\Samvad

Chaitra Krishna 12, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 16 March, 2026: SM 7024 (For Private Circulation only)

 1. FESTIVALS : VARSHA PRATIPADA 2083 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. RSS PRATINIDHI SABHA 4. PRATINIDHI SABHA (ABPS) OF THE BHARATIYA KISAN SANGH
5. VAISHVIK SAMMELAN OF ABRMS 6. ‘BHARTI – NAARI SE NARAYANI’ CONVENTION
7. 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR’S MARTYRDOM 8. ‘HINDUTVA FOR A DEVELOPED INDIA’ CONFERENCE
9. HSS TONGAAT HOSTED HINDU HERITAGE CAMP 10. HSS NEW VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING ITS ROLE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
11. HSS USA’S AWARD-WINNING HOLI FLOAT LIGHTS UP THE CAMELLIA PARADE 12. HSS USA BLACK HISTORY MONTH
13. ‘HOW INDIA GIVES’ : PHILANTHROPY & SOCIAL IMPACT 14. SEWA HINDU MOBILE PANTRY LAUNCHED
15. BHARAT EXTENDS HUMANITARIAN AID TO MALAWI 16. SEWA PAINT-A-BAG WORKSHOP AT MOORESTOWN, NJ
17. GRAND OPENING OF SWAMINARAYAN GURUKUL IN AUSTRALIA 18. THIRUMANGAI ALVAR MURTI RETURNED BY ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM
19. MAJOR SWATI SHANTHAKUMAR WINS UN HONOUR FOR PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN 20. DRDO CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT-TRIALS OF VSHORADS
21. BUST OF GANDHI UNVEILED IN MONTANA 22. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Article: WHY THE HINDU NEW YEAR MATTERS TO INDIA

 1. FESTIVALS : VARSHA PRATIPADA 2083; The New Year, Vikram Samvat 2083, (Yugabda 5128, Prabhava Samvatsar) begins on the Pratipada tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. The Gregorian calendar marks this day as March 19 in 2026. The Hindu New Year is celebrated under various names depending on the region.

In Maharashtra, it is known as Gudi Padwa, in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as Ugadi, and among the Sindhi community as Cheti Chand. Other names include Navreh in Kashmir and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the diverse cultural practices within Bharat. The day is regarded as a symbol of new beginnings and fresh creation. Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was also born on the auspicious day Gudi Padwa.  -GoTop


2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: While visiting the Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat on March 4, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that the Sangh can be understood from a humanistic angle rather than a political one as Sangh is a part of the process of uplifting Sanatan Dharma.

Dr. Bhagwat was on a two-day visit to Haryana on February 27-28. More than one thousand swayamsevaks from Ambala City and Ambala Cantonment attended the Nagara Ekatrikaran on February 27.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhagwat said that it took a hundred years to establish Sangh. The early period was marked by neglect and opposition and swayamsevaks had to carry forward the work in very difficult conditions. He further said that in its hundred-year journey, the condition of Sangh has changed, not its direction, and it is on this basis that it has earned the trust of society. He also said that the increasing scale of Sangh programmes today is the result of society’s blessings and collective effort. People are observing the Sangh from a perspective of critical review because over the past hundred years, Sangh has progressed with a distinct methodology, conduct, and value system.
On February 28, Dr. Bhagwat addressed a gathering of educationists, retired administrative officers and judges at the auditorium of the Kurukshetra University.
He said that culture, values, morality and righteous conduct formed the core foundation of Sangh, and to understand it, one must experience it from within. He also said that a harmonious blend of moral values, disciplined conduct, cultural grounding and committed effort was essential to build a healthy and strong society.
On the occasion of the 871st Chadar Mahotsav of Dada Gurudev Acharya Shri Jindatt Suri at Jaisalmer, Dr. Bhagwat highlighted the eternal nature of Bharatiya culture, unity in diversity, and social harmony. He described the 871-year-old Chadar of Dada Gurudev Acharya Jindatt Suri as a symbol of the resilience of Bharat’s Sanatan culture.
He also said that global institutions such as the League of Nations and the United Nations alone cannot stop wars. For that, a sense of compassion and unity must arise within human beings. In the end, he called upon everyone to dedicate themselves to the nation, and said that Bharat will not only become a prosperous and powerful country but will also guide humanity toward peace and prosperity as a Vishwaguru. During the program, a commemorative postage stamp, special coins, and a book based on Dada Gurudev were also released.  -GoTop


3. RSS PRATINIDHI SABHA: Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) - the highest decision-making body of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) - was held on March 13-15 in Samalkha, Haryana.

Addressing a press conference on March 15, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said that 1,487 representatives were expected and delegates came from all 46 prants of the Sangh across the country. The meeting reviewed the expansion of Sangh work and discussed the special initiatives undertaken as part of the centenary year of RSS.
Sharing the latest figures, Hosabale said that Sangh currently runs 88,949 shakhas at 55,683 locations.
From the societal perspective, Hosabale said that Sangh has been promoting the concept of Panch Parivartan and these themes have guided many of the outreach programmes undertaken across the country during the centenary year. Another key focus has been ensuring a right and proper narrative about Bharat’s history, culture, knowledge traditions, and social life.
He detailed several outreach initiatives organised during the centenary year including intellectual gatherings, Hindu Sammelans, Dharma Sammelans, Swadharma Sammelans, and Griha Sampark Abhiyan. Around 37,000 Hindu sammelans were held, and many more are yet to be organised.
Among the major commemorative initiatives organised during the centenary year were programmes marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary 9th Sikh Guru of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 150th anniversary of the song ‘Vande Mataram’ and the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas. Hosabale further said the Sangh had planned 75 Sangh Shiksha Vargs across the country in the coming months. These include 63 regional camps, 11 kshetra-level camps, and one Akhil Bharatiya training camp in Nagpur. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCP5WZn3brI  -GoTop

 
4. PRATINIDHI SABHA (ABPS) OF THE BHARATIYA KISAN SANGH: The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh was held in Bhagyanagar, Telengana, from February 27 to March 1 at Rashtriya Vidya Vihar, Annojiguda.

Over the three days, extensive deliberations were held on various agricultural and farmers’ issues including the Union Budget, Seed Bill, crop insurance, organic farming, cow-based agricultural economy, reduction of GST on agricultural machinery, enhancement of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi assistance, Bharat-USA trade agreements, land acquisition policies, import-export policy, GM seeds, along with organizational, constructive, and movement-related matters. A resolution on appealing to ban the use of sex-sorted semen technology in cows was passed. Mohini Mohan Mishra, Akhil Bharatiya General Secretary of BKS, stated that this resolution was adopted to promote cow-based organic agriculture, cow-based agro commerce, along with the conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds.  -GoTop


5. VAISHVIK SAMMELAN OF ABRMS: Over 800 scholars, policymakers and academicians gathered at the Dr BR Ambedkar International Centre on February 22-23 for the two-day Vaishvik Sammelan of Akhil Bharatiya Shaikshik Mahasangh, where discussions centred on Artificial Intelligence, human values and the need to align technological advancement with Bharat’s civilisational ethos.

It was organized in association with the Shaikshik Foundation and Delhi University’s Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College. The Sammelan revisited the philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’ as a governance framework for the age of automation. In his presidential address, Prof Narayan Lal Gupta, President of ABRSM, said that ABRSM not only raises issues concerning the teaching fraternity but also plays a pivotal role in addressing significant contemporary challenges such as Artificial Intelligence and its societal implications.  -GoTop


6. ‘BHARTI – NAARI SE NARAYANI’ CONVENTION: The ‘Bharati – Nari Se Narayani’ National Convention of Women Thought Leaders was held on March 7–8 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, focusing on empowering women and celebrating their role in nation-building.

Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu addressed the event on its final day. Organised by Bharatiya Vidvat Parishat and Rashtra Sevika Samiti, it brought together women leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss the role of women in nation-building and the vision of transforming women into Narayani through empowerment and leadership.
The convention emphasized the necessity of women-led development rooted in Bharatiya values. Dr. Leena Rahane, professor at an engineering college, highlighted that the concept of ‘Nari Se Narayani’ aims to highlight respect and pride for women in Bharat. Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor of Doon University, described the convention as a meaningful platform for discussing women’s empowerment rooted in Bharatiya values. Dr. Tripta Thakur, Vice Chancellor of Uttarakhand Technical University, emphasized the traditional Bharatiya perspective on gender equality. The convention emphasized that women are both carriers of tradition and agents of societal change, and their empowerment is a collective societal responsibility.  -GoTop


7. 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF GURU TEGH BAHADUR’S MARTYRDOM: Owe Ground in Navi Mumbai’s Kharghar Sector 29 witnessed a ceremony marking the conclusion of a two-day congregation organised to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Also known as ‘Hind di Chadar’, Guru Teg Bahadur fought for religious freedom and was beheaded in 1675 on orders from Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The two-day event commemorating his martyrdom drew around 1.8-2 million people, including Sikh devotees from across Bharat and overseas.

Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi, who addressed the programme virtually, said that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom strengthened Bharat’s spiritual and cultural foundations. “When our gurus made the ultimate sacrifice, society stood united for truth and culture. That spirit of social unity is needed even today,” Modi said.
Home minister Amit Shah, who attended the programme, called the guru’s execution a turning point against oppression, and appealed for vigilance against religious conversions carried out through coercion or inducement.
Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa said that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s execution in Chandni Chowk marked a defining moment in Bharatiya history.
The two-day congregation included an exhibition featuring illustrated panels, audio-visual installations, traditional Sikh weaponry; Banjara and Labana performances; and nagar kirtan from Belapur to Kharghar.  -GoTop


8. ‘HINDUTVA FOR A DEVELOPED INDIA’ CONFERENCE: A two-day international conference on the theme ‘Hindutva for a Developed India’ was held at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in Haridwar. The event was organised jointly by the university’s Shantikunj campus and the World Association of Hindu Academicians (WAHA).

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, RSS executive member Suresh Soni said that if society is to become civilised and progressive, culture and values must form its foundation. He emphasised that social evils cannot be eliminated through force or weapons, but through wisdom and enlightened understanding.  When wisdom declines, it leads to the erosion of moral values, prosperity and overall social well-being. He urged scholars and intellectuals to revive Bharat’s ancient knowledge traditions and ensure that the insights of the rishis once again become part of public discourse.  -GoTop


9. HSS TONGAAT HOSTED HINDU HERITAGE CAMP: On March 1, HSS Tongaat (South Africa) hosted a successful Hindu Heritage Camp for students aged 7 to 18 years at the divine premises of Veerabhoga Emperumal Mandir, Tongaat. The event welcomed 102 campers. 10 youth volunteers, and 5 senior volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the program’s grand success.

Campers showcased yoga, self-defense and Sanskrit mantra chanting during the concluding ceremony. In his speech, Senior HSS Karyakarta Nishaan Bhagwandin elaborated on the urgency of unity and brotherhood within the community. The program concluded with the HSS Prarthana.  -GoTop


10. HSS NEW VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING ITS ROLE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA launched a new video highlighting its vision, mission, and core activities that promote Dharmic values and service to American society.

The video gives an overview of HSS as an American non-profit, its roots, structured programs across age groups, and its vision for the U.S. and the world. HSS also released a new reel, which can be watched and shared through multiple social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ124BBR7aM  -GoTop

 
11. HSS USA’S AWARD-WINNING HOLI FLOAT LIGHTS UP THE CAMELLIA PARADE: Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA participated in the annual Camellia Parade in Temple City, Los Angeles County, marking its continued involvement since 2019. Nearly 40 teenagers from four Southern California Vibhags and UC Riverside marched with Ghosh Vadan, showcasing discipline, teamwork, and the leadership skills nurtured through regular Shakha.

The energetic performances drew enthusiastic support from spectators, while HSS USA’s eco-friendly cultural float, celebrating Holi and built entirely with natural Camellia plants, received the Best Theme award for the second consecutive year. Participation from across the region was strong, with swayamsevaks traveling long distances to ensure representation.  -GoTop


12. HSS USA BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Black History Month serves as an intervention in memory, insisting that Black experiences be placed at the center of national consciousness.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA in Arizona recently celebrated the Black History Month in shakhas in February.
In East Valley, Kesari shakha hosted Honorable  Matt Orlando, council member, City of Chandler. He explained in detail how the city has supported vibrancy and has successfully made it an ideal microcosm of the American spirit.
In North Valley, Bami Adelayo (originally from Nigeria), an accomplished criminal defense attorney and a writer, shared his inspirational life lessons through a thoughtful book he authored that reflects an immigrant's experience.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh chapters in Charlotte hosted local community leaders to celebrate Black History Month through open, heartfelt conversations.
The events reflected on Black history, culture, and heritage, the role models who shaped us, and how we can join hands to uplift our community.
HSS Roseville marked Black History Month by highlighting Twiana Armstrong, the founder of the non-profit, seeMYChild, who exemplifies unity and service to the community.
The guest witnessed team-building games and interactive activities. She had an interaction with HSS Volunteers, where she talked about the importance of community, trust, and bridging the gap between all community members. She emphasized having representation of every member at the table.  -GoTop


13. ‘HOW INDIA GIVES’ : PHILANTHROPY & SOCIAL IMPACT: Bharat’s philanthropy story is usually told from the top down. It features corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets, billionaire pledges and splashy foundations. But a new report argues that the real engine of Bharat generosity is far more prosaic – and vastly larger.

The How India Gives 2025 report, produced by the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy (CSIP) at Ashoka University, challenges the conventional narrative that organized, institutional money dominates the country’s giving landscape. Instead, it points to a quieter colossus: households. According to the report, Bharat’s total household giving is estimated at US$ 6.5 billion annually, including cash, in-kind contributions and volunteering. About 68% of respondents report giving in some form. Of this, 48% is in kind – such as food, clothing or other household goods – followed by cash donations (44%) and volunteering (30%) with non-profits, religious institutions or community groups. In other words, in Bharat generosity is possibly not a trickle from the top. It is a daily tide from below.  -GoTop


14. SEWA HINDU MOBILE PANTRY LAUNCHED: SEWA Hindu Mobile Pantry officially launched its first mobile pantry on February 22 in Irving, Texas, in collaboration with the DFW Hindu Mandir Ekta Mandir. It is a symbol of compassion, offering free vegetarian groceries with dignity, respect, and a warm welcome to every guest.

The mobile food pantry initiative aims to expand access to essential groceries for families in need across Irving. It aims not only to provide food assistance but also build a sustainable pillar of support for families in need. The mobile pantry van is designed to reach individuals and families who are unable to travel to the pantry itself to collect food. The launch event was attended by many SEWA volunteers and community donors.
SEWA volunteers have worked diligently for past several months to ensure the success of the initiative. Items such as cereals, peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned pasta, crackers, coffee, tea, ketchup, cookies, box-rice or any non-perishable food is acceptable.  -GoTop


15. BHARAT EXTENDS HUMANITARIAN AID TO MALAWI: Bharat has dispatched a humanitarian shipment of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi to help the African nation cope with food shortages caused by drought conditions linked to the El Nino climate phenomenon.

The assistance highlights Bharat’s continued commitment to supporting developing countries and strengthening cooperation among nations of the Global South. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “Bharat-Malawi partnership for food security. A reiteration of Bharat’s continued commitment to supporting partners in the Global South and advancing the spirit of South-South cooperation”.  -GoTop


16. SEWA PAINT-A-BAG WORKSHOP AT MOORESTOWN, NJ:  As part of the ongoing efforts to engage and uplift the senior community, Sewa International – South Jersey Chapter organized a Paint-a-Bag workshop for residents of CareOne at Moorestown Assisted Living on February 28. This creative activity encouraged seniors to express themselves through art while enjoying a relaxed and social atmosphere. Participants were provided with plain reusable tote bags, fabric paints, and brushes, and were guided in creating their own unique designs.

The workshop sparked lively conversations, laughter, and a wonderful sense of accomplishment as each participant proudly showcased their personalized bag.
Beyond creativity, the event helped promote mental well-being, fine motor skills, and social connection among the residents. It served as a heartwarming reminder that art has no age limit, and that small, meaningful activities can bring joy while strengthening community bonds.  -GoTop


17. GRAND OPENING OF SWAMINARAYAN GURUKUL IN AUSTRALIA: Marking a significant milestone for the local community in Victoria region of Australia, a Swaminarayan Gurukul was opened on February 21. The event was attended by a distinguished delegation of faith leaders, Hindu Council of Australia and state officials, including the Hon. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. The Swaminarayan Gurukul Mandir stands as a testament to extraordinary community mobilisation. In a feat of engineering and devotion, the structure was completed in a record timeframe of just 11 months.

The Gurukul’s mission extends beyond religious services to include comprehensive community development like Bal Sanskar Classes, designed to provide moral and cultural education to the youth. Furthermore, in partnership with Community Languages Victoria, the Gurukul has launched a language teaching programme aimed at preserving linguistic heritage and fostering bilingualism within the community.  -GoTop


18. THIRUMANGAI ALVAR MURTI RETURNED BY ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM: The Ashmolean Museum has returned a 16th-century bronze murti of Thirumangai Alvar to the Government of Bharat after conducting provenance research and coordinating with Bharatiya authorities. The handover ceremony took place at the High Commission of Bharat in London on March 3.

In a statement released by the Ashmolean Museum, its director Xa Sturgis said the museum was pleased to return the important artefact to Bharat and thanked Bharatiya authorities and scholars for helping establish its provenance. According to records from Sotheby’s, the bronze was sold by private collector J. R. Belmont (1886–1981. In November 2019, an independent French scholar informed the museum of research linking the bronze to a photograph taken in 1957 at the Soundararaja Perumal mandir in Tamil Nadu.  -GoTop

 
19. MAJOR SWATI SHANTHAKUMAR WINS UN HONOUR FOR PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN: On International Women’s Day, Bharatiya Army officer Major Swati Shanthakumar from Bengaluru was honoured with a prestigious award from the United Nations Secretary-General for her outstanding contribution to peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan.

She received the recognition in January 2026 for successfully implementing the mission titled ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’, which aims to promote gender-responsive peacekeeping and strengthen engagement with local communities in conflict-affected areas.
Major Swati pursued Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the New Horizon College of Engineering before joining the Bharatiya Army. Today, she is serving as part of Bharat’s peacekeeping contingent in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). She leads a team of 20 Bharatiya women soldiers assigned to the mission.  -GoTop


20. DRDO CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT-TRIALS OF VSHORADS: On February 27, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three successive flight-trials of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. These tests were carried out to revalidate the capability of VSHORADS missile system in neutralising high-speed threats flying at varying speed, range, and altitude.

VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence system designed and developed indigenously by Research Center Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners. The missile system has the capability to meet the needs of all the three branches of the Armed Forces, viz. Bharatiya Army, Navy, and Air Force.  -GoTop


21. BUST OF GANDHI UNVEILED IN MONTANA: A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was installed at the Mike Mansfield Center of the University of Montana in Missoula. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, along with the Consul General of Bharat in Seattle Prakash Gupta, jointly unveiled the bust of the Mahatma at a gathering attended by leading officials from the state, including faculty and students of the University of Montana, as well as members of the Montana World Affairs Council.

Later in the evening, students at the University of Montana also participated in another unique event celebrating Holi. The University’s Executive Director, Deena Mansour, welcomed the first Holi celebrations in Montana as marking “the arrival of spring and embracing unity”. A large number of Montanans played Holi with organic colors before attending the Bharatiya Film Festival, where a Bollywood movie was screened for young Montanan students. Participants also savored the special Holi sweet ‘gujiya’ during the celebrations.
Earlier in the day, around 400 Montanan students also attended a briefing session on Brand Bharat, where they were introduced to the flavors of Bharatiya coffee, including ARAKU, and briefed about Bharat’s ODOP during the Academic World Quest Conference hosted by the Montana World Affairs Council.  -GoTop


22. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Maharishi Valmiki  -GoTop

JAI SHRI RAM
----
WHY THE HINDU NEW YEAR MATTERS TO INDIA
Virendra gupta


India is not merely a nation defined by geographical boundaries; it is an ancient and living civilisation whose cultural consciousness has evolved over thousands of years. One of the most profound expressions of any civilisation lies in how it perceives, measures, and celebrates time. Timekeeping is not only a technical or administrative exercise but also a reflection of a society’s philosophy, spirituality, agricultural wisdom, and relationship with nature. In modern India, however, there is a growing tendency to celebrate the English New Year on December 31,  with great enthusiasm, even though this date has little connection with India’s civilisational ethos, seasonal rhythms, or cultural traditions.
The English New Year is based on the Gregorian calendar, which was introduced in Europe in the sixteenth century and later imposed across much of the world during the colonial era. India adopted this calendar primarily for administrative convenience under British rule, not as a result of cultural acceptance or civilisational continuity. While the Gregorian calendar continues to serve a practical role in global coordination today, its elevation as the primary marker of celebration and renewal in Indian society reflects a deeper legacy of colonial influence that still shapes our social behaviour and mindset.
It is important to recognise that the date of  January 1,  does not signify any natural, agricultural, or spiritual transition in the Indian subcontinent. It falls in the middle of winter, when nature is largely dormant and agricultural activity is limited. The celebration of this date is largely driven by modern consumer culture, entertainment industries, and social imitation rather than by any intrinsic cultural meaning. Over time, the celebration has increasingly taken the form of late-night parties, noise, and excess, which stand in contrast to India’s traditional values of balance, reflection, and harmony.
In contrast, the Hindu system of timekeeping is deeply scientific, ecological, and spiritually aligned. Indian calendars are based on precise astronomical observations of the movement of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Systems such as Vikram Samvat, Shaka Samvat, Kali Samvat, and various regional calendars demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of cosmic cycles that predates modern astronomy by centuries. These calendars were not created arbitrarily but were designed to align human life with natural and cosmic rhythms.
Across most of India, the Hindu New Year begins around March or April, coinciding with the arrival of spring. This period marks the end of harsh winter conditions and the beginning of renewal in nature. Trees blossom, crops are harvested, daylight increases, and the environment visibly rejuvenates. This natural transition makes the Hindu New Year a logical and meaningful point for beginning a new cycle, reflecting the Indian worldview that human life should remain in harmony with nature rather than detached from it. The celebration of the Hindu New Year takes diverse regional forms across the country, reflecting India’s unity in diversity. Festivals such as Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Navreh, Cheti Chand, Baisakhi, Pohela Boishakh, Puthandu, and Vishu may differ in rituals, cuisine, and local customs, but they share a common philosophical foundation. Each emphasises gratitude, hope, renewal, and collective well-being. Families gather, elders bless the younger generation, prayers are offered, and charity is encouraged, reinforcing social bonds and moral values.
In Hindu tradition, time is regarded as sacred and cyclical rather than linear and disposable. The concept of ‘Kala’ is deeply embedded in Indian philosophy, where every cycle of time presents an opportunity for self-reflection, righteous conduct, and spiritual growth. The Hindu New Year is not merely a change of date; it is an invitation to introspect on one’s actions, renew ethical commitments, and realign life with the principles of dharma. Such an approach nurtures both individual responsibility and collective harmony.
Unfortunately, as Indian society becomes increasingly influenced by Western cultural symbols, there is a visible erosion of awareness about indigenous traditions. The widespread prominence of December 31,  celebrations, particularly in urban areas, has overshadowed the cultural significance of the Hindu New Year. This shift does not represent progress or modernisation but rather a gradual detachment from cultural roots. True modernity lies in the ability to engage with the world while remaining grounded in one’s own heritage.
Several nations with ancient civilisations have demonstrated that it is possible to preserve traditional calendars alongside global systems. Countries such as China, Israel, Iran, and Thailand continue to celebrate their traditional New Years with pride and official recognition, without compromising their economic or technological progress. These societies understand that cultural confidence strengthens national identity and social cohesion. India, with its far older and richer civilisational heritage, should display similar confidence in honouring its own traditions.
It is also significant that India already possesses an officially recognised national calendar, the Shaka Samvat, which is used alongside the Gregorian calendar in government documents and communications. However, this recognition remains largely symbolic, as public awareness and social participation in its observance are limited. Bridging this gap requires conscious efforts through education, cultural initiatives, and public engagement so that traditional timekeeping becomes a lived reality rather than a mere constitutional reference.
Advocating the Hindu New Year does not imply rejection of the Gregorian calendar or hostility towards global practices. India has always been inclusive and pluralistic in spirit, accommodating diverse beliefs and traditions. The objective is not exclusion but balance, not imposition but restoration. Indigenous traditions should not be marginalised in their own land, especially when they offer profound ecological wisdom, ethical guidance, and cultural continuity.
Public institutions and leadership play a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Legislative bodies, educational institutions, and cultural organisations can lead by example by acknowledging the Hindu New Year through official messages, cultural programmes, and public discourse. Such initiatives reinforce cultural self-respect and inspire younger generations to take pride in their heritage.
As India moves forward as a confident and self-reliant nation, it must ensure that progress is rooted in cultural consciousness rather than cultural amnesia. The Hindu New Year represents harmony with nature, respect for cosmic order, spiritual renewal, and social unity. Reclaiming its rightful place in public life is not a step backwards but a reaffirmation of India’s timeless civilisational wisdom. Celebrating our own New Year alongside global calendars reflects a mature, confident society that honours its past while shaping its future with clarity and pride. (Vijender Gupta, Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly)  https://dailypioneer.com/news/why-the-hindu-new-year-matters-to-india   -GoTop
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:

\Samvad

Phalgun Shukla 13, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 1 March, 2026: SM 7023 (For Private Circulation only)

1. FESTIVALS : HOLI 2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT
3. AKHIL BHARATIYA KARYAKARINI MEETING OF SAMITI 4. AKHIL BHARATIYA PRATINIDHI SABHA OF RSS
5. ‘SHRIRAMARCHANAM’ AT AYODHYA 6. INDIA AI IMPACT SUMMIT
7. BLOOMING BHARAT – YOUNG INTELLECTUAL MEET 8. CONFERENCE AT VSSUT
9. HSS NEW JERSEY : BLACK HISTORY MONTH 10. HSS PARTICIPATED IN THE CITY PARADE IN CALIFORNIA
11. SEWA INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY RELIEF RESPONSE 12. BHARAT CONFERRED WITH ‘COUNTRY OF THE YEAR’ AT BIOFACH
13. BAPS HINDU MANDIR ABU DHABI CELEBRATED 2 YEARS
UPCOMING PROGRAMS……….. 14. WORLD HINDU CONGRESS
15. AKHTU : 5TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 16. ICCS : 9TH TRIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 

17. FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Article: BHARAT: RECALLING THE CIVILISATIONAL CONTINUUM

1. FESTIVALS : HOLI, the spring festival, is celebrated on the full-moon day of Phalguna (March 4 this year). Holi celebrations take different forms in various parts of Bharat and can last between 40 days in some regions to just two days in others.

A common ritual is the lighting of a bonfire that represents Holika Dahan or Kama Dahanam. In Punjab, the day after Holi is celebrated as Holla Mohalla. Instituted by Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj, the festival consists of weeklong displays of Sikh martial arts, archery, gymnastics, riding, fencing, and music as well as community meals. Holi has, over the years, gained popularity outside Bharat and is celebrated among South Asian communities living in the United States, the United Kingdom, Caribbean, and other countries.   -GoTop


2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: On February 26, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat interacted with a group of eminent citizens during a gathering held at the auditorium of Sri Aurobindo College of Commerce and Management (SACCM) in Ludhiana, Punjab. Around 800 distinguished citizens from various fields across Punjab participated in the programme. The gathering included members of social organisations, renowned doctors, representatives of religious institutions, personalities from the film and media sectors, prominent industrialists, scientists, academicians and other guests.

In his address, Dr Bhagwat said that Sangh exists for the nation, not for itself. When we say Sangh work, it means work of the country and society, not the work of any particular organization. On the question of different beliefs, faiths, and sects, he said that all ultimately move towards the same destination, though the paths may differ. One should remain firm on one’s own path while respecting the paths of others.
While addressing an event organised at Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium in Gorakhpur, Dr Bhagwat said that today, the world lacks a model that can ensure lasting peace and happiness for society. Therefore, it looks toward Bharat with hope. Despite diversity, Bharat remains united because of the shared reverence for Bharat Mata as a civilisational force. He added that Sangh does not aspire for influence, power or popularity; it works solely in the interest of society.
While addressing a gathering and dialogue on the theme of ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey – New Horizons, New Dimensions’ at the auditorium of the Himalayan Cultural Centre in Nimbuwala, Uttarakhand, Dr Bhagwat said that the world now expects Bharat to assume a leadership role once again.
On the second day of his Uttarakhand visit, he interacted with former servicemen and retired defence officers. Veterans from the Army, Navy, ITBP, Coast Guard and other defence services participated in the programme. In his address, Dr Bhagwat stated that society plays the foremost role in shaping the destiny of the nation. He said that if society is strong, national defence will also be strong.
Addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen in Pathankot on February 25, Dr. Bhagwat said that to understand the Sangh, one must see it from within. Observing it from outside naturally leads to misunderstandings. He added that at present, the Sangh is actively engaged in more than 1,30,000 service activities across various sectors.  -GoTop


3. AKHIL BHARATIYA KARYAKARINI MEETING OF SAMITI: The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini and Pratinidhi Mandal Meeting of Rashtra Sevika Samiti was held at the Kailash Mansarovar premises in Ghaziabad on February 21-22, bringing together representatives from across the country to review organisational work, highlight service initiatives, and outline future plans for social and cultural engagement. A total of 108 representatives from 38 provinces across the country attended the meeting.

According to reports presented at the meeting, the Samiti currently runs 4,350 Shakhas across 12 regions and 40 provinces of the country. Of the 1,042 districts nationwide, organisational work is active in 825 districts. In addition, Sevika Samiti members are carrying out 2,238 service projects across the country.
The deliberations in the meeting were focussed on Shiksha Vargas, programmes planned to mark the completion of 90 years of the Samiti, and discussions on the prevailing social and cultural situation in the country. Plans for further expansion of the Samiti’s work were also formulated.
Addressing the valedictory session on February 22, Pramukh Sanchalika Shantakka underlined the need to awaken in society a threefold strength — strong leadership, responsible citizenship, and an organised society. Presenting a report on the discussions held, the special programmes conducted, and the future plans, Pramukh Karyavahika Sita Gayatri stated that there is currently a favourable atmosphere in society and within families for Hindu thought. She emphasised the importance of collective functioning and disciplined efforts to bring about social transformation.  -GoTop


4. AKHIL BHARATIYA PRATINIDHI SABHA OF RSS: The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will be held at Samalkha, Haryana, on March 13-15. ABPS is the highest decision making body of the Sangh.
The meeting will include detailed discussions on major programmes and campaigns organised as part of the centenary celebrations, review the activities of Sangh during 2025–26 and present reports on significant initiatives carried out across various provinces. The meeting will deliberate on the current national scenario and pass resolutions on important matters.

The meeting will be attended by Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, all Sah Sarkaryavahs and other senior office-bearers, along with members of the national executive body. A total of 1,489 karyakartas are expected to participate. In addition, presidents, general secretaries, and organising secretaries of 32 RSS-inspired organisations will also be present.  -GoTop


5. ‘SHRIRAMARCHANAM’ AT AYODHYA: On February 22, swayamsevaks of RSS Delhi presented a special programme of Sangh ghosh, ‘Shriramarchanam’, dedicated to Bhagwan Shri Ram, at Ayodhya. They commenced their route march from the Saryu banks and proceeded towards Shri Ram Janmabhoomi for offering musical reverence. Upon reaching Veena Chowk, tributes were paid to martyr karsevaks and legendary vocalist Lata Mangeshkar through swaranjali. Salutations were offered to Pavan Putra Hanuman at Hanumangarhi and the march culminated at the main gateway of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir with the rendering of Shriramachanam. In the concluding segment, swayamsevaks presented Shriramacharanam before Ram Lalla at the greenhouse ground within the mandir complex.

The presentation highlighted Bharat’s musical heritage through traditional instruments. All ghosh compositions were based on Bharatiya classical ragas and prescribed rhythmic cycles, reflecting a synthesis of classical depth and organisational discipline.  -GoTop


6. INDIA AI IMPACT SUMMIT: From February 16 to 20, New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam hosted the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Led by the Government of Bharat, it was not merely another technology conference. It became a policy led global assembly of AI pioneers and practitioners anchored on a transformative triad: People, Planet and Progress. More than 5 lakh participants including over 2.5 lakh students attended and contributed to the AI discussions. The event was attended by around 20 Heads of Government, 59 ministerial-level representatives, and officials from 118 countries. The summit was attended by executives from major AI labs and Big Tech, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and Cloudflare. The event also featured more than 600 startups and over 500 side events, making it a major, high-scale gathering for global AI discourse.

As the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, the event marked a turning point in the global AI narrative, moving the conversation from abstract innovation to inclusive, responsible, and scalable impact. The summit reframed the central question. It was not whether AI could be made powerful. It was whether AI could be made usable, at scale, under real world conditions.
The summit was defined by capital commitments from both Bharatiya conglomerates and American tech giants, aimed at turning Bharat into a global compute hub.
"The future of AI cannot be decided by a handful of countries or left to the whims of a few billionaires," noted UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the plenary session, echoing the summit's push for a more multipolar AI world.  -GoTop


7. BLOOMING BHARAT – YOUNG INTELLECTUAL MEET: The 'Blooming Bharat – Young Intellectual Meet', held at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Ernakulam on February 24 emphasized the role of an organized, empowered society in global peace and unity. Key discussions focused on Bharat's cultural continuity, collective consciousness, and the crucial role of youth as catalysts for national development. The meet highlighted the importance of blending modern education with traditional values to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Discussions included the significance of self-reliance, social unity, economic strength, and cultural confidence for national security. The event aimed to foster intellectual growth among young minds, encouraging them to take on leadership roles for Bharat's future.  Young researchers and PhD scholars from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts participated in the gathering. Speaking at the inaugural session, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said that Hindu Rashtra is not a theocratic or religious state, but a Dharma Rashtra rooted in civilizational values. Later sessions featured Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu and former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath. 
The event was organised with a collective, sustainable approach by avoiding single-use plastics and focusing on traditional, eco-friendly practices.
A similar meet was also organized at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram.  -GoTop


8. CONFERENCE AT VSSUT: During a conference held at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Burla, Sambalpur, on February 17, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale urged scholars and researchers to align their academic work with rural development rooted in Bharatiya Gyan Parampara. He appealed to researchers to study village ecosystems, preserve local traditions, and develop practical solutions to rural challenges.

The conference, organised at the university’s e-Learning Centre under the aegis of the Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Professors’ Forum, was part of the centenary year of the RSS. Faculty members, research scholars, and students from several higher educational institutions attended the event.  -GoTop


9. HSS NEW JERSEY : BLACK HISTORY MONTH: On February 20, Sant Meera Bai shakha, Central Jersey Vibhag, celebrated Black History Month. Ms Jennifer Murphy - principal of Fords Middle School, Ms Precious Acosta - ELA teacher, Emilia Martinez - Para-Professional and Mr. Kevin Harrison - retired vice principal of Colonia High School participated in the event at the shakha. They shared their experiences, values and life lessons with the children in the shakha.

Ms Acosta spoke about the strength of a pen and power of words while invoking different Black writers who, through their writings, transformed the society.  -GoTop


10. HSS PARTICIPATED IN THE CITY PARADE IN CALIFORNIA: The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Ghosh (Band) at the Temple City participated in the Camellia Parade on February 21. Marching with precision and pride, the Ghosh team added rhythm and vibrancy to the parade atmosphere.

Their coordinated formations and traditional band presentation beautifully represented Hindu heritage and values to the wider community. It symbolized teamwork, discipline, dedication, and cultural pride.  -GoTop


11. SEWA INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY RELIEF RESPONSE: Sewa International launched a multi-chapter emergency relief response to support vulnerable families and individuals impacted by severe winter weather and power outages across the USA.

In Greater Houston, volunteers delivered more than 1,800 emergency blankets in 24 hours to around 12 emergency management agencies and shelters across 3 counties, supporting unhoused individuals, seniors, and families.
In Northern Texas, volunteers coordinated with local leaders in Irving and delivered more than 150 lbs of food, 100 blankets, and hygiene supplies to shelters.
In Austin, Sewa International distributed around 300 blankets to three shelters serving the unhoused.  -GoTop


12. BHARAT CONFERRED WITH ‘COUNTRY OF THE YEAR’ AT BIOFACH: Bharat has been conferred the prestigious ‘Country of the Year’ honour at BIOFACH 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for organic products, held in Nuremberg, Germany on February 10-13.

Organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Bharat’s participation featured a pavilion hosting 67 co-exhibitors, including exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and state government bodies. Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that Bharat’s participation at the fair highlighted the country’s rich agricultural heritage and its strength as a major global supplier of organic products. The pavilion showcased a wide range of organic products such as rice, oilseeds, herbs, spices, pulses, cashew, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, cinnamon, mango puree, and essential oils, among others.  -GoTop


13. BAPS HINDU MANDIR ABU DHABI CELEBRATED 2 YEARS: The BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi celebrated its second anniversary on February 14, marking two years since it was inaugurated by Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi and opened to the public.

Since its opening in 2024, it has emerged as a vibrant center for spirituality, cultural dialogue, and community engagement, symbolizing harmony, heritage, and shared values in the region. As it enters its third year, the mandir continues to draw devotees from across the UAE and beyond for daily prayers, festivals and religious ceremonies. The mandir has become a spiritual home for the UAE’s Bharatiya community while welcoming visitors of all backgrounds, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for interfaith dialogue and cultural tolerance.   -GoTop

UPCOMING PROGRAMS………..

14. WORLD HINDU CONGRESS: The World Hindu Congress is a global platform for Hindus to connect, share ideas, inspire one another, and impact the common good.  Held once every four years, WHC’s seven parallel conferences showcase how the values, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the global Hindu community find expression in a variety of spheres, including economic, education, media, political and organizational, as well as the unique leadership and contributions of Hindu women and youth. 

Interactive sessions offer space to deliberate the challenges and opportunities facing Hindu communities across the globe, and seek tangible solutions for the progress and prosperity of Hindus and the betterment of humanity and the world. The next WHC will be held in Mumbai on December 18-20, 2026. The theme of the conference is ‘Samāna Vrata Saha Cittam : Shared Commitment, Collective Resolve’. WHC 2026 will serve as a confluence for networking, exchange of ideas, and confident action planning, empowering Hindus to shape their collective future with conviction. 
For registration and more details please visit: https://www.worldhinducongress.org/    -GoTop


15. AKHTU : 5TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: The 5th International Conference of Akhanda Tamil Ulagam (AKHTU) will be held at Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari on December 24-27, 2026. The conference is envisioned as a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue, cultural resurgence, youth empowerment, networking, and strategic collaboration among the global Tamil diaspora. Leading Tamil organisations, mandir federations, distinguished community leaders, youth movements, women’s forums, scholars, and business communities from various countries have expressed their strong interest in participating in this prestigious global conference. This gathering will serve as a milestone event, strengthening unity, preserving rich heritage, dharma, and collectively shaping a progressive vision for future generations.

Please circulate this information widely and encourage maximum participation along with family members. Online registration details will be provided on or before the Tamil New Year on April 14.
For more information, please visit https://www.akhandatamilulagam.com/    -GoTop


16. ICCS : 9TH TRIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: ICCS was established in 1997 in Bharat, by a group of academics and volunteers who were interested in studying similarities among the ancient cultures of the world.

ICCS has organized very successful Triennial Conferences and Gatherings of Elders since 2003. Delegates of indigenous traditions from all continents have attended these conferences and created awareness and exchanged ideas about ancient wisdom and knowledge. These conferences are structured for participants to interact and understand each other, explore similarities, network and learn from one another. It also encourages and creates opportunities for the younger generations to take up work and research for promoting and rejuvenating ancient cultures and traditions. The 9th Triennial Conference is scheduled to be held from January 29 to February 2, 2027 at Surat with the theme ‘Ancestral Wisdom in Contemporary Challenges’. ICCS invites the global elders of ancient traditions to share insights of Earth’s Memory Keepers, Ancient Knowledge Systems and the Intergenerational Ethics of Coexistence.
For more information, please visit https://www.iccsglobal.org/    -GoTop

17. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Those wise ones who see that the consciousness within them is the same consciousness within all beings, attain peace. - The Katha Upanishad  -GoTop

JAI SHRI RAM
----
BHARAT: RECALLING THE CIVILISATIONAL CONTINUUM

Bharat’s civilisational unity was never imposed by power or uniformity. It arose from a shared metaphysical vision that allowed diversity to flourish through movement, ritual, and memory, linking Kashmir and Kerala within a continuous flow of consciousness, culture, and lived philosophy.
J Nandakumar

The familiar division of “North India” and “South India,” though convenient in modern discourse, arises largely from colonial cartography and administrative logic.
Civilisational sources speak instead of Uttarapatha and Daksinapatha—not as opposed cultural blocs, but as interconnected cultural corridors through which texts, rituals, teachers, and metaphysical insights travelled. This indigenous imagination of space is captured in the Puranic assertion: ekam eva hi tattva bahudha pratibhati—the One Reality appears in many forms.
To speak of the North and South of Bharat, therefore, is not to invoke a binary, but to recall a spatial vision in which movement precedes maps and unity is sustained through circulation rather than uniformity. In this sense, such a gathering is not merely academic; it becomes an act of decolonial remembrance—an attempt to recover how this civilisation has historically known itself across time, space, language, and form.

What does it mean for a civilisation to remember itself after centuries of colonial interruption and ideological distortion? When Krama and cultural flows are invoked, when Kashmir and Kerala are spoken of together, the inquiry moves beyond any single text or region. It raises a deeper reflection on how Bharat has known herself, how that self-knowledge was obscured, and how it might be reclaimed today. This inevitably compels a re-examination of the very idea of the Nation that is Bharat.
Rethinking Rashtra
Modern thought has proposed dominant frameworks for understanding the nation. The first is NavaRashtravada—the idea that the nation is still “in the making.” Jawaharlal Nehru’s declaration in A Tryst with Destiny exemplifies this view, presenting the nation as a future political project rather than an already existing civilisational reality.
This formulation reflects a European modernist inheritance, where the nation emerges from political will, economic integration, and institutional consolidation.
Within this framework, Rashtra becomes provisional rather than civilisationally grounded. Continuity is reinterpreted as cultural plurality without a unifying metaphysical core, while political unity is projected forward as aspiration rather than recognised as inheritance.
Closely allied to this is BahuRashtravada—the belief that multiple nations coexist within one territory. Both frameworks share a reluctance to recognise Rashtra as a trans-historical civilisational reality. Much of modern education and historiography has been shaped—and distorted—by these paradigms.
Bharatiya Understanding of Nationhood
In contrast, the earliest articulations of collective belonging in the Bharatiya tradition are not based on political contract, but on ontological relationship. The Atharva Veda declares: bhadram ichchhantah sva-vidah—those who know themselves wish well for all. Social cohesion here arises from self-knowledge (svavidya), not external regulation. This vision is further affirmed in the verse: mata bhūmi putro’ham pruthivya—the Earth is my mother; I am her child. This is not metaphor but ontology. The land is not territory to be possessed, but a living matrix to which one belongs. Rashtra is thus inherited through participation in geography, memory, ritual, and value.
Dr B R Ambedkar expressed this insight when he defined nationalism as “the feeling of corporate sentiment of oneness which makes everyone charged with the feeling that they are kith and kin.” Nationhood, for him, preceded governance; it was an affective and moral unity. This resonates with Giuseppe Mazzini’s description of the nation as “a spiritual principle, based on memories of a rich heritage and a keen desire to live together.” Across these formulations lies a shared recognition of the nation as a living moral organism.
The Bharatiya conception affirms ChiRashtravada—the understanding that the nation is ancient yet dynamic, continuous yet capable of renewal. It is not “made” anew in every generation; it is remembered, reinterpreted, and re-inhabited.
Recovering this distinction is not nostalgia. It restores a civilisational self-understanding in which political forms serve a deeper cultural and metaphysical unity. Only when Rashtra is understood as a continuum of consciousness, rather than a temporary arrangement of power, can national integration move beyond administrative coherence towards genuine civilisational solidarity.
A Civilisational Perspective
Contemporary discussions of national integration in Bharat often remain confined to political structures or constitutional frameworks. While important, these are only the outer scaffolding of unity. Bharat was never held together solely by political power.
Long before the modern nation-state, she existed as a deeply integrated cultural and spiritual organism.
Her unity arose not from uniformity, but from a shared metaphysical vision that allowed diversity to flourish without fragmentation. Dr B R Ambedkar stated this with clarity in his 1916 Columbia University paper, later published as Castes in India: “It is the unity of culture that is the basis of homogeneity… not only a geographical unity, but a deeper and more fundamental unity—the indubitable cultural unity that covers the land from end to end.”
Under colonial rule, this organic unity was systematically misrepresented. Bharat was portrayed as a “mosaic” or a “congeries of races.” Philosophies were reduced to abstraction, rituals dismissed as superstition, and regional traditions labelled as “folk survivals.”
A genuinely decolonial approach must reject these binaries: high philosophy versus low ritual, pan-Indian versus local, textual versus performative, North as spiritual and South as sensual. These are not civilisational inheritances, but residues of an external gaze that failed to understand how this civilisation lives, thinks, and remembers. At the heart of Bharat’s civilisational vision lies a radical insight: reality itself is consciousness. Kashmir Shaivism expresses this succinctly in the dictum ‘Chaitanyam atma’—consciousness is the Self. Consciousness here is not a by-product of matter or a passive witness, but vibrant, creative, and self-luminous.
The Flow of Knowledge
Tantra refuses confinement. It sanctifies the world, divinises embodiment, and allows knowledge to flow across languages, regions, and social boundaries. As Maheshvarananda declares, sva-shakti-vistara-matra jagat—the universe is the expansion of one’s own power. Kashmir Shaivism never imprisoned truth within rigid structures. Knowledge flowed, adapted, and incarnated wherever conditions were ripe.
Arbitrary social and linguistic barriers were not merely questioned but experientially transcended. This vision finds refined articulation in the Krama system. Krama affirms the Absolute as pulsating awareness rather than static perfection. Shakti stands at the centre as the very power of manifestation. Every act of perception becomes a movement in consciousness recognising itself.
Krama thus offers an indigenous model for plurality and process, avoiding both homogenising centralisation and fragmentary identity politics. It honours difference without losing sight of unity.
Kashmir occupies a unique place in this narrative as the land where this vision received its most rigorous articulation. Within its Shaiva and Shakta traditions, reasoning, experience, and ritual informed one another. Abhinavagupta embodies this synthesis: the same thinker who systematised Krama and Trika also authored the great commentary on the Natyashastra, affirming that aesthetic rasa and mystical experience arise from the Self tasting itself.
From Kashmir, these ideas travelled south as lived practices—through Karnataka’s Veerashaiva movement, Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta, and finally into Kerala’s ritualized Shakta-Shaiva landscape. In Kerala, Krama becomes embodied metaphysics.
Bhagavati worship, the Sapta Matrukas, Theyyam, and Kalamezhuthu are not “folk survivals” but ritual commentaries on non-dual philosophy. When a socially marginal performer becomes the living deity before whom all bow, Krama is enacted ontologically.
To perceive this requires a decolonial gaze—one that recognises ritual as thought, performance as philosophy, and embodiment as a valid mode of knowing. The school of Pratyabhijña, founded by Somananda and refined by Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta, teaches a simple yet transformative truth: one is already what one seeks. Liberation is not acquisition but recognition—the removal of forgetfulness of one’s own nature.
If Pratyabhijña provides the logic of liberation, Krama provides its movement. As the path of the Mahartha, centred on Kali as Time and Perception, Krama understands consciousness as rhythmic flow articulated through the five movements of awareness —emission, maintenance, withdrawal, the ineffable, and radiance. As Krama travelled south, it did so as lived upasana, teaching that plurality is not a snare to escape but a sequence to be experienced and reabsorbed into the unity of the Self.
Shaivism and Cultural Flows to South
As Kashmiri Shaiva thought moved south, it did not merely pass through Karnataka; it took root and cross-pollinated. The twelfth century marked a profound spiritual transformation through Basavanna and the Veerashaiva movement. Veerashaivism and the Vachana tradition drew significant philosophical grounding from Kashmiri Pratyabhijña. The doctrine of Shakti-Vishishtadvaita echoes Kashmiri non-dualism, and like the Kashmiri masters, the Sharanas rejected the notion of the world as illusion (maya), affirming it instead as Shiva’s leela.
Perennial Civilisational Memory
Colonial narratives described cultural influence in Bharat as linear—from centre to periphery, from Sanskrit to regional. What they missed was an older reality in which centre and periphery were fluid, languages formed a continuum, and ritual and philosophy co-emerged. Krama teaches sequence without absolutes. Kashmir and Kerala are neither origin nor derivative; both are crystallisations of a shared field of consciousness. The Brahmayamala affirms this unity: neither inner nor outer exists alone; through knowledge and ritual together, reality shines forth in fullness. To place Kashmir and Kerala in dialogue is not to connect distant regions, but to recover a civilisational pattern obscured by colonial modernity.
Bharat will remain united not by force, but by shared spiritual memory. Scholarship must therefore combine historical rigour with the courage to move beyond inherited frames. If Krama becomes not merely a subject of study but a way of being—honouring sequence and diversity while remaining rooted in unity—this inquiry will have served a deeper purpose: enabling Bharat to recognise herself once again as a consciousness-civilisation.
(Excerpts from J Nandakumar Ji’s speech at the international seminar on ‘Krama and Cultural Flows: Kashmir Shaivism between the North and South of Bharat’ at the Central University of Kerala (CUK) on January 14, 2026)  https://organiser.org/2026/01/28/337276/bharat/bharat-recalling-the-civilisational-continuum/     -GoTop
Posted by at No comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)