Rashritya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale asserted that “India is not just a piece of land; it is a philosophy of life, a spiritual treasure, and a Vishwaguru that enlightens the world”. Speaking at the launch of ‘Vimarsh Bharat Ka’ at Panchsheel Balak Inter College, he criticised colonial and leftist distortions of India’s identity and called for an ideological battle to reclaim the nation’s true legacy.
The book, published by Suruchi Prakashan, is a compilation of four years of intellectual discussions curated by Prerna Sansthan. During the event, India TV’s senior journalist Meenakshi Joshi was honored with the Prerna Samman 2024 for her contributions to media and discourse.
Dattatreya Hosabale exposed the falsehoods embedded in India’s historical narrative. “Is India merely a geographical entity? Or just a political construct? No! India is a civilisation, a cultural force, and a way of life that has shaped humanity,” he asserted.
Refuting the colonial propaganda that India was an agrarian backwater with no industrial or scientific contributions, he highlighted, “In 1600 AD, India controlled 23 per cent of global trade. We were never inferior in any field. Our education system was destroyed, our history distorted, and our self-respect crushed by invaders. It’s time to reclaim our truth.”
He pointed to the four-volume book series “The India They Saw,” which documents foreign travelers’ accounts of India’s grandeur, proving that historical distortions were intentional.
Dattatreya Hosabale made a strong assertion: “Now, we must say ‘Bharat,’ not ‘India.’ This is not just semantics; it is a matter of cultural and civilisational reclamation.” He emphasised the need to correct this deeply ingrained colonial mindset, stating that the Mahakumbh Vimarsh is an intellectual revolution that will shape Bharat’s future discourse. “There is an ideological battle across the world. Bharat too must fight this war—by writing the truth, speaking the truth, and revealing the truth.”
Dattatreya Hosabale reiterated that Bharat’s purpose extends beyond national borders. “Our sages proclaimed: ‘Atmano Mokshartham Jagaddhitaya Cha’—self-liberation and world welfare. The world looks to Bharat for guidance.”
He invoked the ethos of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (universal well-being) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), stating that Bharat’s rise as a global lighthouse is inevitable but requires strength, self-reliance, and intellectual clarity.
Chairing the event, Anuradha Prasad, Editor-in-Chief of News 24, underlined the critical role of the youth: “They must engage with their history, society, and culture to lead Bharat forward.” The event saw the participation of Preeti Dadu (President, Prerna Shodh Sansthan Trust), Anil Tyagi (President, Prerna Vimarsh), Rajiv Tuli (President, Suruchi Prakashan & Co-Regional Sanghchalak, Western UP), and Professor Narendra Taneja.
