Rajnath Singh Addresses Misconceptions About North-South Relations
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Synopsis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refuted claims of northern dominance over the south, urging people to dismiss divisive narratives. He emphasized Karnataka's rich cultural contributions and the resilience of India's civilization against adversity.
Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh challenges the narrative of northern dominance over the south.
- Karnataka plays a vital role in India's cultural heritage.
- Historical debates highlight the intellectual exchanges in India.
- The BJP government aims to foster a self-reliant India.
- India's civilization has thrived despite numerous challenges.
Tumakuru, April 1 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Tuesday that a misleading narrative is being circulated suggesting that the North has been dominant over the South in various matters.
“It is regrettable that a false narrative is being propagated claiming that the North has had an upper hand over the South in numerous issues. This assertion is entirely false. People must transcend this propaganda that aims to create rifts between the northern and southern regions of India,” remarked the Defence Minister while addressing an assembly at Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru, Karnataka, during the 118th birth anniversary and Guruvandana event of the late Shivakumara Swamiji.
Using an example from religious history, Rajnath Singh highlighted that the state of Karnataka has significantly influenced the country’s religious and cultural legacy.
“This is illustrated by the renowned debate between Kashi’s scholar Mandana Mishra and Adi Shankaracharya, one of the most remarkable intellectual dialogues in Indian history. In that discourse, Adi Shankaracharya triumphed,” noted the Defence Minister.
He continued by saying that Mandana Mishra, a scholar from Kashi, eventually became a follower of Adi Shankaracharya and is believed to have journeyed to Karnataka.
“At Sringeri, he became the inaugural Shankaracharya under the name Sureshvaracharya Maharaj. This instance showcases the inclusiveness of India’s knowledge tradition, which has always welcomed truth, with no hesitation in acknowledging defeat. In this regard, it is vital to liberate ourselves from the colonial-era narratives that still persist in our thoughts,” he expressed.
He mentioned that Adi Shankaracharya is recognized for rejuvenating Hinduism and its philosophical underpinnings, noting that within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, Maṇḍana Mishra later emerged as one of Adi Shankaracharya’s four principal disciples and the first head of the Sringeri Mutt, one of the four mathas established by Shankaracharya.
He added that the four main disciples are regarded as Shankaracharyas.
The Defence Minister also underscored Karnataka’s contribution to the nation’s advancement, asserting that the inhabitants of Karnataka have made substantial strides towards India’s development and will continue to play a pivotal role in nation-building going forward.
He accentuated the robustness of India’s civilization, observing that many cultures around the globe have either lost their core values or vanished.
“Our 5,000-year-old civilization has endured numerous invasions and challenges, only to emerge even stronger. Foreign invaders have sought to obliterate Indian culture and civilization. Nevertheless, spiritual leaders like the late Shivakumara Swamiji have safeguarded our heritage and ensured its continuity. It is thanks to the efforts of such leaders that our culture thrives,” he remarked.
The Defence Minister asserted that the BJP government is dedicated to constructing a new, self-sufficient India, emphasizing that this can only be achieved if people recognize the grandeur of India’s civilization.
“To truly grasp this, we must delve into the life and philosophy of Swamiji. Today, our nation is progressing at an extraordinary pace, and India’s prominence on the global stage is escalating. Previously, India’s voice was not accorded the respect it warranted on international platforms. However, now, when India speaks in global forums, the world pays heed. This is the reputation our country has built,” he asserted.
