Resonance from the Mahakumbh – Call to Use ‘Bharat’ Instead of ‘India’
For thousands of years, our country has been known as ‘Bharat.’ Ancient scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, all refer to our nation as ‘Bharat.’ The name ‘Bharat’ evokes a sense of pride and dignity. However, despite opposition from several members during the drafting of the Constitution, the name ‘India’ was included alongside ‘Bharat.’ The term ‘India’ was introduced by the British and this name became widely used under their influence. It is a symbol of our colonial subjugation. The word ‘India’ lacks a meaningful definition in dictionaries, and the meanings found are derogatory.
Dr. Atul Kothari, Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, announced in a press conference that, to reinstate the essence of ‘Bharatiyata’ in Bharat, the organization is hosting a National Conference on ‘One Nation, One Name: Bharat’ on February 1, 2025, under the ‘Gyan Mahakumbh’ initiative. A nationwide signature campaign will be launched, urging the President to use ‘Bharat’ exclusively in all official communications instead of ‘India.’ A letter to this effect will also be submitted to the Hon’ble President of India.
Addressing Environmental Challenges – Green Mahakumbh
Dr. Kothari also highlighted the severe challenges posed by global warming, climate change, and biodiversity imbalance. Industrialization, urbanization, and consumerism have led to deforestation, carbon emissions, and pollution of land, water, and air. These adverse effects are evident in our villages, towns, and cities. The root cause of this crisis is humanity’s exploitative approach toward nature. The solutions to contemporary global environmental, ecological, and climate issues lie in Bhartiya culture, philosophy, practices, and lifestyle.
Bharat’s ‘green’ environmental perspective is based on the eternal balance and interdependence of the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas). As part of the ‘Gyan Mahakumbh’ series, a HARIT MAHAKUMBH: National Summit on Indian Environmental Perspective will be held on February 5-6, 2025. This event will serve as a crucial step towards strengthening environmental conservation, restoring traditional ecological wisdom, and promoting sustainable practices.
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, will inaugurate this conference, while Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe will deliver the concluding address. The event will provide a roadmap for global ecological balance, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation, reinforcing the responsibilities of citizens and institutions worldwide.
Gyan Mahakumbh – Reviving the Bhartiya Education System
Providing further insights, Dr Kothari shared that Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas is organizing the ‘Gyan Mahakumbh’ from January 10 to February 10, 2025, in Prayagraj, coinciding with the sacred Mahakumbh. The event will witness participation from education ministers of Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other states, along with over 100 vice-chancellors and directors, 4,000+ students, and hundreds of scholars, administrative officers, and representatives from regulatory institutions of the education sector.
The conference will focus on restructuring the country’s education system based on its ancient knowledge traditions and holistic learning methodologies. Participants will engage in intellectual discussions and take a pledge to revitalize and implement an indigenous education framework across the country.
The chief patron of this event is the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami as additional patrons. The event will also be graced by the esteemed presence and guidance of:
Shri Vasudev Devnani (Speaker, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly)
Prof. T.G. Sitharam (Chairman, AICTE)
Prof. Deepak Srivastava (Vice Chairman, UGC)
Shri Anand Kumar (Super 30 )
Sri M (yogi ,spiritual Guru )
Justice R Devdas (Karnataka high Court )
The Nyas is systematically showcasing its initiatives and achievements through exhibitions and presentations. Key themes include self-reliance through education, women’s empowerment, academic innovations, and the use of Bhartiya languages in various domains. Leading educational institutions from across the country will present their pioneering work in these areas to a distinguished gathering of scholars.
Three-Day National Conference on Bhartiya Education
The coordinator of Gyan Mahakumbh, Sanjay Swami, announced a special three-day conference on Bhartiya education from February 7-9, 2025.
On February 7, the event will be inaugurated by Dr Krishna Gopal, Joint General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The second session of the day will focus on the role of governance and administration in education.
On February 8, the event will bring together spiritual leaders, industrialists, and private institutions working in the field of education. Additionally, there will be extensive discussions on the contributions of women, youth, and scholars in the education sector.
On February 9, discussions will focus on integrating Bhartiya knowledge traditions, self-reliant Bharat, and Bhartiya languages in education.
Shri Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of the RSS, and Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, Shri Arif Mohammad Khan will grace the valedictory session.
This grand intellectual gathering will play a pivotal role in shaping Bharat’s future educational landscape, emphasizing Bhartiya heritage, values, and sustainable development.