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With the desire for public welfare, the sages created the Indian nation through their penance and hard work. While other nations were formed on a political basis, India was founded on cultural principles. Our ancient religious texts have beautifully defined this cultural unity. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji ensured the permanence of this unity by establishing four monasteries (Maths) in the four corners of India. This unity is reflected in our pilgrimages, fairs, Katha Pravachan, and other cultural traditions.
According to the verse from the Atharvaveda, “Bhadram Icchant Rishi Swar Vidayah, Tapo Diksham Upasedu Agre. Tato Rashtra, Balam, Oja Cha Jaatam Tadasme Deva Up Sam Namantu.” (भद्रं इच्छंत: ऋषय: स्वर विदायः, तपो दीक्षां उपसेदु अग्रे। ततो राष्ट्रं, बलम, ओज: च जातम तदस्मे देवा: उप सं नमन्तु।।), with the desire for public welfare, the sages created the Indian nation through their penance and hard work. While other nations were formed on a political basis, India was founded on cultural principles. Our ancient religious texts have beautifully defined this cultural unity. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji ensured the permanence of this unity by establishing four monasteries (Maths) in the four corners of India. This unity is reflected in our pilgrimages, fairs, Katha Pravachan, and other cultural traditions.
India is an ancient, culturally rich, and great nation. To create confusion, some have referred to it as a new nation or a conglomeration of many nations (subcontinent). However, India was not only an ancient nation but also a global leader in various
India had earned a top position in knowledge, science, art, economy, and education. Indian culture has always spread the message of welfare, harmony, and tolerance. Swami Vivekananda echoed this message before the world at the Chicago World Religion Conference
fields. India had earned a top position in knowledge, science, art, economy, and education. Indian culture has always spread the message of welfare, harmony, and tolerance. Swami Vivekananda echoed this message before the world at the Chicago World Religion Conference. The famous politician leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia described Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Lord Shiva as the foundation of India’s unity. The renowned economic historian Angus Maddison, in his research, World Economy: A Millennial Perspective, stated that “India was the economic superpower of the world from the first century to the 17th century.” In The Beautiful Tree, scholar Dharampal Ji highlighted India’s exceptional education system based on archival records stored in London. Education in India provided equal opportunities to all without discrimination. India also excelled in women’s education, science, and industry. Recognizing India as an ancient democracy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the country as the “Mother of Democracy.” This glorious and great India makes every Indian proud.
India is the most populous country in the world, with a population of approximately 140 crores residing across its vast landscape, spanning from north to south and east to west. This vast expanse has contributed to immense diversity in geography, climate, language, color, caste, attire, food, and customs. Each region has its own dialects and social structures. There are also divisions within caste groups and tribal communities across different regions, such as the Himalayas, North-East India, Eastern India, and South India. Unfortunately, political leaders and divisive forces have attempted to exploit these diversities to serve their vested interests. However, India exemplifies unity in diversity, making this diversity a unifying force rather than a dividing one.
The unity that sages, great leaders, revolutionaries, writers, and poets have long cherished is what Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has sought to reaffirm through the ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. This initiative aims to instill a shared sense of unity among 140 crore Indians. PM Shri Modi has not only announced ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat but has also launched several programs at governmental and societal levels.
The Education Department introduced an innovative experiment called Bhasha Sangam to familiarize students with different Indian languages. Additionally, the Bhasha Sangam app enables people to learn multiple languages. Such initiatives allow students from one state to understand the language and culture of another, fostering national integration. Moreover, the Indian government, under the leadership of PM Shri Modi, has established study and research centers in prestigious international universities to promote Indian languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, and Pali.
Kashi holds a revered place in the hearts of all Indians. Known as a city of gods and scholars, it is home to Lord Shankar in the form of Kashi Vishwanath. Scholars from the South consider it an honor to visit Kashi. Rameswaram and Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu, which highlight Kashi’s significance, are referred to as the “Kashi of the South.” Tamil Nadu has over 100 temples named after Kashi. So, the Kashi Tamil Sangam is a remarkable initiative that fosters a deep connection between Tamil
The Education Department introduced an innovative experiment called Bhasha Sangam to familiarize students with different Indian languages. Additionally, the Bhasha Sangam app enables people to learn multiple languages
Nadu and Kashi, allowing thousands of Tamil devotees to experience the essence of unity. Similarly, the Saurashtra Tamil Sangam has been organized to strengthen the bond between western and southern India. Another notable initiative, Yuva Sangam, enables youth from different states to travel and experience the nation’s inherent unity firsthand.
During the Mann Ki Baat program, PM Shri Modi personally shared inspiring stories and educational experiences of participating students. Furthermore, respecting Sikh sentiments and faith, the government has undertaken the renovation of the Lakhpat Gurudwara in Gujarat and organized the Lakhpat Gurunanak Darshan Yatra to connect Punjab and Gujarat.
At the consecration ceremony of Lord Shri Ram in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the Prime Minister symbolically connected North and South India by commencing his rituals from Panchvati and visiting all major temples of the South. The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which brings together saints from all Sanatan traditions and pilgrims from every Indian state, embodies this spirit of unity. The installation of Sengol in the newly elected Parliament on May 28, 2023, further signifies this unity. The new education policy also encourages students to explore linguistic unity under Bharat Shreshtha Bharat through activities focused on “The Languages of India.”
In Mann Ki Baat, PM Shri Modi frequently remembers great leaders from different states, shares wisdom from ancient scriptures, and highlights sayings in multiple Indian languages—all reinforcing the bond of national unity. Under his leadership, the BJP has celebrated the foundation days of different states across India, bringing together communities and fostering a sense of intimacy within society. He has also encouraged social media users to communicate in one additional Indian language alongside their native language and English. While other political parties often resort to divisive politics, PM Shri Modi is strengthening India’s unity and collective national identity.
(The writer is the BJP National Jt. General Secretary (Organisation))