After the successful conclusion of LokManthan 2024 in Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad), J Nandakumar, National Convener, Prajna Pravah and the General Secretary of the LokManthan organising committee, spoke to Organiser Editor Prafulla Ketkar. He shared insights about the event’s uniqueness, its global participation, and the profound takeaways for Bharat’s cultural revival. Excerpts:
LokManthan 2024 was the fourth edition of this biennial event. How was this event different from the previous editions?
Every LokManthan is unique in its own way, evolving organically rather than following a rigid, pre-structured format. It reflects the dynamic nature of dialogue and engagement among Bharatiya cultural practitioners. This year’s event in Bhagyanagar was particularly special. In terms of participation, we had over 1,520 delegates and 1,568 artists representing 32 States and Union Territories. For the first time, we saw participation from 13 countries, with representatives from as far as Armenia, Romania, and the Yazidi community, enriching our discourse with their unique cultural practices. Even the public’s response was unprecedented. By the morning of the valedictory session, over 2.1 lakh people had visited the exhibitions, and by the end of the day, we estimate that the number exceeded three lakh. This overwhelming public support, not just from Hyderabad but also from neighbouring regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, was heartwarming.
With participation from countries beyond Bharat, LokManthan has clearly expanded its scope. Historically, the event is seen as rooted in Bharatiya traditions. What was the rationale for including international groups like Yazidis and Armenians?
LokManthan is not confined to the geographical or political boundaries of modern Bharat. Its essence lies in exploring the broader sanskritik Bharat—the cultural Bharat that transcends borders. When we delve into pre-Abrahamic, customary practices worldwide, we often find deep cultural and spiritual connections to Bharatiya traditions. For instance, Yazidis’ rituals bear striking similarities to Surya worship in Bharat. Their use of the peacock feather as a sacred symbol resonates with the iconography of Kartikeya or Subramanya. Similarly, the Armenian fire rituals closely resemble Ganapati havans performed here.This isn’t about proving one culture is superior to another but highlighting the interconnectedness of global traditions. LokManthan provided a platform for these shared cultural roots to be celebrated, fostering a sense of unity amidst diversity. The vision is to present culture as a golden thread that binds humanity together.
LokManthan 2024 also had a series of pre-events across Bharat. Now that the main event is over, what are
the key takeaways, and how do you plan to sustain its impact?
The primary takeaway from LokManthan 2024 is the reaffirmation of cultural unity. As Honourable Mahamahim Rashtrapatiji emphasised in her address, while Bharat comprises diverse communities—be they Vanvaasi, rural, or urban—we are all united as one Bharatiya. To sustain this momentum, we plan to organise post-LokManthan events. These will focus on taking the cultural message deep into villages, tribal areas, and grassroots levels. Inspired by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat Ji’s suggestion during the event, we aim to conduct smaller LokManthan-style gatherings in forested regions and rural spaces, encouraging direct engagement with the communities. Another critical takeaway is the need to counter the compartmentalised, Westernised education system that has alienated many from their cultural roots.
The theme of this year’s LokManthan revolved around “Lok Thought, Lok System, and Lok Behaviour.” Could you elaborate on its significance?
The theme captures the essence of what LokManthan seeks to achieve. Lok refers to the collective consciousness of people. By exploring Lok Thought, we delve into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of our civilisation. Lok System examines our indigenous governance models, social practices, and self-sustaining communities. Finally, Lok Behaviour reflects our day-to-day cultural expressions, from festivals to folk traditions. Through this framework, we aim to reconnect people with the Bharatiya worldview—a holistic way of living that harmonises the material and spiritual, the individual and the collective. This dialogue is especially critical in the face of binaries imposed by colonial and post-colonial influences, which have fragmented our society.
You have spoken how colonialism has created divisions within Bharat. How does LokManthan address challenges from ideologies like cultural Marxism or market-driven globalism that distort Bharat’s social realities?
This is a significant concern. Both cultural Marxism and unchecked globalism attempt to homogenise diverse cultural expressions, often erasing indigenous identities. Marxist ideologies, for instance, have appropriated the idea of “people’s movements” while simultaneously creating binaries—urban vs. rural, tribal vs. non-tribal, etc.—that fragment our society. LokManthan seeks to challenge these narratives by presenting an inclusive, organic view of Bharat. The event emphasises that tribal communities, rural traditions, and urban practices are not isolated but integral parts of one civilisational ethos. By fostering dialogues rooted in cultural consciousness, we aim to equip people with the intellectual clarity to counter these divisive ideologies. The inclusion of international cultural groups also reinforces the idea that Bharat’s cultural worldview has global relevance.
LokManthan began with the theme of decolonisation. How do you see this theme evolving in future editions?
Decolonisation remains central to LokManthan’s vision. However, it is important to understand that decolonisation is not just about rejecting external influences; it is about rediscovering our inherent strengths and reasserting our cultural confidence. Future editions will delve deeper into integrating traditional practices with contemporary challenges. For example, our indigenous agricultural techniques, environmental conservation practices, and holistic health systems can offer solutions to global crises. The idea is to present Bharat not just as a cultural reservoir but as a thought leader for the world.
What role do organisations like Prajna Pravah play in sustaining the cultural revival initiated by LokManthan?
Prajna Pravah has been instrumental in conceptualising and organising LokManthan. Beyond the event, it works year-round to facilitate cultural research, workshops, and grassroots initiatives. One of our key focus areas is education reform. As highlighted during LokManthan, we need to move beyond mere content changes in textbooks and work towards transforming perceptions.
How do you envision LokManthan shaping the future of Bharat?
LokManthan is not just an event; it is a movement. Its ultimate aim is to ignite a cultural renaissance in Bharat—a revival that embraces our civilisational ethos while addressing modern challenges. By fostering dialogue, bridging divides, and celebrating our shared heritage, LokManthan lays the foundation for a more cohesive and confident Bharat. This cultural confidence, in turn, will empower us to contribute meaningfully to the global community, offering solutions rooted in the timeless wisdom of our ancestors. LokManthan 2024 was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of Bharat’s enduring spirit and its relevance in the contemporary world. As it continues to evolve, this initiative promises to inspire generations to reconnect with their roots and envision a brighter, united future.
