THE new sunday express MAGAZINE Voices Anand Neelakantan Ravi Shankar Ajai Sahni Sunaina Anand Shampa Dhar-Kamath Swami Sukhabodhananda Buffet People Wellness Books Food Art & Culture Entertainment May 12 2024 SUNDAY PAGES 12 An Infinity of Promise India’s prominent spiritual leaders and practitioners on where they see India in the next five years, the how and why T his is not about a five-year plan of the Republic of India; we’ve had those for the better part of a century This is about the . next five years of a civilisation called Bharat, a land ancient and wise, rising to fulfilment, material as well as spiritual, even before the conception of that human condition existed anywhere in the world. And then losing its sheen across centuries of invasions and oppression to finally emerge on the world map as an independent subcontinent-sized developing country at the end of the Christian era’s second millenium. Relegated to developing world status for far too long, Bharat is beginning to shake itself free of the subaltern cultural bracket that colonialism put her in. Bharat has an identity now, and it has a future. What does this future mean? What will it bring to India, and the world? Since it is not information or extrapolation we seek during election time, it is best to seek counsel from the wise. We ask seven spiritual leaders, men and women, who connect us to the unknown, about what Bharat can, and possibly will, become in the next five years. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar The Himalayas On The Mind Time to Dream Big I T he G20 motto last year—Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam: The world is one family—was not only a message for the rest of the world, but also a message for India as we navigate our short-term and long-term future. India has two ways it could go over the next five years: towards what I call the ‘Hollywood’ mindset or towards the ‘Himalayan’ mindset. When I came to Parmarth Niketan ashram in Rishikesh, almost 28 years ago, at the age of 25 after graduating from Stanford University and in the midst of a PhD programme, I came with a backpack on what I thought would be just a short adventure. I was entrenched in the mindset I later termed the ‘Hollywood’ mindset, which is prevalent across the Western world and is seeping quickly into Indian thought. It is a mindset that says: “You are your body You are its size, its shape, its colour, . its bank account, its history It is a mindset that objectifies . ourselves and others, leading to competition, jealousy low , self-esteem, violence and suffering. It’s the mindset that I and everyone I knew were raised with. It’s a mindset from which we look at the world and all of our experiences with one key question: “What for me?” The Himalayan mindset, which I was blessedly initiated into when I came to Rishikesh, teaches us that we have a body , but we are not the body We are soul, consciousness, love, . existence, divinity It is a mindset that heals our hearts, . purifies our minds, leads us out of suffering and empowers us to be instruments of positive change in the world. The Himalayan mindset leads us to ask: “What through me?” India has a choice. It can adopt the Hollywood mindset and grow more materialistic, more commercial, more separate from our true selves, from each other, and from Mother Earth. Or, India can immerse itself in the depth of its own ancient and timeless tradition, a tradition of yoga, a union of the jivatma with paramatma, a union of us with each other, a union with the Creator and all of Creation. It can choose the Himalayan mindset and not only free itself of suffering but also truly be the Vishwa Guru. This is the role I deeply believe India is destined to play . The Himalayan mindset is not anti-success, prosperity or development. But it is “vikas” with “virasat,” progress and development that also honours our ancient heritage and culture. The Himalayan mindset is an embrace of science with spirituality It enables us to embrace technology . while staying anchored, grounded and connected in our spiritual tradition. International Director Parmarth Niketan , India can adopt the Hollywood mindset and grow more materialistic, commercial, separate from our true selves, from each other, and from Mother Earth. Or, it can choose the Himalayan mindset, free itself of suffering AND truly be the Vishwa Guru n the coming years, India will play a prominent role in shaping a New World Order. The most ancient civilisation on the planet is now a country with the youngest population in the world. With education standards being constantly upgraded, the country’s population is a boon, not a bane. The renewed focus on skilling and the innovative spirit of our youth, coupled with the rising ease of doing business will propel the country on a new path of entrepreneurship and competitiveness. The world’s largest democracy holds the promise of becoming a giant knowledge and skill-based economy with the potential to lead the global AI revolution. Young minds should acquaint themselves with their rich civilisational roots and also know that culture and traditions do not interfere with innovative spirit. Adopting a spiritual outlook and a strong work ethic, they must shun past discriminatory practices based on politics of caste, religion and The world’s largest community . The judicial system is in democracy holds the dire need of reforms. While promise of becoming a giant antisocial elements show no fear for court cases, using the knowledge and skill-based delay as an easy escape route, economy with the potential the general public is too intimidated by the time-conto lead the global Artificial suming litigation process. Intelligence revolution. Despite the noticeable improvement in the country’s young minds should acquaint administrative efficiency, there is still scope for reducing themselves with their rich bureaucratic red tape. civilisational roots Technological advancements like digital integration gives India the potential to serve as a model for paper-free governance. India has made a name for itself in space exploration. However, its vast oceanic resources remain largely untapped. It is imperative to prioritise the preservation and revitalisation of our precious water resources. Art of Living volunteers are working tirelessly on this front. We must encourage farmers to adopt sustainable and natural farming methods and phase out the use of chemical-based fertilisers. India has also emerged as a key supplier of global manpower. By making more doctors, nurses and skilled labourers, we can tap opportunities in other countries. A renewed focus on leveraging India’s natural strengths, such as yoga, Ayurveda, tourism, food and IT can propel the nation to new heights. Ayurveda holds immense growth potential. We must vigorously promote it as part of diplomatic efforts. India’s tourism sector is poised to bring in an economic boom. Towns like Varanasi and Ayodhya are now drawing massive crowds. India has a big role to play in peace-building efforts and dousing the flames of conflict around the world. It is her time to dream big. Founder The Art of Living Foundation ,
Express Network Private Limited publishes thirty three E-paper editions of The New Indian Express newspaper , thirty two E-paper editions of Dinamani, one E-paper edition of The Morning Standard, one E-paper edition of Malayalam Vaarika magazine and one E-paper edition of the Indulge - The Morning Standard, Kolkatta.