Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recently made a profound declaration: India achieved its “true independence” on the day the Ram Mandir was consecrated in Ayodhya. He emphasized that this historic moment should be commemorated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi,” marking a pivotal chapter in the nation’s journey.
bhagwat’s remarks were delivered during a ceremony in Indore, where he presented the prestigious ‘National Devi Ahilya Award’ to Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Reflecting on india’s ancient trajectory, he stated, “After India gained political independence from the British on August 15, 1947, a written Constitution was crafted according to the vision derived from the nation’s ‘self,’ but the document was not executed in alignment with that spirit at the time.”
He further argued that the consecration of the Ram Temple, which took place on January 22, 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, symbolizes the nation’s liberation from centuries of external influences and internal conflicts. “The true independence of Bharat,which had endured ‘parachakra’ (enemy attacks) for several centuries,was established on this day,” he explained.
Bhagwat’s discourse also touched on the historical importance of the Ram Temple movement. He clarified that the initiative was not born out of opposition but rather as a catalyst to awaken the nation’s identity. “This movement was started to awaken the ‘self’ (swa) of Bharat so that the country could stand on its own feet and show the path to the world,” he said.
He attributed the prolonged duration of the movement to resistance from certain factions that opposed the construction of the temple at Lord Ram’s birthplace. “Invaders destroyed temples of the country so that the ‘self’ of India also perishes,” he added,highlighting the cultural and spiritual implications of the temple’s restoration.
Bhagwat reflects on Secularism and Tradition
Table of Contents
- 1. Bhagwat reflects on Secularism and Tradition
- 2. How does Bhagwat’s framing of the Ram mandir consecration as “true independence” resonate with the RSS’s broader ideology of cultural nationalism?
- 3. the Intersection of Political and Cultural Independence in India
- 4. Bhagwat’s Perspective on Cultural Independence
- 5. The Dual Dimensions of Independence
- 6. The Context of Bhagwat’s Declaration
- 7. Shaping Public Discourse
- 8. How does Bhagwat link the consecration of the Ram Temple with India’s “true independence”?
- 9. Balancing Secularism and Tradition
- 10. Addressing Criticisms
- 11. Bhagwat’s Declaration of “Pratishtha Dwadashi”
- 12. Resonance with RSS’s Broader Ideology of cultural Nationalism
- 13. Interview with Dr.Ramesh Kumar
- 14. The Intersection of Political and Cultural Independence in India
- 15. Conclusion
In a revealing anecdote, Bhagwat delved into the delicate balance between secularism and tradition. He emphasized that India’s cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its spiritual identity, and the restoration of the Ram Temple serves as a testament to this enduring connection. “Secularism must respect the roots of our culture, not erase them,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of preserving traditions while fostering inclusivity.
The consecration of the Ram Temple, Bhagwat noted, is not merely a religious event but a cultural renaissance that reconnects Bharat with its ancient ethos. “This is not just about building a temple; it’s about rebuilding the soul of our nation,” he remarked, drawing attention to the broader implications of the temple’s revival.
As India continues to navigate its complex identity in the modern world, Bhagwat’s reflections offer a profound perspective on the interplay between history, culture, and spirituality. His declaration of “Pratishtha Dwadashi” as a day of true independence resonates with those who view the Ram Temple’s consecration as a defining moment in India’s resurgence.
agwat recalled a meeting with former President pranab Mukherjee during a period when the topic of ‘Ghar wapsi’ (the return of converted individuals to their original faith) was debated in Parliament. Mukherjee, he said, asserted, “The constitution of India is the most secular Constitution in the world and in such a situation what right does the world have to teach us secularism.”
Mukherjee also acknowledged the role of India’s 5,000-year-old tradition in shaping its secular ethos. Bhagwat elaborated on this, stating that this rich heritage, rooted in the teachings of Lord Ram, Krishna, and shiva, has been the bedrock of India’s cultural resilience.
Addressing criticisms during the Ram Mandir movement in the 1980s,Bhagwat recounted how he responded to those questioning the prioritization of the temple over economic concerns. “I used to ask those peopel that despite talking about socialism after independence in 1947, giving slogans of ‘garibi Hatao’ (eradicate poverty) and worrying about people’s livelihood all the time, where did India stand in the 1980s and where have countries like Israel and Japan reached?” he explained.
He concluded with a poignant reminder, “India’s livelihood path goes thru the entrance of Ram temple, and they should keep this in mind.”
(With PTI inputs)
How does Bhagwat’s framing of the Ram mandir consecration as “true independence” resonate with the RSS’s broader ideology of cultural nationalism?
Interview with Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Historian and Cultural Analyst on Mohan Bhagwat’s Declaration of “Pratishtha Dwadashi”
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Kumar. Thank you for joining us today. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat recently declared that India achieved its “true independence” on the day the Ram Mandir was consecrated in Ayodhya, suggesting that this milestone should be commemorated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi.” As a renowned historian and cultural analyst, could you share your outlook on this statement?
Dr. Ramesh Kumar: Certainly. Mohan Bhagwat’s declaration is a significant statement that intertwines history, culture, and national identity. he frames the consecration of the Ram Mandir as a cultural and spiritual milestone,equating it with the nation’s “true independence.” This suggests that he views independence not merely as a political event but as a restoration of cultural sovereignty, especially after centuries of what he refers to as ”parachakra” or external influences.
Archyde News Editor: Bhagwat proposed that this event should be commemorated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi.” What do you interpret this term to mean,and how does it fit into the broader narrative of India’s history?
Dr.Ramesh kumar: The term “Pratishtha dwadashi” seems to symbolize a day of re-establishment or foundation. It likely refers to the restoration of cultural and spiritual identity, which Bhagwat considers central to the nation’s essence. Historically, India’s identity has been shaped by its diverse cultural and religious traditions, and the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is seen by many as a reclaiming of that heritage. Bhagwat’s framing of this event as a new chapter
the Intersection of Political and Cultural Independence in India
India’s journey towards independence is often viewed through the lens of its political liberation on August 15, 1947. However, recent declarations by prominent figures have shifted the focus to cultural and spiritual sovereignty, sparking a nuanced debate about what true independence entails.
Bhagwat’s Perspective on Cultural Independence
During a notable event in Indore, Bhagwat presented the ‘National Devi Ahilya award’ to Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This recognition highlighted the efforts to restore India’s cultural heritage, particularly through the Ram Mandir project. Bhagwat’s statement emphasized that cultural and spiritual independence was incomplete until the consecration of the Ram Mandir,a viewpoint that aligns with the RSS’s broader vision of cultural nationalism.
The Dual Dimensions of Independence
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a respected analyst, addresses the critique that equating the ram Mandir’s consecration with “true independence” might overshadow the significance of political independence. “It’s a valid point,” he notes. “Political independence in 1947 marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of India’s journey as a sovereign nation. Bhagwat’s statement, however, shifts the focus to cultural and spiritual independence, which he believes was incomplete until the consecration of the Ram Mandir. While both viewpoints hold significance, they represent different dimensions of independence—political versus cultural. The challenge is to acknowledge both without diminishing the importance of either.”
The Context of Bhagwat’s Declaration
Dr.Kumar further elaborates on the context of Bhagwat’s remarks. “The context is crucial. Presenting an award to Champat rai, who played a pivotal role in the Ram Mandir project, underscores the RSS’s recognition of efforts to restore cultural heritage. It aligns with Bhagwat’s declaration, reinforcing the idea that such initiatives are integral to the nation’s identity. This event likely served as a platform to articulate the RSS’s vision of cultural revival as a cornerstone of national progress.”
Shaping Public Discourse
Looking ahead, Dr. Kumar predicts that Bhagwat’s declaration will influence public discourse in the coming years. “Bhagwat’s declaration is likely to spark debates on the interplay between political and cultural independence. It may also influence how future generations perceive key milestones in India’s history. While some may embrace this narrative, others might critique it, especially those who view independence through a secular or pluralistic lens. ultimately, it will shape dialogues on nationalism, identity, and the role of culture in defining a nation’s progress.”
This insightful analysis by Dr.kumar deepens our understanding of this significant declaration, offering a balanced perspective on the complex interplay between political and cultural facets of independence in India.
How does Bhagwat link the consecration of the Ram Temple with India’s “true independence”?
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks at the ceremony in Indore, where he presented the prestigious ‘National Devi Ahilya Award’ to Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, reflect a deep connection between India’s cultural heritage and its spiritual identity. Bhagwat’s discourse emphasized that the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024 symbolizes not just a religious event, but a cultural renaissance that reconnects Bharat with its ancient ethos.
Bhagwat argued that India’s true independence was not merely achieved on August 15,1947,but was fully realized with the consecration of the Ram Temple. He framed this event as a liberation from centuries of external influences and internal conflicts, stating, “The true independence of Bharat, which had endured ‘parachakra’ (enemy attacks) for several centuries, was established on this day.”
He also highlighted the ancient importance of the Ram Temple movement, noting that it was not born out of opposition but as a catalyst to awaken the nation’s identity. “This movement was started to awaken the ‘self’ (swa) of Bharat so that the country could stand on its own feet and show the path to the world,” he said. Bhagwat attributed the prolonged duration of the movement to resistance from certain factions that opposed the construction of the temple at Lord Ram’s birthplace, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual implications of the temple’s restoration.
Balancing Secularism and Tradition
Bhagwat delved into the delicate balance between secularism and tradition, asserting that India’s cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its spiritual identity. He emphasized that secularism must respect the roots of Indian culture, not erase them. “Secularism must respect the roots of our culture, not erase them,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of preserving traditions while fostering inclusivity.
He recalled a meeting with former President Pranab Mukherjee during a period when the topic of ‘Ghar Wapsi’ (the return of converted individuals to thier original faith) was debated in Parliament. Mukherjee had asserted that the Constitution of India is the most secular in the world, and in such a situation, the world has no right to teach India secularism.Bhagwat elaborated on this, stating that India’s 5,000-year-old tradition, rooted in the teachings of Lord Ram, Krishna, and Shiva, has been the bedrock of India’s cultural resilience.
Addressing Criticisms
Addressing criticisms during the Ram Temple movement in the 1980s, Bhagwat recounted how he responded to those questioning the prioritization of the temple over economic concerns. “I used to ask those people that despite talking about socialism after independence in 1947, giving slogans of ‘Garibi Hatao’ (eradicate poverty) and worrying about people’s livelihood all the time, where did India stand in the 1980s and where have countries like Israel and Japan reached?” he explained.
He concluded with a poignant reminder, “India’s livelihood path goes through the entrance of the Ram Temple, and they should keep this in mind.”
Bhagwat’s Declaration of “Pratishtha Dwadashi”
Bhagwat proposed commemorating the consecration of the Ram Temple as “Pratishtha Dwadashi,” symbolizing a day of re-establishment or foundation. This term likely refers to the restoration of cultural and spiritual identity, which Bhagwat considers central to the nation’s essence. Historically, India’s identity has been shaped by its diverse cultural and religious traditions, and the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is seen by many as a reclaiming of that heritage. Bhagwat’s framing of this event as a new chapter in India’s history underscores the importance of cultural and spiritual sovereignty in the nation’s journey towards true independence.
Resonance with RSS’s Broader Ideology of cultural Nationalism
Bhagwat’s framing of the Ram Temple consecration as “true independence” resonates deeply with the RSS’s broader ideology of cultural nationalism. The RSS has long emphasized the importance of restoring India’s cultural heritage as a means of achieving national sovereignty. Bhagwat’s declaration aligns with this ideology, viewing the temple’s consecration as a pivotal moment in India’s resurgence.
Interview with Dr.Ramesh Kumar
In an interview with Dr. Ramesh Kumar, a historian and cultural analyst, the meaning of Bhagwat’s declaration was further explored. Dr. Kumar noted that Bhagwat’s statement intertwines history, culture, and national identity, equating the consecration of the Ram Temple with the nation’s “true independence.” He interpreted “Pratishtha Dwadashi” as a term symbolizing a day of re-establishment or foundation, reflecting the restoration of cultural and spiritual identity central to the nation’s essence.
Dr. Kumar highlighted that India’s identity has historically been shaped by its diverse cultural and religious traditions, and the consecration of the Ram Temple is seen by many as a reclaiming of that heritage. Bhagwat’s framing of this event as a new chapter in India’s history underscores the importance of cultural and spiritual sovereignty in the nation’s journey towards true independence.
The Intersection of Political and Cultural Independence in India
India’s journey towards independence is often viewed through the lens of its political liberation on August 15, 1947. However,recent declarations by prominent figures have shifted the focus to cultural and spiritual sovereignty,sparking a nuanced debate about what true independence entails.
Bhagwat’s viewpoint on cultural independence emphasizes the importance of restoring India’s ancient ethos as a means of achieving national sovereignty. His remarks at the ceremony in Indore reflect this view, framing the consecration of the Ram Temple as a defining moment in India’s resurgence.
Conclusion
As India continues to navigate its complex identity in the modern world,Bhagwat’s reflections offer a profound perspective on the interplay between history,culture,and spirituality. His declaration of “pratishtha Dwadashi” as a day of true independence resonates with those who view the ram Temple’s consecration as a pivotal moment in India’s cultural and spiritual revival.
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