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News18
31-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'The Hindu Manifesto': A Comprehensive Global Manual Of Governance
Last Updated: The book has 8 chapters that provide a Hindu view of different aspects of governance that could lead to an ideal society The Hindu Manifesto is not a complex book. It is not a book on Hindutva. It is a simple book based on very deep and wide-ranging research by a sadhu scholar, Swami Vigyananand. You can actually feel the labour of seven years of research in creating this book. His research is complex, but his presentation is not. The Hindu Manifesto is not a manifesto for Hindu Rashtra nor a manifesto for Hindus alone. It presents to the world a comprehensive manual of governance based on Dharma, understood as duty in our respective roles and ethical behaviour based on belief in our innate nobility as human beings. The book has 8 chapters that provide a Hindu view of different aspects of governance that could lead to an ideal society. The narrative is simple. The author quotes chosen gems of invocations, suktas, mantras and shlokas from different Hindu scriptures right from Vedic times to the time till invaders managed to damage our governance, knowledge base, and social systems to a great extent. Even those periods could not destroy those principles completely till the British came, dismantled it brick by brick and handed over governance to the leaders who were trained in Western models of governance with no training or understanding of their own rich knowledge system or systems of governance. Women cannot commit sins; it is men who become the culprits and sinners. Due to being forced into submission and exploited due to their vulnerability, women cannot be deemed offenders (page 244). The wife has a right to dissolve her marriage if her husband is considered unworthy due to factors such as his low character, residence in a foreign country, disloyalty to the nation, involvement in criminal activities like murder, departure from moral principles, lack of integrity, impotence, and unmanliness (page 247). However, the same group of self-professed feminists and liberals would be disappointed that their pet theory of misogyny and women's supposed inferior position does not stand the scrutiny of Hindu texts. On page 218, the author tells us about 28 Brahmavadini (female sages) who appear in the Rigveda. Scriptures tell us that the son is like oneself, and the daughter is like the son[…] A daughter is like a son; she will be the one to carry forward the family lineage (page 220). It quotes evidence of boys and girls studying in the same Gurukul (page 233). The writer dwells at length on the social equity and casteism, providing evidence that the theories of caste discrimination are more myths than historical reality. He explores and helps the reader understand the concepts of varna, jati, jatiya, and jnati, according to Panini's grammar and other rishis (page 271). The Mahabharata notes that in all the varnas, there are no special signs or distinct markers. Everyone originates from Bhagwan Brahma; thus, everyone is considered as Brahmin (page 279). The author quotes KS Lal in an annexure, concluding that the growth and evolution of scheduled tribes and castes in medieval Bharat were significantly influenced by their active participation in sociopolitical and economic spheres (page 303). While the world has made us believe that we were only spiritually inclined and had no interest in accumulating wealth and enjoying life, the scriptures confirm that we believed in producing, consuming, and enjoying within the framework of Dharma. Artha (prosperity) for us was the basis of our life. Dharma, kama, heaven results from artha. Without artha, life in the world would be unsustainable (page 12). Many texts talk about taxation. Taxation is akin to extracting juice from a palmyra tree (page 29). A state should take only one-sixth of people's income as taxes (page 35). To achieve this level of prosperity, education was considered of critical importance. A rishi says, there is no greater vision in the world than education (Vidya), and there is no greater reward than education (page 102). Scriptures also note that Learning, Penance, and a great deal of wealth–all these can be obtained through diligent work. Therefore, one should recognise the importance of hard work. […]The state should prioritise a single learned and knowledgeable individual over thousands of illiterate fools, as such individuals can greatly contribute during an economic crisis (page 199). A shloka of Shukra Samhita lists out various types of Vidya, of which there is Yavan philosophy too (page 109). Which means we were not cocooned, but had a great understanding of the world around us. In Hindu society, our ancestors have placed significant emphasis on the importance of politics, The Hindu sutra is Responsible Democracy–Politics is a refuge, a place of safety, for all living beings (page 126). We did not believe that politics is the last resort of a scoundrel. A shloka says, Rajadharma (politics) is like a boat that floats on the ocean of dharma. The attributes of satva (truth and purity) serve as the oars to steer the boat. Dharmashastra acts as the ropes that tie it. With the help of renunciation in the form of wind, the boat moves swiftly, allowing it to cross the worldly sea (page 132). Another set of shlokas describes thirty attributes of an effective head of state (page 166). How should a state treat its citizens? The author quotes, 'The state should provide support and care for weak and vulnerable individuals, including the blind, deaf, lame, disabled, those with limb loss and wandering monks" (page 145). It also enjoins that the state should take care of widows, orphans, the disabled, and the destitute (page 190). Oppression of people by the state is forbidden (page 194). The author notes that the state should not oppress its people by extracting excessive taxes, as this undermines the prescribed rules and ultimately leads to the destruction of the state (page 195). And, for minor mistakes made by its people, a state should not resort to mutilation, execution, or various forms of torture (page 196). Our sages caution that some entrepreneurs, both poor and wealthy, have become wealthy in a short period. Ministers and tax collectors should not be misled by others to believe that their success was achieved through improper means (page 31). It means trust your citizens. On the environment, our scriptures and shastras exhort us and the state to take care of nature. The state's responsibility to the citizens also includes the preservation of the environment. The author goes to great lengths to prove that our scriptures do not ask for animal sacrifice in yagna. Then it goes on to quote shlokas that tell us to use grains, that too, which are older than three years (not fit for seeding). We are told: The paddy, barley, gold, and animals on this earth are not sufficient for one person. Therefore, one should give up craving (page 308). This means responsible, restrained consumption. A series of shlokas to prove that the tree, its leaves, bark and fruit and flowers possess life. When trees are cut, new sprouts germinate, and they experience pleasure and pain. From this, one can infer that trees have a living persona; they are not inanimate (page 333). Big water reservoirs should be built in all regions of the state and filled with water to ensure that crops are not destroyed due to a lack of rainfall (page 21). The state should protect timber forests, elephant habitats, miners, and bridges. Additionally, it should grow new forests, construct bridges, and undertake other developments as needed (page 338). Chanakya instructs that, if any person kills, catches or injures deer, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, peacocks or fish in reserve forests and sanctuaries or in large educational institutions where killing or catching is prohibited, the officials there should inflict the severest punishment on them. If any member of the royal family violates this directive, they should also be punished (pages 210-311). Showing its respect for the environment, a profound shloka says, 'Everything on this earth is created and eventually returns to it, making it the home to every living being and renowned as the ultimate refuge for all creatures" (page 319). Bharatiya civilisation may be the only civilisation that treats its land of birth like a mother and worships it. There are many suktas shlokas from Vedic times and later that describe Bharatvarsh as the motherland, with clear mention of its boundaries. The geography of Bharat is described at great length in the Mahabharata. The states that joined the Mahabharata war paid tributes to King Yudhishthir, covering half the earth. Even China was once ruled by King Mandhata (page 351). Such is the strong connection with the nation that a shloka says, those who seek to increase their fortune through unscrupulous means, harming and betraying their country, are like vermin feeding on a corpse (page 361). Rishis of Atharvaveda, call out: O beloved Motherland, our people should not harbour enmity among themselves. Instead, they should unite, especially our leaders, who must work together for the country's betterment. Our land nurtures a variety of vegetation and herbs that cure diseases and provide nourishment. O beloved motherland, elevate our reputation across the world (page 368). The above quotations are just a glimpse of the wisdom that flows through The Hindu Manifesto. One needs to read the book, a virtual manual for any political leader who wishes to rule a country or a state, anywhere in the world. Because the principles of statecraft are universal and have been described so well by our ancient leaders in philosophy and statecraft. top videos View all This global manifesto of governance stands true for any nation, irrespective of the religion it follows or the type of governance it has. Swami Vigyananand could bring out such a universal manual of governance because Hindu dharma or Santan Dharma is universal, inclusive, non-discriminatory, for the human beings who form our societies and nations. It is truly a liberal worldview. The reviewer is a well-known author and political commentator. He has written several books on RSS, like RSS 360, Sangh & Swaraj, RSS: Evolution from an Organisation to a Movement, Conflict Resolution: The RSS Way, and done a PhD on RSS. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : book caste governance hindu history religion Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 31, 2025, 16:25 IST News opinion Book Review | 'The Hindu Manifesto': A Comprehensive Global Manual Of Governance
The Print
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Print
‘No mercy for evil neighbours': RSS chief Bhagwat invokes kings' duty, Gita after Pahalgam carnage
Bhagwat was speaking at the launch of The Hindu Manifesto, authored by Swami Vigyananand, a senior functionary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and initiator of the World Hindu Congress. Speaking after the Pahalgam terror attack, Bhagwat stressed that while non-violence is India's religion and a key part of its values, teaching a lesson to 'oppressors' and 'tyrants' is equally important. New Delhi: Indians do not cause any harm to their neighbours but if the latter stoop to evil deeds, there is no other treatment, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said Saturday. In what appeared to be a veiled message to the government, he added: 'It is the duty of the king to protect his subjects.' 'We never do any harm or insult to our neighbours. But if someone does something bad then what is the other solution for that? It is the duty of the king to protect his subjects. The king will perform his duty. Hum kabhi bhi apne padosiyon ki koi apmaan koi haani nahi karte. Lekin agar koi utar aaye burayi par toh phir uska doosra ilaaj kya hai. Raja ka kartavya hai praja ki raksha karna. Raja apna kartavya karega,' he said. His comments come in the backdrop of the Pahalgam attack in which 27 people were killed by terrorists. 'India's nature is non-violence… our non-violence is to change people, it is to make people non-violent… but some people can never change. You do whatever possible for them, they will not change no matter what you do and they will keep creating disorder in the world… then what one can do in this situation…,' the RSS chief asked. Bhagwat also gave the example of Ravan and said he was killed not to harm him but for his own good. He said that it was well known that Ravan had all the qualities of becoming an excellent king—whether as a great administrator, a devoted follower of Shiva, or a man of vast knowledge—but he had to die because he did not use these qualities for good. 'It was known that whatever you do, Ravan could not be made a good person… then only one option was left… his present body should be destroyed so that he could get another soul and body. This is why God killed him and this killing is not violence, it is non-violence only,' he added. Bhagwat also reflected on how the Hindu holy book, the Bhagavad Gita, says that Arjun had to kill his own brothers because that was the only way forward. He added that our 'Dharma' is that we must not be beaten by tyrants but must teach a lesson to goons. 'The Gita teaches non-violence, but the teaching is to ensure that Arjun fights and kills. Because he was confronted with people whose development could only be done this way,' he said. (Edited by Radifah Kabir) Also Read: RSS members are mobilising NCR residents—calls for Hindus to 'wake up', candlelight marches
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
The Hindu Morning Digest: April 27, 2025
Pahalgam terror attack: Houses of six militants razed in Kashmir; hundreds detained At least six more houses of alleged active militants were turned into rubble through controlled blasts, while more than 100 residences of alleged militant supporters were searched, and hundreds of local people were detained in Kashmir on Saturday, against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that left 26 civilians dead. Meanwhile, there was no let-up in skirmishes on the Line of Control (LoC) for the second day. Local people said security forces raided three villages in south Kashmir's Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama and directed residents to empty the localities surrounding the houses of three alleged active militants. Massive explosion at Iran's port linked to missile fuel shipment kills 14 The explosion of unknown origin at Iran's most advanced container port has now killed 14 people and injured 750 others, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said in an update Sunday. 'Fourteen dead and 750 injured so far in the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas,' Mr. Momeni said. The death toll had previously stood at eight. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat alludes to the Ramayana in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack The duty of the king is to protect people, and the king must perform his duty, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday, following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Mr. Bhagwat criticised Pakistan for its 'evil act' .He was speaking in Delhi at the launch of a book, The Hindu Manifesto, authored by Swami Vigyananand, a senior functionary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and initiator of the World Hindu Congress. As pressure mounts, TRF denies involvement in Pahalgam attack As the global condemnation mounts, the Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) front The Resistance Front (TRF) on Saturday (April 26, 2025) denied its involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, and termed the previous online claim as a breach. 'We unequivocally deny any involvement in the Pahalgam incident. Any attribution of this act to TRF is false, hasty, and part of an orchestrated campaign to malign the Kashmiri resistance,' a TRF spokesman said, in a purported claim made on social media platforms. MHA deadline to end today: police depts. told to ensure exit of Pakistani nationals Police departments in various States, including Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, were asked to ensure that Pakistani nationals leave the country by Sunday, as per the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) April 24 directive. The order issued by the MHA following the Pahalgam terror strike stated that all visas, except medical, long-term and diplomatic visas, issued to Pakistani citizens will be revoked from April 27. Those with medical visas have been given until April 29 to leave. On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked all Chief Ministers to ensure that Pakistani citizens don't stay beyond the deadline. Remote block along LoC in J&K connected by all-weather roads for the first time Khwas, a remote block situated in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has not experienced any terrorism-related incidents in the past year, according to a presentation made by Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma on April 21. The change comes after four panchayats in the block were connected by road for the first time under the Union government's Aspirational Block Programme. IPL 2025, KKR vs PBKS: Prabhsimran and Priyansh sizzle before the heavens open up Heavy rains played spoilsport as the Indian Premier League match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens here was abandoned on Saturday. Opting to bat, PBKS benefitted from openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh's brilliant half-centuries, resulting in a 72-ball 120-run partnership, to post a challenging 201 for four. KKR was seven for no loss after the first over when strong dusty winds followed by thunderstorm and heavy rains stopped play around 9:35 pm. Massive covers blew away like small clothes even as groundsmen bravely stood on the covers to prevent those from flying away. Congress slams Madhya Pradesh DGP's order mandating 'salute' to MPs, MLAs The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Saturday (April 26, 2025) criticised a directive issued by the State's Director General of Police (DGP), Kailash Makwana, that mandates police personnel in uniform to salute Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) at government functions and general meetings. As per media reports, the order dated April 24, which has since been reviewed by The Hindu, also instructs police officers to give 'utmost priority' to public representatives when they visit police stations, and to ensure timely resolution of their concerns. Pakistan's Defence Minister seeks stronger ties with Bangladesh Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said he looked forward to 'deepening' engagement in various sectors with Bangladesh and said both Islamabad and Dhaka are keenly working for furthering economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Mr. Asif was speaking at a reception to celebrate the 54th National and Independence Day of Bangladesh as the chief guest on Friday, Geo News said on Saturday (April 26, 2025). Tell him to get his mental condition checked: Union Minister Hardeep Puri slams Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's comments on Indus Launching a scathing attack on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari over his remarks following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday (April 26, 2025) urged him to 'get his mental condition checked.' 'Enough is enough,' Mr. Puri said, warning that India's patience has worn thin. 'Tell him to get his mental condition checked, what kind of statements he is giving... We will no longer tolerate this. Now wait for a few days,' Mr. Puri said, while speaking to news agency Asian News International. 49 killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza over 24 hours as mediators scramble to restart ceasefire At least 49 people were killed by Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, according to health officials, as Arab mediators scrambled to restart a ceasefire .An airstrike in a neighbourhood in western Gaza City early Saturday (April 26, 2025) morning flattened a three-story house, killing 10 people, according to a cameraman cooperating with The Associated Press.
Hindustan Times
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Non-violence our nature, but to teach lesson…': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Pahalgam terror attack
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday made a veiled reference to the Pahalgam terror attack and stated that while non-violence was an important tenet of Hinduism, addressing threats from 'hooligans' was also part of the religion. Follow LIVE updates on the Pahalgam terror attack here During a book launch programme, Bhagwat said,"Non-violence is our nature, our value. Some people will not change; no matter what you do, they will keep troubling the world, so what to do about it?" as quoted by ANI news agency. Also Read: 'Modi bunkers' back in use as tensions rise along LoC after Pahalgam terror attack In the aftermath of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which took the lives of 26 civilians, the RSS chief used an anecdote from the Ramayana to make a veiled reference towards enforcing strict action against the perpetrators. 'Non-violence is our religion. Teaching a lesson to hooligans is also our religion. We never insult or harm our neighbours. But still, if someone turns to evil, what is the other option? The duty of the king is to protect the people; the king must perform his duty,' he said. Also Read: BJP leader, in controversial remark, vows 'Israel-like revenge' for Pahalgam attack Earlier, the RSS chief had reacted to the tragic incident and said, "Our soldiers or our people have never killed anyone by asking about their religion. The fanatics who killed people by asking about their religion, Hindus, would never do this. That is why the country should be strong." During the event to promote the book "The Hindu Manifesto, Mohan Bhagwat also stressed the need to understand Sanatan Dharma in true sense and elaborated on the principles of Hinduism. He also stated that the caste system went against the core tenets of Hinduism, saying, 'Nowhere does Hindu scriptures preach untouchability. Nobody is 'oonch' or 'neech' (hierarchy). It never says that one work is big and the other is small... If you see oonch-neech (hierarchy), it is adharma (irreligious). It's compassionless behaviour.' The RSS chief also said, 'If you want to recognise the truth. Not everyone has the power to judge the whole truth alone. Truth is that which is a little more than what everyone else has combined.' He added that Hinduism must coexist with other religions in the world.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat alludes to the Ramayana in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack
New Delhi The duty of the king is to protect people, and the king must perform his duty, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday, following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. Mr. Bhagwat criticised Pakistan for its 'evil act'. He was speaking in Delhi at the launch of a book, The Hindu Manifesto, authored by Swami Vigyananand, a senior functionary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and initiator of the World Hindu Congress. 'Our dharma is that we must not get beaten by tyrants and must teach a lesson to goons,' the RSS chief said, adding, 'The king's job is to protect people and he must perform his duty.' Giving the example of Ravana from the epic Ramayana, Mr. Bhagwat said that it was known he had all the qualities to become 'the best' king, whether as a great administrator or follower of Shiva or in scholarship. Ravana had everything but he had to die because he was not using these qualities for good, he said. 'It was known that whatever you do, Ravan couldn't be made a good person. Then, only one option was left — that his present body should be destroyed so that he could get another soul and body. This is why God killed him and this killing is not violence; it's non-violence only,' Mr. Bhagwat said. 'India's nature is non-violence is to change people. It is to make people some people can never change. You do whatever possible for them. They won't change and they will keep creating nuisance in the what one can do in this situation?' Mr. Bhagwat said. He also spoke of how the Bhagvad Gita said that Arjuna had to kill his own brothers because that was 'the only way out for them'.
