Few glimpses of change
Time is eternal with a continuous movement forward. As time advances, so does the “change” in all of us, the nations, and the world. The change is also continuous and constant even if we cannot see, perceive, and/ or accept it. As we turn the page from 2023 to the dawn of 2024, a few glimpses of change in the steadily rising and shining Bharat are discussed.
First, we wish all readers a pleasant, prosperous, and peaceful 2024. May the dawn of 2024 continue to dominate your Sanatani thoughts and practices leading to “Ram Rajya” in Bharat and globally. May all Bharatiya everywhere take pride in Bharat (change terminology from India to Bharat when possible). Let us pledge to support Bharat’s quest for self-reliance, development, and the alleviation of religious conflicts, poverty, caste politics, and other social evils.
Let all Bhartiya join in the resurgence of ancient Dharma with due respect for people of other faiths. Our philosophy of secularism, also a part of the Constitution, is “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” meaning equal respect to all religions. May Bharat’s dominance as a Hindu nation with unity in diversity be an example of peace, harmony, and non-violence for the world as “one family” under ancient wisdom Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Sunsetting 2023
Bharat, an ancient name for India, was formally re-introduced to world leaders during the G20. It was a cause for celebration for many and a topic for consternation for others. The year 2023 witnessed a new Parliament, the renaming of Kartavya Path, dozens of Vande Bharat trains crisscrossing north-south and east-west, and an unprecedented rescue of trapped workers in Uttarakhand.
The development agenda included every sector in all corners of Bharat. It encompassed education to health, energy to the environment, Make in India to Made in India, Fit India to Start-up India, R&D in space to defense technologies, digital transactions to transparent online systems, and many more.
The life of crores of average Bharatiya, especially women, was transformed with “pukka ghar,” access to potable water, cooking gas, electricity, subsidized food, health insurance, and bank accounts. Poverty alleviation took hold at the ground level which once was only a slogan – Garibi Hatao.
The largest state of Uttar Pradesh is considered the nerve center of political Bharat. As 2023 was ending, Modi was there to inaugurate the remodeled Ayodhya Dham station and the new International airport named after Maharishi Valmiki. The airport named after Saint Valmiki, who authored the original sacred Ramayana about seven thousand years ago, is incredibly significant for Hindu revivalism. Incidentally, Modi broadcasted his 108th Man ki Baat as 2023 was sunsetting. The number 108 is the most important number in Sanatana Dharma[1].
Bharat and Sunrise in 2024
The dawn of 2024 will begin with the opening of the magnificent Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. It signifies a strong resurgence of Sanatan Dharma. First, it was the Kashi corridor for the devotees of Lord Shiva, now Ayodhya (the birthplace of Lord Ram), and the next with almost certainty is Mathura/ Vrindavan revival, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Coincidentally all in U.P. together with Bharat’s largest mosque to be built there in 2024. It will house the world’s biggest Quran and a center of ‘Dawa and Dua,’ a 500-bed cancer hospital (Dawa) and a place for prayers (Dua).
The 2024 will hold Parliamentary elections in Bharat with an undisputed victory for the nationalist Modi. Bharat will be just one of seventy-six nations facing elections in 2024. The election outcomes are certain to change the geopolitical dynamics with Bharat maintaining its strong 3D agenda: Democracy, Development, and Diplomacy under Modi’s leadership.
In the U.S., the likely next President is Biden or Trump. Both have a good chemistry with Modi and thus no major shift in U.S-Bharat relations. The return of Russia’s Putin and U.K’s Sunak is equally likely for Bharat’s continued strong relations. Elections in Bharat’s neighbors (Pakistan and Bangladesh, once part of Mahabharat) matter but little in the larger context. In my informed opinion, the new and emerging Bharat will continue its strong alliances globally.
What should Bharat deliver?
As a born Bharatiya, I have expectations as we turn the page to 2024 under Modi. His government must continue the mission of Developed Bharat by 2047 aimed at more employment opportunities for youth and the empowerment of girls and women, farmers, and the economically disadvantaged.
I hope that Bharat’s political stability and strength will lead to free and fair elections in Kashmir with PoK as its legitimate part. Bharat must maintain zero tolerance for sectarian activities, terrorism, and corruption at all levels within and beyond its borders. Stronger accountability and transparency must be expected and enforced.
Bharat must curb divisive forces based on religious strife and caste politics, enact legislation like the UCC, and enforce earlier legislations- the CAA and NRC. Equally critical are the strengthening of its judiciary system and economic, military, and political might while maintaining a strong emphasis on world peace, stability, and friendship with all nations. Bharat must use its global diplomacy and friendship to end the ongoing conflicts – Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas.
The Bharatiya everywhere must learn to accept the change in yourself and use it to change your surroundings for the better. Renew a pledge to protect and preserve the integrity and sovereignty of Bharat and/ or the country you now call home.
May 2024 be the year of peace, prosperity, goodwill, and good health for all humankind and nations of the world.
Reference:
[1] 108- The most important number in our Sanatana Dharma – Mar 20, 2021, Arun Govil
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
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Formerly, a researcher in Italy, Japan, and France, he has widely travelled and came to the US in 1978. He was a faculty and academic administrator in several different universities in PA, TX, NJ, MN, WI, and NY, and an Executive Fellow in the White House S&T Policy during the Clinton administration.
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