Purv Africama Bharatiya Sanskritino Prachar

This document, "Purv Africama Bharatiya Sanskritino Prachar" (The Propagation of Indian Culture in East Africa), chronicles the extensive tour of East Africa undertaken by a cultural delegation from India. The primary purpose of this mission was to spread Indian culture, philosophy, and religious ideals among the Indian diaspora in East Africa.

The mission was inspired by Acharya Swami Shri Pranavanandji, the founder of Bharat Sevashram Sangh. The delegation was led by Swami Shri Advaitanandji, a renowned orator and preacher who had previously traveled extensively within India to propagate Hindu Dharma and culture. This mission to East Africa, consisting of about ten monks and Brahmacharis, commenced after a pause in overseas outreach due to the Second World War.

The document details the delegation's arrival in Mombasa, Kenya, on June 17th, 1948. Their reception was warm, with prominent Indian community leaders and officials from various Indian associations welcoming them. Swami Shri Advaitanandji delivered several impactful lectures in Mombasa, focusing on "The Ideal of Indian Culture," the importance of the Indian diaspora's duty to their homeland, and the essence of Indian culture in bringing peace to the world. He also gave a discourse on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and the significance of communal prayer.

The mission then traveled to Zanzibar, where Swami Shri Advaitanandji addressed various gatherings, speaking on themes like "A Message for Independent India," "The Teachings of Indian Culture," and "Self-Knowledge." In Dar-es-Salaam, he continued his lectures on subjects such as "The Voice of Indian Culture," "The Life of Mahatma Gandhi," "Self-Knowledge," and "The Duty of Youth in Independent India."

The delegation's journey extended to various other locations, including Lindi, Mikindani, Tanga, Mergo, Dodoma, Tabora, Shinyanga, and Wangaka. In each place, they were met with enthusiastic receptions and organized public meetings, lectures, and religious ceremonies. Swami Shri Advaitanandji consistently emphasized the importance of preserving Indian culture and values, urging the diaspora to remain connected to their roots while integrating into their new environment. He highlighted the spiritual and moral strengths of Indian culture as a means to global peace and unity.

Throughout the tour, the mission received considerable support and recognition from prominent Indian leaders and government officials. Letters of encouragement and introduction were provided by figures like Dr. Rajendra Prasad (Congress President), Shri C.S. Jha (Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs), Shri M.S. Aney (Governor of Bihar), Shri B.C. Roy (Prime Minister of Bengal), and Shri Syama Prasad Mukerji (Minister for Industry and Supply). These endorsements underscored the national importance of the mission's cultural outreach.

The document specifically mentions the delegation's participation in various festivals and observances, including Janmashtami and Durga Puja, where they conducted religious ceremonies, delivered discourses, and fostered a sense of community among the Indian expatriates. The establishment of a "Hindu Milan Mandir" in Kumsuli, as a result of the mission's influence, is highlighted as a significant achievement.

The tour culminated in Nairobi, Kenya, where the mission received a grand welcome and engaged in extensive cultural and educational activities. The "East African Indian Cultural Conference" and the "Indian Women's Conference" were significant events organized during this period. The conferences aimed to strengthen the Indian community's cultural identity and promote unity. Swami Shri Advaitanandji's speeches at these events focused on the unique strengths of Indian culture, the importance of organizational unity among the diaspora, and the role of women in preserving cultural heritage.

The document concludes with the delegation's departure from Nairobi, marked by farewell ceremonies and expressions of gratitude from the Indian community. The mission's efforts were widely appreciated for their role in fostering cultural pride and spiritual awakening among Indians living in East Africa and for strengthening the cultural ties between India and East Africa. The speeches and resolutions passed during various gatherings reflect a strong emphasis on cultural preservation, national unity, and the projection of India's spiritual and ethical values on a global scale.