic social worker from Kolkata, put forward the proposal that, given the needs of the times, our community, gifted with special wisdom, should come together on one platform, consider the situation and give a lead. The dedicated volunteers of the Rajasthan Brahmin Sangh resolved: yes, we will certainly make this effort. By divine grace, the resolve bore fruit.

With the sacred aim of thinking together, openly and without reserve, about how to resolve and remove whatever stands in the way of national unity, social harmony and community progress, the conch was sounded for the Vipra Mahakumbh. Embracing the spirit of a glorious past and the challenges of the present, and with the holy aim of adorning Mother India and bringing radiance to the whole of Indian society, the first Vipra Mahakumbh, an unprecedented and unforgettable event, was held in Kolkata from 25 to 27 December 2009. Inspired by the land of the Saraswati, Brahmins came together for a churning of ideas in Bengal, on the banks of Mother Ganga. The event was a great success in fostering dialogue, coordination and creative work within the Vipra community, the bearer of Indian thought and eternal values.

Thousands of community members from every part of the country immersed themselves in the stream of knowledge that flowed from the words of saints and scholars, refined themselves further, and took steps towards the all-round development of society. Sounding the call for change suited to the times while keeping our traditions, the entire Vipra community, in unprecedented unity, proclaimed the dawn of a new era. With positive thinking, the formation of an international organisation for Brahmin unity and holistic development was announced. Divided into many classes and sub-classes, the Brahmin community rose as one, from one platform, with one mind, and spoke in one voice: ‘Glory to Bhagwan Parshuram!’ ‘Raise your voice: we are one!’ ‘Long live Vipra unity!’

To discuss at length the drops of nectar that came from the Vipra Mahakumbh, meetings were held on 9 January 2010 in Kolkata, on 11 April in Mumbai and on 1 May in Delhi. After wide consultation, the historic decision was taken on the outline of the proposed organisation and the formation of a committee. The time had come for a long-awaited wish, cherished for years, to be fulfilled. On the eve of Shri Parshuram Jayanti, at the auspicious hour of 15 May 2010, the birth of ‘Vipra Foundation’, a global organisation of the Brahmin community dedicated to society and the nation, was announced.

Come! Let us walk together! Come! Let us speak together!
Come! Let us take the shape of a new age! Come! Let us find a spirit of equality!
Let us bring new light down to the earth!

The culture and heritage of India will vouch for the fact that from the inception of the world till today,Brahmanas, with their irreversible faith,incredible knowledge and inexorable meditation, have been instrumental in the ornamentation of our society and the world at large.They live not for themselves but for the mankind. Their sole motto in life is ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina ‘ i e ‘May happiness dwell everywhere’ Whenever the nation or the citizens go haywire , the Brahamanas ,being inspired by their sense of duty, have taken upon themselves the responsibility of projecting the right path to them.When the dominant rulers have tried to suppress their subjects,they, in the form of Lord Parashurama have successfully superceeded them.

The culture, circumstances and thought processes of individuals have largely been influenced and changed with changing times.Now westernization has become synonymous to modernization.Money, self indulgence and centralization have dominated over values, morals ,ethics and religion.The decline in Patriotism and respect for ones culture have paved way for division in class, community,region ,religiion and differences based on linguistics.These differences have finally resulted in diminishing our ancestral values.

In this era of diminution,the role played by the brahmanas is of great significance in regaining the vibrance and vitality in the society and amongst the individuals.Contemplating culturally or as destiny may have it,they have always shouldered the responsibility in moulding the nation.Hence it becomes quite mandatory for this section of our society to actively carry on this herculean responsibility and attain success .This can be possible only if there is an inflow and realisation of our culture and conscience reflecting our heritage.

keeping the aforesaid aim in mind,Mr Sushil Ojha ,a reputed philanthropist, put forward his suggestions that the entire society should walk hand in hand, discuss the conditions and circumstances and head towards attaining the betterment of the world.. The dedicated members of Rajasthan Brahman Sangh have vowed for the same and with the blessings of the Almighty are successfully treading in the desired direction.

Vipra Mahakumbh has heralded the objectives of National Integrity, Social Harmony and Community Development. Reiterating our dignified past and accepting the present challanges faced by our motherland, the Vipra Mahakumbh commenced its memorable programme on the 25th of December 2009 in Kolkata aiming at presenting our society with the objectives thus mentioned and concluded . the first Mahakumbh with great success on the 27th of December 2009. Inspired by the blessings of Goddess Saraswati (the Goddess of knowledge) on the pious banks of River Ganga in Bengal the Brahman Samaj Indulged into an elaborate discussion and began its journey in the direction of development of Indian Culture and Heritage .The Mahakumbh proved a great success in the process of the creation of such a society.

Intellegentsia from all over the country graced the occasion and became the proud beneficiaries of the knowledge thus dispersed and eagerly stepped forword towards the development of our society.Thereaftert the Vipra Samaj with its benevolent workers announced the beginning of a new era. Keeping up their optimistic mindset clubbed with Brahman unity a new international organisation was hereby announced.The Brahman Samaj which has been traditionally divided into various groups and subgroups shouted in unison “Bhagwan Parshuram Ki Jai ” “vipra ekta amar rahe ” “Awaz do hum ek hai”.

In order to discuss the achievements of the Vipra Mahakumbh, meetings were organised on 9th January 2010 in Kolkata,on 11th April in Mumbai and 1st May in Delhi the same year. On the auspicious eve of Sri Parshuram Jayanti on 15th May 2010 the foundation of an international organisation “VIPRA FOUNDATION ” was finally laid

So let us all vow for a new positive change and brighten our Earth with vigour and vitality all around us.