Bharat's Vishwa guru for the world, for world peace

Binanda Khundrakpam
Contd from previous issue
* Sarve Bhadraani Pash-yantu–May auspicious events occur in everyone's life.
* Ma Kashchid Dukha-bhag-bhavet – No person should become a partaker of sorrow.
This mantra is not just a prayer, but a symbol of the universal spirit of Indian culture. Here, we have never wished for the happiness of Hindus or Indians alone—but rather, we have envisioned the well-being of the entire world. Indian thought has always maintained that complete peace for us is impossible until all humanity is happy. This is the true embodiment of the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutum-bakam"—the whole world is one family.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a very difficult and challenging period. Many countries developed vaccines, but some viewed them with a profit-driven approach. India considered that crisis not as a business opportunity, but as an opportunity to serve humanity. With the motto "Sarve Santu Niramayaah"—May all be healthy—India recognized that the right to health and happiness belongs not only to Indians, but to the entire world. In this spirit, India sent 11. 54 crore vaccine doses to 97 countries— selflessly, without discrimination, solely out of a sense of duty to humanity. This wasn't just about sending medicine; it was a reflection of India's values and ideology—which states, "Until the entire world is safe, our safety is incomplete."
"Matravat Pardareshu, Pardravyeshu Loshtvat ? Atmavat sarvabhuteshu, yah pasyati sah panditah??”
This verse explains that other women should be treated with respect like one's own mother, other people's wealth should be treated with disdain like a pile of mud, and the joys and sorrows of all beings should be considered as one's own—one who sees this is truly wise. This verse is found in texts like the Nitisara and Chanakya Niti and reflects great human values.
In Indian culture, women have always been seen as "mothers." Here, women are not just individuals, but symbols of the power and compassion of creation. We have believed that respecting women is respecting society. Every ritual in our country is considered incomplete without women. That is why we say "Radha-Krishna"—not just "Krishna." This shows that men and women are complementary to each other, not competitors.
Indian thought states, "Sarvabhuteshu Atma Ekah"—meaning that the same soul resides in all beings. This is why we do not interfere with the property, bodies, or rights of others—because we see a part of the same God in everyone. We believe in the principles of reincarnation and the law of karma. We believe that every good or bad deed we perform in this life will surely be rewarded—whether in this life or the next. This belief inspires us to follow the path of truth, restraint, and righteousness.
"Ashtadasha puraeshu Vyasasya vachanam dvayam, ? Paropakara? puyaya, papaya parapidanam??" (Mahabharata Udyoga Parva)
This means that charity is virtuous, and causing pain to others is sinful. This saying teaches us that the greatest purpose of life is to do good to others. This eternal principle is the core of Indian philosophy of life.
"Ten Tyakten Bhunjitha" (Upanishad)—meaning, enjoy with renunciation. This sentence teaches us that whatever we receive in life is not ours alone, but God's offering. Therefore, we should accept it with a spirit of surrender and gratitude. Indian thought says—true joy lies in renunciation. When we give up greed, selfishness, and the desire for more, we experience true peace and contentment in life. It is with this spirit that Indians perform their actions—with a sense of duty and service.
Unity in diversity—this is India's greatest hallmark. Our country may have diverse languages, costumes, traditions, and customs, but we are all bound together by a common thread—the thread of Indianness. This spirit teaches us that difference is not distance, but beauty. We possess many forms—but behind them lies one soul, one consciousness, one culture. This spirit unites us and teaches us to live together happily. Therefore, India is not just a country, but a vibrant family.
Even today in India, we worship rivers, lakes, and water sources. We consider them not just sources of water, but motherly figures—for they are the foundation of our life, agriculture, and existence. When our farmers plow the land, they first worship Mother Earth, for this land provides us with food and life. We don't immediately consider the money or food brought into our homes as our own; we first offer it at the feet of God, and only then is it considered our own. This is the uniqueness of Indian culture—where reverence, gratitude, and a sense of balance toward nature are integral to life. We don't just consume, but also preserve and respect it. That's why it is said, "Mata Bhoomih Putroham Prithviyah"—meaning: The Earth is our mother; I am the Earth's son. (Atharva Veda)
"Atithi Devo Bhava" (Taittireeya Upanishad)—this is not just a sentence, but the soul of Indian culture. We consider the guest not just a visitor, but an embodiment of God. Hospitality is treated with love, respect, and reverence. This sentiment reflects the soul of India—that we all have a part of God in us.
"Nar seva, narayan seva"—meaning," Service to humanity is service to Narayan (God)." In India, the belief is deeply rooted that when we help another human being, we are actually worshipping God. Feeding the hungry, comforting the distressed, assisting the needy— all of these are not merely social acts but spiritual practices.
In his Vijayadashami address, the revered Dr Mohan Bhagwat said that India's eternal vision is not limited to material progress. It is a comprehensive vision that encompasses the integrated development of the human mind, intellect, and soul. This vision encompasses the welfare of not just the individual, but also the collective, society, and the entire universe. Therefore, Indian philosophy states that life requires not only economic progress, but also a sense of duty, morality, and a sense of belonging. We possess a unified vision that connects everyone—one that teaches that every living being, every element in the universe, possesses the same consciousness, the same soul. On this basis, we have presented the ideal of a beautiful, prosperous, and peaceful life on this earth for thousands of years.
Today, the world is grappling with numerous crises— materialism, conflict, inequality, and self-centeredness. At such a time, the world needs a new creation that balances eternal values and modern needs. And India has the responsibility to provide this new direction. For India possesses a vision that embraces unity in diversity, renunciation in enjoyment, and devotion in service. Therefore, today, destiny is calling upon us to present this eternal, holistic, and spiritual vision to the world as an exemplary model through our lives and conduct.
Our Indian policy and vision has always been that the entire world should live together in harmony and cooperation. This idea is not just for India, but for the welfare of all humanity. Because the very essence of Indian thought is—"Live together, grow together, and be happy together." This is why the rise of Indian thought is not only the rise of India, but also the path to the welfare and peace of the world. This sentiment also underlies the work of the RSS—that India, through its original ideas, its values, and its eternal vision, should convey the message of eternal peace, harmony, and humanity to the world. That is why it is said, "The ultimate glory of the RSS is for the welfare of the world." When India awakens and organizes and acts in accordance with its values, not only India but the entire world can progress towards peace.