Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav : A step towards Ram Rajya

Many cultures (Civilisations) have risen and fallen throughout world history; for example, the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, but despite political upheavals, foreign invasions and natural calamities, one culture has survived all this – The Sanatan culture !

‘Sanatan’ means eternal, everlasting, yet ever fresh and relevant ! Sanatan Dharma has always upheld the ideal of universal welfare. Sanatan Dharma is the very life-force of Bharat (India). So long as Sanatan Dharma was followed, Bharat was at the peak of glory; but in the past few decades, Sanatan Dharma has been deliberately subjected to ridicule. This has led to numerous familial, psychological, social, religious and national crises. Today, several individuals and organisations, sustained by international funding, are working with the sole aim of destroying Sanatan Dharma. Against this backdrop, it is essential to unite and awaken individuals, organisations and institutions dedicated to serving the Divine (God), Nation & Dharma, to protecting Sanatan Dharma.

A radiant Nation like the Ram Rajya can be established only by strengthening Sanatan Dharma. For this very purpose, the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav is being held in Goa from 17^th to 19^th May 2025.

1. The concept of ‘Sanatan Rashtra’

Sanatan principles are inherently benevolent, conducive to the worldly and spiritual upliftment of individuals, and all-encompassing. They are not limited to any specific group of people, but apply to the whole of humanity. These principles are based on justice, equality, ethics, Yoga and spiritual practice. The Vedas, Upanishads, Shrimadbhagawadgeeta, Ramayan, Mahabharat, Jnaneshwari and other Scriptures of Sanatan Dharma contain this spiritual wisdom. The ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ will be an ideal and benevolent Nation governed by these principles. In short, ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ in Kaliyug will take the form of Ram Rajya of the Tretayug.

2. The current state and the need for the foundation of Dharma

In today’s secular system, Sanatan symbols such as the cow, the Ganga, the Geeta, the Tulsi, Muths and temples are constantly being attacked. Under the guise of modernity and freedom of expression, the sacred objects of Sanatan Dharma are being insulted. Hindu religious traditions and customs are being labelled blind faith. Vedic science is being dismissed as pseudo-science. At the family level, women, who are considered Divine (Goddess-form) are no longer safe. Within families too, mutual affection and warmth have declined. Though people have become materially prosperous, they have become mentally weak; and their ability to face challenges has reduced.

The main reason for all this is the lack of strength usually obtained from abiding by Dharma, from spiritual practice and worship. Only when Dharma is the foundation can individuals, and thus, society and the Nation progress. A Bharat (India) without Dharma is nothing but a topographical region. If we wish to carry forward Bharat’s glorious legacy into the future, the protection of Dharma is absolutely essential.

3. The need for a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’

Although awareness is rising and movements are being launched in defence of Dharma, the attacks on Hindutva have not completely stopped. Black laws such as the ‘Places of Worship Act’ have blocked the path to rebuilding temples destroyed by foreign invaders. The recently passed amendments to the Waqf Act may somewhat restrict the arbitrary actions of the Waqf Board, but only time will tell when the lands unlawfully seized by religious fanatics will be freed and allowed to breathe afresh again.

Due to the grave threat of infiltration, several regions are already on the path of separating from Bharat. Since the present system is unable to firmly repel attacks on the Nation & Dharma, a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ is the need of the hour. A Nation’s progress does not depend merely on GDP or technology, it is achieved through Dharma. Hence, in Bharatiya culture, it is not the golden Lanka that is worshipped, but the Ram Rajya of Shriram.

4. The foresight of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale

Today, the term ‘Sanatan’ is widely discussed and the demand for a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is also gaining momentum.

Twenty-seven years ago, when even uttering the word ‘Hindu’ was considered daring, let alone the word ‘Sanatan’, Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, wrote the Text ‘Direction on establishing the Hindu Rashtra’, putting forth the concept of Nation-building based on Spirituality. This demonstrates the foresight of Saints. So far, Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale has compiled over 366 Texts on Dharma, Spirituality, Spiritual practice and related topics, and has launched many initiatives to revive the traditional Arts and Sciences of Bharatiya culture. To counter the attacks on Hindutva, He started the forthright, Hindutva-oriented Periodical ‘Sanatan Prabhat’.

Inspired by Him, many movements are now being conducted for the unity of Hindus. The rapid expansion of this work across the Nation and overseas, is a testimony to His Divine mission.

5. Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav

The Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav, being held on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of Sanatan Sanstha and the Birth Anniversary of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, is not just a cultural & spiritual event. It is a significant milestone in the journey of protecting the Nation & Dharma. It is the Shankhnad of Bharat’s bright future. On this occasion, becoming active and dynamic in the service of Sanatan Dharma is, in effect, participating in the mission of Nation-building, that is, establishing Dharma. This itself is the spiritual practice relevant to the present times.

(Compiled by Mr Chetan Rajhans, National Spokesperson, Sanatan Sanstha)

Becoming active and dynamic in the service of Sanatan Dharma is, in effect, participating in the mission of Nation-building !