CIHS – Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies

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Amalgamation of Spirituality, Faith, Culture, Unity

Maha Kumbh: Amalgamation of Spirituality, Faith, Culture, Unity

Kumbh Mela derives its name from ancient Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, mela means fair while Kumbh signifies a pitcher with nectar of immortality. Kumbh Mela is the largest and most significant recurring Hindu pilgrimage event in Bharat. During Kumbh, people from world over converge at holy rivers for a sacred bath to atone for their sins and attain liberation or moksha from all worldly attachments. Kumbh Mela are held at Haridwar in northern hill state of Uttarakhand where the holiest of river Ganges flows from mighty Himalayan ranges; Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh which sees coming together of Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati; Nasik in Maharashtra through which river  Godavari flows and Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh that hosts Shipra river. These locations alternate every twelve years for holding the Kumbh melas. Maha Kumbh denotes largest Hindu spiritual gathering globally and perfectly reflects a healthy mix of community, tradition and commitment. In 2025, Maha Kumbh will take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during January 14 – February 26. It’s billed as a breathtaking event that will bring tens of millions people from all over world in their pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. One estimate put the gathering at 400 million people that equal almost the entire European Union’s 27-member countries Kumbh Mela transcends religious barriers, considering its historical and cultural significance, representing universal human desire for peace, purification, and unification.

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Trouble with ‘The Economist’

Trouble with ‘The Economist’

Write-up on RSS is steeped in distortions, prejudices, agenda driven narrative push rather than nuanced analysis that stands scrutiny. On December 19, 2024, as festive season approached, The Economist released its holiday double issue, featuring an unnamed article on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The publication, owned by immensely wealthy Agnelli and Rothschild families, traces its origins to 1843, when it was founded to advocate for repeal of import tariffs. Yet, in its long history, The Economist has strayed little from its original mission of pushing selective agendas cloaked in garb of intellectual rigour. Over the years, it has subtly perfected the art of propaganda, blending curated narratives with psychological imprinting to advance the interests of its elite patrons. This Christmas edition is no exception. Beneath the veneer of incisive commentary lies a carefully orchestrated exercise in bias—shaping perceptions to align with the ruling class worldview that The Economist so loyally upholds. Whether degrading communities or offering justifications for wars, the magazine has long operated as a conduit for dangerous and radical global agendas. In this latest offering, the publication’s signature word crafting meets its predictable penchant for soft-pedaling propaganda, leaving readers with a polished but shallow narrative that serves its masters across oceans, rather than the truth it claims to champion. In its article titled “Inside the RSS: The World’s Most Powerful Group,” The Economist employs its arsenal of rhetoric to perpetuate a troubling narrative against what it perceives as a significant ideological opposition to its wealthy western ruling elite. The elite, seemingly vested in a global order conducive to its own interests, appears to view Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a formidable challenge. The article alleges that RSS is a paramilitary organization culpable for persecution of India’s post-partition minorities —a claim that rests on foundation of conjecture rather than tangible evidence. In reality, Bharat boasts a thriving minority landscape, some of the world’s most robust legal protections and welfare schemes for minorities, unparalleled in their scope and inclusivity. At a time when Western corporations and elite amass fortunes from wars that devastate nations across the globe, Bharat’s ethos has consistently championed inclusivity, cultural oneness and wellness. The worldview embodied by the RSS—an organization that represents the world’s largest voluntary movement—is deeply rooted in this ancient Indian philosophy. Far from the aggression suggested by The Economist, the RSS reflects a commitment to harmony and resilience, offering a counterpoint to exploitative frameworks perpetuated by those who profit from division and conflict. By choosing to distort rather than understand this ethos, The Economist exhibits its own inability—or unwillingness—to engage with perspectives that challenge the interests of its benefactors. More so, in relentless pursuit of narrative control, The Economist once again attempts to link Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, to the RSS, describing him as an “ex-member” of the organization. This is a jaded agenda-based narrative that has had exposed RSS rivals. This very fixation not only underscores the publication’s penchant for propaganda but reveals a troubling reliance on conspiracy theories when they align with its agenda. Interestingly, The Economist spares no effort in crafting curated narratives about others while maintaining a conspicuous silence on controversies closer to its own sphere of influence. The Rothschilds, for instance—a family whose immense wealth and influence have been the subject of countless theories, from the Kennedy assassination to the Islamic State—remain untouched by the magazine’s purported investigative zeal. Similarly, the rumoured role of US government in assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. is conspicuously absent from its pages, despite widespread historic scrutiny. This selective focus speaks volumes about the publication’s biases and priorities. For those who can discern fact from fiction, The Economist’s approach serves as a reminder to distinguish credible media from outlets that prioritize agenda driven narratives over professional reportage. By choosing to amplify baseless charges against the RSS while ignoring deeper, systemic issues tied to its elite patrons, The Economist exposes its own limitations as a serious journalistic institution – which it tries to project itself. Ironically, The Economist expects its readers to believe that the RSS draws inspiration from Hitler’s Nazi Germany—a claim that is as baseless as it is sensational. The narrative point that lost its shelf life in last couple of decades, undoubtedly was reborn in champagne circles and elite echo chambers and it fails to hold up against the reality experienced by millions across India. From the youngest child to the eldest member of society, anyone who has encountered RSS firsthand can unequivocally attest to its true source of inspiration: the sacred Vedas, Upanishads and Sanatan Dharmic philosophy and outlook to Hindu way of life. Far from the twisted historical parallels The Economist seeks to draw, RSS is deeply rooted in timeless principles of Indian philosophy, centered on harmony, inclusivity, and selfless service. Such erroneous narratives find little resonance with the Indian population, who recognize them for what they are—attempts to vilify through misinformation. Instead, they gain traction in controlled settings where carefully curated echo chambers are created, often with backing of media outfits like The Economist. By perpetuating these flawed depictions, the magazine reveals not just its bias, but also its disconnect from ethos of a nation it claims to critique. In its relentless campaign against Bharat’s leadership, The Economist perpetuates baseless accusation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi bears responsibility for unfortunate Gujarat riots of 2002. This charge, however, crumbles under scrutiny, exposing not only its absurdity but also the Hinduphobic bias that underpins such narratives. What The Economist conveniently omits—and what must be highlighted—is the inhumane and brutal burning alive of 59 Hindu kar sevaks (volunteers) aboard Sabarmati Express at Godhra. This act of terror, meticulously planned and coordinated by Islamist extremists, sparked the violence that followed. Among those convicted for orchestrating this atrocity were Maulvi Umarji, Farooq Bhana and Imran Sheru—a stark reminder of premeditated nature of the attack. Yet, this foundational context finds no mention in The Economist’s coverage, which prefers to portray Hindus as aggressors while absolving the instigators of their

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Meditation, Sure Shot Way to Global Harmony

Meditation, Sure Shot Way to Global Harmony

Dr. Aniruddh Subhedar As part of Ashtang Yoga, meditation complements other forms to deliver sustainable universal health and wellbeing of humanity. United Nations unanimously declared December 21 as World Meditation Day. The resolution, introduced by Liechtenstein, was co-sponsored by Bharat among other nations like Bulgaria, Burundi, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mongolia, Portugal, Slovenia, etc. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), India’s Permanent Representative to United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish stated, “India had taken the lead in declaration of 21 June, which marks Summer Solstice, as International Day of Yoga by the UN in 2014. In a decade, it has become a global movement which has led to common people across the globe practising yoga and making it part of their daily lives.” Indeed, as UN declaration acknowledged “the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being”. Meditation, indeed, has its roots in the ancient Indian philosophy of Yoga. The writer of Yoga-Sutras– one of the most authoritative ancient texts on Yoga- Pantanjali introduced us to Ashtang Yoga (eight limbs of Yoga) with dhyana (meditation) as its seventh step. In Bharatiya tradition the Winter Solstice or “Uttarayan” is one of the most auspicious times of the year. As recounted in the Mahabharata, the great Bhishma chose to leave his body on this very day. Declaring the Winter Solstice as World Meditation Day is therefore deeply symbolic and fitting. What is dhyana? Sanskrit word dhyana comes from the root word ‘dhi’ which means to contemplate or ponder over. Dhyana can be understood as focused attention. Its roots can be traced to the concept of the four types of speech found in the Upanishads—Vaikhari, Madhyama, Pashyanti, and Para. The latter two are not outward expressions of speech but inner, soulful processes. In the Sankhya philosophy (one of the six Vaidik schools), Dhyana is described as: “ध्यानं निर्विशयं मन‌:”- Dhyana is the state where the mind is free from troublesome desires and thoughts. Patanjali defines it as: “तत्र प्रत्यैकतानता ध्यानं”- constant and unbroken contemplation. The centrality of Dhyana in Bharatiya spirituality is evident from its presence in even non-Vedic traditions like Jainism and Buddhism. It is no coincidence that sculptures and paintings of ancient masters and sages from these traditions commonly depict them in the Dhyana Mudra—the posture of meditation. Buddhist meditational practices like Shamatha and Vipashyana and Jain practices like Preksha are still prevalent today. From India, the practice of Dhyana spread to China as “Chán” and later to Japan as “Zen.” While the pronunciation evolved, the essence remained unchanged. Modern Science and Dhyana: Dhyana exists at the intersection of science and spirituality. With the growing global influence of Yoga, modern science has turned its attention to meditation. Notable studies such as “Mindfulness Meditation and Brain Structure” (Hölzel et al., 2011) and “Effects of Meditation on Stress” (Creswell et al., 2014) demonstrate that meditation has a clear and measurable positive impact on mental and physical well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety have become inseparable from modern lifestyles, Yoga and Dhyana are receiving rightful global recognition. World Health Organisation (WHO), in its self-help tools for anxiety management, encourages individuals to: “develop the habit of mindfulness meditation, even if it’s just a few minutes per day.” Practices like meditation offer a profound tool to relieve individuals from stress, enabling a calmer and more balanced state of mind. By cultivating mindfulness and focused attention, meditation reduces anxiety, improves emotional regulation, and creates compassion—towards oneself and others. As more individuals embrace these practices, the ripple effect can create a world where people are less reactive, more understanding, and empathetic. This shared mental peace can transcend boundaries, helping build a harmonious global family united by values of inner well-being, mutual respect, and collective happiness. Meditation over Military Might: The human desire to conquer the world is as old as civilization itself. Bharat, being one of the oldest civilizations, has witnessed its share of conquerors and dictators. Yet, Bharat was among the few that transcended this mirage. It is no coincidence that every ancient tradition of Bharat—Vaidik, Buddhist, or Jain—regardless of their internal differences, emphasized Dhyana. In fact, in Jainism and Buddhism, meditation occupies an even more central position. Moreover, the founders of these traditions, like Mahavir and Gautama Buddha, hailed from the Kshatriya (warrior) class. Having understood the futility of worldly conquest, they turned inward and realized that true victory lies in mastering the self—conquering one’s Indriyas (senses and desires). Such a person is called Jitendriya, and only the truly brave (Mahavir) can achieve it. Gautama Buddha, born in the Shakya tribe, mastered the science of meditation and spread it across the world. He was fittingly called Shakya-Simha—the Lion of the Shakyas. Bharat’s outlook toward the external world has always been shaped by its profound understanding of the human mind and soul. The Indian adage “Yat Pinde Tat Brahmande” (As is the body, so is the Universe) underscores this philosophy, encouraging introspection as a path to understanding the greater cosmos. Bharat’s traditions endured because its people were already pursuing the ultimate victory—mastery over their own senses (Indriyas) Meditation and Yoga, deeply rooted in India’s ancient traditions, have the potential to serve as powerful instruments of soft power on the global stage. Unlike hard power, which relies on military or economic might, soft power influences through culture, philosophy, and values. The universal appeal of Yoga and meditation as tools for holistic well-being resonates with people across nations, cultures, and ideologies. India’s leadership in initiatives like the International Day of Yoga and now World Meditation Day showcases its ability to offer solutions to modern challenges. These practices not only promote physical and mental health but also inspire inner peace, empathy, and collective mindfulness—values the world deeply needs. By promoting meditation and Yoga, India positions itself as a cultural and spiritual guide, strengthening its image as a nation that leads through wisdom, healing, and universal well-being. A Global Alternative This is not to suggest that the world will suddenly become a utopia

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RSS and Spirit of Volunteerism

RSS and Spirit of Volunteerism

Sangh volunteers’ service projects have stumped the global communities & offer a unique template to serve humanity. Introduction Millions of selfless volunteers or Swayamsevaks working round the clock in Bharat and outside form flesh and blood of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the largest Hindu-centric organization. Swayamsevak or volunteers driven movement run by RSS is easily bracketed as the biggest for social up-lift of vulnerable individuals, socially and economically deprived families and ensure ‘inclusive’ development and progress of Bharat.

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Manipur Violence, a Blot

Manipur Violence, a Blot

An unfortunate turning point in violence hit north-eastern Indian state of Manipur was the horrific deaths of six people including women and children a few days back. The delicate social fabric of Manipur, where many tribes like Meiteis, Kukis, Zomis and Nagas cohaManipur Violence, a Blotbit in a complicated mosaic of history, culture, and religious ties, has been brought to light by the latest violence, crimes against women and children which have its roots in decades of ethnic strife. (Author is a doctoral fellow at Amity University in Gwalior, content manager at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, New Delhi)

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India at G 20: Rio de Janeiro Summit

India at G 20: Rio de Janeiro Summit

India’s commitment to broader global engagement is demonstrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s November 18–19 sojourn to Rio de Janeiro and his proactive participation in G 20 Summit among world leaders. Modi’s participation in G 20 summit demonstrates Bharat’s commitment to multilateralism and enrolling diverse partners. His “productive” official visit to Nigeria was centred on improved relations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Indian diaspora. As India’s representative at G 20 summit, Modi shouldered the responsibilities of the country’s G20 leadership and her ambitious agenda for global transformation and inclusivity. (Author is a doctoral fellow at Amity University in Gwalior, content manager at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, New Delhi)

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US Elections: Will Donald Trump deliver for Bharat?

US Elections: Will Donald Trump deliver for Bharat?

The 2024 US presidential election holds critical implications for global politics and economies with countries like India closely watching the outcome. This analysis compares key policy positions of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris highlighting how each candidate’s potential leadership could shape Indian economy and bilateral relations. To understand dynamics at play, it’s worth revisiting narrow 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush where each candidate gained and lost modest leads throughout the race, ultimately ending in deadlock. The 2024 election is distinctly different with results reflecting a decisive shift in favour of Republicans in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Donald Trump and Republicans that emerged victorious face the daunting task of governing an increasingly divided nation. Polls indicated a tight race, yet beneath these numbers were profound shifts in American politics, some of which spotlighted key issues in Harris’s record and underscored difficulties she would have faced if she had won the White House.

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Ottawa Falls

Justin Trudeau’s biggest blunder was to rely on ISI, CCP to tie up with anti-India Khalistani extremists; Five Eyes, US deep state purported inputs to make baseless accusations against India. “At that point it was primarily intelligence, not hard evidentiary proof,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated during foreign interference inquiry, alluding to the claims he made against India, linking ‘Indian agents’ to Khalistani Canadian terrorist Hardeep Nijjar’s death in a gang war outside the gurdwara in Surrey, Canada.

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Can Labour Rebuild the Bridge with Bharat

Can Labour Rebuild the Bridge with Bharat?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer may have to work overtime to mend Labour ways and breath fresh life into UK ties with Bharat. Prakhar Sharma Relationship between United Kingdom and Bharat has always been complex, evolving and shaped by their checkered past. Today, these ties are transforming into modern partnership. With Labour Party storming back to power under Keir Starmer, UK-India relations are entering a new phase that demands careful attention. Labour Party’s past actions and current stance on Bharat-related issues might impact these ties particularly considering growing influence of British Indian community. Labour Party on Bharat Labour Party hasn’t always been on the best terms with Bharat, especially during key moments in recent history. In 2019, under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour Party adopted a controversial resolution calling for “international intervention in Kashmir” and even mooted UN-led referendum. This move came right after India abrogated Article 370 which revoked special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The timing and content of the resolution were seen by many as aligning with Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and as an anti-India position. The backlash was immediate. Over 100 Indian organizations wrote to Corbyn expressing their strong disapproval. The response wasn’t just limited to letters of protest. Several British-Indian voters who had supported Labour felt betrayed and shifted to the Conservative Party in the following elections. The result? Significant losses for Labour were attributed to their stance on Kashmir. Recognizing the damage done, Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery publicly acknowledged that Kashmir resolution had offended not just India but British Indians as well. In a bid to repair relations, Lavery assured that Labour would not take sides—neither pro-India nor pro-Pakistan—on the Kashmir issue, signalling an attempt to distance the party from Corbyn’s earlier position. This promise, reported by The Guardian, was clear effort to regain the trust of British-Indian voters who felt alienated by Labour’s earlier approach. Similarly, during farmers’ protests in Bharat during 2020 – 21, Keir Starmer and some Labour MPs voiced concerns about Indian government’s handling of the situation citing human rights issues. While their concerns were claimed to be framed around human rights, it highlighted their stance on Bharat’s domestic affairs which is not acceptable for a nation like Bharat with better political stability than UK in the recent past. British Indian Community and its Political ‘voice’ Understanding the need to mend ties with British Indian community, Keir Starmer has made significant efforts to rebuild trust. His visit to Swaminarayan temple in Kingsbury where he stated that “There is no place for Hinduphobia in the UK,” was a clear attempt to reach out to the community. He also emphasized Labour’s intention to build a new strategic partnership with Bharat, marking a shift from the party’s previous positions (BBC, 2021). British Hindu community with nearly 983,000 people in England and Wales has become a significant political force (ONS, 2021). Historically seen as Labour vote bank, this community has grown more assertive in recent years, making it clear that their support is not guaranteed. The launch of  ‘Hindu Manifesto’ reflects this change, aiming to bring Hindu voices into mainstream political discussions and ensure that their concerns are addressed (The Times, 2023). Future of UK-Bharat Relations With Labour Party back in power, the future of UK-Bharat relations is at a crossroads. Keir Starmer’s recent efforts to engage with the British Indian community and his commitment to a stronger partnership with Bharat are promising signs. However, it’s crucial that the Labour Party goes beyond words and takes actions that respect Bharat’s sovereignty and address concerns of the British Indian diaspora (The Times, 2021). From Bharat’s perspective, there is cautious optimism that the Labour Party will adopt a more nuanced and informed approach to bilateral relations under Starmer’s leadership. The success of UK-Bharat ties will depend on how well the Labour Party can navigate this complex relationship acknowledging the growing influence of British Indian community while fostering mutual respect and cooperation. (Author is Alumnus of London School of Economics and a doctoral scholar at University of Delhi. He works at Rishihood University)

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