“Non-violence is our basic nature and values. But some people are wilful. I mentioned about Ravan in Mumbai, because Ravan had everything, yet his mind was against non-violence. Bhagwan Ram killed Ravan for his own welfare — it was not an act of violence, but of true non-violence. Non-violence is our dharma. We never cause any harm to our neighbours, but if someone do not follow their dharma and turns evil, then it becomes the duty of the king to protect his public, the king must perform his duty. Gita also teaches about non-violence. It says Arjun should fight and kill the Kauravas because, at that time, this was the only way for their welfare,” said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat at the book launch of ‘The Hindu Manifesto’, a new book by Swami Vigyananand, Joint General Secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and initiator of the World Hindu Congress, on April 26 at the PM Museum in New Delhi.
He further said, “Even Ravan was killed because he refused to change his mind. Bhgawan Ram killed him only when he did not change”. Emphasising the tradition of Shastrarth (debate), Dr Bhagwat said, “We have a tradition of Shastrarth, where a proposal is put forth, and everyone expresses their views on it. There are both the initial argument (Purva Paksh) and the counter-argument (Uttar Paksh). The word ‘Manifesto’ is a bit confusing, political parties also release a manifesto during elections, but this Hindu Manifesto is not like that. When discussions are held on such books, a consensus will emerge that will be in harmony with the present times.”
Dr Mohan Bhagwat further reflected on the failure of purely materialistic development models that have led to dissatisfaction and environmental degradation worldwide. He highlighted Bharat’s civilisational path as the “third path” — a harmonious balance between material and spiritual well-being. However, before inspiring the world, Hindus must first embody the principles outlined in Swamiji’s book, which are rooted in the eternal wisdom of the shastras. Historically, Bharat’s influence was widespread without conquest, but complacency and narrow-mindedness led to the neglect of true Dharmic values.
“Hindu saints gathered at Udupi recently reaffirmed that any form of discrimination has no religious sanction in our scriptures”, he said. He aslo acknowledged the need to correct historical deviations. Dr Bhagwat said that the book seeks to reignite debate and bring the authentic Hindu worldview back into consciousness — a worldview that holds no ill will, even towards adversaries. True Dharma emphasises righteous action, societal prosperity, and adherence to the four purusharthas without rejecting worldly responsibilities.
Dr Bhagwat stressed that Dharma is deeper than religious rituals; it embodies universal truths and spiritual wisdom (adhyatmikta). He positioned ‘The Hindu Manifesto’ as an essential reference for Hindus, urging scholars, researchers, and common people alike to engage with it, fostering a contemporary and vibrant understanding of traditional knowledge.
Speaking at the event, Swami Vigyananand explained that the book captures the essence of ancient wisdom, reinterpreted for contemporary times. He emphasized that Hindu thought has always addressed the needs of the present while being firmly rooted in timeless principles distilled into powerful Sutras by Rishis.
The 8 foundational sutras of The Hindu Manifesto emphasise prosperity for all, national security, quality education, responsible democracy, respect for women, social harmony, sacredness of nature, and respect for one’s heritage.
Expounding on these sutras, Swami Vigyananand said that unlike Western capitalism or socialism, Hindu tradition proposes a balanced economic model that values wealth creation alongside fair distribution. True Dharma includes the responsibility to destroy enemies without misplaced mercy, something we forgot in the past with disastrous consequences. The importance of quality education was stressed, recognising the destruction of Bharat’s indigenous education system under colonial rule. Rooted in a republican spirit, Hindu civilization advocates for responsible governance with public participation and rejects the mentality of passive acceptance of rulers.
The second half of the book lays the foundations for a civilizational renaissance, talking about safety, dignity, and respect for women, inspired by figures like Draupadi; a non-discriminatory society based on Dharma, with the correct understanding of Varna and Jati; environmental stewardship, reflecting deep-rooted reverence for nature; and respect for the sacred geography and cultural unity of Bharat.
Prof Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of Delhi University, noted that true education is a blend of knowledge and wisdom, emphasizing the need for a strong treasury and defense for a resilient state. Swami Krishnashah Vidyarthi, Mahant of Rashtriya Valmiki Mandir, said that this book promises to be transformative as it contains the essence of our Dharmic thought.
The book ‘The Hindu Manifesto’ offers a transformative framework for prosperity, governance and justice in modern times, rooted in the principles of Dharma and the timeless wisdom of ancient Hindu texts such as the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and Shukranitisar. Swami Vigyananand has crafted The Hindu Manifesto as a blueprint for civilisational renaissance, based on eight guiding principles, or Sutras, that emphasise prosperity for all, national security, quality education, responsible democracy, respect for women, soctal harmony, sacredness of nature, and respect for one’s heritage.
The book presents a Dharma-centred model to foster a just, prosperous, and harmonious future for the world. It advocates for responsible democracy, drawing inspiration from Ram Rajya, where sovernance is rooted in justice and public welfare. It also redefines social structures, dispelling misconceptions about Varna and Jati and advocating for a non-discriminatory society.
‘The Hindu Manifesto’ maintains that a nation’s strength and longevity depend on two fundamental aspects: a solid foundational framework that ensures stability and progress, and a civilisational framework that nurtures values, identity and sustainability. Together, these aspects form the core philosophy of this book, with each of the eight Sutras representing a crucial pillar of a thriving society.
By blending ancient wisdom with contemporary Ideas, the book guides us to realign society with enduring civilisational values and power Bharat’s rise in the changing world order. A two-minute silence was also observed at the book launch to honour the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
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