“India’s Sense of Nationhood Arises from Cultural Consciousness, Far Older than the Modern Nation-State” – Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor, Bihar
· “The Constitution Does Not Bring Us Closer to Indianness” — Shri Ram Bahadur Rai
· “Nationhood is felt through the heart and spirit, not just the constitution” — Dr. Ram Madhav
6th December, New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Kala Nidhi Division, hosted the book launch and discussion of ‘Bharat: That Is India – Reclaiming Our Real Identity’ by Shri Abhijeet Joag, published by Suruchi Prakashan. The programme was attended by Shri Arif Mohammad Khan, Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, as Chief Guest, and Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President, IGNCA Trust. Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation, New Delhi, joined as Guest of Honour, while Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, delivered the Opening Address. The proceedings began with a Welcome Address by Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean, IGNCA, followed by a discussion on the themes presented in the book.
Shri Arif Mohammad Khan said that in the Indian tradition, it is inappropriate to interpret dharma in the narrow sense of “religion,” because its true essence lies in duty, responsibility, and the discernment of one’s actions according to the situation. He added that alongside sanatana-dharma, the Indian intellectual tradition accords equal importance to yuga-dharma, desha-dharma, and sva-dharma—all of which place duty at their core.
He emphasised that India cannot be understood through European categories such as the nation-state, empire, or tribal formations, as cultural and spiritual unity has existed here for millennia. He referred to Adi Shankaracharya’s establishment of the mahavakyas of Advaita Vedanta and the organisation of monastic institutions across the country as expressions of this enduring cultural consciousness, which recognises the divinity inherent within every human being. He said the distinctive contribution of Indian civilisation lies in viewing the human being as a divine entity, and in understanding compassion, self-expansion, and sensitivity as pathways to spiritual elevation. On this basis, he remarked that the Indian sense of nationhood arises from cultural consciousness, far older than the modern concept of the nation-state.
Referring to Mughal rule and colonial structures, he said that while British rule was clearly colonial, Mughal rule proved even more harmful at cultural and psychological levels. He noted that failing to understand this history is not merely an injustice to India but also a neglect of the extensive knowledge traditions that the world has long admired. Highlighting the high regard for knowledge within the Islamic tradition, he recalled the Prophet’s statement that he felt “the cool breeze of knowledge blowing from the land of Hind,” emphasising that acknowledging this esteem makes engaging with India’s intellectual traditions a responsibility in itself.
Speaking about the book, he said that it presents many new facts and perspectives, with several chapters offering significant insights into the complexities of Indian history and cultural continuity. He emphasised that study, historical understanding, and self-reflection form the true path to recognising one’s duties towards the nation.
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Padma Bhushan awardee, noted that this book not only revisits history but also interprets India’s civilizational perspective, offering guidance for the present and future. He said the book will delight some readers and unsettle others—particularly those who are confused and unfamiliar with their true identity. He added that the book fosters self-understanding, explaining what our past is and how we can come to know it. Praising the author, Shri Rai observed that the book is the result of extensive research. He further noted that the Constitution does not bring us closer to a sense of Indianness and questioned whether the 73rd and 74th Amendments fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj, concluding that they do not.
Shri Ram Madhav said, “Our country is going through a period of significant transformation, and at such a time, what is required is not merely knowledge or debate, but a deep sense of India and a strong feeling of nationhood.” He added that ‘Bharat That Is India: ReclaimingOur Real Identity’ is an important effort to awaken that sense and connect us with our ideological and historical roots. Reflecting on independent India’s constitutional journey, the contributions of thinkers like Gandhi and Ambedkar, and the early form of our democracy, he noted that the building of a nation does not happen solely through law or the constitution; it is felt through the heart and the spirit. Transformative literature and research, such as this book by Abhijeet Ji, helps instil this realization that India is not merely a name or a geographical entity, but a living nation, which we must continuously experience and uphold through our actions, society, and lives.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, appreciating Abhijeet Jog’s writing, said that Jog has consistently given new direction to intellectual discourse, whether through Asatya Mev Jayate or Vamapanthī Dīmaka. His new work, Bharat: Satya, Sattva aur Swatva, explores India’s concept and ideological framework, highlighting Satya (truth), Sattva (essence), and Swatva (selfhood) as essential to understanding India’s consciousness.
Dr. Joshi noted the significance of the Brihaspati Agama verse “Himalayam Samarabhya…”, which shows the ancient usage of ‘Hindusthan’ and provides a vital source for research on India’s civilizational identity. Based on extensive study, the book reinterprets key concepts, including the origin of zero, contributions of Aryabhata and Acharya Brahmagupta, and the colonial construction of terms like ‘tribal’. He added that the questions raised regarding Mughal and British rule as ‘colonial’ and their socio-cultural impact are important research themes. The book opens new pathways for understanding India’s civilizational consciousness, and Dr. Joshi expressed hope that the author will also undertake comprehensive work on India’s folk life.
Shri Abhijeet Jog said that there could be no better platform than IGNCA for the launch and discussion of his book. He highlighted that his work seeks to present India’s true civilizational identity, which has long been distorted by colonial and ideological forces, and to awaken a deep sense of nationhood among its people. Jog observed that repeated portrayals of India as poor, backward, and uneducated have caused lasting harm, and despite the Prime Minister’s call to free the nation from the ‘Macaulay mindset’ within the next decade, this mindset persists. The book reminds readers of India’s profound historical legacy—as the cradle of civilization, mathematics, philosophy, science, and universal human values—whose achievements shaped the world yet remain largely unacknowledged, and inspires recognition of its enduring contributions to humanity.
Prof. Dr. Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean of IGNCA, delivered the welcome address. He greeted the speakers and guests and, while outlining the programme, provided a brief introduction to the author’s research and the key concepts of the book. The event commenced and concluded with the national anthem. A large gathering of scholars, researchers, students, and individuals associated with literature and culture attended, showing keen interest in the book’s ideas, the discussions, and the insights shared by the speakers.
