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Jan 14, 2025
Rudra Dubey

The Significance of Kumbh: Unveiling the Vedic Roots of Wisdom and Consciousness

The Kumbh Mela, a majestic gathering of spiritual seekers, is deeply rooted in Vedic philosophy, symbolising the pursuit of wisdom and consciousness. The word "Kumbh" originates from the Sanskrit term for "pot" or "vessel," containing something invaluable – wisdom, intelligence, and consciousness. In Vedic mythology, the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) produced the pot of nectar (Amrita Kalasha), which granted immortality. This must not be misconstrued that it transcends merely to physical immortality; as for Gods, the haven abode, its eternity, seeking to meet parambrahm, and not merely immortality. Therefore, getting nectar represents the aspiration for gaining consciousness of ultimate reality, Parambrahm, through wisdom, intelligence and complete consciousness. Sarasvati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom The Rig Veda extols Sarasvati as the embodiment of wisdom, intelligence, and consciousness. Three mantras (Rig Veda, Mandala 1, Sukta 3, Mantras 10-12) illustrate her significance: 1. पावका नः सरस्वती वाजेभिर्वाजिनीवती । यज्ञं वष्टु धियावसुः ॥१.३.१०॥ Sarasvati is the purifier of the mind, driving intellect, and a repository of intelligence. 2. चोदयित्री सूनृतानां चेतन्ती सुमतीनाम् । यज्ञं दधे सरस्वती ॥१.३.११॥ Sarasvati inspires the sense of Rta (Cosmic Order) and awakens intelligence and consciousness. 3. महो अर्णः सरस्वती प्रचेतयति केतुना । धियो विश्वा विराजति ॥१.३.१२॥ The mantra describes Sarasvati as the overflowing waters of intelligence, awakening the intellect and providing a universal view of life. Kumbh: A Metaphor for Centralising Lives The Kumbh Mela represents a convergence of lives from all backgrounds, united in the pursuit of wisdom, consciousness and ultimate reality. Although it may seem like a festival, its significance extends far beyond that. Notably, the Kumbh Mela is not explicitly mentioned in ancient Vedic texts, sutra literature, epic-Puranic texts, smritis, dharmashastras, or other digests. The Kumbh Mela takes place at Holi places where drops of nectar have fell. Kumbh Mela may not be mentioned in Vedic texts, but Kumbh is mentioned, therefore scholars refer to passages in the Atharva Veda, Rig Veda, and Yajur Veda to highlight its significance. The Atharva Veda contains two relevant passages: - 'चतुर: कुम्भांश्चतुर्धा ददामि' (4.34.7), which is part of a hymn glorifying the Vishtari sacrifice. - 'पूर्ण: कुम्भोSधिकाल आहितस्तं' (19.53.3), which relates to the concept of 'godly time'. The Rig Veda contains three passages (1.8.9, 10.89.7, 12.3.23). The Yajur Veda contains one passage (Madhyandina, 19.87). The celebration is believed to take place at locations where drops of nectar fell, signifying the dissemination of wisdom and consciousness. The confluence of rivers, particularly the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati, represents the union of spiritual and worldly knowledge. When Saraswati emerges in Ganga, all wisdom is rendered most purified, and Holi dip is thus considered as performing Yajna of best purity, purifying the soul with the ultimate wisdom and attaining consciousness! Inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List The Kumbh signifies a place where wisdom prevails, no discrimination happens, Saints, men, women, any identity, young, old, rich, poor, naked and clothed —gather to take a holy dip manifesting deep socio-cultural foundations of Hinduism. Kumbh truly symbolises “Vasudaiva Kutumbkam” meaning, "the world is one family" (Maha Upanishad), therefore, it is not a surprise that Kumbh Mela was recognised by UNESCO in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its cultural significance and importance in promoting spiritual growth and self-awareness. Conclusion The Kumbh Mela embodies the Vedic ideals of seeking wisdom, intelligence and consciousness. As a symbol of spiritual convergence, it transcends social and cultural boundaries, inspiring seekers to aspire for ultimate reality.

Jan 13, 2025
S Sudhir Kumar

An Impactful 2025 Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue Experience

On January 12th 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent the entire day with young leaders from across the country at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025. A unique program (as with many of his programs), this program had multiple stages to it. The first stage was a Quiz, the winners of which will participate in the second stage- an essay competition. Students could choose from 10 different tracks (Topics ranging from Tech to Infrastructure to Sustainability to Startups and more) to write in detail about their thoughts and ideas. In the third stage, students with the best essays across these tracks were then given a chance to discuss their specific ideas (in the form of a presentation) with a panel of domain experts and leadership moderators. Selected students from each state would then go on to represent their state in New Delhi in front of our Prime Minister! I had the wonderful opportunity to be part of the leadership moderators for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and interact with bright young minds from these two states. In addition to their ideas on the topic/track they chose, I was further particularly interested in understanding the source of their idea. Was it borne out of a personal struggle? Was it developed because of a passion in that particular area? What inspired this passion? And many such questions around the how and why of the idea (in addition to the what of the idea). A young woman, who was brought up by her mom alone, emphatically ascertained that it is her responsibility to contribute to women’s empowerment. Her choice of words and the conviction in her tone were really inspiring. In fact, many female students and young women narrated stories of how inspiration for their ideas was borne out of the comments they heard growing up (No male child in the family; no one from the village ever did this etc). A girl from a remote village is now pursuing a nursing course in the capital city of the state; a girl from the capital city was ruing about the bad influences the youth is going through nowadays and what she needs to do about it; there was this daughter of a woman politician who elucidated how her conversations with her mom from a very young age inspired her with many ideas. Many students and youngsters narrated stories of how their families’ lost crops because of lack of information and then discussed ideas on how AI can be incorporated to make better choices of crops and therefore ensure a better life for the farmers! Students who grew up in small towns narrated stories about how they overcame communication and confidence problems, and now want to design specific training mechanisms that can empower youth to become more innovative and confident. A student prepared a video for Viksit Bharat 2030 itself because he didn’t want to wait till 2047! Many youngsters spoke about their insecurities and how they evolved into better people by playing sports, learning yoga, changing diet etc to remain fit and discussed ideas as how sports can play an important role for a Viksit Bharat 2047. Being excited about startups is one thing, but what was more impressive was how youngsters discussed specific problems in our system (education, support, finance etc) that are possible impediments to soaring high in startups and even in manufacturing (the clarity on China was amazing!). Some youngsters were brilliantly articulate in Telugu in different tracks. It again was a reminder of how knowing good English alone is no prerequisite to contributing to the growth of our country. Every single inspiration for the nearly 100 ideas in all the tracks was unique. There was no anger in them. There was no despondency in them despite facing severe struggles while growing up. There was clarity, hope and most importantly determination in them to achieve a Viksit Bharat by 2047. In this era of constant outrage on social media and TV media, these enlightening conversations with youngsters were a very good reminder of the irrelevance of the outrage. These conversations are proof that the youngsters of Bharat are more enthusiastic about finding solutions than indulging in indignation. The rooted nature of these conversations is something I will never forget. Some of the students got selected for the finals in New Delhi, some didn’t. After all, it’s a competition. But all of them made a great impact on me. And all of them were determined not to let go of their ideas and passion irrespective of the result of this particular competition- Viksit Bharat 2047 Image source: PM India