\Samvad

Kartik   Shukla 12 Vik. Samvat 2078, Yugabda 5123 : 16 November, 2021:SM 3016 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: GURU NANAK DEV JI GURPURAB & DEV DIWALI 2. POSTAL STAMP OF DATTOPANT THENGADI RELEASED
3. TODAY’S BHARAT IS CONFIDENT OF ITS HERITAGE: PM MODI 4. DIWALI IN BHARAT AND AROUND THE GLOBE
5. CANADA BEGINS CELEBRATIONS FOR HINDU HERITAGE MONTH 6. HSS SewaDiwali
7. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD TO SEWA INTERNATIONAL USA 8. SEWA BHARATI RELIEF OPERATIONS IN KERALA
9. INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDA DAY IN BALI 10. ‘SHRI RAMAYAN YATRA’ STARTS WITH 100% OCCUPANCY
11. IIM AHMEDABAD LAUNCHES COURSE ON BHAGVAD GITA 12. DRONE DELIVERS VACCINE IN KARNATAKA
13. JANAJATIYA GAURAV DIWAS 14. OBITUARY: SHRI OM PRAKASH GARG
15. OBITUARY: PADMA VIBHUSHAN SHRI BABASAHEB PURANDARE 16. HABIBGANJ RAILWAY STATION RENAMED AFTER GOND QUEEN
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT  
Article: A WORLD UNION BASED ON RESURGENT ASIANISM

1. FESTIVALS: GURU NANAK DEV JI GURPURAB & DEV DIWALI: Guru Nanak Dev Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Dev's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti is celebrated on Kartik Purnima - November 19 this year. It celebrates the birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak - the founder of Sikhism.

The celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Gurpurab begins 15 days before his birth anniversary with pheris (processions). Two days ahead of Gurpurab, Akhand Path or a 48-hour non-stop reading of Guru Granth Sahib is held in the Gurdwaras. A day before Gurpurab, Nagar Kirtan is organised.
Dev Diwali, also known as Tripurotsav or Tripurari Purnima is celebrated every year at the holy city of Varanasi on Kartik Purnima.

It is believed to be the Deepavali celebrated by gods to mark the victory of Bhagwan Shiva over demon Tripurasur. Hence, to welcome the Gods, ghats are decorated with millions of earthen lamps on the day of Dev Diwali.
On this auspicious day, a large number of devotees come together to take a dip in the holy river Ganga (also called 'Kartik snan’).
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2. POSTAL STAMP OF DATTOPANT THENGADI RELEASED: On the eve of 101st birth anniversary of Shri Dattopant Thengadi, veteran sangh pracharak and founder of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, a postal stamp in his memory was released by Shri Ashwini Vaishanav (Ministry of IT & Railway, Government of Bharat) on November 10 at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Shri Thengadi was a true seer who foresaw the fall of all ‘ism’s.


He added that Shri Dattopant was of the opinion that policies should be formulated in accordance with the human nature. On the occasion, Shri Suresh (Bhayyaji) Joshi (National Executive Member, RSS), said that Shri Thengadi was a proponent of mutual cooperation and coordination rather than conflict. The program was presided by Shri. Hiranmay Pandyaji (President, BMS) and attended by Smt Meenakshi Lekhi (Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of Bharat) and Shri Kashmiri Lal (National Organising Secretary, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch) along with other dignitaries .
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3. TODAY’S BHARAT IS CONFIDENT OF ITS HERITAGE - PM MODI: Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi invoked the great “rishi tradition” of Bharat as he inaugurated several development works in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, on November 5. PM Modi unveiled a 13-foot tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya and monuments related to his Samadhi.
On the occasion, he cited the construction of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, beautification of Varanasi and the opening of Buddha tourism circuit of Sarnath, Kushinagar and Bodh Gaya and said that Bharat’s culture, traditions and religious centres are now being seen with a sense of pride. He added that Bharatiya philosophy talks about human welfare and looks at life in a holistic way and that Adi Shankaracharya made the society aware of this truth.
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4. DIWALI IN BHARAT AND AROUND THE GLOBE: Ayodhya's Deepotsav makes it to Guinness World Record: Ayodhya's Deepotsav made it to the Guinness World Records after Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department lighted over nine lakh oil lamps along the banks of river Saryu as a part of the grand Diwali celebrations on November 3. Apart from this, 3 lakh diyas were lit separately at different places in Ayodhya.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath tweeted that the world record has been set with the spirit of truth, affection and universal welfare. On the occasion, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy said that lighting of 12 lakh diyas in Ayodhya was a message of the dignity of Bhagwan Ram to the whole world.
Ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam, and Kenya also participated in the event.
Prime Minister and Home Secretary of United Kingdom Visit Neasden Temple for Diwali: Hon Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Hon Priti Patel MP, Secretary of State for the Home Department of UK, celebrated the vibrant festival of Diwali with worshippers and members of the local community at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’ – on November 7.
They also performed the abhishek of Shri Nilkanth Varni, the teenage form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
National Diya, Guyana: On October 31, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips of Guyana noted that Diwali serves as more than a cultural symbol of light where good overcomes evil and said that the holiday is a time of national unity where Guyanese across cultural backgrounds come together in a grand national celebration. The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Seventh National Diya Light-Up which was hosted by the Hindus for Selfless Service at the intersection of Rahaman’s Park on the East Bank of Demerara.
Along with his address, the Prime Minister also flipped the switch to illuminate a large diya display at the intersection.
Canada’s Trudeau extends greetings on Diwali: The Indo-Canadian community celebrated Diwali with fireworks as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the festivities at an event in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) along with the Canadian minister of national defence Anita Anand. Fireworks for Diwali were permitted in several municipalities including those in the GTA. Canada Post has also issued a special commemorative stamp to mark Diwali this year. It is layered with a Rangoli pattern and features a lotus, symbolising new beginnings, along with a ring of heart-shaped diyas expressing love and gratitude; and a spice box in the centre alluding to the food shared during the Festival of Lights.
President Cyril Ramaphosa wished Hindu community during Diwali:
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his warm wishes to South Africa’s Hindu community for their observance of the religious festival of Deepavali and said that South Africa’s Hindu community makes a significant contribution to the spiritual, ethical, economic and cultural life of the nation through the values of honesty, patience and compassion.
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5. CANADA BEGINS CELEBRATIONS FOR HINDU HERITAGE MONTH: November is celebrated as Hindu Heritage Month in Ontario, Canada. Devi Mandir in Pickering and Hindu Forum Canada, an NGO, organized a program to commemorate the event. The ceremony which included bhajans and ethnic dances was attended by about 200 people. Bharat's Consul General in Toronto Apoorva Srivastava inaugrated the program and wished everyone in the community a happy Diwali. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario's Minister of Finance, delivered the Canadian Premier's message to Hindu Forum Canada. He stated that Hindu Canadians have played a significant role in the country's efforts to get back on track, and that multicultural groups and organisations have played an effective role in combating the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
The school board of trustees in Toronto district decided to dedicate the month of November to the sound of the cosmos, Om.
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6. HSS SewaDiwali: SewaDiwali is an initiative by Dharmic communities, individuals and organizations who believe in Sewa Dharma, i.e. Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity. Around Diwali, they organize food collection drives in the USA and donate it to local food banks.
On November 1, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS USA conducted a workshop for teenagers in Sunnyvale City Diwali Festival event. Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein stopped by and encouraged the efforts.
On November 3, Aurora City Mayor Irvin issued ‘Diwali Proclamation’ and presented ‘Mayors Award of Excellence’ for ‘SewaDiwali Food Drive’ efforts to more than 40 organisations.
Eight partners collected and donated more than 1500 lbs of food items to Muffin and Shawnee Community Services in Kansas City.
Maine became part of SewaDiwali for the first time. Sewa USA and HSS Sanskriti Shakha together raised 1500 pounds of food for local food pantry.
More than 1500 volunteers of about 290 partner organizations are working in more than 100 cities and 31 states for this food collection drive which will continue in the month of November.
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7. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD TO SEWA INTERNATIONAL USA: Sewa International - Houston Chapter received the prestigious Community Service Award at the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston’s Annual Gala on October 30. Bharatiya Ambassador in USA Taranjit Singh Sandhu presented the award in the presence of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Fortbend County Judge KP George and other dignitaries.
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8. SEWA BHARATI RELIEF OPERATIONS IN KERALA: Rashtriya Sewa Bharati (RSB) has intensified its relief operations in the landslide affected areas of Kootikal, Kerala. Around five-hundred houses were sanitized and rendered fit for use in a cleaning drive. 25 task force teams, each having five volunteers were deputed to carry out the operation. Various public buildings were also sanitised and cleaned.
RSB had also mobilised huge quantities of relief materials for the worst-hit areas of Elankad, Enthayar, Mundakayam and Puthanchantha.
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9. INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDA DAY IN BALI: An International virtual Ayurveda conference was organized by ICCS and Universitas Hindu Indonesia (UNHI) on the occasion of 6th Ayurveda day on November 2. The event was supported by Embassy of Bharat in Indonesia, Griya Sehat Ayurveda (traditional health centre, UNHI), Ikayuveda (Alumni association of health faculty, UNHI) and BEM FKES (students union of health faculty, UNHI).
Ayurveda doctors from 5 countries namely Bharat, Indonesia, Nepal, Australia and France presented the status and scope of Ayurveda in their countries. The keynote speech was given by the Ambassador of Bharat to Indonesia Mr. Manoj Bharti. Shri Shyam Parnade, Secretary of Sewa International was a special guest for the event which was also attended by the consul general of Bharat in Bali Mr. Prakash Chand. 
A month long Indonesia wide video competition was also conducted. Participants had to submit 1-2.5 minute video related to any herb in Indonesia. Three winners were selected from the received videos by a jury comprising of faculty of health, UNHI and other eminent personalities of Bali. Competition results were declared on Ayurveda day.
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10. ‘SHRI RAMAYAN YATRA’ STARTS WITH 100% OCCUPANCY: On November 8, Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the first glimpses of the ‘Shri Ramayan Yatra’ on twitter. Specifically designed to promote religious tourism in places associated with the Ramayana, Shri Ramayan Yatra rail circuit has been launched under the “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
The deluxe AC tourist train departed from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on November 7 for 16 nights and 17 days with 132 tourists on board. The rail circuit is set to cover every destination that has Shri Ram’s footprints including Ayodhya, Nandigram, Janakpur, Sitamarhi, Kashi, Prayag, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nashik, Hampi and Rameshwaram.
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11. IIM AHMEDABAD LAUNCHES COURSE ON BHAGVAD GITA: The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has launched the first-of-its-kind executive programme on 'Understanding Bhagavad Gita' for corporate professionals to teach management lessons. 
The objective of the programme is to gain insights into ethics and values to promote meaningful impact in organisations and strengthen concepts of contemporary management and value-based leadership. 
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12. DRONE DELIVERS VACCINE IN KARNATAKA: On November 13, a remote primary health centre in Anekal taluk, Bengaluru Urban district, received a consignment of Covid-19 vaccines through a drone. The delivery was made by a new octocopter drone developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), which is capable of hefting 15-kg payload over 24 km. The octocopter flew from the Chandapura primary health centre (PHC) at an altitude of 300 metres at a speed of 10 metres per second and covered an aerial distance of about seven km in about 10 minutes.
This represents a significant turnaround time, according to Dr Manisha, the taluk’s medical health officer. She said that it usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes to deliver vaccines to Anekal from Chandapura by road.
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13. JANAJATIYA GAURAV DIWAS: On November 10, the Union Cabinet approved the declaration of November 15, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’. Birsa Munda, born on 15 November, 1875, was a Bharatiya freedom fighter, religious leader and folk hero from the Munda Tribe of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau area. Week-long celebrations have been planned from November 15 to 22 to commemorate the glorious history of tribal people, their culture and achievements. On November 15, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi participated in the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' celebrations in Bhopal's Jamburi Maidan where more than two lakh tribals - many in traditional attire - had gathered from across Madhya Pradesh. In his speech on the occasion, PM Modi said that the inspiring stories of tribal heroes and heroines in the freedom struggle should be remembered, honoured and introduced to the new generation.
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram celebrated the event in Bilaspur, Patiala, Patna and other cities across Bharat and has planned to conduct programmes in tribal districts of all states across Bharat. Programmes will also be conducted in many urban cities and towns to spread awareness about the contribution of tribals in nation building endeavours.
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14. OBITUARY: SHRI OM PRAKASH GARG: Shri Om Prakash Garg, who was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since his childhood, breathed his last at a hospital in Patna on November 6. He was 95 years old. Shri Garg was born in Uttar Pradesh in 1926 and was a pracharak since 1946. From 1991 to 2000 he worked in Nepal where he was one of the founding members of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, HSS Nepal.
Since 2005, he was a member of the management committee of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). In a condolence meeting in Delhi on November 15, Sarkaryavah of RSS Shri Dattatreya Hosabale shared his experience of working with Shri Garg and remembered him as a self-effacing, dedicated swayamsevak.
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15. OBITUARY: PADMA VIBHUSHAN SHRI BABASAHEB PURANDARE: Padma Vibhushan Shri Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare, died at 5 am on November 15 at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. He was 99 years old. Babasaheb Purandare was a celebrated author, historian and theatre personality. He was known for his scholarly work on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He wrote several books on the king, his administration and the forts from Shivaji’s era. Babasaheb Purandare also directed ‘Jaanta Raja’, a popular play on Chhatrapati’s life.
In 2015, he received the state government’s Maharashtra Bhushan award and in 2019, he received the Padma Vibhushan, Bharat's second-highest civilian award.
Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi extended his condolences on the demise of Babasaheb Purandare and tweeted that Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves behind a major void in the world of history and culture.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that with Shri Purandare's death we have lost a Shatayu Shiv Rishi. Noting that Babasaheb had fought as a soldier in the Dadra Nagar Haveli Mukti Sangram (struggle for the liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli), Dr. Bhagwat also said the historian's life will inspire the society for generations to come.
Vice President Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Uddhav Thackeray also expressed grief at the demise of Babasaheb.
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16. HABIBGANJ RAILWAY STATION RENAMED AFTER GOND QUEEN: On November 15, Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the modern Rani Kamalapati railway station (earlier known as Habibganj) in Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed Rani Kamalapati as the pride of the Gond community. The Gond community comprises the largest tribal group of Bharat with more than 1.2 crore population.  Rani Kamalapati was the last Hindu queen of Bhopal who in 1722 built the now ASI-protected seven-storey Kamlapati Palace that overlooks Upper and Lower Lakes in Bhopal.
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17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors: Sachin Tripathi, USA
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Religion means to abide by the laws of God, just as good citizenship means to abide by the laws of the government. Faith may be blind faith. Faith is not the real description of religion. Religion means the laws given by God, and anyone who follows those laws is religious. – Srila Prabhupada
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JAI SHRI RAM

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A WORLD UNION BASED ON RESURGENT ASIANISM
RAM MADHAV

Hindu and Buddhist priests and monks were the first people to carry India’s influence across its boundaries two millennia ago. The Buddhist monks largely chose the land routes with the exception of Sri Lanka, where Buddhism was taken by the son and daughter of emperor Ashoka – Mahinda and Sanghamitra – in 3rd century BCE. Monks from Northern India had traveled to Tibet, China, Mongolia and Bhutan carrying the religion of Buddha. On the other hand, the Hindu priests too managed to reach countries as far as Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia in the initial centuries of the first millennium carrying with them the benign religion of Hinduism. While there were references to instances of the Greek and Hindu scholars exchanging philosophical ideas in the pre-Christian era, recorded evidence of Hindu influence over the countries in the Indian Ocean region dates back to 4thcentury CE.
Almost for a millennium after that, the region, which is today described as South East Asia, used to be called as Greater India. Although the southern empires like the Cholas and Pandyas had undertaken military expeditions through the great oceans to expand their influence over remote islands like Borneo and Bali, it in effect remained cultural only to a great extent. The religion and culture of the benign colonisers were heartily welcomed by the subject societies leading to establishment of not only the religious customs and traditions but also large temples and monuments. From Bali in Indonesia to Cham areas in Vietnam to Angkor Vat ruins in Cambodia, the living and historical evidences of the influence of India is conspicuous to this day.
History progressed, and socio-politico-religious realities of these lands had undergone major changes over centuries. India too was preoccupied with its battles against the invaders for almost a millennium, and hence had no time for its cultural empire. Yet, the historical memories did not fade away. When the time came to unshackle from the imperialist yoke, India did not think only about itself, but the entire Asian neighbourhood. If Rishi Aurobindo talked about Asian renaissance as India’s historic responsibility, Gandhi and Nehru talked about Asian relations for anti-imperialist brotherhood.
In his address to a radio station in Tamil Nadu on the eve of independence, which also happened to be his birthday, Rishi Aurobindo talked about his five dreams. While advocating for freedom and unity for people of India as his first dream, Aurobindo turned to Asian resurgence as his second dream in which India had an important role to play. “Asia has arisen; large parts are now quite free or are at this moment being liberated; its other still subject or partly subject parts are moving through whatever struggles towards freedom. Only a little has to be done and that will be done today or tomorrow. There, India has her part to play and has begun to play it with energy and ability which already indicate the measure of her possibilities and the place she can take in the council of nations,” he exhorted.
A few months before Aurobindo’s exhortation came the Asian Relations Conference on 23-25 March 1947 called by Jawahar Lal Nehru with the objective of bringing about a “psychological revolution,” “a new imagination of Asia”. There were 230 delegates and observers from 30 countries at the conference, highlighting the faith and trust reposed by many of them in India’s leadership. A new ‘Asianism’ or ‘Third Worldism’ was born at the conference. Unlike the Asianism of India thus far, which was limited to the cultural remnants in Greater India, Nehru’s mission was to create an Asian federation that would eventually be a step in the direction of greater world federation. Interestingly, Aurobindo too talks about the same idea as his third dream a few months later.Although Nehru declared that his intention was not “against anybody,” he and other speakers at the conference were equally categorical that the new Asianism would make sure that Asians wouldn’t become the “playthings of others”. There was a clear desire articulated by many speakers at the conference that Asia should be free of Western influences. It cannot be Communist either. Hence the idea that Asian nations should form a coalition as Third World countries.
Gandhi was invited to deliver a speech on the last day of the conference. He made certain interesting observations. Terming all wise men from Zoroaster to Buddha to Jesus to Mohammad – not to talk of Rama and Krishna – to be belonging to East, Gandhi emphasised on Asia’s antidotal message to the West. “What I want you to understand is the message of Asia. It is not to be learnt through the western spectacles or by imitating the atom bomb. In this age of democracy, in this age of awakening of the poorest of the poor, you can redeliver this message with the greatest emphasis. You will complete the conquest of the West, not through vengeance, because you have been exploited, but with real understanding. I am sanguine, if all of you put your hearts together – not merely heads – to understand the secret of the message these wise men of the East have left to us, and if we really become worthy of that great message, the conquest of the West will be completed. This conquest will be loved by the West itself”, Gandhi told the conference.
Asian Relations Conference did not survive for long. Nehru’s Asianism dream died its quiet death after the Bandung Conference of Non-Aligned nations in Indonesia in 1955. But Asianism and Third Worldism did not die. Asianism survived through different experimentations in the region like EAS, SAARC, BIMSTEC and IORA. It manifested through the principle of ‘Neighbourhood First’ in 1990s and transformed into the principle of ‘together we grow’ under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Third Worldism took the shape of non-alignment in later years and ‘strategic autonomy’ today.
At a time when a new Cold War is beginning to threaten the world order, India needed to turn a leaf or two from the old-world politics of Asian centrality and strategic neutrality. More importantly, it should realise that it has a much bigger role to play in the world politics than what Nehru had intended to seven decades ago.

Asianism of the last century did not succeed partly because India and China – two large nations in the region – could not get along. The Sino-Indian War of 1962 had thrown water over Indian romanticism about leading the Third World with Asian centrality. But the fact that its immediate playground is its Asian neighbourhood was never forgotten. With the formation of SAARC and BIMSTEC, it tried to return to its pet theme. It evolved further when India became a full dialogue partner with ASEAN in 1995 and developed its own ‘Look East policy’.
Nelson Mandela, the legendary leader of South Africa visited India in the same year. That visit had resulted in the birth of another regional coalition called the Indian Ocean Rim Association – IORA. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s regime, the Look East policy has been upgraded into Act East policy. Through these initiatives India tried to revive its Asianism theme. It had its Achilles’ Heel to its west in Pakistan and by extension the Arab and Islamic Middle East and West Asia. In the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has successfully attempted to overcome the jinx and build stronger ties with that region too.
While the 20th century ended with the collapse of the Cold War politics, the world did not remain multilateral for long.A new Cold War is taking shape in the new century with Eurasia and Indo-Pacific emerging as the epicentres of global power politics. Unlike the last century when the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States was fought in far away Pacific-Atlantic region, the new Cold War is raging in India’s immediate neighbourhood.
One of the central themes of the Asianism of 1940s and 50s was that Asia wouldn’t be allowed to become a playground of big power rivalry. In his Shangri La address in 2018 at Singapore, Prime Minister Modi reiterated it by insisting on Indo-pacific region to be inclusive and peaceful. Many Asian nations aspire for it as new war clouds gather in the region.
Like at the time of budding Asianism in the last century, China remains a challenge in this region now also. During the last Cold War, China benefitted massively by siding openly with America from 1970s onwards. China’s current economic prosperity is a gift of America in the 1980s and 90s. India cannot afford such politics because the new Cold War is being fought at its doorstep. Aggression of China in the Indo-Pacific region and formation of new military alliances like AUKUS led by America to counter that aggression have the potential to turn the Asian region into an Armageddon. Together, they will bring highest number of nuclear submarines in India’s backyard.
India needs to recalibrate its response to this evolving challenge carefully. Western Quad may be a romantic idea to checkmate China in UAE and Israel, but what is more important for India is the Indian Ocean region. Countries in this region look up to India as the biggest power in the neighbourhood. At the Asian Relations Conference, there were a large number of leaders present from this region and they were the most supportive of all to India’s leadership. In a way, it is India’s natural region of comfort.
India needs to invest more energy on this region. It’s relations with immediate neighbours like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, with whom it shares a strong cultural and people-to-people bonds, need greater attention. China’s footprints are all over in the region. India needs to go beyond its diplomats and build newer and firmer bridges with leaders and peoples in these countries.
There is a misplaced obsession with India’s soft power potential in its neighbourhood among sections of Indian political establishment. It is time we realised that soft power in its conventional form is an over-used and outlived concept. Need of the hour is smart or sharp power, where the cultural advantages are used strategically to secure national interests. Building an International Airport at the Buddhist pilgrim centre of Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh by Modi government is one such example of smart power in action.
While we should continue to benefit from our growing bonds with America and other western powers, we must never give up on the core principles of foreign policy set at the time of independence that include Asian centrality, inclusivity, and strategic autonomy. While China is a ‘risen power,’ India is the ‘rising power’ in the region and if strategised well, it has the potential to play the pivotal role in building a ‘world union’ envisaged by Aurobindo and other leaders of independence on the basis of a resurgent Asianism.

Author Brief Bio: Shri Ram Madhav is an author and thinker who is the Former National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is a Member of the Board of Governors of India Foundation. He also serves as a Member of the National Executive of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). (www.indiafoundation.org) -GoTop



\Samvad

Bhadrapad Krishn 10 Vik. Samvat 2078, Yugabda 5123 : 1 November, 2021:SM 3015 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS: TOKHU EMONG 2. RSS SARSANGHACHALAK MOHAN BHAGWAT VISITS RAM JANMABHOOMI
3. HINDUTVA IS NEITHER LEFT NOR RIGHT - DATTATREYA HOSABALE 4. PM MODI INAUGURATES KUSHINAGAR AIRPORT
5. LOK PARAMPARA IS BASIS OF BHARATIYA CULTURE– ASSAM CM 6. ASI CELEBRATED 1 BILLION VACCINATIONS MILESTONE
7. SRI LANKA SENDS SHILA FROM ASHOK VATIKA 8. HSS VIJAYADASHAMI PROGRAMS
9. WORLDWIDE PROTESTS AGAINST ATTACKS ON HINDUS IN BANGLADESH 10. AMERICANS CELEBRATE OCTOBER AS HINDU HERITAGE MONTH
11. DANDIYA FOR SEWA IN NORWAY 12. ABKM : PRESS MEET WITH DATTATREYA HOSABALE
13. ABKM RESOLUTION : ABKM CONDEMNS RADICAL ISLAMIST ATTACKS ON HINDUS IN BANGLADESH 14. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Article: IN SEARCH OF DHARMIC MODEL 

1. FESTIVALS: TOKHU EMONG: Tokhu Emong - a post harvest festival of Lotha Tribe in Nagaland - is celebrated for nine days with lots of enthusiasm and fun. It marks the time to rejoice the fruits of hard work at the end of the period of harvesting.

Everyone comes together for celebrations forgiving past animosity and bitterness, prepares delicious feast, and fosters unity by dining, singing and dancing together. Festivities of Tokhu Emong begin in November every year. The date of the festival was not fixed earlier, but later a common date for celebration was set by Wokha elders in order to strengthen unity among the community members. -GoTop


2. RSS SARSANGHACHALAK MOHAN BHAGWAT VISITS RAM JANMABHOOMI: Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat visited the Ram Janmabhoomi campus in Ayodhya and paid obeisance to Ram Lalla at the makeshift Ram temple on October 21.

Dr. Bhagwat observed the ongoing construction work and enquired about the various structures that will come up at the Ram Janmabhoomi. Champat Rai, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, accompanied Dr. Bhagwat on his visit and informed him about the other Ayodhya projects that are expected to come up and about a proposal to make the Ram Janmabhoomi campus and the projects associated with it, eco-friendly. -GoTop
 

3. HINDUTVA IS NEITHER LEFT NOR RIGHT - DATTATREYA HOSABALE: On October 16, speaking on the occasion of the launch of Ram Madhav’s book ‘The Hindutva Paradigm: Integral humanism and the quest for the non western world’ in Delhi, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has never termed itself rightist. He added that many of its ideas are like leftist ideas.

Shri Hosabale observed that the world was forced to go left and now it is moving towards the right, so that it comes to the centre. He added that Hindutva is neither left, nor right, but all encompassing and has space for ideas of both sides since these are “human experience”. He also said that the essence of Hindutva is to take the best from every corner and mould it to suit our needs, surroundings and life. Shri Hosabale also underlined the importance of cultural cohesion for longevity of nations. He cited the examples of how Germany reunited with the fall of the Berlin Wall and how the USSR disintegrated, and said that any forceful division or unification does not sustain and that culture is the basis for sustenance. Former Supreme Court judge Justice Anil R. Dave and former diplomat Pavan K. Varma also spoke on the occasion. -GoTop

4. PM MODI INAUGURATES KUSHINAGAR AIRPORT: On October 20, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport near the site of Bhagwan Buddha's Parinirvana in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in the ancient city of Kushinagar and the airport is aimed at boosting tourism on the Buddhist circuit.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi noted that the Kushinagar International Airport won't just be a mode of air connectivity; rather it will create an ecosystem of business and generate employment opportunities for the local youth.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia were present at the inauguration ceremony, along with a 130-strong delegation of Buddhist monks and dignitaries led by Sri Lankan cabinet minister Namal Rajapaksa.
Later in the day, PM Modi also participated in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple. Abhidhamma Day celebrates Gautama Buddha's descent from Tāvatiṃsa heaven after teaching his mother the Abhidhamma.
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5. LOK PARAMPARA IS BASIS OF BHARATIYA CULTURE– ASSAM CM: Prajna Pravah in collaboration with Intellectual Forum of North East has planned Lokmanthan - a seminar with the theme of “Lok Parampara” - at Guwahati’s Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra from February 18 and 20, 2022. Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma articulated his thoughts on Sanatani civilization and culture while participating in a preparatory meeting of Lokmanthan and said that the ideology of Bharatiya civilization and culture are an exploration of knowledge. He added that our folk culture has shown us the path of living a powerful life with strong determination and that we need to protect and enhance our civilization and culture.
He also said that cultural Bharat, more than political Bharat, is balancing us mentally to move forward unitedly. National convener of Prajna Pravah Shri Nandkumar was also present during the occasion.
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6. ASI CELEBRATED 1 BILLION VACCINATIONS MILESTONE: Bharat achieved the landmark milestone of administering 100 crore Covid vaccinations on October 21 morning.
To express gratitude towards the corona warriors - vaccinators, sanitation staff, paramedics, auxiliary workers, police personnel etc - who have worked beyond their call of duty to help the country face the pandemic effectively, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) illuminated 100 monuments in the colours of Bharatiya flag across the country on October 21. The 100 monuments that were lit up included UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Red Fort, Konark Temple in Odisha, Mamallapuram Rath temples in Tamil Nadu and the forts of Chittor and Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan.
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7. SRI LANKA SENDS SHILA FROM ASHOK VATIKA: On October 28, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi Milinda Moragoda and Deputy High Commissioner Niluka Kadurugamuwa, visited the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple site in Ayodhya along with two ministers from the Sri Lankan government and offered to the Ram Mandir Trust the Shilas sent from Ashok Vatika by the Sri Lankan government.

In a tweet, the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust shared that the envoys and the Sri Lankan ministers also participated in puja and performed aarti of Shri Ram Lalla at the Janmabhoomi site. -GoTop


8. HSS VIJAYADASHAMI PROGRAMS: On October 16, "Dussehra-Milan" was organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS Japan in hybrid mode, allowing participants to join either physically or remotely via virtual means. This year, HSS Japan invited and felicitated Japanese associations and individuals who have been spreading various aspects of Bharatiya culture and traditions in different ways. This includes yoga associations, yoga teachers, ayurveda scholars, professors of Bharatiya philosophy and many Japanese teachers who have been teaching Bharatiya classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam for more than 30 years.
This year’s Dussehra Milan was graced by the presence of highly distinguished Japanese guests including Professor Tomio Mizomami from Osaka, a Padma Shree awardee of 2018 by the Rashtrapati of Bharat, Youtuber Ms. Mayo Hitomi who has been sharing various aspects of Japanese culture and Bharatiya festivals on her YouTube channel, Ms. Yoko Sasaki who was part of the very famous animation movie “Ramayana: The legend of Prince Ram” and others. Hindu Temples run and managed by Japanese devotees also participated in the event. Mayor of Edogawa Mr. Takeshi Sato sent his greetings appreciating the volunteer activities by HSS Japan during natural calamities in previous years in different parts of Japan. Shri Mayank Joshi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Bharat in Japan and representatives of various Bharatiya associations in Japan also participated in the program.
HSS Denmark celebrated Vijayadashami with a painting class, Ramleela and Ravan-dahan.

63 swayamsevaks participated in the online HSS Thailand Vijayadashami utsav that included physical demonstrations. Representatives from various religious, social and cultural organizations also participated in the utsav.
HSS Korea conducted an online Vijayadashami utsav in which Dr. Sonu Trivedi, Director of Indian Cultural Centre at Embassy of Bharat, Seoul was the chief guest.
About 40 Swayamsevak of HSS Mauritius celebrated Vijayadashami with a Ghosh (marching band) demonstration.



Online utsav by HSS South Africa was attended by 21 karyakartas and 23 karyakartas attended online utsav in Mozambique.
35 swayamsevaks/sevikas were present at the Vijayadashami utsav by HSS Zambia and another 20 joined online. Bal swayamsevaks/sevikas demonstrated Yoga and senior swayamsevaks/sevikas demonstrated niyuddha and vyayamayog during the utsav.
Vijayadashami was also celebrated at various locations by HSS USA, HSS UK, HSS Canada and HSS Australia.
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9. WORLDWIDE PROTESTS AGAINST ATTACKS ON HINDUS IN BANGLADESH: Since October 14, systematic attacks against Hindus took place in Bangladesh, including vandalism of Durga Pooja pandals, mob lynching of devotees and spreading of false rumors to incite mobs to attack Hindus. Hindu temples were attacked in many cities, including an ISKCON temple. At one place in Noakhali, mobs vandalized 66 homes of Hindus and torched 20. There were worldwide protests against these atrocities.
ISKCON stages protests at 150 temples across the globe

On October 23, members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) staged protests by chanting the ‘Hare Krishna’ mantra in Mayapur, West Bengal and 149 temples across the globe. Later, they prayed for those who lost their lives in the violence.
HSS USA condemns attacks on minority Hindu Community in Bangladesh
In a press release on October 23, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA condemned the brutal attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh and expressed solidarity with Bangladeshi Hindu brothers and sisters. They urged the Government of Bangladesh to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable while providing appropriate remedies to the victims. They also demanded that the Governments of Bharat and the United States raise the issue with Bangladesh through diplomatic channels.
British Hindu groups appeal to PM Johnson to demand justice
Hindu organisations in the UK have appealed to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to demand justice for the victims of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. On October 23, ISKCON was joined by other groups such as Bengali Hindu Adarsha Sangha (BHAS) UK, Hindu Council UK and Insight UK for a peaceful protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Demonstrators in Australia demand safety for Bangladeshi Hindus
In Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, members of Hindu associations and local community members took to the streets denouncing the violence against Bangladeshi Hindus and seeking justice from the Bangladeshi government. The protests on October 23 were organized by ISKCON with the support of the Hindu Council of Australia, other Hindu organisations, temples and associations.
Canadian Hindu community holds protest against attacks in Bangladesh
On October 23, the Canadian Hindu community protested against the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. People lit candles, played instruments and chanted the Hare Krishna mantra during the protest. The protestors said that they wanted the Bangladeshi government to find and prosecute the people responsible for the attacks, and hoped the Canadian government will pressure them to do so.
Similar protests were held by Hindu organizations in Finland, Japan and South Korea. Temples in Sri Lanka were lit in solidarity with Bangladeshi Hindus. Vishwa Hindu Parishad organized a massive protest in front of Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on October 20 and handed over a petition to the High Commissioner.
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10. AMERICANS CELEBRATE OCTOBER AS HINDU HERITAGE MONTH: In a first ever initiative, Americans across the country are observing October as the Hindu Heritage Month (HHM). More that 20 of the 50 states and over 40 cities issued proclamations supporting the HHM and acknowledged the contributions of the minority Hindu community in the US. American leaders across the nation praised the contribution of the ancient Hindu way and, more importantly, the active role of Hindus in American society.
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11. DANDIYA FOR SEWA IN NORWAY: 1200 people, including many Norwegians and Bharatiya Ambassador to Norway, participated in the ‘Dandiya & Garba for SEWA’ event organized on October 24 in Oslo by HSS Norway.
The program was held in an indoor Football stadium and NOK 75,000 were donated to the Norwegian Cancer Society (Kreftforeningen). 80 volunteers worked for more than a month to carefully plan & execute the smallest of details to make the event a success.
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12. ABKM : PRESS MEET WITH DATTATREYA HOSABALE: On October 30, Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah of RSS addressed the press on the final day of Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) meeting at Dharwad and informed about the deliberations.
Shri Hosabale mentioned about the ABKM resolution which demanded action from the Bangladesh government  against the violent attacks on Hindus and other sections of the society in Bangladesh  and appealed to the government of Bharat to take necessary steps in order to ensure protection of Hindus in Bangladesh. 
Shri Hosabale said that Bharat's freedom movement has been unique in the world. The unity of the country was manifested in the movement which was not only against the British, but for Bharat's selfhood. Many personalities including Swami Vivekananda worked for awakening the soul of Bharat and the present generation should take a pledge to work and make Bharat excellent in every field. 
Sarkaryavah also informed that it has been decided to organize the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Singh, the ninth Sikh Guru who sacrificed his life for the protection of Dharma and Sanskriti. 
He said that during Corona period, shakha work was affected, but there was extensive work in the form of social service. Along with regular shakha swayamsevaks, those who attended programs occasionally also worked actively in the social service activities. He added that in view of the possibility of third wave of Corona, training camps were organized in every state to prepare to deal with it. He also said that education and employment have been affected due to Corona. To make people self-reliant, swayamsevaks have started helping with employment generation, skill training and marketing of goods produced by the local people. 
Shri Hosabale reported that 54382 daily shakhas are held at 34 thousand places, weekly shakha at 12780 places and monthly milan at 7900 places, which amounts to direct work of the Sangh at 55 thousand places.
The year 2025 is going to be the centenary year of sangh. Shri Hosabale said that generally, RSS prepares a plan to expand the organization every three years. Currently, sangh works in 900 out of 910 districts, 5683 out of 6483 blocks in the country and there is work in 32687 mandals (sub-block). It has been decided to expand the work and strive to reach all mandals. 
In response to a question on population policy, he said that every country should have a population policy and it should be equally applicable to everyone. Population policy should be made keeping in mind the availability of natural resources. Regarding ban on firecrackers, Shri Hosabale said that environmental protection is a daily activity and only banning firecrackers on Deepawali will not solve the problem. The subject should be looked at in totality and holistic decisions should be taken after relevant discussion. Employment and economic well being of people engaged in this industry should also be considered. 
Shri Hosabale said that if a law is made to stop conversion, RSS would welcome it and that it is not right to increase the numbers by means of fraudulent conversions or allurement. Opposition to Anti-Conversion Bill is not understandable as Congress governments in Himachal and Arunachal passed the Anti-Conversion Bill on the basis of their experience on the issue. He added that conversion should stop, and those who have converted should declare that they are converted and stop taking advantage on both sides.
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13. ABKM RESOLUTION : ABKM CONDEMNS RADICAL ISLAMIST ATTACKS ON HINDUS IN BANGLADESH - The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal expresses its deep anguish over the recent outburst of violence on Hindus in Bangladesh and also strongly condemns the continuing brutality on the Hindu minority there, which is the part of larger conspiracy by Jihadi groups to further Islamisation of Bangladesh.
The spate of violent attacks on Hindu minorities and Hindu temples continues unabated in Bangladesh. The recent slew of communal violence that erupted during the sacred festival of Durga Puja left many innocent Hindus killed, hundreds others injured and rendered thousands of families homeless. Several girls and women belonging to the Hindu community were assaulted, Temples and Durga Puja pandals were vandalised in a span of two weeks.
Arrests of some of the accused, who spread fake news to incite communal frenzy in society, brought to light that the attacks were a well-orchestrated conspiracy of the radical Islamists. The frequent and targeted attacks are clearly a systematic effort to exterminate and uproot Hindu minorities whose population has witnessed a steep decline ever since the partition of Bharat.
About twenty eight percent of the population of East Bengal was Hindu at the time of partition, which dwindled to about eight per cent now. The atrocities by radical Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami (Bangladesh) had resulted in large scale migration of Hindus into Bharat since partition and specially during the 1971 War. Those outfits still continue to vitiate the communal harmony in Bangladesh creating insecurity in the minority Hindu population there.
The ABKM is of the view that the Government of Bangladesh should take stringent measures to prevent the mounting incidents of violence against the minorities in their country. The Government should also ensure that the perpetrators of anti-Hindu violence be handed severe punishment so that the Hindus will be assured about their secured dignified life availing their rights in Bangladesh.
The ABKM decries the deafening silence of so-called human rights watchdogs and UN affiliated bodies and calls upon the international community to come forward in condemning the violence and raise their voice for the safety and security of the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist and other minorities. It also cautions that the rise of radical Islamist forces whether in Bangladesh or in any other part of the world will be a grave threat to democracy and human rights of the peoples of peace-loving nations of the world.
The ABKM also appeals to the Government of Bharat to use all available diplomatic channels to communicate the concerns of the global Hindu community and organisations to the Bangladesh Government over the attacks and human rights violation in Bangladesh to ensure security of Hindus and Buddhist there.
The ABKM places on record its acknowledgement to the Hindu organisations and institutions like ISKCON ,Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, VHP and others for standing by the victims of the Islamist violence and extending all support to the Hindu brethren of Bangladesh. 
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14. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Vishwa Vibhag sanyojak Saumitra Gokhale and sah-sanyojak Dr. Ram Vaidya will be in Bharat for baithaks.
Visitors: Arun Sharma, Aman Sharma (USA).


FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living.
- Guru Nanak Dev -GoTop

 

JAI SHRI RAM

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IN SEARCH OF DHARMIC MODEL
Anurag Saxena

Communism has failed. Capitalism has failed. Well, at least to deliver the widespread prosperity these two ideologies promised. With both these contrasting ideologies failing, any variant on hybrid is also bound to fail.
As nations fail and rise, it presents them a unique opportunity to present ideological models of their own.
With Brexit, the US-China trade war, and dwindling financial muscle of the European Union, India has a unique opportunity to present an economic ideology of its own. Let us dig deeper into our civilization wisdom to chart a new world order.
Understanding Shubha – Laabh: A British friend asked me a simple yet profound question, “I haven’t seen any other society where wealth (Lakshmi) is actually worshipped. How come India is socialist, then? Where did you guys lose your way?” It indeed is sharp observation.
The very idea of “Shubha-Laabh” (Prosperity & Profit) is that profit is not pariah but at the core of human endeavor. That social-prosperity and business-profit cannot exist in isolation from each other.
Mythological references aside, Indian businesses have always clubbed Riddhi and Siddhi together, thereby internalising that expertise and success cannot be decoupled.
Centuries of Improvement: In1863 Charles Cooke wrote about India’s thriving banking ecosystem in pre-colonial India. Dadabhai Naoroji later wrote “Poverty of India” (1876) documenting how India was systematically getting impoverished.
This wasn’t the first time India had been a victim of colonizers and mercenaries.
Let’s not forget that Christopher Columbus was looking for India, when he lost his way to America. Funnily, in his “letter of first voyage” (explaining why he was looking for India), he mentioned the word “gold” 17 times, while mentioning “Lord” and “God” only once.
The Mughals and the British actually got to India – and enriched their coffers for centuries. So in short, India’s wealth and heritage have been the subject of civilizational plunder for ages.
The intellectual onslaught that continued post-independence (especially the edification of Marx, Keynes, Muller and the likes) has dented our civilizational perspective. India-based “intellectuals” that prostrated before the Western lens, have forcefully curbed indigenous context and wisdom.
Take the case of “Hindu Rate of Growth” as an example. The self-deprecation in itself isn’t the only problem. I go so far to say that “Hindu Rate of Growth” is the most successful disinformation campaign of our times.
Sri Aurobindo summarised it better than anyone could: “These socialists do not know what socialism is.”
Untapped Wealth of Wisdom: India has suffered the consequences of command-and-control economics for decades. In contrast, the Silicon valley-state-of-mind nurtures an individual’s pursuit; the path of  “seeking” (the next big opportunity, in this case) if you will.
No wonder, many Silicon valley-honchos shun Western religions and the prescriptive approach that comes with them; and instead gravitate towards Dharmic principles that encourage seeking your own path.
This refusal of central authority, and openness to non-linearity makes Dharmicism a more natural fit to the rebellious nature of enterprise.
Centuries before the phrase “monetization” was coined, Chanakya had said: “In the absence of fruitful economic activity, both current prosperity and future growth are in danger of destruction.”
Ages before “asset utilisation” was coined, he had said: “The value of land is what man makes of it.” He also laid down very specific rules and rates for taxation (focusing on being, above all, fair and just), the Government’s responsibility towards prudent use of that tax, and social goals this revenue would drive.
Compared to the uni-dimensional understanding of wealth in capitalistic societies, the Vedas identify eight different types of wealth:
-Adi Lakshmi (Primary wealth),
-Dhana Lakshmi (Monetary wealth),
-Dhanya Lakshmi (Wealth of Grains),
-Veera Lakshmi (Wealth of Courage),
-Gaja Lakshmi (Wealth of power and prestige),
-Santana Lakshmi (Wealth of offspring),
-Aishwarya Lakshmi (Wealth of affluence), and
-Vijaya Lakshmi (Wealth of victory).

Clearly there is a wealth of wisdom that is yet to be tapped.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Old Wine in Western Bottle: The idea of “daan” (charity), and “punya kamaana” (literally, earning merit-points, ostensibly to offset the negative impact on ecology and society) is centuries old. Sounds eerily similar to the ‘modern’ carbon-credits, doesn’t it?
While the world was still denying climate-change, India had the Chipko (literally “hug a tree”) movement decades ago. Kings, courtiers, and traders, and more recently, the Tatas, Birlas, and Ambanis have built social institutions of great prominence – townships, schools, temples, rest houses, and hospitals.
More recently, Akshaya Patra stands as a shining example of corporates’ social-contribution, funding the world’s biggest soup-kitchen.
This sense of Dharma is not limited to the top one per cent alone. Even a simple pansaari (micro-scale grocer) leaves a bowl of water outside for birds to quench their thirst. Exactly like his forefathers did.
Some experts contend that mandated contributions, and demonisation of wealth-creators, have actually pushed corporate away from making any social contributions, which were naturally a part of their DNA.
The Cost of Capitalism: Stagnant wages, inhumane work conditions, rising students, homeowner debt, and plain simple misery have made capitalism a bane for the “other 99 per cent”. Communities, nations, even the planet pays the price in a winner-takes-all model.
The quarter-to-quarter pressure is killing the long-term sustainability view that businesses should be taking. Sustained, balanced, longevity are being sacrificed at the altar of the financial markets (who are on life-support themselves).
This isn’t just an anti-capitalist, dreamy, bohemian rant. The rise of “conscious capitalism”, “impact investing”, “the giving pledge”, etc., point to, perhaps, the guilt-ridden, reparative approach that capitalists feel they should take. The Keynesian “animal spirit” is now being tamed with humaneness.
Aspiring for Vishwaguru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is clearly aiming at for statesman status. Yoga, Bollywood and Turmeric Latte are all good but they will fall drastically short of earning the “Vishwaguru” tag that the PM seems to be striving for. India needs to offer more.
Nations are formed with brute force. Civilizations are formed on ideas, on concepts and on models.
The United States of America is “cool” because they’ve exported their cultural model to the world. The United Kingdom drew its strength from exporting its model of governance. Germany and Japan are relevant because they’ve exported their idea of a professional work ethic.
I submit that it is time for India to get ambitious and export our own economic model. One that is rooted in our ancient wisdom and tested over time. The induction of career economists, who also have a strong understanding of history, should hopefully signal a beginning of capability-building (for the idea) within the government.
The “Idea of India” should also include our indigenous economic model – Dharmicism. Am I suggesting we blindly follow archaic wisdom? No. am I claiming there won’t be chinks in the process? Absolutely not.
 However, It is indeed time to acknowledge that civilizations are only strengthened when they build on continuity. It is time India sheds the Western lens and stops importing failed economic models. It is time to realise that the Vishwaguru status cannot be attained without pushing our own indigenous economic model– Dharmicism. (Writer is Columnist and Co-founder, India Pride Project) – Organiser, November 7 & 14, 2021
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