Mr. Ramachandran’s setubandhan was not solely intended to pave the way for the struggle to reclaim Mayasita. If that had been the only objective, Sri Ramachandran, the sage of three births, could have foreseen the peril and fashioned a suitable protective shield for the goddess when ‘Marichan appeared as a captivating golden figure.’ In reality, Dasharatha’s son employed the Rana Tantra to summon demonic forces to oppose Dharma, concealing the authentic Sita while leaving Maya Sita vulnerable to Ravana’s malevolence. The setubandhan marked the preparation stage for the unavoidable confrontation between Rama and Ravana. During this period, the invasion of Asura forces from Sri Lanka to Kishkinda and the realms of Janaka, Dasharatha, and others was in full force. Forest inhabitants, monkeys, sages, and ascetics suffered greatly under the ruthless aggression of the invading Rakshasas. The setubandhan depicted in ancient Indian lore was established to facilitate the chariot race essential for that anti-invasion effort.
The modern proposition of Bridging South to South India, suggested by the ideological faction of nationalism, represents a careful initiative aimed at shaping and bolstering the positive efforts to counteract the aggression of the occupying forces. The seminar held in Kerala in 2023 by a media group labeled Cutting South has merely turned into a quick-response mechanism through ‘Bridging South’. In December 2023, an intellectual meeting of ‘Kesari’ Weekly in Delhi unmasked those who were paid to undermine South India. Nevertheless, the path towards the vision of ‘Eka Bharatam Shrestha Bharatam’ is still lengthy. This sets the backdrop for holding an ideological gathering under the aegis of ‘Kesari’ today (August 29), with ‘Bridging South’ as the focal topic. The theme of the conclave is ‘Cultural Unity through Pilgrimage & Tourism’.
India is abundant in diversity, whether in its southern or northern borders, or in its eastern or western regions. A broad-minded nationalist intellectual community should not hesitate to recognize this truth and celebrate diversity in geography, art, literature, and religion. There is no necessity to race in the dark. The reality is that, despite such diversity, a fundamental cultural unity persists. There may be tributaries, small streams, or vast rivers crisscrossing the sacred land of Ek Bharata. Yet both banks share the same source of water. Is it not a noble endeavor to construct a bridge allowing those who have nurtured their lives on the flora and agricultural traditions thriving on both sides to travel and unite?
Dr. India is endowed with a profound cultural unity, even amidst its diversity. Ambedkar emphasized this in a paper delivered at an anthropology seminar at Columbia University in America. “Anthropologically, all peoples are diverse. Homogeneity implies cultural unity. With this perspective, it can be asserted that no country can rival the Indian subcontinent regarding cultural unity. It possesses more than mere geographic coherence. Above all, there exists a deeper and more fundamental unity.” Dr. Ambedkar articulated such thoughts after assessing the depths of India’s cultural unity, which securely binds one end of the land to the other. It serves as a heartening reminder for Indian society as it prepares for Sethu Bandhan.
Adi Shankara, Vivekananda, and Aurobindo Maharishi have brilliantly illustrated this in a spiritual framework. In contrast, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s contribution explored the potential for national reconstruction within that monoculture. Ambedkar’s notion of cultural unity was highlighted by Savarkar through a form of cultural nationalism termed ‘Hindutvam’. Savarkar’s ideology aims to establish the political foundation of an independent India upon that cultural nationalism.
In 1922, Savarkar unveiled the ‘Essentials of Hindutva’ and provided precise definitions, making a significant contribution to the world with his work. Its concluding line states: “Even small nations like Spain and Portugal, where we can trace the presence of only a few elements that represent Hindu nationalism, have managed to achieve prominence as major powers! Yet, given that all these positive elements exist here, what can the Hindu society not achieve in the world?”
“When thirty crores of people regard India as their Karmabhoomi, their sacred land, their homeland, when they have a grand history behind them, and when they are bound by a shared blood and culture, they can establish terms with the world. A day will inevitably arrive when mankind will have to confront that power. “It is also certain that when the Hindu community attains such a stature—when it can articulate its terms to the world—those terms will not greatly diverge from the dictates of the Gita or the teachings of the Buddha.”
In the words of Veera Savarkar, peace and tranquility will prevail if Indian nationalism flourishes. Since independent India has not demonstrated signs of evolving into such a global force, the occupying powers have focused on sustaining sporadic assaults against this nation until recently. The organized anti-India struggle has yet to reach its conclusion.
However, in 2014, 92 years after Veera Savarkar charted the path forward from Varanasi to Indraprastha, the landscape changed when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India. India found its identity and began to progress. The economy transformed dramatically, and integrated development became visible. The manner in which India engages with the world also changed, giving rise to a new narrative for the country that resonated worldwide.
Thus, India grew robust enough to occupy a decisive role in shaping the world’s trajectory. Modi stated from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2024 that India’s message to the world is one of peace, not conflict, reflecting the tenets of Buddha. Throughout the Modi era, India has set an example for developing nations, offering a path to liberate themselves from the exploitation of America, China, and other developed countries, positioning itself as a challenge to the exploitative powers. This situation has incited America and China to turn against India, both covertly and openly. Along with them, India’s neighbor, Pakistan, and anti-national forces, always seeking opportunities for religious invasion, have also expressed concern over the Hindu community’s strengthened defensive posture. In service to such external interests, alliances have formed among the communists, Islamic extremists, and proselytizers within the country, collaborating with India’s adversaries to divide the nation. Their rallying cry is to fight until India’s destruction. These are the individuals advocating for the dismemberment of Assam and the northeastern states. They also support separatism in Kashmir. Their ulterior goal is the disintegration of South India (‘Cutting South’). Bridging South serves as an alternative to that.
Understanding Mr. Ramachandran’s Setubandhan: A Cultural and Historical Perspective
Mr. Ramachandran’s Setubandhan extends beyond recovering Mayasita; it’s steeped in rich history and cultural significance. Historical narratives suggest that Dasharatha’s son invoked demonic forces through Rana Tantra, setting the stage for an epic battle against Ravana. This period was marked by Asura aggression, showcasing the resilience of the forest dwellers, monkeys, sages, and ascetics facing these formidable foes. The legendary Setubandhan served as a symbolic and literal bridge for the impending confrontation between good and evil, facilitating the chariot race needed in the anti-invasion struggle.
The Modern Conception of Bridging South India
In contemporary contexts, the initiative of Bridging South to South India emerges as a nationalistic response to resist foreign aggression. A recent seminar in Kerala, held by a media group criticized for its affiliations, discussed ‘Bridging South’ as a method of cultural unification against divisive ideologies. Despite its challenging path, the aspiration for ‘Eka Bharatam Shrestha Bharatam’ reflects an ongoing commitment to cultural unity amidst diversity.
Cultural Unity Against Diversity
India’s strength lies in its diversity—geographical, artistic, literary, and religious. Recognizing this diversity while celebrating an underlying cultural unity is paramount. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized, while anthropological diversity is evident, India’s cultural unity is profound and unmatched globally. This unity extends from one end of India to the other, prompting the vitality of initiatives like Setubandhan, which serve as a metaphorical bridge connecting disparate communities across the nation.
Historical Perspectives of Cultural Unity
Prominent figures like Adi Shankara, Vivekananda, and Aurobindo Maharishi articulated this unity from spiritual perspectives. Furthermore, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar emphasized cultural nationalism—’Hindutvam’—as a foundational element for India’s reconstruction. His contributions in the 1922 publication, ‘Essentials of Hindutva,’ poignantly illustrated how a unified cultural identity could empower Indian society.
Key Quotes from Savarkar
“When thirty crores of people have India as their Karmabhoomi, their sacred land, they can set terms with the world.”
Challenges to National Identity and Growth
Despite the rich cultural heritage and unity, India has faced numerous adversities, particularly after gaining independence. The ideologies of secessionists and extremisms have threatened this unity. The years following India’s independence have required vigilance against organized anti-national forces seeking to exploit division.
The Shift in National Dynamics Post-2014
With the emergence of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister in 2014, India embraced a distinct transformation. This shift has enabled the nation to reclaim its identity and pursue an ambitious developmental agenda. Economic reforms have transformed fundamental structures, allowing India to assert its role on the global stage. Modi’s message on India’s Independence Day 2024—echoing Buddha’s principles of peace—served to reaffirm India’s commitment to non-aggression while forging strategic alliances.
The Response to External Aggression
India’s newfound posture under Modi has incited opposition from global powers such as the USA and China, alongside their allies, including Pakistan. The internal unity against these external forces has become crucial. Groups within India that aim to destabilize this unity must be acknowledged and addressed, emphasizing initiatives like ‘Bridging South’ as antidotes to divisive narratives.
Case Studies: The Power of Cultural Unity
| Event | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| National Integration Day | 1986 | Promoted unity and understanding among diverse cultures in India. |
| Sethu Bandhan Campaign | 2023 | Focused on creating links between southern states, fostering cultural exchange. |
| Kerala Tourism Initiatives | 2021 | Highlighted multicultural heritage to promote tourism. |
Benefits of Cultural Unity in India
- Strengthened National Identity: A cohesive cultural narrative bolsters national pride.
- Economic Development: Enhanced tourism and participation in global economies.
- Social Harmony: Reduction in communal tensions through understanding and collaboration.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes learning and appreciation among diverse communities.
Practical Steps for Enhancing Cultural Unity
- Encourage Dialogue: Host seminars and meetings to foster discussions among different cultural groups.
- Promote Festivals: Celebrate regional festivals to honor cultural diversity.
- Support Inter-State Collaboration: Facilitate projects that promote cultural exchange between states.
- Enhance Tourism: Develop tourism initiatives focusing on cultural heritage sites.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As India navigates the complexities of contemporary society, the essence of cultural unity, as highlighted through the themes of Setubandhan, remains vital. This initiative not only symbolizes historical narratives but also paves the way forward in our modern quest for unity in diversity.