The Ghent School, led by Prof. Balagangadhara, challenges colonial narratives that have shaped India's understanding of religion, caste, and culture. It argues that India's traditions differ fundamentally from Western religious frameworks, emphasizing rituals over doctrinal beliefs. The school advocates for decolonizing Indian social sciences by rediscovering indigenous perspectives and rejecting imposed categorizations. By understanding India's traditions on their own terms, it proposes a more nuanced approach to multiculturalism and identity.
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The Number 12 – An Exploration across Cultures
In this essay, Dr. Koenraad Elst explores the profound symbolic importance of the number 12 across cultures, from the 12 Ādityas in the Vedas to the Olympian gods and the 12-starred EU flag. In ancient India, it represented cosmic order, as seen in the Ṛg-Vedic 'Riddle Hymn' describing a twelve-spoked wheel of Ṛta. Mathematically and geometrically unique, the twelvefold division underlies the structure of the Zodiac and the ancient Yajur-Vedic seasonal cycle.
Mahadev Shambhu – The Story of a Gram-Devata
This story by Rati Hegde, about Mahadev Shambhu, a Gram-Devata, captures the the reality of many such deities and their temples in India. It traces the socio-economic and cultural shifts that have shaped the ecosystem of these temples through the decades. The author paints a poignant picture of how duty and devotion have given way to reluctant obligation even as these deities continue to remain central to the Hindu faith.
A Scientific Perspective on Mahakumbh
At the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati converge, the Kumbh Mela unfolds as a grand experiment in collective consciousness. This ancient gathering, rooted in Hindu lore, integrates sophisticated scientific principles, from astronomical cycles to fluid dynamics. The 2025 Mahakumbh Mela exemplifies this blend, with AI-powered crowd management and real-time navigation tools enhancing the experience for millions of pilgrims. This convergence of science and spirituality not only preserves cultural heritage but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, inviting both spiritual seekers and scientific minds to explore its depths.
“Hindu Society under Siege” by Sitaram Goel : A Review
Sita Ram Goel’s "Hindu Society Under Siege" is a compelling analysis of the historical, cultural, and ideological challenges confronting Hindu society. Shri Goel examines how residues from foreign invasions—Islamic, British, and colonial ideologies—continue to undermine Hindu unity and cultural revival. A profound exploration of India’s civilizational ethos, the book calls for Hindus to unite and reclaim their heritage.