“The concept of Hindu nation is not based on any ideology or ?ism?. It is a continuously evolving, dynamic and progressive way of life in complete consonance with nature,? observed RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Mohan Bhagwat while addressing a gathering of intellectuals from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Delhi and Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prof. PK Dhumal presided over the function.
Delivering the 18th Panchnad Lectures organised by Chandigarh-based Panchnad Research Institute on ?Hindu Nationhood?A Contemporary Perspective?, he pointed out that while the West looks at every relationship as a contract and talks of world as a global market, the Hindu sages?the ancient rishis and munis?talked of the world as a global family?vasudhaivakutumbakam. Explaining the concept of Hindu nation, he said unlike other nations the Hindu nation was not created around a language, territory, religion or ethnicity but evolved on the basis of concepts that emerged from civilisational experiences of centuries and millennia by ancient Indian sages. Bharat, he said, is destined to deliver to the world the recipe for a harmonious and nature-friendly way of living. India'sidentity lies in the eternal balance between various forces and only this kind of identity could bring honour and dignity to its inhabitants. This is an ideal way of living for the human beings.
The Sarkaryavah observed that instead of calling it Hinduism it would be better to use the term Hinduness or Hindutva because it is neither an ?ism? nor a theory or hypothesis. Theories and hypotheses were not the ultimate truth but were propositions that needed to be proved, whereas Hindutva was the ultimate truth which evolved as a way of life that had to be experienced rather than debated upon. Hindu nation was not a political concept and must be understood as an ever-evolving reality of the relationship between past, present and the future for a way of life that reflects the perfect coordination between various components of the Mother Nature. It was a matter of practice, not something to be preached.
Neither spiritualism nor scientific developments alone could bring peace and harmony to humanity. A balanced combination of both was essential. ?Conceptualising in the framework of ?isms? and theories puts full stops on the intellectual thinking process and the explanations do not attain the status of eternal truth,? Shri Bhagwat said.
