Vyavaharik Hindu Rashtra ki Avdharna

The Concept of Practical Hindu Rashtra

By Upananda Brahmachari

Let’s discuss the concept of a practical Hindu Rashtra (Nation) in India. The idea of a Hindu nation is often misunderstood, and it’s essential to understand its true meaning and significance. A Hindu Rashtra doesn’t imply imposing a particular orthodox ideology or suppressing other communities. Instead, it means creating a society that reflects the cultural, spiritual, and philosophical values of Sanatan Vedic Hinduism, which are universal.

The concept of a Rashtra- Nation is as ancient as the Vedas, which describe it as the holistic development of all living beings and nature. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad says in the lineage of Vedas- “Om Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu, Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu, Sarvesham Poornam Bhavatu, Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Hi” ” (May there be good health, happiness and well-being in all. May there be peace in all. Everyone must become complete or whole at each stage. Everyone must come under auspiciousness. This creation may realize the peace in past, present and future.) – which reflects this idea. The Hindu nation concept is rooted in Indian culture and protects the well-being of all living beings, nature, and culture in a very holistic way of divinity found everywhere.

The concept of a nation, like Sanatan Dharma, is also eternal because it originates from the concept of nation embedded in the Vedas. The Yajurveda’s Rashtra Sooktam describes the nation as the holistic development of all living beings and nature, including the subjects. The Hindu mantra “Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be healthy) reflects this idea.

The Vedic concept of nation is rooted in the idea of promoting the welfare of all living beings and nature. As stated in the Yajurveda, “Ā brahmabrahmaṇo brahmavarcasī jāyatām, rājanyaḥ śūra iṣavyo ‘tivyādhi mahāratho jāyatām, dogdhrī dhenurvodhānavān āśuḥ saptī purandhiryoṣā jiṣṇu ratheṣṭhāḥ sabheyo yuvā sya yajamānasya vīro jāyatām, nikāme nikāme naḥ parjanyo varṣatu, phalavatyona oṣadhayaḥ pacyantām, yogakṣemo naḥ kalpātām.” (Shukla Yayurveda /22)

Translation:

“May the Brāhmaṇas be born with brilliance in the nation,

May the Kṣatriyas be born as brave warriors and skilled archers,

May the cows be fertile and abundant,

May the horses be swift and strong,

May the women be wise and noble,

May the heroes be born in the family of the yajamāna,

May it rain in abundance at the right time,

May the crops be fruitful and ripe,

May we have all that we need for our well-being.”

This verse is a prayer for the well-being and prosperity of the Nation-Rashtra, seeking blessings for various sections of society, including Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, cows, horses, women, and the yajamāna’s family. It also asks for timely rain, fruitful crops, and overall well-being.

The concept of nation is also mentioned in other Hindu scriptures, such as the Manusmriti, which defines the nation as a benevolent protector of all, based on equality and natural justice. In the Devi Mahatmyam, Devi Mahamaya says, “Aham Rashtri Samgamani Vasunaam Chikitushi Prathama Yajniyanaam” (I am the gatherer of wealth, the first among those worthy of worship).

Thus, our concept of nation is deeply spiritual. Nation-building and nation-protection are our duties. Our goal is to be a nation of supreme prosperity. Sri Aurobindo said that a country or nation is not just a collection of rivers, mountains, forests, land, humans, language, territory, or borders. Rather, a country is a living, conscious entity.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, in the national song “Vande Mataram,” describes the nation as a mother, “Tamhi Durga Dashapraharadharini Kamala Kamaladal Viharini Vanii Vidyadayini” (You are Durga, the holder of ten weapons, Kamala, who dwells in the lotus, and Vani, the giver of knowledge).

Adi Shankaracharya established four muthas in four directions, binding the nation together with the thread of Dharma.

The term “Hindu Rashtra” refers to a nation guided by the principles of Hinduism. This concept encompasses India’s cultural, spiritual, and philosophical heritage. A Hindu Rashtra is not about imposing a particular orthodox ideology but about creating a society that values tolerance, compassion, and coexistence. It’s about building a nation that reflects the cultural, spiritual, and philosophical values of Hinduism.

A Hindu nation is guided by the principles of Hinduism, which include:

1. Dharma (righteousness and morality)
2. Ahimsa (non-violence and compassion)
3. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (treating the world as one family)
4. Sanskriti Samvardhan (Cultural preservation)

A practical Hindu nation would apply these principles in various aspects of life, such as:

1. Education: Incorporating traditional Indian values and knowledge systems
2. Governance: Promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability
3. Economy: Encouraging sustainable economic practices and social welfare
4. Environment: Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development

Implementing a practical Hindu nation would require addressing several challenges, including:

1. Diversity and inclusivity: Ensuring that the rights and interests of all communities are respected.
2. Modernization and tradition: Balancing modernization with traditional values and practices.
3. Globalization: Preserving India’s unique cultural identity while engaging with the global community.

The concept of a practical Hindu nation in India is about building a society that reflects the cultural, spiritual, and philosophical values of Hinduism. It’s about promoting tolerance, compassion, and coexistence. By understanding and applying the principles of a Hindu nation, we can create a more harmonious and prosperous society.

However, the idea of a Hindu nation is often met with resistance from secular groups who oppose the concept solely to maintain the term “secular,” which implies a separation of religion from state affairs. But India is a land of spirituality and faith, where Hinduism and Indian culture are deeply intertwined.

The term “secular” is defined by dictionaries as being unrelated to spiritual or religious matters. However, in the context of India, it’s essential to recognize the significance of spirituality and faith in shaping the nation’s identity.

Some people, including secular politicians and left intellectuals, have sought to undermine the concept of a Hindu nation or a nation guided by spiritual principles. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage and promoting a society that values tolerance, compassion, and coexistence.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, “secular” means “not connected with religious or spiritual matters.” Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the belief that religion should not be involved in the ordinary social and political activities of a country.” However, India is a land of spirituality and faith, where Hinduism and Indian culture are deeply intertwined. So, the term of Secular is not a fit thing in a Dharmik Bharat after all.

The concept of secularism in India is often understood differently than in the West. In India, the terms “Rashtra Dharma” (Duty of the Nation in living entity) and “Dharma Rashtra” (a nation guided by Dharma) highlight the importance of spirituality and morality in governance. While “Rashtra Dharma” refers to the duties of the ruler towards the welfare of all living beings and the environment, “Dharma Rashtra” represents an ideal state guided by the principles of Dharma.

The Western concept of secularism, which separates religion from state affairs, should not be directly applicable to India. In India, the nation is considered a living entity with a deep connection to spirituality, and welfare. Here, Dharma is seen as the guiding force for governance, rather than the state controlling religion.

Some secularists in India argue that religion and state should be separate, and that mixing religion with governance can be toxic. However, this perspective may not fully understand the unique cultural and spiritual context of India, where Dharma is an integral part of the nation’s identity and the benevolent factor.

I recently came across a secular comment that stated, “Statecraft and religion are two different things. When religion gets involved in statecraft, it becomes toxic, and if allowed to continue, we’ll end up like Syria or Sudan.” This secular concept views nation and religion as separate entities, which differs from the actual concept of nation and religion in India.

The Western notion of statecraft and religion may not be applicable to India. In India, two terms – Rashtra Dharma (Duty of Nation as living entity) and Dharma Rashtra (a nation guided by Dharma) – are highly relevant. Although these terms use the same components interchangeably, their meanings differ. Rashtra Dharma refers to the duties and responsibilities of the ruler towards the holistic development of the people, including the welfare of all living beings and the environment. On the other hand, Dharma Rashtra represents an ideal state guided by the principles of Dharma, embodying supreme and proportional qualities and righteousness.

The Western approach to statecraft, based on vested interests, differs significantly from the Indian concept of governance guided by Dharma. In the West, the state is viewed as an inanimate entity, whereas in India, the nation is considered a living entity with a higher consciousness. In India, Dharma is the guiding force for managing the nation, rather than the state controlling religion.

So, Dharma (commonly called religion) is not poison in the periphery of nation operations. Here, nation operations refer to state management and ruling the state not by King or Prime Minister, President, etc., but through Dharma. Our Ram Rajya had the control of Muni Rishis like Guruvar Vasishtha, Vishwamitra, etc., as inspiration.

But, in short, what is this, Dharma? Yes, this must be understood first, until the matter of combining Nation and Dharma becomes clear. Dharma refers to the properties of matter and attributes of conscious and superconscious, which are never man-made. Our Hindu scriptures have codified all these in Vedas and other scriptures as policy, discipline, and philosophy. You cannot change the properties of water or fire. Also, the properties or righteousness of man are completely humanity.

This concept of Dharma is distinct from religions like Islam or Christianity. Hindus understand Dharma as a universal concept of humanity, which we call Sanatan (eternal, not man-made) or Hindu (i.e., righteousness… Hinaani Gunani Dushyati Iti Hindu… whoever rejects evil is a Hindu). In other words, Dharma is deeply rooted in spirituality and has no animosity, hatred, or crime.

Our Dharma is based on 1. Gunas of Karma (results of action), 2. Four Ashramas (Brahmacharya, Garhasthya, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa), 3. Four Varnas… division of work not based on birth but giving importance to merit… i.e., Brahmins (teachers and policy makers), Kshatriyas (kings and warriors), Vaishyas (agriculture, industry, merchant class), and Shudras (labour and all other social service sectors), and 4. Purusharth… i.e., a way of life starting from Dharma and going through two stages of Artha and Kama to reach Moksha. So, then how can Dharma in the Indian concept ever be harmful in our biological and spiritual life? It is bliss in the process of nation order. In the Indian concept, Dharma is an inseparable part of the nation. It is not poisonous, but it has the power to destroy poison from the individual and system components of the state. Here, Dharma is the basic component for managing the nation as manifested from the core principle of humanity and spirituality.

So, any secular concept like ‘when religion enters the polity, it becomes poisonous and if it is allowed to continue, we will become like Syria or Sudan’ is a result of Islamic analysis of the situation. It is absurd in the Indian context. One who fears Hindu Rashtra should not be too much concerned with the concept of Hindu Dharma Rashtra. The panacea of Hinduism can revive humanity, and it is believed that most nations will embrace the light, air, and wave of India. So, Islamists, Evangelists, Communists, and especially Secularists who have no religion can spoil any state or rather humanity by using false Religion or Mazhab. But under Hinduism, human civilization and state are safe. It never discriminates between majority and minority. In a Hindu Rashtra minorities are safe as they learn to respect majority mutually. In fact, the establishment of a Dharma-Sanskritik (righteous & cultural), Samvidhanik (constitutional), and Sarvabhoum (sovereign) Hindu Rashtra in India is the solution to all problems.

However, we should think about a basic obstacle to creating Dharma Rashtra in India. Secularism is that terrible opposing and harmful force mentioned earlier. Many of us do not care about the tampering done with the Constitution by the Congress at the time of emergency, including the introduction of two words, “secular” and “socialist,” through the 42nd amendment. Not only this, but what was the situation under the rule of the Congress, when the law established by the Supreme Court in the Shahbanu case was challenged and ridiculed by the Parliament under the control of the Congress. Now, we must make another amendment in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution to replace the very harmful words like “secular” and “socialist.” In place of “secular,” we must put the word “Hindu,” which is all-pervasive, all-beneficial, and our most prominent and well-known identity; and “humanity” will replace the word “socialist.” Unfortunately, Russia, China, and the communist clan have already defamed and degraded the word “socialist” too much.

We must make our Constitution so sacred that no one can pollute it further, nor can it be made a point of majority-minority conflict. The only way to make India glorious, prosperous, and victorious against all evils is to make it Hindu. Sanatan Vedic Hindu Dharma is to be made a nation, and that too in a cultural, constitutional, and spiritual way. Here, we must uphold the concept of Hindu, Hindutva, and Hindu Rashtra from the ideals of four revolutionaries of modern India: 1. Swami Vivekananda, who said, “I am proud to call myself a Hindu.” 2. Lokmanya Tilak, who said, “Swaraj is my birthright” (his Swarajya was influenced by Hindu Padpadshahi od Chaatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as directed by his Mentor Samarth Swami Ramdas ). 3. Dr. Hedgewar, who said, “Hindu Rashtra is my birthright.” And 4. Veer Savarkar, who said, “Politicize Hindus, militarize Hindudom, and make Hindu Rashtra always prosperous, glorious, and victorious.” This integrated concept of Hindutva should be the criterion of Hindu Rashtra.

Here, we should add something more to the RSS concept of Hindu Rashtra. Only the ‘cultural Hindu Rashtra’ concept is not a practical solution to Hindu Rashtra in India. Hindus should fight for the real concept of Hindu Rashtra in India as a cultural, constitutional, and spiritual (religious) Hindu Rashtra. We are happy to know that, leaving the RSS, many Hindu organizations like Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Sanatan Sanstha, AntarRashtiya Hindu Parishad, and Hindu Mahasabha have demanded a constitutional Hindu Rashtra in India in various public meetings. There is no other option than this. In a Hindu Rashtra, cow slaughter, love jihad, land jihad, conversion, starvation, corruption, appeasement, molestation, and rape of women cannot happen. Imagining a Hindu Rashtra with all these evils is not a practical Hindu Rashtra. So, we should demand a Hindu Rashtra, a cultural-constitutional-sovereign Hindu Rashtra, which can stop all these evils, and all the Hindu organizations should support it.

There are two options in India for the future: Hindu Rashtra or Islamic State. If the matter is put to a referendum, the citizens of India will give overwhelming consent for Hindu Rashtra. In another simple logic, why are Hindus denied the right to their own state? In this world, there are more than 100 Christian states, more than 50 Islamic states, more than 10 Buddhist states, and even one Jewish state. Then why do Hindus not have any Hindu state on the world map? Hindus must and clearly reclaim the rights of the Hindu nation in India.

In response to the seculars, a Hindutva activist on social media slapped the seculars with his comment, “The highest socio-political-economic growth in India is possible only by the manifestation of Hindutva in India. Indians have tasted Congress, Communists, Kejriwal, Secularism, Corruption, Consumerism, Azaadi, Right to kiss in public, Beef Fest on streets, Award Wapsi, Candle lighting for Yakub Memon, Not in My Name Gangs and many more. Enough is enough. Now this time, we must show the courage of real Hindustan and establish Hindu Rashtra in Bharat i.e. India without any hesitation very soon.”

To create a Hindu Rashtra, we need to make another amendment in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution to replace the words “secular” and “socialist” with “Hindu” and “humanity,” respectively. The concept of Hindu Rashtra should be upheld from the ideals of four revolutionaries of modern India: Swami Vivekananda, Lokmanya Tilak, Dr. Hedgewar, and Veer Savarkar.

This integrated concept of Hindutva should be the criterion of Hindu Rashtra. Only the ‘cultural Hindu Rashtra’ concept is not a practical solution to Hindu Rashtra in India. Hindus should fight for the real concept of Hindu Rashtra in India as a cultural, constitutional, and sovereign Hindu Rashtra.

This is an important and impressive keynote for Hindu Rashtra in India. Establishment of Cultural, Constitutional and Sovereign Hindu Rashtra is the only solution to all the problems of India. This is the real roadmap of practical Hindu Rashtra in India.

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