The event “Baat Bharat Ki,” organized on the occasion of Panchjanya’s 79th foundation day, left everyone deeply reflective. It became a powerful platform where stalwarts from politics, spirituality, education, and culture spoke openly and candidly. From Union Ministers to spiritual leaders, everyone shared their perspectives on India’s challenges and possibilities. Key discussions revolved around the growth of telecommunications, the issue of casteism, the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, cultural resurgence, and the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The atmosphere was so inspiring that it felt as though the soul of the nation itself was speaking.
India Emerges as the World’s Connectivity Hub
The program began with an address by Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia. Expressing pride, he described Panchjanya as part of his own family. Speaking on telecommunications, he said that India has now become the world’s largest connectivity hub. In 2014, the country had only 25 crore internet connections; today, this number has crossed 100 crore. Broadband connections have risen from 6 crore to 100 crore, and mobile users have reached 120 crore.
Scindia credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making the internet accessible to the common citizen, at the most affordable rates globally. Speaking on 5G, he noted that 30 crore people are already using it, and the 6G Alliance formed in 2023 has grown to 84 members. However, he also acknowledged challenges such as online fraud. To address this, the government launched the Sanchar Saathi app, which helps prevent data theft. So far, 1 crore 92 lakh fake connections have been blocked and mobile devices worth ₹1,000 crore recovered. For banks, the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator has helped prevent fraud worth ₹500 crore. Scindia clarified that while there was debate around pre-installed apps, these measures are not an invasion of privacy but a step toward enhanced security.
Dialogue as the Solution to Casteism
Spiritual leader Swami Deepankar spoke openly on casteism, asserting that dialogue is the solution to every problem. For the past 1,165 days, he has been on a journey to unite Hindu society, with 1 crore 15 lakh people already associated with this effort. He stated, “If we are united, we are safe.”
Commenting on caste-based census, he said that it is political leaders who keep caste alive; during events like the Kumbh Mela or the Jagannath Rath Yatra, caste distinctions disappear. Referring to atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, he appealed for unity. His poem, “Shwet bhi main hoon, shuddh bhi main hoon…” deeply moved the audience. Swami Deepankar acknowledged that change will take time, but affirmed that society will not be allowed to fragment.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: India’s Gift to the World
Following this, Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of the Sanskrit University, elaborated on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He emphasized that it is not merely a phrase, but India’s gift to the world. The purpose of education, he said, is to shape individuals who view the entire world as one family.
He explained the concept of “Pancha Parivartan”, transformation beginning from the self, extending to family, society, nation, and finally the world. The phrase “Mata Bhumi: Putro Aham Prithivyah” does not merely mean calling the Earth one’s mother, but also taking responsibility for her protection. Transformation begins with the self and is rooted in a sense of duty.
Emphasis on Cultural Resurgence
Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the theme of cultural resurgence. He noted that since 2014, more than 700 ancient artifacts have been brought back to India, compared to just 13 earlier. A cultural property agreement with the United States made this process easier.
Giving examples of “development along with heritage,” he mentioned the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok, and the new Parliament House. Talking about the change in the youth, he said, “This New Year, lakhs of youth have opted for temples instead of parties. Mahakal has seen 7 crore devotees in the last year.” Shekhawat said, “When the Prime Minister is proud of our culture, it gives a boost to the confidence of the entire nation.”
RSS: Tradition Preserved Through Change
Finally, RSS leader Mukul Kanitkar spoke about the 100-year history of the Sangh. He said that the Sangh maintains tradition and accepts change, “Nitya Nutan, Chir Puratan.” He explained that nationalism and majority-ism are European ideas and that in India, “all those who think this land their motherland are Hindus.”
Emphasizing the importance of harmony, he said that it is not uniformity, but unity in diversity. Speaking on youth and patriotism, he said that “today patriotism is not about dying for the nation, but about living and contributing to the nation.” The Sangh accepts criticism, he said, but not anti-nationalism.
This program was not merely a series of speeches, it was a powerful message: India must be a united and strong nation.