Why do Hindus think differently about knowledge, duty, worship, time and existence? Why Are We This Way: A Guide to Hindu Shastras approaches these questions through the vast knowledge traditions of Sanatana Dharma. Rather than treating Hinduism as a collection of rituals or beliefs, the book introduces readers to the interconnected Shastric ecosystem underlying them. Its accessible treatment of complex traditions makes it particularly relevant to a generation increasingly disconnected from its scriptural inheritance. This review examines the book as a roadmap towards recovering that intellectual and civilizational memory.
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Decolonizing IKS (“Indian Knowledge Systems”)
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.

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.
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How not to wish Hindus during their festivals
The negative hysteria that surrounds Hindu festivals has certainly amplified in recent times.
What is culture?
In Indian culture, spirituality permeates life; spirituality is the pivot around which all other activities revolve.
The Silent Brahman
Silence and action can both co-exist in our lives, encompassed in the Supreme Consciousness; as part of an integral philosophy.
The untold foundations of Modern Economics: Did Adam Smith plagiarise Kautilya?
The founding father of modern economics had essentially copied Kautilya's work without giving any credit.
Non-ignorable ideas of a non-ignorable man
Examining the broad ideas in Tufail Ahmed's recent book, Jihadist Threat To India: The Case for Islamic Reformation by an Indian Muslim.
Brahmanism 102: The Prophet of Sanatana Dharma and his “idea of India”
‘Hindu’ is a term given to us by others who thought that their religion was better than ours. To them,...
नए जीवन की ओर (भाग १)
गंगा के किनारे सुचिता का रमन से मिलन उसके जीवन में बहुत बदलाव लाता है।
Arya and Swastika
Maligned and associated with the Nazis, the Swastika symbol and the Aryan people have long been the sufferers of anti-Hindu rhetoric.
The Hārītīputras — Contesting distortionary narratives about the origins of the Ćāḷukyās
Anirudh Kanisetty’s book ‘Lords of the Deccan’ claims that the Ćāḷukyās were originally agriculturalists who formed into bands of brigands going about looting villages and towns, amassing wealth which emboldened them to lay claim to the terrorized territories as sovereigns, legitimised by védic sacrifices.
Lakshmi Prasad J, in his rebuttal, researches and unearths that the Ćāḷukyas of Bādāmī claim descent from Hārīti, a royal matriarch from antiquity, associated with a string of illustrious dynasties. The matronym, Hārītīputra finds mention in the royal panegyrics of at least half a dozen dynasties of Deccan.
With so much information about Calukyas being available in public domain for decades now, one expects a young researcher to be better informed and not get influenced into weaving Bollywood-esque portrayal of our ancestors.
Jina Kanchi – The forgotten Jain legacy of Kanchipuram
Home to the oldest living Jain traditions in Tamil Nadu, Jina Kanchi dates back to the Pallava king, Simhavarman, in 550 CE.
Abjure or Appropriate Ambedkar
Should Hindus or Hindutva, abjure or appropriate Ambedkar?
श्रीराम जन्मभूमि के तथ्य (Facts about Ram Temple)
अयोध्या में मंदिर पर चलते विवाद के तथ्यों का अध्ययन कर यह निश्चित हो जाता है कि मंदिर का निर्माण ही इस विवाद का एकमात्र उपाय है।
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Parashar Smriti – the lawbook for Kaliyuga
In Parashar Smriti, the law book for Kaliyuga, we find a commentary surprisingly relatable to the issues of our day and age.
Thillai Nataraja – The Regenerative Force of Life
The boundless Shakti present in Chidambaram helps our consciousness to come out of its slumber and start the regeneration process.
Understanding Indian Economy: Ancient To Modern – Part 4
The previous parts were an attempt to summarise the Indian economic story from its ancient roots until the end of British rule from various sources. The understanding of the Indian economy after independence also tends to be a little complex for a layperson to understand because of conflicting opinions. However, the overall story is one of hope and pride rather than shame and disappointment. This part also includes selected references and further readings for those interested.
India: The land of traditions, not religions(Part 1)
According to Dr. SN Balagangadhara, the framework to define a religion as done by Semitics does not apply to Indic religions as they more akin to traditions.
Ayodhya - Strategic Short-sightedness
The Ram Mandir project can only be deemed successful if it brings about a movement to reclaim, revive and restore all the temples that were destroyed by the invaders.
Lachit Borphukan – The Hero of Assam
A quick look at the life and times of Lachit Borphukan and his glorious contribution to the Ahom Kingdom of Assam
Guha's Golwalkar (Part 2)
Examining Ram Guha's perception of Guru Golwalkar reveals not only the studied superficiality of Nehruvian secularists but also serious flaws in the strategic thinking of 'Hindu Nationalists'.
Hinduism in a Postmodern World – III
The need to deconstruct Indian thought has led it to be defined in silos which goes against its essential nature.
Looking for Indianness
The essence of what constitutes Indianness is disappearing in the mutating mass of present day society, not helped by the Indians' own cultural bankruptcy, which might pave the way towards a regrettable future.
The Ballad of Ayyappā’s People
Ayyappa's followers in the face of abominable state and police action have been rendered powerless.
Brassy silence of Pitalkhora
The almost forgotten cave complex of Pitalkhora resonates the silence deep within us.
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan: Liberal or fanatic?
Was Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan truly the “Frontier Gandhi”, a liberal humanist wronged by history, or a devout fanatic disguised in Gandhian robes? This essay revisits that question through forgotten records, overlooked testimonies, and Sita Ram Goel’s sharp insights. From Pashto pride to Pakistan’s politics, the story unravels a man far more complex and perhaps less idealistic than the hagiographies suggest.
