Bhagyanagar, the city of fortune, is planning to host “LokManthan 2024”. A curtain-raising event was held in Jalavihar on August 9. On this occasion, the reception committee was announced, a book detailing the event’s concept was published and a dedicated portal was made available to the public. The speakers explained the idea and concept of the upcoming big biennial event.
The intellectually stimulating event titled “LokManthan Bhagyanagar -2024: A Colloquium of Nation-First Thinkers & Practitioners,” saw the participation of scholars, retired civil servants, defence personnel, practitioners and leaders from various professions, who came together to deliberate on issues central to the unity and progress of Bharat.
The event began with the Deep Prajwalana ceremony, followed by cultural performances by artists showcasing Oggu Dolu, Dappu Dolu, Bathukamma, Potharaju, and traditional songs. The event on August 10 served as a curtain raiser for the grand programme scheduled for November 2024. The organisers also announced the reception committee for the upcoming event.
The event was presided over by Bandi Sanjay, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. In his opening remarks, Bandi Sanjay emphasised the importance of fostering a collective national identity that transcends regional and cultural divisions. He highlighted the role of such discussions in shaping policies and narratives that reflect the true spirit of Bharat.
Colonialists Divided Bharatiya Society
J Nandakumar, National Convenor of Pragna Pravah, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme and the reasons behind “LokManthan”. He said in recent times, we have witnessed a deliberate attempt to create artificial divisions within our society—divisions that are alien to our culture and philosophy. There is a narrative called ‘Classic’ and ‘folk’, largely influenced by Western perspectives, that seeks to label and separate our people. This narrative paints a picture where those living in rural or forested areas are seen as uncivilised, while urban dwellers are considered civilised. This is not just a distortion of facts; it is an outright denial of Bharat’s intrinsic values.
The terms “classic” and “folk” were used by colonial forces to create societal binaries, a division that persisted in Indian society even after Independence, contrary to the common man’s expectations. Our ancient wisdom does not subscribe to such divisive labels. Instead, it recognises the inherent oneness that permeates all aspects of life. The distinction between the so-called civilised and uncivilised is a construct that has been propagated by certain academic circles and Left-liberal groups, aiming to weaken the very identity of our society. Our culture, our traditions, our way of life—these are all testaments to the oneness that binds us.
Today’s event is just the beginning. It serves as a curtain raiser for the grand programme scheduled for November, where we will continue to celebrate the oneness of our society. Bharat’s strength lies in its unity, and through this colloquium, we shall reaffirm that strength and carry it forward.
Ancient Wisdom Will Guide Society
The guest of honour, Brahmasri Samavedam Shanmukha Sarma, founder of Rishipeetham, spoke on the significance of cultural and spiritual unity in sustaining the nation’s ethos among all people, whether they live in forests, villages, or urban areas. He elaborated on the ancient wisdom embedded in Bharatiya traditions, which can guide contemporary society in overcoming the challenges posed by modernity.
Shanmukha Sarma said as the Lokmanthan programme moves from Madhya Pradesh towards the city of Bhagyanagar, it is essential to reflect on the significance of this cultural journey. “This event represents not just a celebration of our traditions, but a deep dive into the roots of India’s diverse cultural heritage, which has been continuously under threat from external forces, especially Western ideologies that have historically sought to impose their worldview on others.”
This tragic pattern of destruction wasn’t confined to the Americas or Australia. In India too, we were subjected to the introduction of foreign diseases like malaria and cholera—ailments that were not native to our land. These diseases, brought by the colonisers, wreaked havoc on our people, just as they did in other parts of the world.
Wherever these colonisers went, they refused to recognise the value of local civilisations. They dismissed these ancient cultures as worthless and unworthy of preservation. This mindset was not just an expression of arrogance; it was a kind of mental illness, a syndrome rooted in the belief that their way of life was inherently superior to all others. They trampled on the existing civilisations, attempting to impose their own ways, often with devastating consequences.
Dr T Hanuman Chowdary, Chairman of Pragna Bharati and a Padma Shri awardee, emphasised the need for a united stand against divisive narratives being spread through different platforms. Announcing the Reception Committee for the upcoming grand event, he shared that it includes 108 eminent personalities. Among the distinguished names are G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal, Retd Justice Narasimha Reddy, Bandi Sanjay, Minister of State for Home Affairs, along with several other notable figures from diverse professional backgrounds.
Swamini Suvidyamrita Prana of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, another esteemed guest of honour, shared insights on the spiritual dimension of unity and launched the dedicated portal of the event. At the same time, Lok Kalaakaar Shri Dasari Kondappa, a Padma Shri awardee from Telangana, highlighted the role of arts in preserving and promoting Bharatiya culture. He is the last surviving artist who can make Burraveena and render music using the same. Though coming from a remote rural background, the lyrics of his music reflect the same common wisdom of Bharat that can be seen even in so-called classical (as per Western classification) literature and philosophies.
Unity in Diversity
The colloquium served as a precursor to the larger event, LokManthan, scheduled for November 21-24, 2024. LokManthan is Bharat’s largest colloquium, celebrating the nation’s diverse yet unified culture. This biannual event aims to dismantle the perceived artificial divisions among people from varied backgrounds, thought processes, traditions, and systems.
As the evening progressed, the speakers and participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, underscoring the significance of such platforms in shaping a cohesive and forward-looking Bharat. The event concluded with a strong message of unity, cultural pride, and the reaffirmation of the nation-first philosophy that LokManthan stands for.
LokManthan provides a unique platform for engagement and deliberation with eminent academicians, thinkers, philosophers, researchers, artists, and activists. Through these discussions, the event seeks to establish a common understanding and approach to the divisive narratives prevalent in society. Ultimately, LokManthan aspires to evolve a new discourse that strengthens the unity of Bharatiyas, embracing diversity as a cornerstone of the nation’s identity. At the event, the organisers launched Lokmathanam: Sankalpana, a 32-page booklet outlining the theme and concept behind this celebration. Additionally, a brochure was introduced, providing details about previous Lokmanthan events held in Bhopal 2016, Ranchi 2018, Guwahati 2022, and the upcoming event scheduled for November 2024.
The LokManthan Bhagyanagar 2024 event is supported by the following partners: Pragna Pravah, Pragna Bharati, Itihasa Sankalana Samiti, Samskara Bharati, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Vijnana Bharati (Vibha), and Akhila Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad.
The media partners for the event are Hindu Darshini, HansIndia Daily, HMTV, Disha Daily, Nationalist Hub, Pura Local, and YUPPTV.
