(A1) SHIV MISTRI: It's a Hindu organization-the Rashtriya Svyamsevak Sang.

(Q2) INTERVIEWER: What's it's significance?

(A2) SHIV MISTRI: Us-it's to unify all Hindus here.

(Q3) INTERVIEWER: When did it begin?

(A3) SHIV MISTRI: In 1925.

(Q4) INTERVIEWER: Who founded it?

(A4) SHIV MISTRI: Dr. Keshavrao Baliram Hedgar.

(Q5) INTERVIEWER: You come here every morning?

(A5) SHIV MISTRI: Yes.

(Q6) INTERVIEWER: To do what?

(A6) SHIV MISTRI: To exercise.

(Q7) INTERVIEWER: What benefits to you get from that?

(A7) SHIV MISTRI: It keeps the body healthy.

(Q8) INTERVIEWER: Do you do anything else?

(A8) SHIV MISTRI: Nothing else, we play games, we pray

. (Q9) INTERVIEWER: What kind of prayer?

(A9) SHIV MISTRI: We pray for our country.

(Q10) INTERVIEWER: How does the R. S. S. serve India?

(A10) SHIV MISTRI: We go to wherever there is distress or disorder and take care of things without self-interest or greed

. (Q11) INTERVIEWER: In this village, how many people are members of the R. S. S., in all of Arampur?

(A11) SHIV MISTRI: You mean everyone-except Muslims?

(Q12) INTERVIEWER: No, the people who are R. S. S. members.

(A12) SHIV MISTRI: The people her-us, all of us.

(Q13) INTERVIEWER: Does everyone come from Arampur or from other villages as well.

(A13) SHIV MISTRI: No, from Sherpur, Praladpur, Arampur-there are branches in a lot of places. In the whole country, at 5:30, wherever it's 5:30 there's a program for an hour and everyone comes for that.

(interview continues in chai shop)

(Q1) INTERVIEWER: Please tell us something about yourself.

(A1) SHIV MISTRI: There are eight people in my family. It's an eight person family, any thing else?

(Q2) INTERVIEWER: Where do you work?

(A2) SHIV MISTRI: At the bus stand, in Arampur.

(Q3) INTERVIEWER: Do you fix bicycles?

(A3) SHIV MISTRI: I fix bicycles. Mechanical work comes my way. I fix everything-motorcycles, stoves, etc.

(Q4) INTERVIEWER: How long is the store open?

(A4) SHIV MISTRI: From eight in the morning to six in the evening.

(Q5) INTERVIEWER: Could you please tell us something about this village?

(A5) SHIV MISTRI: This village's name is Arampur. The chief attraction here is the Abode of Shastri Brahm. People come here from far and wide to perform darshan. People come here from all corners of India, just about, for darshan. Four times a year there is Navratri, a nine day program.

(Q6) INTERVIEWER: What happens during these nine days?

(A6) SHIV MISTRI: Everyone comes for darshan. The perform puja and read sacred texts. People come here from far and wide.

(Q7) INTERVIEWER: Why do so many pilgrims come?

(A7) SHIV MISTRI: Because of Shastri Brahm-Shastri Brahm is equal to a God, he is a God. People come here and receive what they request. They do this in common, they give love and receive love in return. You can ask any thing from God.

(Q8) INTERVIEWER: Is this a historical place?

(A8) SHIV MISTRI: Yes, there's King Saliwahan's fort. That fort up there is the fort of King Saliwahan.

(Q9) INTERVIEWER: American students really don't understand India that well. How would you describe (India) to them?

(A9) SHIV MISTRI: I didn't understand.

(Q10) INTERVIEWER: What would you tell these students who don't have much information about India?

(A10) SHIV MISTRI: Whomever we greet, we greet affectionately. We meet them as brothers. With us it's not an issue whether "he's from America," or "he's from England," or "he's from wherever." You went to where our organization meets-if you go there in the morning, or if any one goes for that matter they'll receive the same respect that you received. There is no enmity within us. They'll be no issue of quarreling, anger, regret or difficulty. Whoever comes along, we'll greet him with affection.

(Q11) INTERVIEWER: Could you please tell us something about "The Eternal Dharm?"

(A11) SHIV MISTRI: We worship images. We alone worship images. We give them honor. We worship Gods and Goddesses as well. We love our sons and love our grandfathers as well. We look upon everyone as equal. Even those who are very old still live at home-they don't leave the home. They live only at home. I serve them. My wife will serve them, my children will serve them. Our deep connection can't be broken. I'll be taken care of in the same way that I'm taking care of my father now. Now I'm young and earning a living and so I'm adored. But it's not the case that I'll be thrown out once I grow old. We know how to give respect because my son will grow up to be just as I am now. If I don't do it, what's going to happen to me? That's the main point.

(Q12) INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us a special story about India?

(A12) SHIV MISTRI: No, I'm sorry I can't tell you that much.

(Q13) INTERVIEWER: Which neighborhood do you live in.

(A13) SHIV MISTRI: Arampur's a big place. It's a historical place. Every neighborhood has been given a name-Baksariya, Sonhatiya, Sonartoli-like that, there are a lot of neighborhoods. Over there there's Prahladpur, which is also in Arampur. Sherpur is also in Arampur. It's a really big area. Just like you've been given the name Peter, and you've been given the name "Prem," so too have these names been given to these areas.

(Q14) INTERVIEWER: What's the difference between Baksariya and Sonhatiya?

(A14) SHIV MISTRI: They're right next to each other.