Millions witnessed the spectacular Pran Pratishtha event at Ayodhya. The joy and happiness it produced extended beyond our nation’s borders, including today’s neighbours. The celebration that touched everyone’s heart may have taken place in Nepal. As in India, all local temples in Nepal have seen a rush as people poured in to get involved in the special pujas and prayers. This is in addition to those who sang and danced on the street.
The most critical ceremonies occur at Janakpur, Sita Devi’s birthplace. Just as the bride’s family sends gifts to the bridegroom before the wedding, the people of Janakpur also send jewellery, food and clothes to Ayodhya. Janaki Sena, a Hindu youth organisation, collected over two and a half lakh lamps and 2500 litres of oil from the people, converting Janakpur into an island of lights. The atmosphere in countries like Sri Lanka was the same. Celebrations were held not only in neighbouring countries but also in countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, America, etc. Such festivals were organised in each nation by foreign residents who practise Sanatana dharma or Indian diaspora. The Prana Pratishtha ceremony gave the energy to sprout and rise to the roots of ancient Hindu dharma and tradition in foreign lands and from different corners of India. It reconnected the people with the ancient culture of various corners of the world. We witnessed its one form in Nepal. Despite the separation from India and the loss of status as a Hindu nation, people celebrated the recovery of the heritage of their motherland.
The yoga and traditional Indian Medical Practices
The popularity and acceptance of Sanatana Dharma stem from its growing strength in India. For many years, Sanatana society has gradually restored its rich ancient values. The energy it creates is causing India to regain its status as the Vishwaguru, which we experience in multiple ways. An example is the worldwide reception of Yoga, which has been a part of Sanatana life since ancient times. It is recognised and has become part of the everyday life of the global community. Even those who initially thought it was religious have later realised its importance. International Yoga Day is a testament to the spiritual appeal of Yoga and its ability to bring people together for health, peace and well-being. As we commemorate this day, we recall the strength of unity and the significance of mental, physical, and spiritual oneness. What else is there in the world today besides Yoga, which has given a message of oneness to a conflict-filled society? Yoga can only convey such a great message as it is a creation of the Sanatana dharma. Dharma, India’s eternal and natural law, connects and unites all people despite their differences. Every Indian imbibes this natural law even before they know the artificial laws. The truth is that it becomes a part of life, knowingly or unknowingly.
Besides, Unique Indian traditional medicinal practices are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sova Rigpa, and Homoeopathy are significant global markets today. This has made India the world’s second-largest exporter of alternative medicines. More than 8,000 medicinal plants have been identified in India, including the Himalayas, coasts, deserts, and rainforests. The major markets for AYUSH products are Western Europe, West Asia, North America, Africa, South America, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Japan. In the realm of traditional medicine, India collaborates with international groups such as the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), and the G20.
The Restorations of Nalanda and the Temples
Another significant event recently was the rebuilding of Nalanda University, which was once India’s pride and impacted world society. The uncultured burned down the Saraswati mandir, which guided people to the light of knowledge from many regions of the world. After centuries, the university has risen once again. Today, India is restoring spiritual power by reconstructing many temples, which serve as the spiritual centres of India. The restoration of Kashi Viswanath has helped us endure centuries of invasions. Varanasi is being revived in all its completeness and grandeur as the Ganga-temple connection is restored. Further, the temples being restored in the Jammu and Kashmir valley, the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, the Kalika Mata temple in Gujarat, the statue of Ramanucharya, an 11th century Hindu saint, in Hyderabad, the Adiyogi Shiva statue in Coimbatore, and temples in foreign lands such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are all ascendant manifestations of the strengthening of Sanatana Dharma. India is also taking the initiative to rebuild temples built centuries ago in other countries, like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Thai Prohm Temple and My Son Temple in Vietnam, Wat Phu Temple Complex and Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery in Laos.
The spiritual organisations and the Indian Diaspora
Today, several groups and personalities that embody Sanatana Dharma, such as ISKCON, the Art of Living Foundation, Amritanandamayi Madom, and the Ramakrishna Mission, are gaining global popularity. Their fame and number of followers are increasing. From ancient times to the present, Indians who have travelled and resided outside India have been the primary proponents of Sanatana culture. Their influence in multiple nations cannot be negligible. Today, the countries that gave shelter and livelihood remember India’s contributions with reverence, whilst other civilisations and religions prioritise violence and separatism. The innate Sanatana culture enables Indians to provide peace and only beneficial contributions to those countries. The distinctive Sanatana way of life and the high intellectual, artistic and material traditions founded by gurus, yogis, and rishis are recognised worldwide thanks to the Indian diaspora, which spread and inspires others to follow the same ideals.
The Santana influence on India’s foreign relations
The spiritual tradition of India dates back thousands of years. Hindutva crossed the oceans centuries ago along with the Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, and Buddhism, attracting other countries and peoples to India. As Sanatana Dharma gained strength in India today, many countries worldwide that our culture had previously influenced became closer to India. For example, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia in 2018, President Joko Widodo held a meal with miniature plaques representing legendary characters from the Ramayana on the tables. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia in 2019, Indonesia released a commemorative Ramayana stamp and held an international Ramayana festival. Furthermore, most nations in the area attempt to enhance the Ramayana and Buddhist circuits by incorporating East Asian and South Asian countries where Sanatana Dharma flourished in ancient times.
Sanatana means “eternal.” Its influence may vary, as in the past, but it cannot be eliminated forever. It continues to perform its role in various ways. People born in India are sanatanies, or Hindus, who practise dharma, which transcends religion, caste, and other distinctions. All Hindus must, therefore, be proud of the progress of Sanatana Dharma in India and the world today.
