On the ocassion of ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ in New Delhi ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ – The Shankhnad heralding a National and Spiritual Renaissance

A 25-year uninterrupted, sattvik and selfless path of satseva … A flame lit in Goa has now spread across the world, shining forth as a Divine flame. Within its radiance resides the resolve of Spirituality, Dharma, devotion unto the Nation and value-based social reconstruction. Under the guidance of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale, Sanatan Sanstha has been committed for the past 25 years to creating a generation that is ideal, has pride in Dharma and is well-mannered.

In its Silver Jubilee year, Sanatan Sanstha took the next step – a collective resolve to manifest the Ram Rajya form ‘Sanatan Rashtra’. In today’s times, when Dharma, culture and character are being constantly attacked, this concept is not merely a thought but a direction for noble Nation-building. A Shankhnad (Blowing the conch) symbolises auspicious beginnings, victory and valour. To awaken Dharma and the Nation, the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ was organised in the sacred land of Goa. To understand its expansive vision, Mrs Manjiri Marathe (Treasurer of Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak) conducted a special interview with Sanatan Sanstha’s Spokesperson Mr Abhay Vartak. Here are the excerpts.

1. Question : Sanatan Sanstha has completed 25 years. What would you say on this ?

Answer : For us, this is a moment filled with bhakti-bhav (Deep devotion and spiritual emotion). It is 25 years since the mission of Sanatan Sanstha commenced. This work, which began in 1999 inspired by Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, has now expanded across India and beyond.

In these 25 years, Sanatan Sanstha has worked ceaselessly on five major fronts – Spirituality, sadhana, education, Dharma, protection of the Nation and uniting Hindus. Thousands of seekers have been nurtured, lakhs of people have been united to serve Dharma, Texts based on Dharmashastras (Scriptures) have been created, spread of Dharma has been undertaken, and Hindus have been given the true understanding of their Dharma. All this has been done with a goal that is sattvik (Spiritually pure) and dedicated to the Nation.

In this Silver Jubilee year, we have organised the grand ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’, because our resolve is that the era of not only awakening, but constructive, Dharma-based Nation-building should begin. These 25 years are not merely a span of time, but the foundation of a spiritual revolution. And upon this foundation, the Ram Rajya must now be re-established.

2. Question : What exactly has Sanatan Sanstha done for society in the past 25 years ? What are the special features of its work ?

Answer : The mission of Sanatan Sanstha is grounded in Dharma, Spirituality, patriotism and morality. This mission does not fit merely within the frame of social service; rather, it rises from the core of social transformation.

Special features of Sanatan Sanstha’s mission

A. Education about and awakening on Dharma : Sanatan Sanstha has explained the scientific and logical nature of Hindu Dharma to thousands. It has presented rational responses to those who attack Dharma under the guise of eradicating superstition; thus, revealing the pure form of Hindu Dharma to society.

B. Guidance on sadhana : Teaching that Dharma is not merely worship but purification of the mind through sadhana, the Sanstha has guided thousands towards spiritual upliftment through chanting the Name of God, meditation and self-introspection.

C. Creating a value-based generation : At a time when children are losing character, ethics and family values, Sanatan Sanstha has sown the seeds of Hindutva and morality in children and youth through value-education classes for children, Dharma-education classes, Texts and short films.

D. Awakening Hindus and uniting them : Through the Sanstha’s initiatives a significant movement for Hindutva and Dharma has emerged. This has resulted in a vigilant nationwide movement actively working for protecting Dharma, the Nation and society.

E. Text creation : Sanatan Sanstha has published 366 Texts on Dharmashastra (Science of Dharma), Sadhana (Spiritual practice), Achardharma (Abiding by Dharma), social service, protection of the Nation, Art-forms, Ayurveda, adverse times, etc. These Texts are research-based, based on experience and scripturally validated.

F. Active actions for protecting Dharma : The Sanstha and its seekers have fought for truth in matters such as protecting temples, protecting the cow, opposing anti-Dharma films/serials and exposing anti-Dharma activities.

G. A National and State-level ideological movement : Sanatan has carried out large-scale ideological awareness that the concept of a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ is not imaginary but a value-based system essential for the Nation.

H. Unique feature of the Sanstha’s mission : This mission is independent of any political party. There is no desire for publicity or funds. It is pure, sattvik, satseva-oriented work. The essence of the mission is to progress spiritually while uplifting society. The mission is disciplined, based on Dharmashastras and inspired by Saints and God. These 25 years, which have transformed the lives of lakhs, are a significant step towards Ram Rajya. An effort to establish Dharma based on sadhana, values and truth is the true identity of Sanatan.

3. Question : What is the objective in organising the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav ?

Answer : The Mahotsav has been organised on the occasion of Sanatan Sanstha’s Silver Jubilee year and the 83rd Birth Anniversary of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale. This Mahotsav is an important step towards the revival of Sanatan Dharma and the creation of a Ram Rajya form ideal Nation.

The main purpose of this Mahotsav is to bring together Dharma-abiding individuals, organisations and institutions amidst the various attacks on Sanatan Dharma in recent decades, and to collectively proclaim and resolve for the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’.

Why is the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ necessary ?

Answer : History shows that whenever attempts were made to wipe out India’s identity, spiritually powerful individuals bore the responsibility of protecting Sanatan Dharma. For centuries and not just for the past few years, enemies of Dharma have attempted to erase the identity of Sanatan Dharma. Even after Independence, this conspiracy has continued.

Today, ‘Breaking India Forces’ are working on the principle that, if India is to be destroyed, first attack Sanatan Hindu Dharma. For this, mediums such as ‘Love Jihad’, ‘Land Jihad’, religious conversions, assassinations of devout Hindu leaders and riots are used. To stop these attacks and restore the lost glory of Dharma, the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ is necessary.

In the present secular system, aspects of Sanatan pride such as the cow, Ganga, Gita, Tulsi, Muths & temples face constant attacks. Under the name of modernity and freedom of expression, the sacred foundations of Sanatan Dharma are being undermined. Hindu traditions and practices are labelled as superstition, and Vedic science is dismissed as pseudoscience.

Even though movements have begun today to oppose attacks on Dharma, the attacks have not stopped. Laws like the ‘Places of Worship Act’ obstruct the reconstruction of temples destroyed by foreign invaders. Although the amended Waqf Act has curbed some excesses, it remains uncertain when lands usurped by religious fanatics will truly be restored.

Due to infiltration, many regions are on the verge of being separated from India. Since the attacks on the Nation & Dharma are not being effectively repulsed in the current system, the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ is necessary.

4. Question : What exactly is the concept of a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ ?

Answer : One word answer to what ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ means – Ram Rajya ! Sanatan principles are inherently benevolent, uplifting an individual materially and spiritually, and they are universal. They are not limited to any group but apply to all humanity. These principles are based on justice, equality, ethics, yoga, sadhana, etc. Vedas, Upanishads, Shrimadbhagawadgeeta, Ramayan, Mahabharat and Dnyaneshwari contain this philosophy.

‘Sanatan Rashtra’ will be an ideal, welfare-based Nation founded on these principles. This is a Rashtra, where everyone can live happily, where true freedom of worship exists, where there is no conflict or discrimination, where safety and prosperity exist, and where justice prevails. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Hindavi Swarajya was of this nature. Thus, the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ is not a new concept; it is India’s ancient identity.

– Mr Abhay Vartak

5. Question : Is it truly necessary to transform ‘secular’ Bharat into a ‘Sanatan Rashtra Bharat’ ?

Answer : The word ‘secular’ itself is incorrect. The term was inserted into the Constitution in 1976 during the Emergency when all opposition MPs and leaders were in jail, and the term was deliberately left undefined. Even today, the Constitution does not define it.

The true meaning of ‘secular’ is Panth-nirapeksha (Treating all equally). In comparison, the word ‘Sanatan’ is far broader and inclusive, meaning, eternal, everlasting, yet ever new. Today, as people understand its true meaning, many proudly identify themselves as followers of Sanatan Dharma.Therefore, transforming into a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ does not mean going backwards; it means becoming a radiant and self-reliant Nation.

Dharma is the life-force of a Nation. A Nation without Dharma is like a body without Chetana (Aspect of Divine consciousness that governs the functioning of the mind & body). Sanatan Dharma is India’s root. If real development of the Nation is desired, then the root, meaning, Sanatan Dharma must be protected and nurtured.

Development of a Nation is not measured merely by the increase in GDP, technological progress or material facilities; true development means the development of its citizens. This is possible only through Dharma, for the definition of Dharma is – ‘That which enables worldly progress and spiritual upliftment is Dharma’. Hence, national development lies in protecting Dharma. ‘Dharmena Jayati Rashtram’ (A Nation that abides by Dharma is victorious). Therefore, Indian culture venerates not the golden Lanka, but the Ram Rajya of Shriram.

6. Question : What place will the followers of other religions have in the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ ? Is this concept all-inclusive ?

Answer : Whenever the subject of a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ or ‘Hindu Rashtra’ arises, the so-called secularists ask – ‘What will you do with Muslims and Christians?’ There are 152 Christian countries in the world. Muslims live there, Hindus live there, and people of other faiths live there. There are 52 Islamic countries. Christians, Hindus and others live there too. So if there is one Nation of Sanatan Hindus, what difficulty do others have to live there ?

The only difference will be this. No group will be appeaseed simply because it is a minority. All will have equal laws. Across the world, the welfare of the majority is prioritised; only India is a Nation where the majority is oppressed and minorities receive all facilities. This discrimination will not exist in the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’. Hindu welfare will be prioritised.

7. Question : What would you say about Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, the inspiration behind this mission ?

Answer : Let me narrate an incident that reveals the foresight of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale. Today, the subject of Sanatan is being widely discussed and the demand for a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is gaining strength. But 27 years ago, when even uttering the word ‘Hindu’ was considered courageous, Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale wrote the Text ‘Establishment of the Divine Kingdom’ and presented the concept of a Dharma-based Nation.

This is His foresight. His life is a penance. He has contributed to the spread of Dharma, guidance on sadhana and Spiritual-scientific research. His effort to present Spirituality within the scientific framework is unprecedented. So far, He has compiled 366 Texts on Dharma, Spirituality and sadhana; besides, He has initiated numerous projects for the revival of Arts and Sciences within Indian culture.

To respond to the attacks on Hindutva, He founded ‘Sanatan Prabhat’, a powerful Hindutva-centric publication. Inspired by Him, movements for Hindu unity are also being conducted. The expansion of this work across India and abroad in such a short period is testimony to His Divine mission.

8. Question : What do you aim to achieve through this Mahotsav ?

Answer : A collective resolve for building a Ram Rajya form ideal Nation will be undertaken in this Mahotsav. Through this, brotherhood based on Dharma among Spiritual and Hindu organisations will become stronger.

Considering the challenges before India, the existence of followers of Sanatan Dharma and the protection of Dharma itself are crucial. To preserve the Sanatan nature of the Nation and restore the lost glory of the aspects of Sanatan pride such as the cow, Ganga, Gayatri (the mantra that is the origin of Vedas), temples and Vedic Scriptures, the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ has been organised.

The purpose of the Mahotsav is to remind society of the eternal values, lifestyle and spiritual science of Sanatan Dharma. It aims to explain to the common people what Dharma truly is, guide the youth on sadhana, and inspire them to act. Creating pride in Dharma and action-oriented society is the Shankhnad of national and spiritual renaissance. Through this, the ultimate goal is progress towards an ideal system like Ram Rajya.

– Mr Abhay Vartak (Spokesperson of Sanatan Sanstha)

Appeal to Citizens

The current time is one of epochal transformation and the establishment of Dharma. It is our duty to stand on the side of Dharma. There are only two sides – Dharma and adharma. There is no neutral or independent side. We must participate as our duty. Through this, our sadhana will take place.

In the construction of the Ramsetu, even a squirrel contributed according to its ability. Seeing its effort, Shriram Himself lifted it. ‘Dharmo rakshati rakshitaha’ (God protects the one who protects Dharma). Hence, immerse yourself wholeheartedly in the mission of the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’. Dedicate your time and skills to this ideal Nation-building to the best of your ability.

– Mr Abhay Vartak