\Samvad

Janmashtami, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 16 August, 2025: SM 7010 (For Private Circulation only)


1. FESTIVALS : SRI GANESH CHATURTHI 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. RASHTRAPATI’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION 4. PM MODI UNFURLS NATIONAL FLAG AT RED FORT
5. HSS RAKSHABANDHAN 6. TELFORD AADARSH PARIVAAR SHAKHA HOSTS 'VAANI' CONTEST
7. KENYA : THE YUVA LEAGUE 2025 8. HSS LILONGWE HHC
9. SWAYAMSEVAK MILAN 2025 – LAGOS, NIGERIA 10. UTHO ANNUAL PARIVAR SHIBIR
11. KAHO-UK SHIBIR 2025 12. RSS VOLUNTEERS LEAD RELIEF IN FLOOD-HIT UTTARKASHI
13. BHARAT SENDS 5 TONNES OF COWPEA SEEDS TO FIJI 14. BHARAT INAUGURATED EIGHT NEW ICA CENTRES ACROSS AMERICA
15. MHA TIGHTENS OCI CARD RULES 16. TALLEST MURTI OF BHAGWAN RAM IN NORTH AMERICA
17. BHARAT MANDAP AT OSAKA WORLD EXPO DRAWS 20,000 VISITORS 18. MATHURA SRIDHARAN APPOINTED OHIO’S NEW SOLICITOR GENERAL
19. OBITUARY : MA. DEOROOP TEEMAL 20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Article: BHARATIYA WORLD VIEW: BUILD BRAND BHARAT


1. FESTIVALS : SRI GANESH CHATURTHI: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Chaturthi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August 27 this year). This day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Ganesha. Ganesh Chaturthi assumed the nature of a gala public celebration in 1893. When the British banned political assemblies, the festival was revived by the Bharatiya nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Today the festival is celebrated in Hindu communities worldwide and is particularly popular in Maharashtra and parts of western Bharat. In preparation for the festival, artisans create murtis of Ganesha. On the last day of the festival, the tradition of Ganesh visarjan takes places, when the Ganesha murtis are immersed in a river, sea or water body. -GoTop


2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: While speaking at the inauguration of the Cancer Care Center of Shri Guruji Seva Nyas Madhav Srishti in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat elaborated on the importance of accessible healthcare and education for all. He said that the nation needs affordable and easily accessible healthcare.

Treatment should not itself become a source of anxiety. Dr. Bhagwat also attended a social harmony meeting at Brilliant Convention Center and interacted with leaders of 180 communities from the Indore-Ujjain division. The meeting covered topics related to social change, national and local issues, and ways to uplift society. Dr. Bhagwat discussed the challenges faced by communities, possible solutions, and his vision for national development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Abhinav Bharati International Academic Building at the Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University in Waranga, Ramtek, Dr. Bhagwat called for national self-reliance rooted in cultural identity and the widespread revival of Sanskrit as a living language.
He emphasised that true atmanirbharta begins with self-awareness, linguistic pride, and civilisational confidence. He said that atmanirbharta is not a mere economic policy, it is a national sankalp (resolve) rooted in swa-bodh (self-knowledge) and swasammān (self-respect). Unless Bharat rediscovers its inner spiritual and intellectual compass, self-reliance will remain incomplete.
On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association and sisters from the Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch tied rakhi to Dr. Bhagwat, symbolizing the bond of protection and goodwill.
The sisters expressed their warm wishes and prayers for his long life and continued service to the nation. Adding to the celebrations, members of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, and sisters from the Disha 30 group also tied rakhis to Dr. Bhagwat. The atmosphere was filled with festive spirit as participants exchanged greetings and shared the cultural significance of the occasion.
On August 12, Dr. Bhagwat visited Raivasa Dham in Sikar. He unveiled a statue of Sant Raghavacharya and inaugurated the Gurukul building.
The event marked the start of a nine-day ‘Sri Siyapiya Milan Samaroh’ on the first death anniversary of Sant Raghavacharya. Dr. Bhagwat remembered the late sant for his affection towards all and his dedication to service. Sant Raghavacharya had established Veda Ashrams in Rajasthan. Students from Raivasa Veda Vidyalaya, trained in Vedic studies, now serve in the Bharatiya Army and other major institutions.
-GoTop


3. RASHTRAPATI’S ADDRESS TO THE NATION: On the eve of Bharat’s 79th Independence Day, Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation and said that the nation is on the path to becoming self-reliant and is progressing with great confidence. Citing a GDP growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the last fiscal year, she noted that Bharat remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world. She also hailed the completion of the rail link in the Kashmir Valley as a significant achievement that will boost trade and tourism. She added that the all-round economic growth complemented by social sector initiatives has placed Bharat well on the path of becoming a developed economy by 2047. 
The Rashtrapati also used the opportunity to highlight Bharat’s strides in self-dependence in defence manufacturing. “Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector. The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements,” Murmu said.

She also hailed Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey to the International Space Station, which has “fired a whole generation to dream bigger”. “The journey will prove extremely helpful for Bharat’s upcoming human space flight program, ‘Gaganyaan’,” she said.
She also said that after regaining our freedom, we became a democracy with universal adult franchise. In spite of many challenges, the people of Bharat made a successful transition to democracy. The transition was a natural reflection of our ancient democratic ethos. Bharat had the oldest republics in the world. It is rightly acknowledged as the mother of democracy. When we adopted the Constitution, it provided the edifice of democracy. We built democratic institutions that strengthened the practice of democracy. We prize our Constitution and our democracy above everything else.
On the occasion, Rashtrapati Murmu greeted the soldiers guarding our borders, and the police as well as Central Armed Police Forces. She also extended heartfelt greetings to the Bharatiya officials in the missions abroad and also to the Bharatiya diaspora.
-GoTop


4. PM MODI UNFURLS NATIONAL FLAG AT RED FORT: On the occasion of Bharat’s 79th Independence Day, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort for the 12th consecutive time. The celebration began with PM Modi paying floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. After receiving the Guard of Honour upon arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi hoisted the National flag. The theme of this year - 'Naya Bharat' - reflected the government's vision of achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

Around five thousand special guests from different walks of life were invited to witness the celebrations at Red Fort. These included Bharatiya contingent of Special Olympics 2025, winners of international sports events and gold medalists of Khelo India Para Games. To recognize 50 of Delhi's best-performing Swachhta Karamcharis, the central government invited them as special guests to the ceremony. 
In his address to the nation, PM Modi said that we celebrate our diversity, it is our heritage. He added that this was witnessed during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, where the spirit of unity in diversity truly came alive. He also hailed the success of Operation Sindoor and saluted the role of the armed forces who targeted terror sites in Pakistan. He also praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, hailing its 100-year journey and describing it as the “largest NGO” in the world. PM Modi said that the need of hour is to take a resolve for building a 'samarth' (strong) Bharat, just like our freedom fighters had envisioned 'free Bharat.
-GoTop


5. HSS RAKSHABANDHAN: On the occasion of Rakshabandhan, volunteers from the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA in Iowa City visited the North Liberty Fire Department. HSS chapters in Arizona visited Honorable Jennifer Crawford, Vice Mayor of City of Peoria, Arizona Government along with Council Members Matt Bullock and Jon Edwards.

In Chandler, HSS volunteers met with Mayor Kevin Hartke, City Government of Chandler, Arizona and tied the rakhi reaffirming the message of mutual respect, unity, and shared responsibility. HSS Naperville-Aurora families tied rakhi to Naperville’s fire fighters, police officers and Mayor Scott Wehrli in the 15th annual Rakshabandhan festival.
HSS New Zealand celebrated the Rakshabandhan utsav in Dunedin Ganesh Shakha with NZ police, firefighters, doctors and nurses.
-GoTop


6. TELFORD AADARSH PARIVAAR SHAKHA HOSTS 'VAANI' CONTEST: On June 27, a Ramayana themed ‘Vaani’ speech competition was organized at Telford Aadarsh Parivaar shakha. It brought together participants of all ages in a vibrant celebration of cultural and spiritual heritage. The purpose of the event was to nurture public speaking skills and intergenerational dialogue by encouraging reflection on the moral lessons, character values, and timeless relevance of the Ramayana, which had been the focus of bauddhiks over the previous two months.

Participants ranged from young children to senior citizens, each bringing their unique perspective and enthusiasm to the stage. The variety and depth of the speeches highlighted how the epic continues to inspire across generations.
The competition not only enhanced public speaking and critical thinking skills but also served as a meaningful reminder of the guiding principles and ancient wisdom that the Ramayana offers for personal growth and societal harmony.
-GoTop


7. KENYA : THE YUVA LEAGUE 2025: Organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Kenya Yuvas, The Yuva League 2025, a vibrant full-day celebration of sports, culture, and community, brought together more than a hundred Hindu youth from across Kenya at CGHU High School in Parklands on July 27. Yuva pramukh, Veer Shah, said that the event aimed to promote traditional Bharatiya games while fostering unity, leadership, and values among the youth.
The day began with a yuva shakha, setting a spirited tone for what followed. The atmosphere was marked by enthusiastic competition, strong sportsmanship, and an inspiring display of resilience and camaraderie.

Participants competed in traditional Bharatiya sports like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and football, with 80 male players forming eight teams. The women’s division saw active participation from 25 players, competing across three teams. Youth aged 16 to 45 took part, reflecting the wide appeal and inclusive nature of the event. The participants also took part in an engaging kabaddi workshop led by Amul Bhoite, a kabbadi coach from Bharat. These sessions provided both inspiration and practical skills, deepening the day’s impact. Reinforcing the spirit of seva and shared tradition, the senior community members prepared and served a wholesome lunch.
Beyond sports, the league featured enriching educational sessions. Sah Karyavah of HSS Kenya, Mayur Shir, delivered a thought-provoking talk on Sangh values and vision.
Many participants spoke of the joy, learning, and connection they experienced — with several expressing a strong desire to stay engaged with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Yuvas and attend future shakhas and events.
-GoTop


8. HSS LILONGWE HHC: On August 3, HSS Malawi, in association with Hindu Seva Samaj, organized a Hindu Heritage Camp at the Radha Krishna Mandir in Lilongwe. 68 participants attended the camp and 15 youth volunteers led all the camp activities.

Also, 7 senior volunteers worked tirelessly towards the success of this camp. Vyayamyog, Sangh geet, and Omkar meditation were demonstrated during the concluding session. In her speech, Ad. Minal Nikam, committee member of Shree Hindu Seva Samaj, Lilongwe highlighted the importance of ‘sanskar’. -GoTop


9. SWAYAMSEVAK MILAN 2025 – LAGOS, NIGERIA: On July 13, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) Nigeria hosted a Swayamsevak Milan in Lagos. More than 600 swayamsevaks, sevikas, and well-wishers attended the milan.
Families from all across Nigeria arrived with children, parents, and grandparents—reflecting the core Sangh belief that family is the first school of sanskar, and that nation-building begins at home. The milan was graced by Dr. Ram Vaidya, World Joint Coordinator and senior functionary of the HSS Global Coordination Team.

The day opened with cultural presentations by children, full of joy, reverence, and patriotic pride. Through dance, drama, and song, young swayamsevaks depicted the timeless dharmic values of maryada, tyag, and shaurya, nurturing a deep connection to the motherland and embracing Sanatan Dharma with pride.
Chief Varkey Verghese, Late Naran Patel and Babajide Agbola, whose lives mirrored the Sangh ideals of Seva, Sanskar, and Sangathan, were felicitated on the occasion. Each awardee’s life journey was also presented via a short audio-visual segment.
The Consulate General of Bharat to Nigeria, Trustees of HSS foundation, Sewa International Nigeria and representatives of several Bhartiya Samaj in Nigeria attended the event.
-GoTop


10. UTHO ANNUAL PARIVAR SHIBIR: The UK Telugu Hindu Organisation (UTHO) hosted its annual Parivar Shibir on July 6, with over 300 members from the Telugu community in attendance. Themed ‘Yuva’, the event focused on energizing and inspiring youth and families through a vibrant blend of STEM, Bharatiya knowledge systems, and cultural wisdom.

The activities for children included introducing key personalities through age-appropriate formats, games and shloka learning and chanting. The older group heard inspiring stories of Bharatiya scientific giants like Aryabhata, Ramanujan, Sushruta, and Charaka. Interactive tasks and problem solving sessions promoted curiosity and teamwork and Career Connect session helped youth to explore and navigate future career paths.
The event concluded with a thought-provoking bauddhik by Dr. Yogesh Joshi, HSS(UK) Sah Karyavah, tying together the theme of Yuva with the timeless vision of Bharat’s spiritual and intellectual legacy.
-GoTop


11. KAHO-UK SHIBIR 2025: Kannada Hindu Organisation of UK (KAHO) organised an annual Shibir at Orpington, themed Karavaliya Sobagina Shibir, i.e, Glories of the Malabar region.

Over 120 members participated. The shibir served as an inspiring platform to delve into Coastal Karnataka’s contribution to Sanatana Dharma, highlighting its historical significance, the challenges it has faced, and the resilience shown in overcoming them. Children participated in parallel tracks with workshops, traditional games, and art activities, while adults engaged in thought-provoking sessions and role plays. -GoTop


12. RSS VOLUNTEERS LEAD RELIEF IN FLOOD-HIT UTTARKASHI: The unabating monsoon rains in Uttarakhand brought extensive devastation, particularly in Uttarkashi and Pauri Garhwal districts. Landslides, swept-away bridges, and flooded roads isolated numerous remote villages, leaving people stranded with minimal access to basic supplies. During the crisis, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) moved in with a big relief effort, deploying its volunteers to reach out to disaster-struck families in some of the most remote locations.

RSS volunteers and ex-servicemen have been trekking on foot through mountains to deliver relief material. With heavy packs of the necessary material, they have been trekking to far-off settlements where aid had not yet reached.
The volunteers not only distributed ration kits but also carried out damage assessments. By engaging in conversations with residents and recording the depth of losses, they have prepared thorough reports that are now being dispatched to the RSS’s coordination center at Dehradun. The reports will serve to streamline further aid and direct resources to areas in need.
Although the present emphasis is on immediate needs—food, water, and medicine—the RSS’s organized approach also anticipates eventual long-term recovery activities.
-GoTop


13. BHARAT SENDS 5 TONNES OF COWPEA SEEDS TO FIJI: According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the first tranche of cowpea seeds departed from Delhi for Fiji on July 26. The Bharatiya mission handed over five metric tonnes of cowpea seeds as humanitarian assistance to the Fijian government on August 11 to support agricultural production.

The Bharatiya High Commission in Suva shared the information on X. The initiative strengthens agricultural resilience, empowers growers, and bolsters food security. -GoTop


14. BHARAT INAUGURATED EIGHT NEW ICA CENTRES ACROSS AMERICA: Bharat has opened eight new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC) across the USA, significantly expanding the delivery footprint for visa, passport and other services and streamlining them for the Bharatiya diaspora in the country.

On August 1, Bharat's Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra virtually inaugurated the ICAC in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh and San Jose. An additional ICAC will open soon in Los Angeles.
All consular services, including passport, visa, OCI, surrender certificate, life certificate, birth/marriage certificate, police clearance, attestations, and more, will be provided exclusively through VFS Global Centres.
The expansion brings the total number of ICACs across the US to 17, making consular services more accessible to Bharatiya and American citizens in the country.
-GoTop


15. MHA TIGHTENS OCI CARD RULES: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced stricter regulations for Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), allowing cancellation of OCI registration for individuals convicted of serious crimes. The new notification, issued on August 12, will apply to OCI cardholders sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, or those charge-sheeted for offences punishable with seven years or above.

Officials clarified that this provision is applicable regardless of whether the conviction occurred in Bharat or abroad, provided the offence is recognised under Bharatiya law. The move comes amid increased scrutiny of OCI cardholders following reports of involvement in criminal or anti-national activities. -GoTop


16. TALLEST MURTI OF BHAGWAN RAM IN NORTH AMERICA: Federal Cabinet ministers and the leader of the opposition in the House of Commons joined thousands of devotees on August 3 as the tallest murti of Bhagwan Ram in North America was unveiled at the Hindu Heritage Center in Mississauga, Ontario. The Bharatiya government was also represented by Acting Consul General in Toronto Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh.

The murti, fabricated in Delhi, is made of fibreglass with a steel superstructure. The centre’s founder and head priest Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri said that the murti will stand at 51 feet in height, not including the pedestal, which is seven feet high, and a proposed chattri or umbrella, which they expect to add after securing the requisite permits. He pointed out that flights landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport fly at a low altitude over the mandir during their descent and, soon, among the first sights to greet passengers will be that of the towering Ram murti. -GoTop


17. BHARAT MANDAP AT OSAKA WORLD EXPO DRAWS 20,000 VISITORS: In Japan, the Bharatiya Pavilion - titled Bharat Mandap - at the World Expo 2025 being held in Osaka attracted over 20,000 visitors on August 2, as people came to witness the richness of Bharat’s cultural heritage, space achievements, and handicrafts. The Bharatiya Embassy in Japan, on a social media platform, mentioned how the visitors experienced a yoga session embracing Bharat’s age-old journey towards holistic wellness. Other attractions at the Expo included a ‘Chandrayaan Zone’, showcasing Bharat’s pioneering achievements in space exploration and its lunar missions. The One-District One-Product zone showcased walnut wood carving from Jammu & Kashmir, and Tarakashi art from Odisha.
The Expo has drawn participation from over 160 countries and 9 international organisations.
-GoTop


18. MATHURA SRIDHARAN APPOINTED OHIO’S NEW SOLICITOR GENERAL: In a significant legal and cultural milestone, Mathura Sridharan, a highly accomplished Bharatiyan-origin attorney, has been appointed as the 12th Solicitor General of Ohio.

The announcement was made by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Sridharan, known for her legal acumen in constitutional and appellate law, now assumes the role of the state’s top appellate advocate representing Ohio before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Sixth Circuit, and the Ohio Supreme Court. As director of Ohio’s Tenth Amendment Center, Sridharan led major litigation defending states’ rights against federal encroachment. -GoTop


19. OBITUARY : MA. DEOROOP TEEMAL: Deoroop Teemal ji, Ma. Sanghchalak of Trinidad and Tobago  died peacefully at his home in St Augustine on August 3. He was 68 and would have turned 69 in September. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and three grandchildren.

Shri Deoroop ji lived a life grounded in humility, purpose and unwavering service to Dharma, to country and to community. He was a respected civil and environmental engineer and he shaped the nation's development while championing cultural and spiritual growth through his tireless work with the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and other Hindu organizations across Trinidad and Tobago.
Through his Sangh work, he spearheaded initiatives such as the Hindu Mandirs Conference and the International Day of Yoga Committee of Trinidad and Tobago. Apart from being the Sanghchalak of HSS Trinidad and Tobago, and President of NCIC, he was also on the Advisory Board for Sewa International Trinidad and Tobago. 
As an Independent Senator, his calm wisdom and principled voice brought dignity and reason to national discourse. His legacy is one of quiet strength, deep compassion, and a life lived in services to others.
-GoTop


20. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors


FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We want the education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one's own feet. —Swami Vivekananda
-GoTop

JAI SHRI RAM
---
BHARATIYA WORLD VIEW: BUILD BRAND BHARAT

As we celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on our past achievements and continue to strengthen our capabilities, addressing our weaknesses to build 'Brand Bharat,' that rises with purpose, overcomes its challenges, and leads the world as a true Vishwaguru (global leader)   - Ram Madhav

Bharat is celebrating 79th Independence day this month. The Bharat of today is not the same as the one in the past. It has grown in prosperity, strength and global recognition. Its leadership has the ambition and determination to take it to the pinnacle of glory. That Bharat should emerge as a Vishwaguru is the aspiration of 1.4 billion countrymen today. Given the country’s hoary history and the surreal rise it has witnessed in the last one decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, such an ambition and aspiration is fully justified. But there is an important question that the entire nation needs to ponder over. Should Bharat simply emulate the West and rest in its pursuit of greatness? Or should it rise as a brand by itself?

Need of an Ideal Role Model
Like humans, nations also look for role models. Generally, countries that are economically and militarily strong are considered role models to emulate. Progress and development are often measured by the size of a country’s GDP and the strength of its military forces. Militarily powerful and economically developed countries like the US and China thus came to present those role models to many national societies.
Initially, the Bharatiya leadership also attempted to ape their successful trajectory. In the first three or four decades, the fad of socialism dominated the Bharatiya political and policy establishment. After the 1990s, joining the club of the so-called developed West became the singular obsession of the Bharatiya leadership. There is nothing wrong with the leadership’s desire to create better living standards for all its people, but there never existed any clarity as to what path to choose, or what models to build. Ideally, at the time of Independence, Bharat should have debated over its global mission, and strategised on the direction to take. It should have turned to its vast civilisational experience to find its national soul, and build a future in harmony with that.
People of a nation cannot be motivated by principles that are alien to their inner soul or what Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the proponent of Ekatma Manav Darshan (Integral Humanism), used to describe as Chiti. “Chiti is the soul of the nation. It is on the foundation of this Chiti that a nation arises and becomes strong and virile,” he said. Chiti can inspire people to make supreme sacrifices to achieve the lofty goals of their national mission. This kind of awakening of the inner Purushartha—the force of a nation, on the basis of its Chiti was described by Deendayal as the Virat or the superior being.
Need of Virat Awakening
Gandhi’s efforts at using cultural symbols like ahimsa, satyagraha and Ram Rajya to mobilise national power during the freedom struggle was an example of it. Speaking in the Constituent Assembly of Bharat, T Prakasam, a member of the Madras Presidency, and later the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, highlighted Gandhi’s contribution to the freedom movement by calling him a ‘seer’. He said, “I myself, Sir, had a talk with the great Lala Lajpat Rai more than forty five years ago in England. He was the earliest of the sufferers for freedom and he said: ‘Look at the organisational discipline and the way in which people here conduct themselves. Can we ever hope to send away these British people from our country and establish freedom?’ That was my feeling when I touched that shore. Under those circumstances it was, that this man Gandhi ji, came as a seer and lifted us up…”
Once the Virat of a nation wakes up, its success cannot be stalled. Such awakening was witnessed on several occasions after Independence – for cow protection in the 1950s, during the Chinese aggression in the early 1960s, against the draconian Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1970s, during the Ekatmata Yatra against unscrupulous religious conversions in 1980s, and during the Ram Janmabhoomi temple agitation in 1990s.
Leaders of the present Government come from that school of thought which always upheld the view that Bharat should rise as a great nation not merely by imitating others, but by presenting an idealist vision based on its age-old wisdom. From taking yoga to the world platform through a UN resolution in 2014 to adopting Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—a lofty ideal proclaimed by ancient Bharatiya scriptures as the motto of the G-20 during Bharat’s presidency in 2023, PM Modi demonstrated that commitment time and again.
Amrit Kaal of Independence
He also introduced a quintessentially Bharatiya nomenclature and symbolism into Bharatiya polity. Rajpath, the central ceremonial boulevard of British vintage, became Kartavya Path, and Race Course Road—where the prime minister’s residence is located—became Lok Kalyan Marg. Pinnacle of this transformation came when the sengol, the sacred sceptre that symbolises the supreme authority of Dharma in statecraft, was installed in the new Parliament building. Some of these decisions invited criticism and derision from some quarters. But Modi insisted that the country has now entered the Amrit Kaal of Independence and “preserving the heritage and forging new dimensions of development” will be the leitmotif of this new age. A majority of the countrymen do not see cultural and religious symbols of Bharat as anti-secular or revivalist. In fact, secularism draws from ancient Bharatiya spiritual and cultural traditions which upheld pluralism and celebrated diversity.
Nehru or Gandhi
Nehru called religion obsolete and saw a dichotomy between culture and modernity. But there was Gandhi, for whom politics bereft of dharma was a sin. He declared that ‘I could not live for a single second without Dharma. Many of my political friends despair of me because they say that even my politics is derived from dharma. And they are right. My politics and all other activities of mine are derived from my dharma,’ and admonished Nehruvians that they ‘do not know what Dharma means’. After Independence, Gandhi was installed outside the Parliament, but the inside was overwhelmed by the Nehruvian vision. Gandhi continues to be there outside the new Parliament building, but the sengol—representing Gandhi’s Ram Rajya, the Dharma Rajya—is inside the Parliament now.
Having established a post-Nehruvian symbolism, we now have to establish those values in governance and national life. We adopted Westminster model of democracy after independence. It served us well and we are a beacon for the entire democratic world. But the Bharatiya concept of democracy was never majoritarian. Gandhi described it as a system where ‘the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest’. That is ‘Dharmocracy’, the Bharatiya model of statecraft.
Vishwaguru Bharat
Challenges that the world faces today are all products of the flawed thinking in the Western and communist worldviews. Sadly, the answers to mitigate those challenges are also being offered by the same forces today. The World Economic Forum has emerged as the go-to institution on economic questions while the COP meetings emerged as the panacea for environmental challenges. Bharat, through its concepts like Dharmakartrutva – trusteeship and Prithvi Sukta – the hymn of ecology, has enormous wisdom to offer to the mankind. As we rise in the new
world as a confident power, Bharat should not allow it to be dominated by the same Western institutions and thought processes once again. It should come forward to proactively promote its distinct ideas and solutions to the global challenges in the light of its cultural and civilisational uniqueness. That is how Bharat can and should build its mojo—the Brand Bharat.
https://organiser.org/2025/08/12/307682/bharat/bharatiya-world-view-build-brand-bharat/  
-GoTop



\SAMVAD

Shravan Shukla 8, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127:1 August 2025: SM 7009 (For Private Circulation Only)


1. FESTIVALS :  RAMAYAN MASAM 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. RASHTRAPATI MURMU UNVEILS THE POSTAGE STAMP OF CHENNABHAIRADEVI 4. PM MODI LAUDS ODISHA WOMEN FOR CREATING FOREST FIRE AWARENESS THROUGH ‘KIRTANS’
5. 'SWAYAMSEVAKS ARE WATCHGUARDS OF BHARAT'S NATIONAL SOUL': DATTATREYA HOSABALE 6. THE RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI BI-ANNUAL NATIONAL MEETING
7. 70TH FOUNDATION DAY OF BHARATIYA MAZDOOR SANGH (BMS) 8. GYAN SABHA CONFERENCE OF SSUN
9. VHP’S KENDRIYA MARGDARSHAN MANDAL MEETING 10. SEWA INTERNATIONAL FLOOD RELIEF WORK IN TEXAS
11. MEGA HEALTH CAMP IN MANIPUR 12. NHSA SEMINAR IN KENYA
13. FIIDS HOSTED HISTORIC WASHINGTON DC CAPITOL HILL DAY 14. BHARAT SAVED MALDIVES FROM DEFAULT: EX-PRESIDENT NASHEED
15. BHARATIYA PASSPORT GETS GLOBAL BOOST 16. OBITUARY : VANDANEEYA PRAMILATAI MEDHE
17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN & FOOD FOR THOUGHT  
Article: BHARAT, HINDU AND HINDUTVA

1. FESTIVALS :  RAMAYAN MASAM: Ramayan Masam (Ramayan Month), observed during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (mid-July to mid-August), is dedicated to the recitation and reflection of the Ramayan, particularly the Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu composed by Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam literature.

Karkidakam is often referred to as the ‘month of scarcity’ due to heavy monsoons and agricultural inactivity. Families read one sargam (chapter) each day, completing the epic by the end of the month. It is customary to light a nilavilakku (traditional lamp) before the reading and offer prasadam after reading. Many observe partial fasts, practice celibacy, and avoid tamasic food. Acts of kindness, donation to mandirs, and feeding the poor are encouraged. Thousands of devotees set out on a sacred pilgrimage known as Nalambalam Darshanam, a unique mandir circuit that honours the four brothers of Ramayan: Ram, Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughna. -GoTop


2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR. MOHAN BHAGWAT: Speaking at the ‘Gyan Sabha’ education conference held in Kochi on July 27, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat called for a renewed focus on power, prosperity, and national self-respect, while underlining that ‘Bharat’ is a proper noun and must not be translated. “Bharat is Bharat,” he said, urging citizens to use the original name in speech and writing, whether in personal or public communication.

“The name holds identity, and identity commands respect,” he said. He added that a country which abandons its original self, however capable or virtuous, will never be truly honoured by the world. During the event, Dr Bhagwat also underlined the need to root Bharat’s education system in its civilisational values and identity. The gathering was witnessed by educators, university leaders and Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
On July 17, Dr Bhagwat emphasised that the inherent compassion of women (Matrushakti) naturally drives the upliftment of society.
Speaking at the ‘Parivar Utsav’ programme organised by Udyogvardhini Sanstha at Hutatma Smriti Mandir in Solapur, he said that “when this power stands up, the nation’s progress is certain.” The event marked the 21st anniversary of Udyogvardhini, an organisation dedicated to strengthening women.
On July 22, while delivering the keynote address at the 10th Anuvrat Nyas Nidhi Vyakhyan, Dr. Bhagwat said that the world’s mounting crises, from inequality and environmental degradation to unending conflicts, stem from a fragmented vision of progress and argued that Bharat’s civilisational ethos, or Bharatiyata, offers a holistic alternative. The vyakhyan was organised by IGNOU and Akhil Bharatiya Anuvrat Nyas in New Delhi.
On July 24, Dr Bhagwat met more than 50 Muslim religious leaders and scholars at Haryana Bhavan in New Delhi. The meeting comes two years after the RSS held a similar outreach in 2023.
Clerics of the All India Imam Association took part in the meeting. Chief Imams of Gujarat and Haryana, the Grand Muftis of Uttarakhand, Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh and representatives from Deoband Madrasa were present at the meeting. RSS leaders including Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, sah-sarkaryavah Dr Krishna Gopal, and senior swayamsevak Indresh Kumar attended the meeting. The meeting was hosted by Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi of the All India Imam Association.
-GoTop

 
3. RASHTRAPATI MURMU UNVEILS THE POSTAGE STAMP OF CHENNABHAIRADEVI: In a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 24, Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu unveiled the postage stamp in commemoration of the 16th-century queen Rani Chennabhairadevi. During the occasion, Rashtrapati Murmu highlighted the queen’s courage and fortitude. Her achievements has to be inscribed “not just in golden letters, but in diamonds”, said the Rashtrapati while expressing her admiration for the irreplaceable saga of the queen. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Rajya Sabha MP Veerendra Heggade, Postmaster General Yuvaraj, and others were also present on the occasion and expressed their views.

Rani Chennabhairadevi, hailed as the longest-serving queen of Bharat (1556 to 1606), ruled around coastal Karnataka and parts of the Western Ghats (Sahyadris) during the 16th century. She is popularly called ‘Raina-Da-Pimenta’ by the Portuguese, which means ‘The Queen of Pepper’. As the region was rich in the cultivation of spices, she exported large quantities of pepper, cinnamon, and sandalwood to Europe and the Arab countries. She also fought two wars against the Portuguese in 1559 and 1570 and won both of them. Remembering and honouring the legacy of the brave hearts, such as Chennabhairadevi, adds much more vibrancy and valour to Bharatiya history. -GoTop


4. PM MODI LAUDS ODISHA WOMEN FOR CREATING FOREST FIRE AWARENESS THROUGH ‘KIRTANS’: During the 124th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat on July 27, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi commended a group of women (Sankirtan Mandali) from Odisha’s Keonjhar district who have adopted an innovative approach to environmental awareness. PM Modi explained how the women’s group travels from village to village, singing modified devotional songs that now convey messages about forest conservation and the harmful impact of wildfires. Combining spirituality with social responsibility, their songs help villagers understand the importance of protecting their natural surroundings.

Sankirtan Mandali has gained national recognition for effectively blending devotion and public awareness to tackle environmental challenges - forest fires - specially in biodiversity-rich regions like Keonjhar.
PM Modi also recognized another initiative from Odisha, the revival of the traditional Santhali saree by over 650 tribal women in Mayurbhanj district. Once a fading part of tribal culture, the Santhali saree is experiencing a resurgence thanks to these women, who are not only preserving their heritage but also becoming economically self-reliant.
-GoTop


5. 'SWAYAMSEVAKS ARE WATCHGUARDS OF BHARAT'S NATIONAL SOUL': DATTATREYA HOSABALE: A book titled ‘Philosophy & Action of RSS for the Hind Swaraj’ written by Father Anthony Elenjimittam in early fifties was republished by Prabhat Prakashan and launched in Dehradun in the presence of RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Pragya Pravah National Convenor Nanda Kumar. The event was held on July 23, marking the birth anniversaries of freedom fighters Chandrashekhar Azad and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Hosabale spoke about the contributions of Sangh while extensively quoting from the book that Sangh is trying to promote a nationalism which is ethical, rational and humanistic. "He (Father Anthony) said that swayamsevaks are the watchguards of Bharat's national soul. Father Anthony also said that there are two challenges in front of Bharat; one is communism and another is communalism. He said Bharat should be protected from capitalist cruelty and irreligious socialism and said RSS can do that. He has batted that the world requires a middle path," Hosabale said. -GoTop


6. THE RASHTRA SEVIKA SAMITI BI-ANNUAL NATIONAL MEETING: The bi-annual meeting of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti’s Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Mandal and Pratinidhi Sabha was held in Nagpur on July 17-20. Around 500 sevikas from 38 provinces across Bharat participated in the meeting. The meeting was inaugurated by Pramukh Sanchalika Shanta Kumari. Pramukh Karyavahika Sita Gayathri Annadanam presented a report on Samiti’s activities.

The Samiti reported significant growth in the number of shakhas and milan kendras. 1,799 new service projects for women have been launched. In 2025, Samiti organised 224 training camps and imparted training to around 15,273 sevikas countrywide. Samiti’s 2025 work included the commemoration of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary with over 4,392 programmes at various locations which witnessed participation of more than 151,519 citizens. The Samiti also extended heartfelt congratulations to Bharat’s brave armed forces, security agencies, scientists, and the government for the successful and efficient execution of Operation Sindoor. The Pratinidhi Sabha also passed a resolution on ‘The Rising Trend of Substance Abuse Among Youth – A Serious Crisis’.
-GoTop


7. 70TH FOUNDATION DAY OF BHARATIYA MAZDOOR SANGH (BMS)
:The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Bharat's largest labour organisation, marked its 70th Foundation Day with a resounding call for reflection, unity, and transformation at a grand ceremony in New Delhi on July 23. The year-long celebration, culminating at the Indira Gandhi Stadium's KD Jadhav Wrestling Hall, gathered thousands of workers, dignitaries, and leaders from across the nation, including RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat, and Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Dr Bhagwat underscored the BMS journey as a movement 'powered by values and vision', highlighting how founder Dattopant Thengadi's ideals faced scepticism in the early days but now stand vindicated after decades of determined effort. BMS President Hiranmay Pandya emphasised the union's growth across 30 regions, gaining annual recognition for over 150 unions, and achieving significant female representation at the ILO. -GoTop


8. GYAN SABHA CONFERENCE OF SSUN: Shiksha Sanskruti Utthan Nyas (SSUN) conducted the ‘Gyan Sabha’ conference themed ‘Education for a Developed India’ which was attended by more than 400 educationists including state education ministers, vice-chancellors, academicians, and officials from central educational bodies.

The primary focus of the conference was on Indianisation of the education system and the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. As a prelude to Gyan Sabha, two-day national education Chintan Baithak was organised at the Adi Sankara Nilayam, headquarters of Chinmaya International Foundation on July 25-26. RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat inaugurated the baithak and said that the aim of education is character building and holistic personality development. In his keynote address, Dr. Atul Kothari, National Secretary of SSUN, stressed the importance of harmonizing materialism and spirituality in modern education. -GoTop


9. VHP’S KENDRIYA MARGDARSHAN MANDAL MEETING: The two-day meeting of the Central Governing Council of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, concluded with a commitment to liberate mandirs from government control and to unite against divisive forces threatening Hindu society. 265 participants, including VHP’s Organizing General Secretary Milind Parande and VHP office-bearers from all the prants of the country and representatives from Nepal participated in it.

A resolution titled 'Sangathit evam sashakt Hindu hı samaj vighatan ke shadyantron ka ekamev samadhan' was adopted, asserting that unity among Hindus is essential to neutralize conspiracies aimed at fostering social division. -GoTop


10. SEWA INTERNATIONAL FLOOD RELIEF WORK IN TEXAS: In July, destructive and deadly flooding took place in the Texas Hill Country, particularly in Kerr County, in the U.S. state of Texas. As a result, there were at least 135 fatalities, of which around 108 occurred in Kerr County.

During this crisis Sewa volunteers led from the front in relief work. On July 19, Sewa team assisted in the cleanup of a severely damaged local business in Center Point, sorting and restoring inventory amidst flood-ravaged conditions. Relief efforts extended into July 20 in Ingram, where volunteers helped the local fire department organize their food pantry, a crucial support hub for ongoing relief operations.
More than 100 volunteers from Sewa International chapters in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas headed to Kerrville to support ongoing flood relief efforts. Many young professionals are taking two weeks off work to ensure continuity in serving affected communities.
-GoTop


11. MEGA HEALTH CAMP IN MANIPUR: A Mega Health Camp was held on July 27 at Bhaskara Prabha, Konjeng Leikai, Imphal West where more than 200 patients benefitted from free medical consultations, free medicines, diagnostic tests which includes blood sugar, nerve testing, lipid profile testing, eye testing, dental care and treatment services throughout the day.

testing, eye testing, dental care and treatment services throughout the day. The camp was jointly organized by Seva Bharati Manipur, Manipur Seva Samiti, National Medicos Organisation Manipur, Saksham, and Bharat Vikas Parishad as part of the Bir Tikendrajit Shradhanjali Swasthya Seva Yatra to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Bir Tikendrajit while promoting community healthcare.
A total of 43 doctors, including specialists from various fields, and over 60 medical support staff participated in the camp.
-GoTop


12. NHSA SEMINAR IN KENYA: The National Hindu Students’ Association (NHSA) held a seminar themed ‘AI & Hindu’ at Jalaram Mandir, Nairobi, Kenya, on July 5. The event brought together students and young adults from 15 learning institutions to reflect on the relevance of Hindu philosophy in the age of Artificial Intelligence, while staying rooted in NHSA’s core values to protect, preserve, promote and practise Hindu Dharma. The seminar had two group discussions: one explored the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and Hindu thought; the second focused on NHSA itself — its mission, ongoing initiatives and promoting dharmic values.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by Dr. Ram Vaidya, a renowned scholar based in the UK, who is a PhD in Sanskrit and Jainism. He explored the compatibility between ancient Indic wisdom and modern innovation, emphasizing how Dharma can serve as a moral compass in an increasingly digital and automated world. The keynote address was followed by a brief but engaging Q&A session. -GoTop


13. FIIDS HOSTED HISTORIC WASHINGTON DC CAPITOL HILL DAY: The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) hosted the US-India Summit and Capitol Hill Legislative Day on July 15, at the US Capitol in Washington DC. The event brought together U.S. and Bharatiya American lawmakers along with others to underscore the deepening strategic and bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Around 150 delegates from over 20 U.S. states engaged with more than 120 elected officials. Discussions focused on a range of policy areas, including the U.S.-Bharat partnership, trade and security, comprehensive immigration reform, counterterrorism, religious tolerance, market access, and investment opportunities. Bharat’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, emphasised the shared democratic values of both nations and said that Bharatiya diaspora serves as a living bridge between the two societies. FIIDS President Khanderao Kand noted that delegates held substantive discussions on key issues which was the purpose of the summit. -GoTop


14. BHARAT SAVED MALDIVES FROM DEFAULT: EX-PRESIDENT NASHEED: Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has recently credited Bharat with helping his country avoid economic collapse during its worst financial crisis in recent times.

Talking about Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives, Nasheed said that Bharat’s timely assistance prevented Maldives from defaulting on its debt. He said that Bharat’s financial help during challenging times had played a critical role in maintaining the island nation’s economic stability. Nasheed noted that the economic partnership is more than just financial aid, it is built on trust and regional solidarity. -GoTop


15. BHARATIYA PASSPORT GETS GLOBAL BOOST: In a major stride for Bharatiya travellers, the Henley Passport Index 2025 has upgraded Bharat’s passport ranking from 85th to 77th, reflecting a significant improvement in global mobility. Bharatiya passport holders can now travel to 59 countries without the need to secure a visa in advance, an encouraging development for tourism, business and global outreach.

Of the 59 destinations, 30 offer visa-free access while 29 allow visas on arrival. This means more Bharatiya citizens can explore the world with fewer bureaucratic hurdles and lower travel costs.
Visa-free countries allow Bharatiya citizens to enter solely with a valid passport. This eliminates the need for pre-application processes, interview appointments, and hefty visa fees.
Bhutan, Iran, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Philippines, British Virgin Islands, Cook Islands and Barbados are among the visa-free destinations for Bharatiya passport holders. The countries offering visa-on-arrival access include Indonesia, Jordan, Maldives, Bolivia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, etc. This ranking improvement reflects Bharat’s growing global stature and improved diplomatic relations.
-GoTop

 
16. OBITUARY : VANDANEEYA PRAMILATAI MEDHE: Pramilatai Medhe, former pramukh sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti passed away in Nagpur on July 31 morning. She was 97. Medhe had been unwell for the past three months. She passed away at 9.05 am at the Devi Ahilya Mandir in Nagpur, a release from the Rashtra Sevika Samiti said. As per Medhe's wish, her body will be donated to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur.

Born in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, in a humble Hindu family, Pramila Tai lived her life for the nation with complete selflessness and became a guiding light for thousands of women. An avid reader, thinker, and writer, Pramila Tai was a sevika since childhood. She had been a teacher at C P & Berar High School, Nagpur for two years; then a Senior Auditor at DAGPT and took voluntary retirement 12 years prior to retirement to do Samiti karya. She travelled to various prants of Bharat with Vandaniya Mausiji and shouldered the responsibility of Akhil Bharatiya Pramukh Karyavahika for about 25 years from 1978 to 2003. She took on the role of Pramukh Sanchalika from July 22, 2006 to 2012 and handed over the responsibility to revered Shantakka on July 20, 2012.
Pramila Tai travelled to England, America, Canada, Durban, Sri Lanka etc for Samiti karya and had received Honorary Citizenship by the Mayor of New Jersey city during her America visit.
Paying tribute to Vandaniya Pramilatai Medhe, Sarsanghchalak of RSS, Dr Mohan Bhagwat said, “With the passing away of the former Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the venerable Pramila Tai Medhe ji, we have lost a maternal figure, a protective presence that had always guided us. Her demise marks the culmination of a long and devoted spiritual journey that began nearly from the inception of the Samiti. She was a living embodiment of unwavering clarity of purpose and deep dedication, tireless hard work for the growth of the organisation, and a warm, affectionate nature in personal conduct.” PM Narendra Modi said that Pramilatai’s exemplary life stands as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, particularly in the pursuit of inclusive social development and empowerment of women.
-GoTop


17. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Visitors:

FOOF FOR THOUGHT: If money helps a man to do good to others, it is of some value; but if not, it is simply a mass of evil, and the sooner it is got rid of, the better.- Swami Vivekananda
-GoTop

JAI SHRI RAM
---
BHARAT, HINDU AND HINDUTVA

Bharat is not just the constitutional name of a nation—it is a civilizational identity that predates modern political boundaries by millennia. The soul of Bharat is deeply intertwined with the ethos of the Hindu way of life, which forms the cultural and spiritual foundation of its society — Rajat Bhatiya
Dr V Sujatha

By December 2023, the total population of the world had crossed 806 crores, out of which 140 crore people are addressed as Bhartiya, Bharatvasi, Indians or Hindustani. These names raise the question that how did we get all these names? Can it be assumed that the meaning of all the names is the same? For self-identification, answers to questions are often sought in the name itself. Some sections of the society feel proud by calling themselves Hindus, while many say Indian and many say by adding their religious name to Bharat. But Article 1(1) of the Indian Constitution states, “India… which is Bharat….”
The word Hindu originated from the word Sindhu, which remained the medium of identity for Bharat, Hindustan and India for ages. The basis of the word Hindu is geographical form. Thousands of years ago, a way of life developed on the banks of the Indus Valley with the knowledge of Vedic culture, which over time spread from the Himalayas to the sea. In the world’s first written book, Rigveda, this region has been called Sapta Sindhu, meaning the region of seven rivers. Another word has been used for this region in the Vedas, which is Brahmavarta or Aryavarat.

Due to language errors, ancient Iranian thinkers wrote Sapta Sindhu as ‘Hapt Hindu’ in their literature because Iranians pronounce S as H. Hapt Hindu is also mentioned in the holy book of Parsi religion ‘Avesta’.
On the basis of Vedas, Parsi literature and Iranian literature, the region was named Hindustan or Sindhustan.
When the Greeks came to this region in the fourth century under the leadership of Alexander, they referred to Sindhu as Indus and called the local residents Indians. In the 15th century, Columbus set out in search of India by sea and after reaching the American shores, he started using the name India, he started calling the local people Indians there, later to correct the mistake, European thinkers started calling the American natives ‘Red Indians’.
Hindustan, Bharat and Bhartiya are all synonyms of the word Hindu, the main basis of which is one country, one culture. Due to European influence, the words India and Indian were more popular than Hindustan and Bharat. By the end of British rule, the words Hindustan and Bharat had faded from the consciousness of the local people, while the words India and Indian were more commonly used in their place.
According to historical evidence, the name of Bharat remained popular after the name of Samrat (emperor) Bharat because this region was dominated by him. The word Bharat is also mentioned in Vishnu Purana - Uttaram yat Samudrasya Himadreshchaiva Dakshinam. Varsham tad Bharatam naam, Bharati yatra santati.
That is, the name of the region between the sea in the north and the Himalayas in the south is Bharat and the descendants of this place are called Indians.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, in his address to the nation on Republic Day on 26 January 1965, used a verse taken from the book ‘Kularnava Tantra’:
“Himalayaat Samarabhya Yavat Indu Sarovaram. Tan Devniritam Desh Hindusthan Prachakshte” – (Brahspati Aagam).
Meaning: Starting from the Himalayas till Indu Sarovar (Indian Ocean), this God created country is called Hindustan.
Dharma: Dharma is different from religion. The closest meaning of dharma is Religion in the English dictionary. The word dharma originated from the Sanskrit root Dhri which means to hold, that supports all, which is the basis of all, is dharma. The work of which leads to public upliftment and spiritual salvation is a religious practice. The meaning of dharma is not related to any kind of worship method.
For example, the duty of fire is to burn, this is its duty. The duty of a judge of a court is to follow justice and do justice, this is his duty. The duty of a soldier is to protect the country, in the same way, a father, mother, wife, son, daughter have their own responsibilities towards the family, which is their duty to fulfil.
In the same way, being aware of the responsibilities in life and discharging the responsibilities with complete honesty is the observance of Dharma.Our Sanatan culture is the basic of Indian culture, which is inspired by the Vedic mantra ‘Ekam Sadvipraah Bahuda Vadanti’, which means that truth is only one but there are many ways to say it.
Similarly, the concept of Dharma is contained in the Vedas, that is why it is also called Vedic Dharma. Lord Buddha and Mahavir Jain emphasized these basic qualities by adding the quality of Non-Violence. Due to the similarity in basic knowledge, Buddha Sect and Jain Sect are part and symbol of Sanatan culture. According to social perspective, Dharma is a type of life style which gives form to the society through the karma based ‘Varna System’.
Hindutva: Hindutva is a national word, which is the geographical and cultural identity of India. Hindutva is the basis of the culture that has been going on since time immemorial. Hindutva was neither started by anyone nor was it invented, it does not have any founder. Hindutva is a national stream, which was defined by the Incarnate Men, Maharishis and National Leaders as per the time by developing the ideals and principles of Hindutva.
Buddhist, Jain, Shaivism, Vaishnava, Sikh, all sects are geographical identities and different forms of Hindutva which have come into existence, according to the need of the nation and society. In many Indian philosophies of spirituality, the feeling of national dedication is called Hindutva. Those who believe in Hindutva can choose any method of worship as per their wish and accept that method. They cannot be tied to any method of worship. Their followers do not have any specific name but the basis of all of them is nation-centric ideology.
Self-realization of Hindutva: Till now, the idea of activities of Hindus is connected with national sentiment in an integrated manner.
Sanatani, Satnami, Sikh, Arya, Maratha, Jain etc. all accepted defeat by calling themselves Hindus and also achieved victory by becoming Hindus. All of them gave up all other names of land and caste and established only the names Hindu, Hindustan or Indian. Names like Jambudweep, Aryavarat, Dravid etc. proved incapable of explaining the political or cultural characteristics of Indians. All those who considered the land from river to the Ocean as their birthplace and those who resided from the Indus river to the Indus coast knew that they were residents of Hindustan and this was their Identity. The ideology of eliminating all kinds of social and religious discriminations in the area from Attock to Cuttack and giving it a unified form came in the form of Hindutva.
By doing a historical analysis and critique of all the events that have happened so far, it will be known that the prestige and independence of Hindustan is not only of the Hindustan region but also of Hindutva culture and national unity, for which many political strategies and battlefields had to be faced. The word Hindutva is the backbone of Indian politics which reflects a sentiment from Kashmir to Kanyakumari (Book: Hindutva, Author: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Page: 62)
Essential Characteristics of Hindutva: A person who is a citizen of Hindustan by ancestral tradition is a Hindu geographically. This is also the first characteristic of a Hindu. But this is not the only characteristic, because Hindu is only one feeling of Hindustan, it cannot be said that there is no other. But this will be possible only when the racial and cultural feelings that encourage aggression and selfish tendencies are destroyed and all religions abandon their purity and establish the basic eternal elements and thoughts of the world on a civil platform. The entire human family needs a strong base without any discrimination to live a glorious life. (Book: Hindutva, Author: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Page: 99)
Only Hindus and Jews have succeeded in preserving the original identity on the geographical basis. Those who accept or not accept the existence of God, believe in any religion, belief or philosophy or social system, are Hindus. Because the essential characteristic of a Hindu is to be ‘Hindu by Blood’. That is why, those who love this land spread from Himalayas to the ocean as their fatherland and the caste that has progressed from the Sapta Sindhu period in ancient times till the present time by adopting others, are Hindus. (Book: Hindutva, Author: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Page: 107).
The characteristics of Hindutva are same history, same sky, same laws, same behaviour, same scriptures, same festivals etc. This means that the Indian citizen who considers the region from the Indus river to the Indian ocean as his motherland is a Hindu. The Indians who have been converted cannot be called Hindus on religious grounds, but on geographical grounds, they will be called Hindus irrespective of any religion or sect. (Book: Hindutva, Author: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Page: 122).
The foundation of Indian culture and geographical identity, Hindu Dharma, was translated into English and presented as religion, which became the cause of many kinds of misunderstandings. Ideologically, Abrahamic orthodox religious ideology was imposed on liberal Hinduism, in which the seeds of fundamentalist mentality were sown in Hindus at many levels. Indian culture is eternal, but attempts are being made to understand it from short-term communal aspects.
The society which enjoys all kinds of concessions constitutionally and has an overwhelming majority among the minorities, accuses the Hindu society of exploitation, for which many kinds of articles, films and messages are used. In Hinduism, those who acquire knowledge are called Brahmins and often in movies, this trend is portrayed as a thug and a thief. By using words like ‘Muh mein ram, bagal mein churi’, a peaceful society is shown as violent and faithless. The narrative prevalent on the geographical basis of India was that India did not exist before the British, which was refuted on factual basis. The Aryan invasion theory propagated by the British is the most dangerous idea, which was refuted by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, but due to the influence of ideological revolution, the English idea had become popular, whose effect can be seen in the present times in divisive issues like North vs South, Arya vs Dravid, Hindi vs Tamil etc.
Comparison of Dharma with Mazhab: Dharam and Mazhab are the closest Hindi and Persian translations of the English word Religion, but on historical and fundamental grounds, Dharam and Mazhab are different philosophies. Mazhab is the propagation of a certain doctrine in which the messages and holy books given by the Prophet are accepted as facts and the system is accepted. In this, monopoly of truth is claimed and if someone does not accept this monopoly, then he is called a heathen or a Kafir. Heathens or Kafirs are neither worthy of any mercy nor the sympathy of the followers of the Prophet. Those who believe in Mazhab believe in the system of monotheistic and intolerant thoughts. The feeling of brotherhood and humanism is limited only to the understanding people. There is no place for factual thoughts in the mentality of Mazhab, there is no permission to ask questions, due to which many castes have developed ideologically in Mazhab. For example: Shia and Sunni in Islam, Catholic and Protestant in Christianity, etc. The effect of these four differences is being seen in the form of fundamentalism and conservative mentality all over the world.
The effect of monotheism in Abrahamic thoughts is so much that they do not consider anyone equal to the ‘religion leader’ and if someone considers anyone equal then the punishment for that crime is only death.
Four things are necessary for a religion:
One founder (prophet), One book, One method of worship and One name of the followers.
Like the founder of Christianity is Jesus Christ, One book is Bible, One method of worship is Church and One name of the followers is Christian.
One prophet of Islam is Hazrat Mohammad Saheb, One book is Quran, One method of worship is Namaaz and the name of the followers is Muslim.
In fact, over time the feeling of religion became narrow and fanatic which has moved towards communalism and Extremism. (Book: Narrative Ka Mayajaal, Author: Balbir Punj, Page: 69).
The basis of India is Hindutva, which is completely different from religious ideology. While Hindutva promotes liberal mindset, religion supports conservative mindset. On the other hand, there is Hindutva which accepts even if there is no ideological agreement, on the other hand, there is religion which gives death penalty if there is no agreement. It is because of the cultural unity of this India that many traditions, worship methods, languages are flourishing in India, otherwise the religious end has destroyed the basic ideas of almost half the world. https://organiser.org/2025/07/25/304458/bharat/bharat-hindu-and-hindutva/ 
-GoTop 


SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com https://svn.epapers.in