Bharat is a land with a rich past, an inspirational present, and an aspirational future. However, more often than not the spotlight is never shone on those individuals and communities who are making a difference and bringing glory to the nation. Small victories that go unnoticed, have a huge potential to positively influence the society.
The Bharat Rising Series cuts through the noise to bring you the most inspiring stories, remarkable achievements, and positive progress from across our nation and the wider Bharatiya community. In this weekly series, we not only bring to you inspirational present-day stories but also provide a glimpse of the rich civilizational heritage that goes under the radar.
Archaeology
A nearly 20-foot-deep, 1.5-metre-wide well was discovered beneath debris at the Saharanpur Collectorate in Uttar Pradesh, a day after a mosque on the premises was demolished. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state archaeology officials inspected the structure on September 7, measuring, photographing and documenting it before collecting soil and brick samples. The structure is built with Lakhori bricks, lime-surkhi mortar and lime plaster, features associated with later medieval or early modern construction. A preliminary assessment suggests it could be 200–250 years old, but officials stress that its exact age, purpose and historical significance remain unconfirmed pending further investigation.
Economy
After Bharat registered a phenomenal GDP growth despite global crisis, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) has hailed this achievement causing heartburn to the Opposition. Bharat recorded a 7.8% real GDP growth in the April–June 2026 quarter, exceeding expectations despite the challenges posed by an energy price shock. The IMF welcomed the strong performance, identifying robust services activity and buoyant exports as key drivers.
The IMF described Bharat as an increasingly important growth engine for the global economy, highlighting the resilience of domestic economic activity. It also backed recent changes to Bharat’s GDP estimation methodology, supporting efforts to improve the measurement and accuracy of economic output. Overall, the data reinforces the view that India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with services, exports and domestic demand providing significant momentum despite external economic pressures.
Sports
Badminton players Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted history by becoming the first Bharatiya players to win the China Masters. The duo won the China Masters 2026 men’s doubles title, becoming the first Bharatiya pair to claim the prestigious BWF Super 750 tournament. They defeated China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in a thrilling 70-minute final in Shenzhen.
The victory was particularly significant because Satwik and Chirag had previously reached the China Masters final in 2023 and 2025, finishing runners-up on both occasions. In the 2026 final, they initially struggled against the home favourites, losing the opening game. However, the Bharatiya duo responded strongly, changing their approach and winning the second game.
The deciding game was closely contested, but Satwik and Chirag maintained their composure to prevail. Their comeback demonstrated their resilience, experience and ability to handle pressure in crucial moments. The triumph also marked their second BWF World Tour title of 2026, following their Singapore Open Super 750 victory. Overall, the China Masters victory represents another major milestone for Bharatiya badminton and reinforces Satwik and Chirag’s status as one of the world’s leading men’s doubles partnerships.
Civilizational Bharat Snippet
Bharat’s rich past deserves to be celebrated as well as introduced to the younger generations. There are several dynasties lost in the sand of time & kept away from public eye by left-leaning academicians and politicians. Similarly, several practices, concepts, ideas, and customs that can serve us well even today but have been discarded or kept buried due to so-called modernization. This snippet aims to give a glimpse of dynasties that deserve the spotlight, highlight concepts that enrich our civilization, and/or practices/customs that may help us find solutions to our modern problems.
Shilahara Dynasty: Medieval Ruling Dynasty of Maharashtra
The Shilahara Dynasty was a prominent medieval ruling dynasty that governed parts of present-day Maharashtra between the Eighth and Thirteenth centuries. The Shilaharas established three main branches, ruling North Konkan, South Konkan and Kolhapur. They played an important role in the political and cultural development of the western Deccan, initially serving as feudatories of larger powers such as the Rashtrakutas and later asserting greater independence. Their reign witnessed the growth of trade, agriculture, Mandir architecture and regional culture. The dynasty is particularly remembered for its patronage of Shaivism and the construction of Mandirs. Important rulers included Aparajita, Anantadeva and Bhoja II.
Upcoming Hindu Festivals
Hartalika or Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival dedicated to Mata Parvati and Bhagwan Shiva. Primarily observed by women, devotees undertake fasting and offer prayers seeking marital harmony, a suitable spouse, family well-being and prosperity. The festival commemorates Devi Parvati’s deep devotion and penance to attain Bhagwan Shiva as Her husband. This year Hartalika falls on 13 September.
Bhagwan Ganesh is immensely popular among Hindus as Vighnaharta (one who removes obstacles). Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across Bharat on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi day of Bhadrapad month. The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations as we all know was made Sarvajanik by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. It was leveraged as a tool against the British to create national consciousness among the public at large.
Bhagwan Ganesh is considered the deity of 14 disciplines and 64 arts. As per Puranic beliefs, the birth anniversary of three different avatars of Bhagwan Ganesh is celebrated on three occasions in a year. First, is the Vaishakh Shukla Purnima celebrated as Pushtipati Vinayak Jayanti, Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi that is celebrated all over Bharat and Magh Shukla Chaturthi. Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi also known as Ganesh Chaturthi is said to be the most important of the three. This year Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on 14 September.
Rishi Panchami is a Hindu observance dedicated to the Saptarishis, or seven revered sages. Celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada, devotees perform rituals, worship the sages and observe purification practices. Traditionally, the day is associated with seeking forgiveness for inadvertent religious transgressions and maintaining spiritual purity. This year 15 September marks Rishi Panchami Vrat.
Suggested Reading
2) An Immersive Experience In Devotion: ‘Hanuman Ansh’
3) Bharat’s Civilizational Continuity: Why India’s Languages Matter
