In this part, A V Sastri briefly outlines how the unique Indian spirit of nationalist struggle for independence led by Sri Aurobindo, Lokmanya Tilak and others was gradually replaced by the moral-ethical nature of Gandhian call for political freedom. He also writes of the limits of such moralistic attempts.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 9 Read More »
In this part, the author argues that the time of moral phase of nationalism is over. The need of the hour is a spiritual nationalism, but before we get there we must recognise the ethical-moral development as a necessary stage in human evolution.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 10 Read More »
In this part, A. V. Sastri speaks of the imitative nature of the early nationalist movement in 19th century India. Indian leaders at that time were so mesmerised by the British versions of Indian political history that they never explored India’s unique line of political development in the past.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 6 Read More »
With a religious reawakening in Bengal, the early imitative nationalism became more aligned with the Indian historical and temperamental truth. The religious consciousness extended to the political field and the movement in Bengal prefigured the coming struggle on the wider stage of India.
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Sri Aurobindo envisages a future for the Indian nation for which there is no example or exact parallel in history, a new type of people lifting nationalism to a new pinnacle justifying the separate existence, separate effort of a whole people in fundamental unity with entire humanity.
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An issue focusing on yoga, in honour of International Yoga Day, June 21. Ongoing series on Psychology of Indian Nationalism continues with focus on ancient Rishis envisioning a polity in alignment with the spirit and ideals of Indian culture.
India for Yoga, Yoga for India Read More »
Highlights of an interview with Aravindan Neelakandan, where he speaks about the inner unity of India, the meaning of India as a Shakti, and the need to develop a good knowledge of our languages and heritage as the most effective way to counter the ‘Breaking India’ forces.
On Making India: An Interview with Aravindan Neelakandan Read More »
This book by Bharat Gupt presents a novel way of understanding contemporary Indian society and its challenges by applying an Indian sociological framework. Selected excerpts from the book are presented along with a brief review.
“India – A Cultural Decline or Revival?” Read More »
According to A V Sastri, the triple realisation of the Divine helped the Rishis to conceive a social order reconciling all conflict between the individual and society or nation by submitting both to a higher, the highest Truth. Essential ideals of the polity shaped by the Rishis are also mentioned.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 4 Read More »
In this part, A V Sastri briefly outlines the historical evolution of the Indian polity from a simple organic community to its era of decline which was also marked by imposition of news systems and cultures from Western Asia and Europe.
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Our lead essay explores the roots of Indian nationalism from the perspective of Sri Aurobindo’s integral vision. Role of character-building education in nation-building is the focus of second essay. Also included is a review of a book on the brave heroes who valiantly fought against the invaders.
Of Nation and Nationalism Read More »
In these passages, Sri Aurobindo explains the true spirit and mission of Indian nationalism. The challenge before us is to develop our perception so that we can see their deep relevance of these words for our times, for a true rebirth of Indian nation.
The Ideal of Indian Nationalism Read More »
In this opening part, author A V Sastri suggests that to comprehend the idea of nationalism as interpreted by Sri Aurobindo requires one to enter the whole region of his thought as it shapes and expresses itself in his major works.
The Psychology of Indian Nationalism – 1 Read More »
Exploring India’s mission for the humanity, A V Sastri in this part explains that Indian nationalism at its core must be as inclusive, as many-sided, as much rooted in Divine and Humanity, at once as disciplined and liberal, as much one in spirit but myriad in expression as Sanatana Dharma.
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In this part, A V Sastri briefly explores the nation-making in the West, which has been primarily an external evolution. But a subjective approach to forming a national identity can also bring great danger, as shown by the example of Germany. A spiritual view of individual and society is necessary.
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We feature a review by Rajat Mitra of a new book “Saffron Swords.” The book tells the tales of 52 warriors who fought till their last breath to defend their motherland. Beloo Mehra introduces the book by invoking a few verses from Sri Aurobindo’s Bhavani Bharati.
A Review of “Saffron Swords” Read More »
This essay, presented in two parts, expounds on Swami Vivekananda’s views on character development and also briefly discusses the basic themes of his philosophy of man-making education in the light of practical Vedanta.
Build Character to Build Nation (Part 1) Read More »
In this concluding part of the essay, we learn about the key methods and content areas, which as per Swami Vivekananda’s educational thought must become the basis for a holistic education aimed at character-building of the students.
Build Character to Build Nation (Conclusion) Read More »