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Hans India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Colonisation of Sanskrit words: Distorting Dharma, Rashtra, and the soul of Bharat
Language shapes a civilization's worldview, and Sanskrit, the foundation of Bharat's knowledge systems, embodies millennia of wisdom. Colonial rule distorted key Sanskrit terms through Eurocentric and Abrahamic interpretations, reducing profound concepts like Dharma, Rashtra, and Swarajya to Western equivalents. This linguistic colonization misrepresented Bhartiya thought and disrupted societal structures and public understanding in post-colonial Bharat. 1. Dharma ≠ Religion Perhaps the most damaging mistranslation is the equating of Dharma with 'religion'. In reality, Dharma refers to the cosmic order, righteousness, duty, ethical living, and the path of self-realization. It is not tied to belief systems, deities, or dogmas. Dharma is contextual—what is Dharma for a teacher is different from that of a ruler or a child. It is a code of conduct embedded in time, place, and identity (svadharma). The Abrahamic idea of 'religion', based on exclusive truth claims, worship of a single God, and rigid institutional structures, is fundamentally different. By forcefully mapping Dharma onto 'religion', colonial and missionary forces created deep confusion, codified personal laws based on rigid texts, and set the stage for communal divisions. 2. Rashtra and Desha ≠ Nation or Country The Sanskrit Rashtra does not merely mean 'nation' in the European sense. A Rashtra is a sacred, cultural, and civilizational entity rooted in Dharma and shared spiritual values. It is not bound by geopolitical boundaries but by a consciousness—Bharat has been a Rashtra long before it became a 'nation-state'. The European model of a nation—emerging from treaties, colonialism, and power politics—views the state as a legal and administrative structure. This model was imposed on Bharat, diminishing its deep-rooted civilizational unity based on spiritual and cultural coherence, not political uniformity. Similarly, Desha simply refers to land or region, and was never a fixed nationalistic construct. By equating Rashtra and Desha with 'nation' or 'country,' we began to measure Bharat using foreign yardsticks, erasing the soul from the body. 3. Swarajya ≠ Freedom The word Swarajya, made famous by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and later echoed by Sri Aurobindo, was not just political independence. Swa-rajya means 'self-rule' at both individual and collective levels. It implies inner sovereignty—the mastery of one's senses, mind, and actions—as well as freedom from external domination. Colonial powers reduced Swarajya to mere political 'freedom', akin to European notions of liberty or civil rights. But Bharatiya thought considers freedom incomplete unless it is accompanied by Swatantrata (self-dependence) and Atma-nirbharta (self-realization and self-sufficiency). Today, even after political independence, the absence of Swarajya in intellectual, cultural, and economic spheres reflects a deeper bondage. True Swarajya begins with cultural decolonization. 4. Sanskriti ≠ Culture Sanskriti refers to refinement, inner evolution, and civilizational maturity. It comes from the root 'kr' (to do) with the prefix 'sam' (well) — meaning 'well-crafted' or 'refined behavior and thought.' Sanskriti embodies values, traditions, ethics, arts, sci ences, and collective memory rooted in Dharma. The English term 'culture' is often limited to external expressions—art, music, food, fashion, or festivals. It is secular, often aesthetic, and lacks the depth of inner evolution that Sanskriti demands. By substituting Sanskriti with 'culture,' we risk trivializing the soul of Bharatiya civilization, reducing it to 'cultural programs' or tourist-friendly 'heritage' rather than a way of life shaped by spiritual philosophy and lived wisdom. 5. Darshan ≠ Philosophy Darshan literally means 'to see' or 'vision'. In Bharatiya tradition, it refers to experiential systems of viewing reality—not speculative philosophy but intuitive insight into the nature of existence. The six schools of Darshan (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta) are both logical and experiential. Western 'philosophy' derives from philo (love) and sophia (wisdom), but is often academic, analytical, and detached from practice. When Darshan is translated as 'philosophy,' the spiritual and experiential core of Bharatiya knowledge is lost. For instance, Yoga is not a 'philosophy' or 'exercise' routine—it is a Darshan, a living system to experience and attain liberation (moksha). Reducing Darshan to speculative thought undermines its transformative potential. 6. Jāti ≠ Caste Jāti refers to community, often based on occupation, locality, and shared customs. It was never a static or rigid birth-based system. With thousands of jātis across Bharat, the system was fluid, and social mobility was possible. The British censuses and legal codes rigidified jāti into 'caste'—a term borrowed from Portuguese casta, meaning breed or race. This racialized the Indian social structure and created a hierarchical system that aligned with colonial control mechanisms. The distorted caste system we see today is a colonial construct, not a native one. By fixing jātis into permanent social categories, colonizers divided our society to rule it more easily. This division still exploited today for political gain. 7. Karma ≠ Fate Karma means action. It is a law of cause and effect, empowering individuals to shape their destiny through their actions, thoughts, and intentions. It places moral and ethical responsibility on every being. Colonial translators, unfamiliar with the concept, portrayed Karma as 'fate' or 'destiny'—a passive acceptance of suffering. This misinterpretation painted Bharatiyas as fatalistic, submissive people who accepted oppression as karmic justice. In truth, Karma is not about helplessness but accountability. The colonial view undermined agency and created the illusion that Bharatiya society was inherently submissive. 8. Guru ≠ Teacher A Guru is not just a teacher, but a remover of darkness (gu = darkness, ru = remover). The Guru leads the disciple on a spiritual journey, imparting not just knowledge but wisdom, transformation, and inner awakening. Western education views the teacher as an instructor, often limited to subject matter expertise. The colonial system replaced the sacred Guru-shishya parampara with formal classroom models, devoid of emotional bonding, spiritual connection, or ethical training. 9. Moksha ≠ Heaven Moksha is liberation—freedom from the cycle of birth and death, realization of the Self, and unity with the infinite consciousness (Brahman) which is the ultimate goal. 'Heaven' in Abrahamic faiths is a reward for belief and good conduct, often a physical paradise. By equating moksha with heaven, the colonial mindset turned a deep philosophical goal into a simplistic post-death reward. The colonization of Sanskrit terms was not accidental; it was a deliberate act of erasing indigenous worldviews and replacing them with Western frameworks. This has led to decades of misunderstanding among foreigners including Bharatvasis. Correcting the colonial distortion of Sanskrit terms requires educational reforms, responsible media and academic usage, active efforts by cultural institutions to decolonize vocabulary, and a shift in public discourse beyond colonial binaries. Reclaiming the true essence of words like Dharma, Rashtra, Sanskriti, and Swarajya is not just about language, it is key to Bharat's civilizational revival through authentic reinterpretation and not mere revivalism. (The writer is an Expert, Creative Economy)
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
SPIC MACAY is a movement portraying Indian cultural strength, says Governor
Hyderabad: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is a movement, 'portraying our culture that is growing from strength to strength bringing out the Sanskriti (Soul of the nation) as a collective consciousness through which the nation was once formed through thinkers, philosophers and, through the teaching of the Vedas and Upanishads.' Inaugurating the 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY at IIT Hyderabad late on Monday evening, he said, 'Dharma is the way we think and religion is the way we worship, and do not be confused with their representations'. Sharing his experience with SPIC MACAY, he expressed his happiness over the dance form of Tripura – 'Hojagiri' being preserved, including it as one of the art forms to be performed at the 10th International Convention being held at IIT Hyderabad, and more so when he is representing the beautiful state of Telangana during his tenure as the Governor. He said that Hindustani music was popular in Tripura during the Maharaja's times, which is being revived through SPIC MACAY. He recollected his visits as the guest of honour to the previous international conventions of SPIC MACAY held in Delhi, Kharagpur and Nagpur and that he has been and continues to be a member of SPIC MACAY. He congratulated IIT Hyderabad for hosting such a prestigious event. More than 1,500 students & volunteers from across India and overseas have gathered at IITH for this immersive experience. The day began with a holistic breakfast, setting the tone for a balanced and mindful routine. In the forenoon, participants watched 'Gandhi', the Oscar-winning biopic directed by Sir Richard Attenborough. The screening was followed by a discussion led by Dr Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, who reflected on the film's philosophical depth and its portrayal of Gandhian ideals such as simplicity, discipline, and inner strength. The orientation session was led by Dr Kiran Seth, who encouraged students to view the convention as an inner journey—similar to a stay in an ashram—characterised by simplicity, discipline, and reflection. Following this, an orientation for the faculty coordinators was conducted emphasising their crucial role in guiding and supporting students throughout the week. Earlier, a Nadaswaram recital by Padma Shri Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob filled the air with auspicious sounds. The performance is rooted in temple tradition. Following the formal inauguration, Padma Bhushan awardees Raja and Radha Reddy presented an evocative Kuchipudi recital. Their performance, featuring excerpts from 'Bhama Kalapam' and other classical compositions, displayed grace, expressive clarity, and devotion.
India Today
30-04-2025
- India Today
Janhvi Kapoor fumes over Jaipur drunk-driving accident that killed 14-year-old
Janhvi Kapoor has reacted to the horrific drinking and driving accident in Jaipur that has claimed the life of a 14-year-old. A teenage girl died, and two others were injured after a car, allegedly driven by an intoxicated woman, rammed into a bike in Rajasthan's Jaipur, according to over the incident, the actor shared a video of the allegedly intoxicated woman profusely apologising. She wrote, "What enables such reckless behaviour? what makes anyone think it's okay to drive under the influence of alcohol and endanger themselves and people around them? The casual nature of this crime is baffling. The amount of deaths and injuries due to drinking and driving even more so. Why aren't we more respectful and aware about the fact that it is AGAINST THE LAW (sic)."advertisementHere is a screenshot from Janhvi's insta story: The incident took place on Monday night when the woman, identified as Sanskriti, was driving a car allegedly under the influence of alcohol and hit a bike carrying three 14, who was riding the bike, died in the crash. Asima's father, Islamuddin, and a cousin, 6, riding with her sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Janhvi Kapoor expresses anger over Jaipur hit-and-run case that killed 14-year-old girl: 'The casual nature of this crime is baffling'
Janhvi Kapoor has reacted strongly to the tragic hit-and-run incident that took place in Jaipur on Monday night, where a 14-year-old girl lost her life. The incident involved a woman named Sanskriti, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, who rammed her car into a bike carrying three people. The collision claimed the life of young Aasima on the spot, while her father Islamuddin and cousin sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated in a local hospital. Janhvi Kapoor asks, 'Why aren't we more respectful and aware?' On Wednesday, Janhvi took to Instagram to express her shock and anger over the accident. In her Instagram story, she questioned the growing indifference towards road safety and the dangers of drunk driving . 'What enables such reckless behaviour? What makes anyone think it's okay to drive under the influence of alcohol and endanger themselves and people around them? The casual nature of this crime is baffling,' she wrote. She further added, 'The amount of deaths and injuries due to drinking and driving even more so. Why aren't we more respectful and aware about the AGAINST THE LAW.' Driver arrested after police chase, public demands justice According to the police, Sanskriti fled the scene after the crash, but was caught following a brief chase. She was reportedly pleading with officers at the time of her arrest. The incident sparked local outrage, with a crowd gathering outside the police station demanding swift justice. Janhvi Kapoor spotted at Mumbai Airport. 'The deceased was returning home with her father, Islamuddin, and her 6-year-old sister on a bike. While going near Sanganeri Gate at around 12:20 am, a speeding car hit their bike from behind. The collision was so strong that all three, including the bike, bounced off on the road,' a police official said. Janhvi Kapoor's upcoming projects On the work front, Janhvi Kapoor was last seen in Devara: Part 1. She is currently shooting for Param Sundari, co-starring Sidharth Malhotra . The actress also has Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and RC16 with Ram Charan lined up for release.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
UPSC exam: State's three aspirants make it to top 20 list
Patna: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday announced the Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2024 results, declaring a total of 1,009 successful candidates who made it to the final list. Bihar's three aspirants, including two men and a woman, also made it to the top 20 list. Sitamarhi's Raj Krishna Jha secured an All India Rank of eight, while Buxar's Hemant Mishra 13. Jamui's Sanskriti Trivedi brought glory to the state by securing the 17th rank. Detailing about her attempts at the CSE, Sanskriti said it was her second attempt, as she had secured 352nd rank in the CSE-2022. Determined to improve her position, she decided to give it a try again and after putting in a year of hard work and dedication, she jumped to the 17th rank and qualified for the IAS. Tanmay, a resident of Patna and native of Araria, has also qualified the CSE 2024 with an all-India rank of 346. He did B Tech from IIT Kharagpur and is presently working at the ONGC. He prepared and appeared for the exam while on job. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buenos Aires: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Besides, Sanskriti, two other candidates Paras Kumar and Isha Rani of Jamui have also made the district and state proud by way of their success at the CSE 2024. Paras is also working as the district project officer with the education department in Jamui and has got 269 rank. Another candidate Isha secured 348th rank.
