By Sattya Shivang Gupta
On the auspicious day of First Navratra when devotees across the globe prayed for the divine blessings of Maa Durga, the studios of The Earth News had the privilege of hosting a thought provoking discussion on Channel’s popular show ‘SatyaSang’ with Chander Mohan Gupta, who is former Jammu Mayor and a dedicated follower of ‘Sanatan’ values.
The thought provoking episode being aired by ‘The Earth News’, dived deep into the timeless spirit of ‘Sanatan Dharma’, its unassailable resilience against modern distortions, and its vital role in India’s cultural and strategic revival. In an era where short-lived ideologies clash with timeless truths, ‘Sanatan Dharma’ stands tall as a solid ideal, lighting the path not just for the India but for the whole world.
Being the Editor-in-Chief of ‘The Earth News’, I have witnessed how the ‘Sanatan Dharma’, which is an ancient knowledge rooted in the cycles of creation and protection, continues to shape our nation’s destiny. Right from the cosmic rhythms mentioned in our scriptures, where Lord Brahma’s day spans eternities and Lord Vishnu sustains the universe, to the practical guidance in health, ethics, and governance, ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is not merely a religion but a complete blueprint for existence. It predates modern science’s brief discoveries, offering insights into holistic living that Western medicine, with its side-effect-laden pills, can only desire to match.
Comparatively, the ‘Ayurveda’ and the Yoga can heal without harm, fostering balance in body and mind, while modern medication often trade one ailment for another. This depth is what makes ‘Sanatan Dharma’ eternal, surviving attacks, distortions, and the erosions of time.
Recently, sinister attempts were made to tarnish this centuries old sacred heritage of ‘Bharat’. Surprisingly, on First Navratra, a wave of misinformation was surfaced portraying ‘Mahishasura’ as a noble king rather than the demonic force slain by ‘Maa Durga’. Such wrong narratives peddled in academic halls and on social media are not innocent errors but the calculated assaults on our collective faith. They echo a broader pattern where Sanatan’s symbols are twisted to sow dispute, much like the historical erasure of our ‘Gurukuls’ under the ‘Colonial Rule’.
As reflected in the show SatyaSang, “Sanatan is never-ending and always there; we may not remain, but Sanatan will flourish along with all its rituals and systems.” But this resilience demands protection. Just as laws safeguard the minority faiths with swift action against offenses like filing FIRs and arrests for hurting sentiments, we must extend similar safeguards to the majority’s beliefs. Why should insults to Durga or distortions of our epics go unpunished? A dedicated legal provision, separate yet equal, would deter such propagandas, ensuring that faith, regardless of numbers, is respected. Without it, we risk allowing political opportunists to exploit divisions, turning devotion into a battleground.
The guest speaker, Chandra Mohan Gupta, former Jammu Mayor and a steadfast advocate for Sanatan values, echoed this sentiment with profound clarity. “Sanatan has always been there; the whole world was Sanatan once, and others came later,” he remarked, highlighting how our Dharma has withstood centuries of suppression. Chandra Mohan Gupta’s journey, from grassroots service in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to leading Jammu’s development, embodies this enduring spirit. He pointed out how the RSS, marking its centenary, has quietly forged a cadre of selfless nationalists, countering anti-Sanatan forces that once dominated education and discourse.
“Under the colonial and post-independence influences, our textbooks sidelined ‘The Mahabharata’ and ‘The Gita’, fearing they might incite “conflict,” when in truth, they teach strategic wisdom as how to confront a Duryodhana or Shakuni without descending into chaos”, he pointed. Chandra Mohan Gupta aptly noted, “The RSS was founded to ensure that once the country is free, it stays free and Sanatan remains untouched.”
“This organisational foresight has been pivotal, training leaders who prioritize national unity over personal gain, much like the volunteers who rebuild temples and communities without seeking recognition”, Gupta added.
When it comes to Jammu and Kashmit then the legacy of Dogra rulers’ further exemplifies Sanatan’s protective embrace. Figures like Maharaja Gulab Singh unified fragmented territories, from Gilgit to Kashmir, not through conquest alone but by promoting a cultural revival. They established Sanskrit Vidyalayas, preserved ancient texts, and built temples that turned Jammu into the “City of Temples.” This was no mere architectural feat; it was a bulwark against erasure, ensuring Sanatan’s flame burned bright amid external threats. Credit is due to these visionaries for safeguarding our heritage, from the Parmanand Trust’s ongoing work to the region’s syncretic ethos where diverse faiths coexist. As I emphasized, “The Dogra regime’s contribution to keeping Sanatan’s flag flying high in this region is immense, and history must remember them for it.” Their efforts laid the groundwork for today’s resurgence, where youth flock to Shri Amarnath Ji and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, drawn by an innate pull toward our roots. In contrast, regions that diluted this ethos suffered fragmentation, as seen in the partitions of 1947, which is viewed not as the birth of neighbors but as India’s own wounds.
Today, under a leadership steeped in Sanatan principles, India is reclaiming its global stature. Prime Minister Modi’s invocation of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family—mirrors our Dharma’s inclusive vision, nurturing economic growth and strategic autonomy. The India withstood pandemics like COVID without economic collapse, navigated tariffs and geopolitical pressures, and advanced in defense and space, all while upholding unity in diversity. As Chander Mohan Gupta observed, “India will lead the world; the ‘Chakravarti Samrat’ has always been from here, and it will be again.” This isn’t mere optimism; it’s the fruition of Sanatan’s teachings on Karma and Dharma, where individual actions contribute to collective prosperity.
There is no doubt in saying that the challenges persist where the foreign powers funnel funds to disrupt, algorithms amplify discord but our youth, awakened to their heritage, are countering with truth. From bustling festivals like Shri Janmashtami in schools to global interest in our ‘Vedas’ (even NASA studies them), ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is expanding, proving its universality.
The attempts to malign our icons, like portraying Maa Durga’s triumph as oppression, stem from a fear of this revival. They exploit minorities for votes while undermining the majority’s faith, creating vote banks through division. But Sanatan teaches elongation of one’s own path without shortening others’, a lesson lost on those peddling chaos. As host, I urged, “We need laws that punish distortions of Sanatan just as strictly as offenses against minorities, because faith is equal for all.” Gupta Ji reinforced this, stating, “These propagandists will find no place; the youth is awakening, and Sanatan’s influence is spreading worldwide.” Indeed, from Japan’s adoption of our principles to America’s struggles with material excess, the world craves Sanatan’s balance. India’s stability amid global turmoil—be it economic sanctions or terror threats—stems from this core strength.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Dogra Rulers’ foresight preserved the ancient temples amid invasions which display the practical power of ‘Sanatan Dharma’. The region’s harmony, despite past strife, reflects our Dharma’s inclusivity were Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians living as one. Post Article 370 and 35 A, the tourism surges in Jammu and Kashmir, trains connected to Kashmir valley with rest of the country, and development accelerates, turning the “Switzerland of Asia” vision into reality. This progress counters narratives of alienation, proving that ‘Sanatan’ unites rather than divides. As we navigate modern challenges, from AI ethics to environmental crises, our scriptures offer timeless solutions, sustainable living, ethical governance, and spiritual resilience.
Ultimately, ‘Sanatan Dharma’ is India’s soul, eternal and indomitable. It has survived Mughals, British, and now digital distortions, emerging stronger. For those spreading falsehoods, the tide is turning; the awakened masses, guided by organisations like RSS, will ensure truth prevails. As we celebrate Navratri, let us honour and pray to Maa Durga not just in rituals but in defending her legacy. India, under Sanatan’s banner, is poised to lead the world toward harmony, proving that true power lies not in division but in unity. The flame that Lord Brahma ignited will illuminate forever, guiding humanity through darkness.
