hidden image

The Soul of India

P. A. Joseph P. A. Joseph
08 Jan 2024

In the context of Indian politics, reading the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Ramayana and the profound Upanishads, Vedas, etc., we contemplate the soul of India. Though BJP, the platform of the RSS, boasts of its Hindu heritage, it displays no depth of its "Hindu" heritage. Hinduism, in many ways, is far superior to many religions, which have too many codes and limits. Real Hinduism is a way of living, a living culture which has real seeds of salvation and the route to the ultimate and final goal (moksha). It is fantastically deep in faith, manifested in tolerance, open-mindedness, welcoming everyone, belief in peace with all, ahimsa (Gandhi), compassion, and oneness with every human being. It does not know the language of domination and leaves the follower free.

Even if a believer leaves Hinduism, it does not tackle the one with punitive measures. In religious practice, Hindus are free; they can express devotion, even sacrifices, which have various ways and patterns and are not limited to any special codes or rules. A Hindu in India would respect the Constitution and accept its preambles.

As the Constitution respects all religions, one wonders about the attitudes of the BJP, which contradicts the teachings of the sacred Hindu books and traditions. What is the meaning of Ghar Vapsi (return to home), threats to Christianity and Islam, the destruction of places of worship, extra control of other religious places, etc? If the rule of India is its Constitution, which all accept, do we not notice the contradictions of BJP ideology?

India is a union of states. India is the voice of people resounding it. India is the breath of the people. This breath of India needs to be protected from those who deny it. It needs an imagination of its depth and worth. To ignore all these is to deny the history of India. Boasting of being the biggest democracy in the world while forgetting everything that led us to this point is a contradiction of history. Democracy demands to keep up and maintain the democratic structures. All these need rethinking, rediscovering, reinterpreting, and redesigning the soul of India under the light of India's Constitution. The function of India is to live the soul of India, to develop everyone, to stop injustice/inequality arising through the caste system, empower the people through employment, open the minds through education, strengthen the people through health care systems, make rural area powerful through agriculture, and small-scale industries, include Dalits in envisioning the developmental projects, provide reservation to SC, ST, and all who need/deserve it.

All these follow the nation's secular fabric, keep India united, and keep away every sign of division. All should have access to all media channels to speak, write, listen, and gather; no institutions must be targeted; CBI, ED, etc., need to be seldom negotiated with. If we reach such a point, we can boast that India is the biggest democracy; if not, we deserve ridicule.

We have a long way to go!! Start now!

Recent Posts

In a speech heavy on self-glorification and light on facts, Modi reshaped history to suit himself. The real shock was Tharoor's applause. When public thinkers start echoing power instead of challengin
apicture A. J. Philip
24 Nov 2025
While oligarchs grow unimaginably rich, institutions crumble and corruption mutates into a system-wide creed. The real scandal is not just the loot—it is a society so intimidated, polarised and distra
apicture Mathew John
24 Nov 2025
The Delhi blast shows how terror adapts while the State repeats familiar missteps. Intelligence gaps, punitive demolitions, and deepening alienation raise a tricky question: is India confronting terro
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
24 Nov 2025
The verdict of the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in the Presidential reference case is a severe blow to the federal principles of the Indian Constitution. A constitution bench of the Supreme
apicture Joseph Maliakan
24 Nov 2025
Thou dost the air of December, O Babasaheb, Tremble with thy memory. Out of each city, each village, each slum and dumb avenue, like waves upon Chaitya Bhoomi stand millions— Their tracks are suppl
apicture Dr Suryaraju Mattimalla
24 Nov 2025
Heaven begins wherever love becomes action. When we walk with the poor, listen to their cries, and share our blessings, we touch Christ Himself. Dilexi Te reminds us that compassion is not optional—it
apicture Sr. Inigo, SSAM
24 Nov 2025
India's future brightens when citizens embrace diversity, practise respectful dialogue, and act with conscience. Every small gesture of fairness and friendship strengthens the nation. True patriotism
apicture Fr Soroj Mullick, SDB
24 Nov 2025
All problems, if left unattended, either go away on their own or enlarge themselves to dangle like the sword of Damocles. So, the best way is to put our brains to proper use and find a solution.
apicture P. Raja
24 Nov 2025
Our strength has always been in those who think bravely and speak boldly. Let us not label them dangerous. Let us recognise them as the guardians of our freedom…
apicture Robert Clements
24 Nov 2025
True worship begins where suffering is seen. We are confronted by one question: can any temple, devotion, or nation claim holiness while the poor remain unheard, unseen, and unprotected?
apicture CM Paul
17 Nov 2025