Part two of comments from eminent people assessing and appreciating India’s civilizational contribution to the world, which is increasingly coming centerstage.
Blessed by the divine energy of its gods, goddesses and enlightened beings, as well as the wisdom of holistic systems like yoga and Ayurveda, India is a sacred reservoir of love, truth, and healing. Spanning many millennia, India has remained a rich matrix of multi-cultures and their collective goodness. It has given the world a perennial philosophy yoked to guidance on living in accordance with the laws of nature. In recent decades, the country has risen to contribute immensely at the temporal level, too, earning the sobriquet of ‘Vishwabandhu’ (friend to the entire world). Celebrating its 78th Independence Day, India’s destined role as Vishwaguru, or global spiritual leader, is becoming evident and coming into sight. With the common ethos of indigenous religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism – India embodies unity in diversity. It provides a timeless and tested framework of peace, compassion, and well-being for all. In a world marked by division and conflict, India’s wisdom illuminates the path toward a more harmonious and enlightened future.
Soaring to become true Vishwaguru
~ Preity Upala
As we approach Bharat’s 78th Independence Day, we must stop and ponder the journey of this incredible civilizational state. Over 5000 years or more to its 78th year as the largest democracy in the world, India has much to teach the world. The eternal wisdom of its spiritual ethos, Santana Dharma (Hinduism) is as relevant today as it is contemporary.
This is the Indian decade(s) and the Indian moment. She will rise and soar in the universe being the true Vishwaguru that she is karmically destined to be.
There is a famous verse in the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in the world, that says:
Ekam Sat Vipra Bahuda Vadanti, which translates to: “Truth is one; the wise call it by many names.”
This is the underlying ethos that defines India and one that we can teach the world. It is remarkable that the oldest continuing, unbroken civilization in the world has clearly stood the test of time and is clearly a framework that is sound in its foundation. There is so much India has taught the world and so much it will continue to teach. But more importantly, it is the very essence and ethos of the culture and faith that is precious and much needed in the world moving forward.
In the current state of affairs globally, with polywars, unending conflicts, and a very divided world, Bharat has demonstrated much-needed pragmatism, diplomacy, holistic leadership, and global empathy.
We are a civilization that has enough original thought and there is a deep reservoir of wisdom to draw from. We must find it within ourselves as citizens and as a nation to dig deep and proudly share it with the entire world.
Preity Upala is the CEO of the think tank Omnia Institute, on the Advisory Board of the Europe India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and hosts the show ‘The Preityverse’. As a political and cultural expert, she has appeared on CNN, Forbes, and 500 other shows. She lives in LA.
India has the heart of a mother
~ Anil Bhatnagar
While the history of the world is the story of invaders and plunderers like Huns, Genghis Khans,
Stalins, and Hitlers, who wantonly killed millions to usurp others’ kingdoms and wealth, India’s
story is inspiringly different. As a child, I was moved to tears by the story of Ramayana wherein
Bharat, who, instead of availing the opportunity to be the king, goes out in search of his brother
Ram in the forest to plead with him to return and rule the kingdom. When Ram refuses, he
returns, but instead of sitting on the throne, he keeps his footwear there.
You may call it just a story, but stories are called so only because they store the values and wisdom of a land. I have not found a similar instance of morality, brotherly love, and selflessness in any of the world’s epics. No wonder India has never attacked any country over 5,000 years of history.
Instead of coveting what belongs to others or converting others to our faith, India’s story is that of the relentless and ongoing message of love, kindness, peace, compassion, tolerance, acceptance, ahimsa, and harmonious living propagated through an unbroken chain of thinkers and gurus like Krishna, the Buddha, Mahavir, Swami Vivekananda, Ramana Maharshi, and Jiddu Krishnamurti. India has the heart of a mother. When Parsis and Jews had nowhere to go, she unconditionally accepted and assimilated them. She has selflessly given so much to the world, often without even expecting to be acknowledged. Yoga, meditation, and ayurveda (for all-round well-being); scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata and Vigyan Bhairav Tantra; the concept of zero, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus (founded by Aryabhata and Brahmagupta); dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathakali; miniature folk paintings; Indian classical music; the games of Chess and Snakes and Ladders; the architecture of ancient temples of the South; Nalanda University, the ancient center of learning; and Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela with his life dedicated to non- violence are some of India’s most significant cultural and spiritual gifts to the world.
Indian civilization’s wisdom and contribution to the world are not just about its past but also about continuing to inspire and contribute to the global pool of knowledge, culture, and philosophy.
Anil Bhatnagar, an IITian, is a corporate trainer, and an award-winning author of five books. Based in India’s capital region, he is the winner of the ICON 2022 award for spirituality and thought leadership.
Not a relic of the past, but a beacon for the future
~ Swati Arun
Imagine a world without the concept of zero, where the unity of existence is a foreign idea. This is a world devoid of the profound contributions of Indian civilization, a civilization that has woven its wisdom into the very fabric of global knowledge and culture.
India’s contributions are not just historical footnotes but living elements of today’s modern life. The zero, an Indian invention, is the cornerstone of the digital age, enabling everything from complex calculations to the technology driving our daily lives. Without it, the modern world as we know it would unravel.
In philosophy, India offers insights that transcend time and geography. The teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita explore the nature of reality, the self, and the universe, inspiring seekers of truth globally. These ancient texts propose a worldview where everything is interconnected, facilitating unity and purpose relevant in our fragmented world.
Yoga and Ayurveda, India’s holistic health systems, have revolutionized wellness. Yoga, embraced by millions worldwide, is more than poses or physical exercise; it is a path to mental clarity and spiritual growth. Ayurveda’s focus on balance and natural healing resonates with contemporary shifts toward sustainable health practices.
India’s rich cultural heritage, seen in its music, dance, art, and festivals, adds vibrant colors to the global mosaic. The rhythms of Bharatanatyam and the melodies of Indian classical music have transcended borders, uniting people in a celebration of creativity and joy.
In today’s world, where rapid technological advancements often cost spiritual and ecological balance, India’s ancient wisdom provides guiding principles. The philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence), respect for nature, and the pursuit of inner peace and knowledge are crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change, social inequality, and mental health crises. India’s civilizational wisdom is not just a relic of the past but a beacon for the future, illuminating pathways to a more balanced, compassionate, and inclusive world.
Swati Arun is Director of Social Media, Hindu American Foundation, Washington, DC
Motherhood blessed by India’s fertility temples
~ Aleta St. James
In 2002, guided by the wisdom of thoughtful American gurus and the life-altering recommendation of my spiritual mentor, Siva Baba, I embarked on a sacred pilgrimage to India. At 53, driven by an unwavering conviction that I was destined to bring twins into the world, I sought the divine energy that resided in the ancient fertility temples of India, where countless women journey in their quest to conceive.
As a master healer, I understood that the spiritual force I sought could only be found within the ritualistic sanctity of these temples.
Each site, with its sacred rites, held the power to dismantle the deepest subconscious barriers of fear, doubt, and unworthiness. Venturing through these timeless temples—Jupiter, Water, and Light—I felt like the Indiana Jones of the Soul, uncovering treasures of immense spiritual significance.
My entry into these sacred spaces was granted only through the grace of a letter from Siva Baba. The profound transformation I experienced in my heart, soul, and body set the stage for one of the most miraculous events of 2004: giving birth to my beloved twins, Gian and Francesca, at 57, on the birthday of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Abundance.
Now, at 77, I remain vibrantly alive and full of purpose, continuously drawing upon the divine spiritual energy that sustains me. Recently, I had a rare opportunity to have a private darshan with Siddhaguru, an enlightened master whose profound presence and teachings deeply resonated with me. This experience was made possible through the introduction of Neha Lohia, a gifted filmmaker and conscious storyteller. Reconnecting with this divine Hindu gateway has renewed my vitality and passion.
As an energy healer and life coach, I channel this sacred connection to help others transform their negative realities into realms of infinite possibility. I am profoundly grateful for this divine bond and, with the Guru’s blessing, I look forward to living many more years of grace and purpose.
Aleta St. James is a renowned energy healer, gifted intuitive and life coach. Author of ‘Life Shift: Let Go and Live Your Dreams’, she has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Real Housewives of New York, and the cover of New York magazine.
Lead illustration: Vedant Chopra
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Excellent Articles