\ Samvad shri vishwa niketan
Magh Krishna 13, Vik. Samvat 2082, Yugabda 5127 : 16 January, 2026, SM 7019 (For Private Circulation only)
1. FESTIVALS :
VASANT PANCHAMI on Magh Shukla Panchami (January 23 this year), is also
celebrated as Saraswati Puja in honour of Maa Saraswati - the Devi of intellect,
knowledge, language, learning, music, and all art. In Bharat and Nepal, devotees
worship Maa Saraswati in mandirs, homes and in educational institutions on this
occasion. People wear yellow clothing and eat yellow-colored foods.
On the island of Bali and among the Hindus of Indonesia, this festival is known
as ‘Hari Raya Saraswati’. It marks the beginning of the 210-day long Balinese
Pawukon calendar. -GoTop
2. PROGRAMS OF SARSANGHCHALAK DR MOHAN BHAGWAT: On the
occasion of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary year, a Samajik Sadbhav
Baithak was organised in Bhopal on January 3, where Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan
Bhagwat stated that social harmony is not a new concept; it has always been the
inherent nature of Bharatiya society.
n families,
pride in Dharma, culture, and tradition develops naturally.”
3. THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO GUIDE SOCIETY IS ONE’S OWN
CONDUCT: SHANTAKKA: Rashtra Sevika Samiti organized a Path Sanchalan and
Ghosh demonstration at Seoni, MP on January 5. During the bauddhik session,
Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Shantakka said, “Life’s work should
be carried out with efficiency and in a planned manner. Our conduct and thoughts
should be exemplary for society.” She added that the values imparted through one
hour of regular shakha helps to shape character and the most effective way to
guide society is one’s own conduct.
4. REFLECTION & CHURNING WITHIN SOCIETY ARE ESSENTIAL FOR
PROGRESS: DATTATREYA HOSABALE: A Samajik Sadbhav Vichar Goshti was held at
Rohtak on January 4 on the topic ‘The Role of Sajjan Shakti in Social
Transformation’. During his speech Dattatreya Hosabale, Sarkaryavah of RSS, said
that the Sangh has been engaged in character-building for the past 100 years to
benefit society. He stated that it is the government’s responsibility to protect
the nation from external threats, maintain balance, and establish law and order.
However, guiding youth, inculcating values, promoting culture, eradicating
social evils, and preparing good citizens are the responsibilities of society.
For this, the sajjan shakti of society must take initiative. Alongside
development, we must advance ‘Rashtra Dharma and Rashtra Hit’ in mind.
He further stated that Sangh has never claimed credit for positive changes in
society. Sangh functions like a thread in a garland: a single thread binds
flowers together to form a garland, yet remains unseen; similarly, Sangh does
not seek praise or recognition from society.
On the occasion, distinguished guest from all walks of life from society
including RSS’s Uttar Kshetra Sanghchalak Panvan Jindal and Uttar Kshetra
Pracharak Jatin Kumar were present. -GoTop
5. BHARATHEEYA VICHARA KENDRAM’S 43RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE: On
January 3, J Nandakumar, Prajna Pravah National Coordinator and Akhil Bharatiya
Karyakari Sadasya of RSS said that if the sacred national mantra Vande Mataram
had not been divided, Bharat itself would not have been divided. He was speaking
while presenting the topic ‘Vande Mataram @ 150 – Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s
National Unity Mantra’ at the 43rd annual conference of the Bharatheeya Vichara
Kendram, held in Kozhikode district, Kerala from January 2-4.
The state conference was inaugurated by Justice N. Nagaresh of the High Court of
Kerala at Jubilee Hall, Thali.
During the 3-day state conference different subjects were discussed by eminent
speakers including a discussion titled ‘Awakening Bharat and the New World Order
in the Geopolitical Perspective’ was addressed by Dr. G. Gopakumar, former Vice
Chancellor of the Central University of Kerala. -GoTop
6. SOMNATH SWABHIMAN PARV: On January 10, Pradhan Mantri
Narendra Modi took part in the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, as the historic mandir
town came alive with celebrations. Somnath was beautifully decorated, and a
series of events were held from January 8 to 11 as part of the festivities.
During the programme, Pradhan Mantri joined the chanting of the Omkar Mantra,
performed puja at mandir and witnessed a series of events including a ‘Shaurya
Yatra' - a one-km-long roadshow featuring 108 horses and spectacular drone show
at the Somnath Mandir. On the occasion PM Modi said that he was blessed to be in
Somnath, calling it a proud symbol of our civilisational courage.
Major intersections and four-way circles across the city were draped in
colourful illuminations, welcoming thousands of devotees from across the globe.
Since early morning public squares were filled with Vedic chants, Shiv Dhun, and
soul-stirring bhajans. The atmosphere was further heightened by the 72-hour
continuous ‘Akhand Omkar Jap,’ turning the entire town into a sanctuary of
‘Shiv-may’ energy.
This festival is not just a religious gathering but a grand celebration of
Bharat’s cultural resilience and self-respect. -GoTop
7. PM MODI INAUGURATES EXHIBITION OF SACRED PIPRAHWA BUDDHA
RELICS: On January 3, Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi inaugurated a grand
international exhibition of the sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha in New Delhi,
marking a landmark moment in Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage
preservation.
PM Modi described the exhibition as part of Bharat’s commitment to popularising
the noble teachings of Bhagwan Buddha and strengthening cultural awareness among
the youth.
Piprahwa is an important archaeological site associated with relics of Bhagwan
Buddha. The original Piprahwa excavation was conducted in 1898. Buddhist relics
include bodily remains, objects, and gem relics linked to the Buddha. -GoTop
8. NATIONAL SIDDHA DAY: Up Rashtrapati C.P.
Radhakrishnan has asserted that integrating traditional wisdom with modern
science is important for living a healthy life. Speaking at the event connected
to National Siddha Day at Chennai on January 3, he said that Siddha is a living
tradition and not a relic of the past.
Earlier, Union Minister of State for Ayush, Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao
Jadhav said that Siddha medicine is an ancient form of treatment. National
Siddha Day marks the birthday of sage Siddar Agathiyar, believed to be the
father of Siddha Medicine. -GoTop
9. HINDU HERITAGE CAMP OF HSS TAIWAN: On January 10,
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh HSS Taiwan organized its maiden Hindu Heritage Camp in
Kaohsiung. 20 participants, including swayamsevaks, sevikas, and children,
attended the camp. It was followed by the Makar Sankranti Utsav in which
participation increased to 29, including two Taiwanese guests. During the camp
physical activities; Ish Chintan; Parichay; Charcha, Stotram and Mantra Abhyaas;
Pradarshan Abhyaas; Sanghik Geet practice; Khel, Yogaabhyas, VSS2025 details;
lunch together in ‘pangat’ after reciting Bhojanmantra were the highlights. The
camp concluded with Makar Sankranti Utsav.
10. UC BERKELEY BECOMES FIRST UNIVERSITY TO RECOGNIZE HINDU
HERITAGE MONTH: On December 3, the Associated Students of the University of
California (ASUC) at Berkeley passed a resolution which formally recognized
October as Hindu Heritage Month after collaboration between ASUC representatives
and Hindu campus organizations. The groups in collaboration included Hindu Youth
for Unity, Virtues and Action, or Hindu YUVA at Berkeley and CoHNA Youth Action
Network, or CYAN. Student groups say the proclamation marks meaningful progress
toward better Hindu representation in student government, as the ASUC Senate has
officially recognized the term ‘Hinduphobia’ and affirmed the principles of
Sanātana Dharma.
11. YOUTH OF DALLAS AREA HONOR GURU TEG BAHADUR JI: High
school and university Hindu youth volunteers from HSS Dallas region invited
local Sikh youths to observe the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Sri Guru
Teg Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh guru. HSS hosted the event at a local elementary
school with youth volunteers planning the entire program.
12. HSS ANNOUNCES 19TH ANNUAL YOGATHON:SNY2026: HSS USA
announces the nineteenth annual ‘Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon’
or ‘Surya Namaskar Yajna’ (SNY). This program runs from January 14 to February
1. Participants across all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, and
faiths are invited to participate in the Yogathon. Surya Namaskar is a yogic
practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and
psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly.
13. DARBAR E KHALSA DRAWS THOUSANDS FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY: On
December 25, Darbar E Khalsa brought together the Sikh community in a powerful
display of faith and unity.
In preparation for the forecasted weather, organizers had moved the entire
program indoors. The program began promptly at 6.15 a.m. with Asa Di Vaar by the
Akhand Kirtaniya Jatha. Over the course of the nine hour program, several youth
groups and kirtan jathas, including the IIGS Jatha, participated in seva through
shabad kirtan.
This year’s gathering marked the 40th anniversary of Darbar E Khalsa,
reinforcing its enduring significance for the Sikh community. -GoTop
14. DEVOTEES GATHER AT HINDU MANDIR IN CALIFORNIA TO
OBSERVE RAM MANDIR ANNIVERSARY: In the US, hundreds of devotees gathered at
a Hindu mandir in California’s Silicon Valley to observe the second anniversary
of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The programme was held a day ahead of the
anniversary events in Bharat. Families, elders and children attended from across
the Bay Area. The evening dedicated to Bhagwan Ram focused on prayer, devotional
music and community service.
Devotees sat on the floor inside the prayer hall. Many clapped softly and joined
in the chants. The hall remained full as the singing continued. Several
attendees said the event allowed them to feel connected to developments in
Ayodhya despite the distance. Mandir officials noted that interest remained
high, reflecting the significance of the Ram Mandir for many in the Bharatiya
diaspora.
The Fremont Hindu Mandir is a major religious and cultural centre for Bharatiya
Americans in Northern California. It regularly hosts large gatherings during
Hindu festivals and important religious observances linked to events in Bharat. -GoTop
15. EAM DR S JAISHANKAR INTERACTS WITH PARTICIPANTS OF
FRENCH-INDIAN YOUNG TALENTS PROGRAM IN PARIS: External Affairs Minister Dr S
Jaishankar on January 5 interacted with participants of the French-Indian Young
Talents Program conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry France-India
in Paris. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said that he discussed the
transformations underway in the world and the importance of Bharat-France
collaboration in that context.
16. BHARAT OVERTAKES JAPAN TO BECOME WORLD'S FOURTH LARGEST
ECONOMY: In a major feat, Bharat has moved past Japan to become the world’s
fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, according to the government’s
year-end economic review.
“With GDP valued at $4.18 trillion, Bharat has surpassed Japan to become the
world’s fourth-largest economy and is poised to displace Germany from the third
rank in the next 2.5 to 3 years with projected GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030,”
the government release said. IMF forecasts for 2026 value Bharat’s economy at
$4.51 trillion, slightly above Japan’s projected $4.46 trillion.
Bharatiya Reserve Bank raised its growth projection for FY 2025-26 to 7.3%, up
from 6.8% earlier. The upward revision factors in sustained domestic demand,
rationalisation of income tax and GST, softer crude prices, an early push in
government capital spending, and accommodative monetary and financial
conditions, all supported by contained inflation.
Remittance inflows rose by 10.7% year-on-year during the quarter, reinforcing
external stability. With services exports maintaining momentum and remittance
flows remaining strong, the CAD is expected to stay contained through 2025–26.
Bharat’s growth outlook remains buoyant, with global and domestic institutions
upgrading their assessments on the back of strong economic fundamentals. -GoTop
17. PARIKSHA PE CHARCHA 2026 BREAKS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD: Pariksha
Pe Charcha 2026 has surpassed last year’s Guinness World Record of over 3.50
crore registrations, with more than 4 crore online participants already
registered till January 8 this year. In a social media post, Union Education
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Pariksha Pe Charcha has evolved into a
nationwide movement aimed at creating a stress-free environment for the youth.
The Minister also called upon all Exam Warriors to actively participate in
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026.
18. BHARATIYA RAIL BECOME BIGGEST ELECTRIFIED RAIL SYSTEM
GLOBALLY: Bharatiya Rail has become one of the most extensively electrified
rail systems in the world. Nearly all of Bharat’s 70-thousand route-kilometre
broad-gauge network is now powered by electricity. Till November last year, over
99 percent of its entire network was already electrified, marking a major
milestone.
19. FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The wise man beholds all beings
in the self and the self in all beings; for that reason, he does not hate
anyone.– Isha Upanishad -GoTop
JAI SHRI RAM
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ANCIENT INDIAN KNOWLEDGE
SYSTEM: A TOOL TO ACCOMPLISH THE GOALS OF MODERN DIPLOMACY
Dr Punit Kumar
India stands today at a pivotal moment in history, where its civilizational
depth, scientific traditions and cultural influence are being rediscovered and
rearticulated for a global audience. Among the most powerful tools available for
this re-emergence is the vast body of wisdom known as the Indian Knowledge
Systems (IKS). Far from being relics of the past, these systems contain rigorous
scientific insights, philosophical clarity and ecological understanding that
remain profoundly relevant to the 21st century.
As nations increasingly engage through soft power, culture, education and
knowledge, IKS has the potential to become one of India’s strongest diplomatic
assets. At the same time, presenting this knowledge to India’s younger
generation can foster cultural confidence, scientific temperament and a renewed
sense of identity. Ancient India was not only a land of spiritual insights but
also of scientific imagination and experimentation. Thinkers like Kanada,
Aryabhata, Charaka, Sushruta, Panini and Bhaskara laid the foundations of
physics, astronomy, medicine, linguistics and mathematics long before their
Western counterparts emerged.
Today’s young minds, whether in India or abroad, are trained to think critically, question assumptions and seek logical explanations. Presenting IKS through a scientific lens enables them to appreciate their heritage with pride rather than nostalgia. Kanada’s atomism can be connected to concepts in quantum physics, the Upanishadic idea of Nada Brahma resonates with modern acoustic and vibrational science; the Ayurvedic tridosa theory parallels systems biology, ancient metallurgical achievements help explain rust-resistant iron, advanced alloys and precision casting; and early Indian astronomy can be taught using modern simulations and planetary models. When integrated into such contemporary scientific frameworks, IKS becomes exciting, exploratory and intellectually stimulating for the new generation.
Modern diplomacy is no longer limited to politics and trade, it increasingly involves culture, education and intellectual influence. The global success of yoga has already shown how a knowledge tradition can reshape the world’s perception of India, and IKS has the potential to extend this impact further. In the sphere of educational diplomacy, many nations are turning toward holistic learning, sustainability and integrative sciences, making Indian mathematics, logic, Ayurveda, astronomy and environmental ethics valuable additions to global curricula. Cultural-scientific diplomacy can flourish through conferences, exhibitions, documentaries and digital media that highlight India’s scientific heritage.
Indian principles rooted in rta (cosmic order), dharma (duty) and ecological harmony support sustainability diplomacy, resonating strongly with global environmental priorities. Ethical leadership diplomacy finds strength in texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Arthashastra, which offer timeless guidance on leadership, governance and conflict resolution. Even technological diplomacy can benefit from India’s traditional innovations in metallurgy, architecture, agriculture and water management, fostering collaborations on low-cost and eco-friendly solutions. Together, these avenues position IKS as an elegant and credible bridge between India and the world.
For IKS to thrive, it must connect with India’s youth through the language of science, innovation and global relevance. This requires integrating IKS modules into school and university curricula, encouraging research on ancient Indian texts using modern scientific methods and promoting digital content such as podcasts, animations and interactive apps that make these concepts accessible. Student-led projects on traditional sciences, architecture, ecology and mathematics can further deepen engagement, while highlighting the real scientific principles embedded in ancient practices, rather than presenting them only as cultural narratives ensures authenticity and credibility. Such initiatives nurture a confident generation that views IKS not merely as a legacy of the past, but as a vibrant springboard for future scientific exploration and discovery.
To gain global credibility, IKS must be presented with uncompromising academic rigor. This involves the scholarly reinterpretation of ancient ideas through experimental validation, along with interdisciplinary collaboration among physicists, historians, biologists, philosophers and linguists. Digitizing manuscripts and
preserving traditional knowledge ensures accessibility, while publishing in international journals and participating in global scientific conferences situates IKS within mainstream academic discourse. Establishing dedicated university centers for IKS research and training further institutionalizes its study. Through such scientific articulation, IKS evolves from cultural memory to robust research, making it suitable for global academic dialogue.
When communicated strategically, ancient Indian science can significantly enrich India’s soft power. It strengthens cultural ties with nations seeking holistic knowledge systems, offers sustainable science frameworks relevant to global challenges and opens pathways for collaborative research in mathematics, astronomy, environment and medicine. Presenting India as a knowledge-based civilization, rather than merely a rapidly advancing economy enhances international respect and trust. Moreover, the moral, philosophical and ecological values rooted in Indian traditions possess universal appeal. At a time when the world is searching for ethical technology, balanced living and integrative healthcare, IKS emerges as a reservoir of wisdom that seamlessly connects scientific inquiry with human wellbeing.
Promoting IKS is not only about preserving heritage; it is about shaping the future of India’s scientific and diplomatic identity. Both global audiences and Indian youth respect ideas that are logical, evidence-based and intellectually rich. Ancient Indian science fulfils all these expectations.
When we present IKS in a scientific, accessible and globally relevant manner, it becomes a powerful tool of influence, one that strengthens India’s soft power, inspires the next generation and re-establishes India as a knowledge leader on the world stage. In this mission lies the promise of a culturally confident, scientifically vibrant and globally respected India. https://organiser.org/2025/11/23/326544/bharat/ancient-indian-knowledge-system-a-tool-to-accomplish-the-goals-of-modern-diplomacy/ -GoTop http://shrivishwaniketan.blogspot.com/
SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN samvadnewsletter@gmail.com http://shrivishwaniketan.
