In an era marked by hate and division, it is imperative that we unite as one. But who truly embodies the essence of being a Hindu? True Hindus are those who hold allegiance to the land where the mighty river Sindhu (Indus) flows. Bharat Varsha has never been merely a land of religious adherence; rather, it has been a land of seekers.
The concept of religion itself is quite foreign to our indigenous traditions. Prior to the arrival of invaders, Bharat was not delineated by religious boundaries; instead, it was a place where individuals enjoyed the freedom to explore various philosophical paths, delve into new knowledge, and engage in scientific inquiry.
Our history is rich with examples of pioneering research and development. In the fifth century AD, Aryabhata was a mathematician and astronomer who made great strides in mathematics. He developed the concept of zero as a number and created the decimal system that underlies contemporary mathematics. In addition, he could make precise calculations for the value of pi (π) and the length of a solar year; hence his work showed deep knowledge of mathematics and astronomy.
Furthermore, India’s ancient texts like Vedas or Sulba sutras have intricate mathematical concepts. For example, Sulba sutras provide step by step instructions on how to build fireplaces and altars with geometric principles pointing to an advanced understanding of geometry and mathematics. These contributions thus show Indian intellectual power but also its profound influence on international mathematical developments. They indicate India’s ancient civilizations’ magnificence whose legacies still persist in human comprehension and advancement today.
Hindu Dharma is profoundly pragmatic. We revere the elements around us — the air as Vayu, water as Varuna, trees and plants as Aranyani, and rain as Indra. Our ancient scholars excelled in the fields of medicine, astronomy, and more. Art and culture have always been at the heart of Hindu Dharma, as exemplified by architectural marvels like the Kailashnath Temple in Kanchipuram, a structure dating back five millennia.
The sudden destruction we witness today begs the question: how did foreigners come to rule over us? Were they inherently more powerful than us? The truth is, their strength did not lie in sheer might but in exploiting our internal divisions. As Hindus, we are divided by castes and sects; and as citizens of our country, we are further fragmented by different Dharmic faiths.
This fragmentation has led to a shifting allegiance, with each group vying for superiority over others. When foreign powers arrived, they capitalized on these divisions, inciting discord and ultimately seizing control. They looted our wealth, shattered our unity, and left us in disarray. But despite of being so much divided their was instances where whole Bharat was one and fought to win.
One notable instance was The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence was a rare case of unity in diversity between different communities and religions during British colonialism in India. In spite of having cultural and religious differences, Indians were able to set aside their differences and unite against colonial rule by the British.
This uprising brought together people from all walks of life; soldiers, peasants, and princely states came together with a common goal towards attaining independence regardless of their diverse backgrounds. While this revolt was eventually quelled, it underscored the mightiness of joint action leading to other movements targeting the British in India later on. Subhas Chandra Bose organized an army called The Indian National Army (INA) during World War II, which meant to free India from the clutches of British rule.
INA included soldiers who belonged to different races and religions that encompassed Muslims, Hindus Sikhs among others. This group resisted colonialism along with the Japanese military forces hence exemplifying solidarity for freedom struggle. These instances remind us that we are ONE again; they rekindle our self-esteem as well as strength within us.
Life has presented us with numerous opportunities to unite, yet we persist in emphasizing our differences. It is time to cherish the land that has nurtured us and embrace our unique Bharatiya culture. Our diversity is not a weakness but a beautiful tapestry that defines us as a nation.
As the famous Spanish philosopher Santayana once said, “Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” Let us heed these words and strive for unity, for in unity lies our strength and resilience as a people.
So, let’s be unite & make Bharat great again.
–Sudhanshu Malviya
