Rung Kalyan Sangstha: A Journey.....
translated from shri Nrup S. Napalchya's Hindi article by Navin S Patiyal
Though Rung Kalyan Sangstha was established in 1988-89 at Lucknow, but it was conceived long back in order to maintain peace, harmony , to conserve the rung culture and pride intact which could lead the society as a whole. Such Sangsthas (Darma Sewa Sangh etc.) were established at various levels and an effort was made to consolidate all ingredients of society. In this process an effort to establish various students associations were some of the examples. Such forums were made available by the creation of “Seemant Chatra Sangh” by Sh. Mohan Singh Sewak and “Yuva Rung Club” by the students of Allahabad particularly for students those who were preparing for competitive exams. These forums were successful in guiding the students who were pursuing their career. Sh. Ajay Singh Nabiyal and Sh. Bala Singh Rongkali were the key founders of “Yuva Rung Club”. At later stage this club had published a “Rung Directory” in which details of employed people were compiled village-wise along with details of few prominent rung citizens of yesteryears. Sh. Chandra S Napalchayal and Sh. Madan S Garbyal were the key members who contributed towards publication of “Rung Directory”. This publication could be termed as first ever effort for preservation of “Rung” identity . In eighties people like Late Sh. Hayat S Fakaliyal and Sh. Harish S Rautela constituted “Rung Sanskriti Parishad” at Pangu . Many cultural and other important events were organised under this forum, in which “Jasuli Devi Sokyani Mahotsav” being the prominent one. It was a defining moment when they published the magazine “Himalaya Dipti”.
Under this background Rung Kalyan Sangstha was constituted in 1988 at Lucknow which was not a coincidence but a culmination of genuine efforts and aspirations. Lucknow being capital of undivided UP was then centre for all activities. It was natural since Lucknow being the head quarters of various departments, banks ,RBI and other organisations. Many Rung people were employed there and few of them have constructed their house and few others have purchased lands too. Gradually it was giving them a sort of stability. Due to pretty large number, organising picnics and other functions like “Jhumko” etc gave them a forum partially satisfying their social and cultural needs. Time and again the need of one organisation was felt which could address their cultural, social and economical problems. Fortunately I was transferred to Lucknow in July 1988, and was posted as head of less busy department. That time Sh.Madan S Rautela, Sh.Jaman S Rautela, Sh.Satyawan S Kutiyal, Smt. Anjani & Sh. Phal S Bonal, Sh.Mohan S Titiyal,Ms. Jayanti Gunjiyal, Smt.Jassu & Joga S Mehta were staying at Lucknow permanently. Sh. Khadak S Dariyal too had come to Lucknow on transfer. One fine morning there was meeting organised in the residence of Ms. Jassu Gunjiyal and decision was taken to form a “Sangstha”. It was also decided to formulate rules, objectives etc and get the “Sangstha” registered. After few days people came to my office with desired papers. The proposal was for registering it as “Rung Kalyan Sangthan”. After few discussion we decided to get it registered.
I talked to Registrar/Firms&Society and later it was registered as “Rung Kalyan Sungstha” due to certain objections raised by that office. Registration was done on 18-05-1989 for 5 years. This was the historical moment which had motivated the entire Rung mass. Sh. Mohan S Titiyal was elected as president , Sh. Phal S Bonal and Sh. Madan S Rautela were elected as General Secretary and Treasurer respectively. I don’t remember any lady member being elected in that committee . I was bestowed with job of Patron. The first ever meeting after registration was held in the residence of Sh. Madan S Rautela in 1989 itself. In this meeting matter like life membership, logo for Sangstha etc. were discussed. Logo format was proposed by Sh. Dhirendra S Budiyal in which snowclad hills, rising sun, open book and there under sword and shield in a circle with “Joong Dhalang” in both sides were shown. Besides swastika sign were also proposed at the outer circle. This proposal was appreciated by everyone then discussion took place for writing the slogan. I then proposed “Inge Raju Inge Patu” which I had memory from my childhood song “Inge Raju Inge Patu Thanta Nee Kajarchyo, Chato Rachni” and we felt the connection in the slogan. Sh. Madan S Rautela proposed to add “Chira” as prefix which was accepted by all. The slogan “Chira Inge Raju Inge Patu” truly identifies with the Rung community, their culture, roots and the people . Since then this logo has been used in letterhead , magazines etc by the Sangstha. Despite its all essential parts in logo somewhere I was not convinced with the use of swastika in the logo which represented goodwill by Hindu as per Vedic traditions. Moreover it wasn’t signifying any relevance with Rung objectives. In 1999 I was posted as commissioner Varanasi then Sh. D R Seepal and Sh. Ravi Patiyal had come to visit me for some discussion. I opined for putting “Joong Kashni” in place of swastika which signifies cultural completeness. The proposal was welcomed by them and later on same was implemented. After 7 years of the adoption of logo proposed by Sh. Dhirendra S Budiyal, was modified which seemed to be more relevant and appeared to be more complete.
Initial enthusiasm is always high when such organisations are formed. The then committee also worked with full vigour. Sh. Mohan S Titiyal proved to be quite successful president. This Sangstha worked for 10 years under his president ship. In early 1989 I had to move out from Lucknow and in new place due to busy job I could not contribute much towards this Sangstha, however new suggestions kept on pouring in and there was concern over financial resources for which regular effort was on. In 1991, I was posted at Kanpur despite my wish to be at Lucknow which could have given me more time and proximity to Sangstha. I could manage few funds from sponsors during my stay at Moradabad and Kanpur which I sent it to Lucknow , made Sangstha filled with renewed vigour. Members were found keen to carry the Sangstha ahead. There was a proposal to organise “Maha Sammelan” at Dharchula. Sh. Mahiraj S Hyanki was also posted at Lucknow. One fine morning committee members came down to Kanpur. Meeting was held on dinner at Sh. Dev S Garbyal’s residence in Railway premises. All Rung people from Kanpur had come over there. Dr. Jagmohan’s mother graced the occasion, while Sh. Praduman S Garbyal had come from Dharchula too had joined the evening. That night I had the opportunity to meet all Rung people at Kanpur. There was discussion on Sangstha’s activity and it assumed importance since people of Kanpur decided to join Rung Kalyan Sangstha despite some move of creating parallel organisation by other faction. This was possible due to efforts made by Sh. Dev S Garbyal, Dr.Jagmohan Garbyal, and Mahiraj S Hyanki.
In the beginning of 1993 a meeting was held in Mirabai State guest house Lucknow for which I had come from Kanpur. Sh Tityal, Sh. Rautela, Sh.Bonal Sh. Hyanki Sh. Nar Singh Napalchyal, Sh Satyawan S Kutiyal, Sh. Narayan S Kutiyal, Sh. D R Seepal and Sh. Joga S Mehta participated in this meeting. The subject of discussion was organising “Maha Sammelan” at Dharchula. Strategy and the format were drawn, schedules and responsibilities were assigned. It was also decided to send one team to Dharchula for the propagation and promotion of the programme. Suggestions were made to enroll members at Dharchula. But I was in the opinion that we first display some work , enrolling and collection of donations could be done at later stage. Finally decision was taken to send a advance team to Dharchula which will do PR work besides enrolling new members. To my memory Sh.Rautela, Sh.& Smt.Bonal, Sh.Titiyal and Sh. Mahiraj S Hyanki left for Dharchula. They got good support from late Sh.Jawahar S Nabiyal. Meeting was organised at guest house under the “Pipal” tree where locals were told about the objectives of Sangstha and delegates proposed to collect donations under the pretext of construction of a hostel and a guest house at Lucknow, the effort made by the members was quite successful.
In the meeting held at Lucknow I was shown a letter supposed to be written by some intelligence officer to the president of Sangstha in which few explanations were sought, after seeing the letter I had declared it as fake and told the members not to take any cognisance and I assured them that an enquiry would be conducted. With that members were quite relieved. However only few guesses could be made even today, but that time fingers were pointed towards one influential rung member. They did not receive any such letters after that incident however few open letters were seen to de-motivate them. Now people were focused on organising “Maha Sammelan” at Dharchula. After a picnic members were assembled at the residence of Sh. Mahiraj S Hyanki where strategies were discussed to raise funds. Later members have collected quite a good fund through sponsorship by publishing a magazine. Sammelan was organised at Dharchula successfully in which many members have participated from Lucknow, Kanpur, Barielly, Haldwani etc. I could not take part due to some unavoidable circumstances. Dr. R S Tolia Secretary, Uttranchal Devlopment Deptt was the chief guest. He was honoured by putting turban on his head. This Sammelan went on for 2 days. Many people had put across their suggestions. Most of them called for unity under the Sangstha’s leadership. Accounts were submitted in front of the public, cultural programmes were held in the evening and after this Sammelan new members were enrolled and a Dharchula branch was also setup. Similar branches were established in different cities and more members were enrolled. That moment was full of activity, commitment for unity and realised a forum for proactive discussions. During that period first Rung magazine was also published edited by Sh.D R Seepal and Sh.Satyawan S Kutiyal. It contained quite a few good articles and this has definitely given a literary forum to members. It was first time branch wise enrolment collections and donations were published in the magazine. With this it had become quite a document in itself. It was decided to publish “Amtikar” annually, but same was not carried out due to certain constraints. Next year in 1994 I was holidaying at Dharchula then I saw some activity in Dharchula branch. Meeting was conducted in Nabi Milan Kendra with local people, where many village people had taken membership and donated good sum of amount from their village corpus to Sangstha. It was a nice experience to see villages coming forward, who joined their hands with Sangstha.
After Dharchula Sammelan good funds were raised. Objective was to build a guest house to cater the needs of rung people visiting Lucknow and a hostel who come for competitive exams. For that a suitable land was required to be purchased. A committee was formed who would look for land and suggest suitable place. After deliberations it was decided to purchase 6000 sq meter land in Kaushalpuri Sahakari Awas Yojana which is situated in Gomati Nagar across the track. This plot was undeveloped but it had future potential. The land was registered in the name of “Rung Kalyan Sangstha”. But I came to know later that there was dispute among members regarding its locations. Members from Dharchula had an impression that such decision would only help Lucknow members, which was not true. Had there been a building now it would have been a Rung cultural centre by now. After this development few rung people too had purchased land in the same area. A building fund was constituted and collection of one day salary was started from Lucknow members. It was not much successful despite many efforts. Funds were generated from “State Relief Fund” and “Mahotsav Fund” also. One room along with boundary was constructed by June 2000. When bill for separate Uttranchal state was passed in Lok Sabha it was felt that decision was taken in haste to construct the building. Though the one room building along with boundary stands as if now but the dream of opening a guest house and a hostel remained unfulfilled. With the creation of Uttranchal state the priorities had changed all together. Though construction of Sangstha head quarter at Lucknow was not possible but a decision was arrived for publication of Rung paper from Lucknow. There was a urge to have such forums where constant discussions and expression of thoughts could be disseminated. When ever I used to dream about rung newspaper the following lines of Akbar Allahabadi came to my mind frequently.
“ Kheecho Na Kamano Ko, Na Talwar Nikalo,
Jab Tope Mukabil Ho to Akhbar Nikalo ”
The strategy of publishing newspaper was not yet finalised. Those days I was posted at Kanpur. One day I came to Lucknow after telephoning Sh. D R Seepal who met me at secretariat from where we went to “Vyanjan Restaurant”. While having lunch there was a serious talk for publishing tri-monthly paper. Sh.Seepal is not only a good writer but a dedicated social worker too. Being a sculptor he didn’t have a routine job therefore responsibility of publishing the paper came to him naturally. That day rough format and the strategy was drawn regarding objectives, funds, and editorial team etc. What should be the name of the paper was the next question. In Vyans and Chaudas there is a system of calling the village people for meeting etc which is done by a person called “Laiba” which seemed to be fitting in our line of thinking. During the lunch I asked what they call “Laiba” in Darma. We call them “Rinla” answered Sh. Seepalji. We made a fusion of these two words as “Rinlaiba”. Seepalji constituted his editorial team with Sh.Ravi S Patiyal and Sh.Dhirendra S Budiyal.
I remember that day when “Rinlaiba” was to be released. Those days I was posted as commissioner Varanasi. I had come to Lucknow for some official work, that was probably Feb. 1996. Sh. Sepal and Sh. Ravi had accompanied me to Sh. Seepalji’s studio situated at Mahanagar. That moment Smt Anjani bonal was present with some other lady. “Rinlaiba” was officially released in a very simple function at that studio. This was a historical moment. The enthusiasm of that moment is still fresh in my memory. I have no hesitation to say that the publication of this paper executed by Sh. D R Seepal and Sh. Ravi with such a zeal, trust and commitment, may not make them a successful journalist but their story shall always be narrated and remembered as and when modern Rung history is written. Very few people opted for the membership despite annual/life subscription of this paper being minimum. It was proposed to nominate village and city wise reporter, but hardly any volunteers came up. Despite various criticism the moral of the editorial team was still very high. There were 14 editions of “Rinlaiba” published from Lucknow. This paper had written few good articles on Rung social problems, whether it was “Malpa” episode or “Dharchula Notified Area” episode. It had definitely left an impression. Articles on Late Ms. Gangotri Garbyal and “Kangdali Mahotsav” were few such examples. Despite financial constraints editorial team kept on going. This team had also published a small booklet on “Malpa” calamity and in 1999 they published “Bangba” edition of “Amtikar” which was on “Kangdali”. These initiations were welcomed and widely acknowledged. Thus “Ringlaiba” became a strong medium for expressions.
I still remember in Jawahar Bhawan, editotial team was felicitated on publication of 12 th edition despite various constraints and non-conducive environment. Publication was started in year1996 and by 2000 they had published 12 editions. This was certainly an important step towards the progress. Sh Seepal,Sh.Ravi and Sh. Satyawan S Kutiyal were presented with a pen each and their achievements were acknowledged. After this only 2 more editions were published mainly due to formation of Uttranchal and exodus of rung people to Dehradun. Despite all constraints “Rinlaiba” has given a forum where people could express freely and loudly. This team had organised a seminar on “Mere Sapno Ka Rung Samaj”which made the foundation for social change. September 1996 edition following lines reflects their concern.
“ Joong Kashni Se Adhik Chakti Nahi
Samaj Ke Upar Koyi Vyakti Nahi
Rung Ekta Se Upar Koi Shakti Nahi ”
1998 was the testing time for “Rung Kalyan Sangstha”. Malpa calamity on august,1998 had shaken the rung society. An urgent meeting was called in state guest house at Lucknow in which all active members were present. A “Malpa Trasadi” fund was constituted and appeal for raising funds were sent to all branches. Everyone seemed to be concerned over this calamity. Relief work on Malpa Trasadi was published in 1998 edition during that time I had come to Dehradun on official work and participated in the meeting organised by Dehradun branch at the residence of Sh Satyawan S Garbyal, IFS, situated in FRI. There also it was decided to conduct a drive for fund raising. Sh.S S Garbyal, Dr.Chanchal Singh Khunnu, Sh. Mahendra S Garbyal,Sh. Anand S Budathoki and Sh.Nandan Singh Rongkali were the key members. Such gesture by Dehradun rung people was really touching. People from Johar and Gharwal also pledged to assist financially for the cause.
Under the aegis of our Bareielly branch a meeting was organised participated by the representatives of Lucknow, Delhi, Moradabad, Dehradun and Haldwani where all the branches jointly initiated, fund raising and a concrete format was drawn. Late Ms. Gangotri Garbyal presided over the meeting which was held at Dharchula for organising relief camps on behalf of RKS. This event was a very important initiative taken by the RKS where most of the donations collected by the RKS were from the Rung residents themselves and the affected families of this calamity were disbursed Rs.4000/- each without any discrimination. Not only this relief work, undertaken by the RKS, widely appreciated, it also gave the Sangstha an opportunity to serve their own people in their time of need thus gaining a sense of satisfaction. At a later stage, RKS also participated in the “Bangba Kungdali” festival and also supported the people who staged an agitation protesting the new notified issue. And by doing so, the RKS showed their concern and their capabilities. But largely, the relief work undertaken by the Sangstha had deeply impacted the feeling of our local people. In the April1999 AGM, it was decided that the balance amount of Rs.1,50,000/- of the Malpa Relief fund, 50% of the amount was to be kept as relief fund itself and the other 50% amount was to be utilised towards the construction of the boundary wall at the Lucknow RKS plot. I feel that this balance amount of the relief fund should be utilised for any untoward natural calamity such as the above and the money should be disbursed to the affected by a competent committee members only.
In the year 2000, after the creation of Uttaranchal as a new state, the functioning of the RKS was severely affected owing to large scale physical movement of our working members and their families from UP to Uttaranchal. This had an adverse effect on the smooth functioning of the Lucknow RKS. Maintaining the functioning of the RKS there had become a challenge in itself, in turn affecting the functioning of the other RKS branches such as Pithoragarh and Haldwani. The Dheradun branch was re-established at a meeting held in August 2001 in which Sh. Nrupp Singh Gunjiyal was nominated as the Patron. Sh Khadak S Dariyal, Ms Amrita Hyanki and Sh. Karan S Gwal were appointed as The President, Vice President and General Secretary respectively. Dehradun branch has been successful in organising picnics twice a year. This Sangstha also compiled a Rung Directory published by Sh. Jiteendra S Garbyal.
The biggest achievement of this branch has been the organising of the AGM at Dheradun on Feb 21 st & 22 nd 2004, for which preparations had started from late 2003 itself under the supervision of Mr. Arvind S Hyanki. There was a vast input and interest shown by all, including our women members. Their enthusiasm was evident during the cultural programmes and also at showing hospitality. Thus the successful hosting of the AGM and the other events at Dehradun clearly indicates the unity among all the members coming from different places. During that occasion ‘Halo Satho’ a rung directory by Dehradun branch, books written by late Sh. Hayat S Fakaliyal and Sh. Jagat S Nabiyal published by Lucknow Head Office and brief biography on Sh Parmal S Hyanki by Sh Ravi S Patiyal were released. Also the three books written by late Sh.Dungar S Dakariyal in “Chira” series were also released in presence of Sh Yashpal Arya speaker Uttranchal Assembly. Sh R S Tolia , Sh S S Pangti and B S Negi had graced the occasion. Role of Sh Ravi Patiyal was prominent for publication of these three books and Sh Seepal, Sh.Satyawan S Kutiyal and Sh Narayan S Kutiyal too had contributed towards that. We believe that the presence of families of late Sh. Dhakariyalji, late Sh Jagat S Nabiyalji and late Sh.Hayat S Fakaliyalji and felicitation done by the sangstha and declaring late Sh Dhakariyal and late Sh. Jagat S Nabiyal as “Rung Rutna” would have been memorable for their families.
During this period RKS has seen many ups and downs .New Branches were established in different places, such as Kanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Haldwani, Dehradun, Nainital, Almora, Pithoragarh, Khatima and Delhi. Out of these branches like Pithoragarh, Haldwani, Bareilly, Moradabad and Dehradun were more active. For any Sangstha, its past and mistakes could be the guide for future course.
Society has many expectations from RKS. Every member of community should think of themselves as the part of organization and contribute their bit by associating themselves with responsibilities of RKS. At times people may just have only expectations from Sangstha and remain neutral to the responsibilities of Sangstha and thus get frustrated sometimes. An open policy has been kept for membership. There are few formalities, which every one has to complete such as annual subscription or life membership or monthly subscription etc. Maintenance of accounts by the RKS has not been satisfactory. Records of various assets belonging to HO and branches require proper compilation. Policy has to decided how future construction would be carried out, maintenance of books, allocations of expenditure etc so that all formalities are organised and function like a professional organisation.
Objectives of the RKS are quite general in nature. These need to be segregated as short term, medium term and long term goals for timely implementation. Organising AGM and annual report needs publication. RKS should formulate the strategy for execution of various goals. Decisions taken during AGM Dehradun needs close monitoring and time bound implementation, for which a parallel approach will be required. Rung website is on progress, conservation of the culture and establishing a museum should be on priority list. Reviving of ‘Rinlaiba’ should also take place . New executive committee is in place and I hope all important decisions taken will be implemented soon.
Haldwani branch has accepted to organise next AGM. Successful organization of AGM is a strong forum in bringing the Rung fraternity on one stage, exchange of ideas, drawing long term plans for a vibrant and strong Rung society.
If all members work with the spirit of what is written as “Thanta Nee Kajyarcho” in “Inge Raju Inge Patu” then I m sure it will help in building a strong and vibrant society . Making this belief the foundation, we have to take RKS forward into the future, in which each Rung/Rungshya’s active participation is must.
