Delivered by Prof. Prakash Shah on behalf of Prof. Vamsee Juluri at the panel "Decolonisation, Public Discourse and IKS" during the IKSHA Conference at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, this thought-provoking talk argues that decolonisation cannot be reduced to merely replacing Western knowledge with Indian knowledge. It challenges the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) movement to examine its own assumptions and recover the spiritual foundations of Bharatiya knowledge. The talk ultimately asks whether true decolonisation is possible if Bhagawan is removed from the centre of the civilizational worldview.
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Scholarship and Sacred Truth
Can a civilization survive if all its sacred truths are judged solely by external academic standards? This essay argues that while historical inquiry has its place, Hindu Dharma must remain rooted in its own sacred framework of shraddha, sampradaya, and parampara. A living tradition cannot endure if its foundational beliefs are endlessly relativized. History may study a civilization from the outside, but only its sacred truths sustain it from within.

Rāmo Vigrahavān Dharmaḥ: The Sixteen Lakṣaṇas as a Complete Condition-Set of Dharma
What does it truly mean to call Rāma "Vigrahavān Dharmaḥ" - the embodiment of Dharma? Drawing on the opening verses of the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, this essay argues that the sixteen lakṣaṇas are not merely admirable virtues but a complete and indispensable condition-set for the embodiment of Dharma. Through a rigorous śāstric analysis of pramāṇa, lakṣaṇa, and embodiment, it presents a compelling philosophical framework that reveals why Rāma is not simply a follower of Dharma, but its fullest living manifestation.

British Colonial Raj: Drivers of Socio-Cultural Impact
This essay examines how British colonial rule reshaped not just India's institutions, but also its everyday habits, aspirations, and cultural imagination. From club culture and hill stations to vacations and leisure travel, it argues that colonial-era practices continue to influence Indian society long after independence. By contrasting these with pre-colonial civilisational patterns, the article invites readers to reflect on whether India can rediscover a balance rooted in its own timeless traditions while navigating modernity.

The Sanitized Shastra: The Cost of Domesticating India’s Intellectual Traditions
A seemingly local controversy in Udupi sparked a nationwide digital outrage, revealing a far deeper civilisational crisis: the growing tendency to sanitize India's philosophical traditions to fit modern sensibilities. Examining the history of rigorous debate across Indian schools of thought, this essay argues that intellectual sharpness - not polite uniformity -was the hallmark of India's knowledge systems. It makes the case that reclaiming India's authentic civilisational confidence requires preserving the raw, uncompromising vocabulary and traditions that once made its philosophical culture so vibrant.
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Śaṅkara Charitam – a re-telling – Chapter 06
In the 6th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman brings to us the story of Śaṅkara's birth and the ensuing events; along with taking forward the story of Maṇḍana Miśhra and Ubhaya Bhārati and how they became householders.
Hindutva and other peoples’ nationalism
The BJP's rudimentary understanding of the war for territory may come back to haunt them later.
“Rama of the Axe” by Ranjith Radhakrishnan – A Review
A comprehensive review of "Rama of the Axe" by Ranjith Radhakrishnan, and his treatment of plots and characters beyond what is mainstream, including but not limited to the protagonist Bhagwan Parashurama and the antagonist Kartyavira Arjuna.
On the existence of the Self: Part 2
The prior existence of consciousness is necessary for the universe to make its presence known to us.
Reviving a wounded civilisation – Śraddhā
Our defence of the sacred places was not borne out of violent sectarian fanaticism, but out of a gentle resolute śraddhā for the devas.
The real Shakti of Bharat lies in Chaturvarnya
"The system of division into different Varnas is the stepping stone to civilization, making one specialise and rise higher in the areas of one's heritage, learning and vocation. The youth of Bharat must try to understand the beauty of this eternal system where Chaturvarnya is the real Shakti of Bharat."
Vrata – Its Meaning, Importance, And Rules Of Practice
व्रतात् पर तपः नास्ति॥
There is no penance greater than vrata.
Hayagriva – The Horse faced God who carries our Civilization
Lord Hayagriva represents the restorer archetype who restores wisdom from the clutches of ignorance.
Invaders and Infidels: From Sindh to Delhi – The 500 Year Journey of Islamic Invasions
The ethical code and misplaced magnanimity of Hindu kings who followed dharmic tenets cost them against a barbarous enemy.
Immigrants were once welcomed in Assam – Part 1
Sentiments involving immigrants from Bengal into Assam have ebbed and flowed as time has gone by.
A plea for the use of the Roman script (with diacritics) for the teaching of Indian languages
In the modern age, a case can be made for using the Roman script to teach Indian languages.
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Philosophy of Healing in Ayurveda
Health, as per Ayurveda, has both physical and moral components and is deeply embedded in the worldview derived from the six principal darsanas of Hindu philosophy.
Nuwari of a Story!
A single mustard-and-maroon saree becomes the thread weaving together generations of memory. As a mother recounts its journey - from saree to half-saree, curtain, cushion cover, and album cover—her daughter discovers how fabric can carry family history. Each transformation holds laughter, sisterly love, and the ingenuity of making do with what one has. In the end, the saree becomes more than clothing - it becomes a living archive of relationships, creativity, and continuity.
The Glory of the Adi Shri Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib is a ship whose destination is the attainment of Parabrahma Paramatma.
Minority-Progressive Celebrities: Part 1 ‘The Reform Agenda’
Once hailed as voices of modern, inclusive thought, minority-progressive celebrities like Naseeruddin Shah and Javed Akhtar now face growing skepticism. Their politics, once seen as secular and reformist, appear increasingly selective, critiquing Hinduism while sparing other faiths. The essay traces how celebrity activism and the so-called ‘reform agenda,’ rooted in colonial biases,evolved into a quiet but persistent Hinduphobia shaping India’s cultural and political discourse.
Chequered Brilliance of Raja Man Singh of Amer
The often mischaracterised Raja Man Singh of Amer was a dharm-rakshak who only had the best Hindu interests at heart.
ARE TRIBALS HINDUS?
In this essay, Dr. Pingali Gopal tries to understand how the narrative surrounding the continuing debate on the status of the tribals of India and how they connect to 'mainstream' Hinduism, which he believes is solely aimed at breaking India, is playing out in the legal, constitutional, social, and religious contexts.
Ayurveda: Tradition, Science, and Recognition in a Globalised World
Ayurveda, despite being a system as ancient as, and deeper and more effective than, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), does not yet enjoy the same reverential status accorded to TCM. Does the cause lie in its inability to fit into the modern lifestyle, or with us for failing to find and project pride in our own cultural heritage and treasures?
Pre-Sultanate History Of The Qutub Complex
A sneak-peak into the pre-Sulatanate history of the Qutub Complex.
Caste in Medieval India: The Beginnings of a Reexamination
Caste in Hindus as a social stratification method has long been criticised without understanding how it operates within other religions.
Yoga Vasishtha
The sublime Vedantic text showcases how a young Rama was nurtured by his guru, Brahmarshi Vasishtha, to fulfill his future role.
A Look at India From the Views of Other Scholars
A synopsis of the views of individuals from fields such as history, science, literature who came in contact with the ancient wisdom of Bharat and were indebted to it's teachings and way of life.
The mighty myth of Sikhs saving Hinduism
The narrative of Sikhs coming to the aid of Hindus needs to be re-examined.
