The fourth edition of LokManthan concluded on November 24 in Bhagyanagar with great fanfare and enthusiasm. This event, designed to bridge divides within Bharatiya society, was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu. The concluding ceremony was graced by the presence of RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
On the sidelines of the event, Organiser spoke with Dr. Manmohan Vaidya, senior RSS Swayamsevak. Here are excerpts from the conversation:
LokManthan positions itself as a gathering of nation-first thinkers, committed to overcoming the artificial divides within Indian society. But why do we need Lok Manthan?
The word ‘Lok’ is very significant. When Bharat became independent, our people accepted the Constitution, ‘We, the People of India.’ Before that, all individuals in India were British citizens. After adopting the Constitution, we became citizens of India. However, before the British, there was no single king or unified state; yet, people were connected through a way of life rooted in spirituality, linked to the entire creation in a holistic manner. If this connection weakens, it creates various identities, highlighting differences. People were fundamentally one, despite numerous kings and systems; their core values were unified. The perspective on creation, women, wealth, and life was singular; all were on the path to Moksha, though the journey to Moksha varied for each individual.”
He added, “This mutual connection, our common bond, stems from ‘Lok’. Today, we refer to citizens as ‘Nagarik’, derived from ‘Nagar’ or city. Therefore, city-dwellers are called citizens. But what about those in villages, mountains, or forests? They are called Nagarjana, Gramjana, Girijana, or Vanvasi – all representing different habitats, yet collectively they are ‘Lok’. Primarily, we must awaken this sense of unity; bridging will naturally follow. When this connection becomes conscious and the feeling of unity is strengthened, we can celebrate our diversity without viewing it as division. When unity is forgotten, diversity begins to appear as differences, and then anti-national elements attempt to divide society on various issues. Their efforts will persist, much like the Corona virus which is everywhere; good vaccination ensures it does not affect us. Therefore, the essence of ‘Lok’, our shared connection and identity, by awakening this, we can celebrate diversity based on where we live, our language, caste, or methods of worship, while maintaining our unity.”
He further added, “To foster this unity and keep everyone connected through this sense of unity, Lok Manthan is essential. Such initiatives should be widespread; across India, this occurs biennially, which is very positive. Thus, the concept of Lok Manthan is excellent, crucial for India’s unity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and wish them success.
Usually, ‘Lok’ is reduced to ‘Folk’ by many but how is ‘Lok’ different from ‘Folk’?
English has limited vocabulary; there’s no equivalent for many Indian words like ‘Dharma’, which causes confusion when translated as ‘Religion’. People should not call it ‘Folk’; they should say ‘Lok’ in English for better understanding.
You attended the sun ritual here; today, the Lithuanian group performed the fire ritual. There are many practices in our Sanatan Dharma that resonate with these rituals, so what connection do we share with these people or they with us?
Unlike Christianity or Islam, which often categorize people as ‘us versus them’, believers versus non-believers, the traditions predating these religions adopt a more holistic approach. Every three years, an elders’ conference is held in India, where representatives from 53 traditions across 40 countries gather to worship the Sun, Fire, Water, and Earth, viewing nature and Earth as a mother. This reflects the spiritual ethos of India, which was spread worldwide by Indian traders. We did not convert others; instead, people chose to adopt similar lifestyles after observing ours. Consequently, there’s a profound respect for India among these groups. This conference is held every three years, specifically in India, because participants express a desire to visit here, highlighting their deep, historical connection with India. Before the divisive notions introduced by Semitic thoughts, there existed a unified spiritual idea.
The Yazidi group performed, sharing their stories of persecution by Islamic forces, including the abduction of their children. However, in India, despite the immense diversity, people manage to coexist harmoniously. Why is this?
The reason lies in India’s spirituality-based worldview, which does not categorize anyone as ‘other’.
For people of my generation who are ‘Woke’ and might view these traditions as backward, why should they attend Lok Manthan?
I believe that the new generation of India inherently carries these Indian philosophies in their genes, yet they may not have engaged with them. My experience shows that once this connection is made, it naturally awakens from within. The collective atmosphere at events like Lok Manthan can catalyze this awakening far more effectively than individual discussions. When many witness this, it creates a collective impact, enhancing the potential for an awakening. I’m not alone in this view; many young people become inspired and motivated to explore further upon witnessing these events.
