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I am a follower of the Sanatana Dharma –a Sanatanist. Not only that, but I am also proud to be a follower of the Sanatana Dharma. This is not simply, because I was born into a family that follows the Sanatana Dharma, or because I should inherently be proud of being a Sanatanist as the child of the Sanatanist parents. On the contrary, I am a follower of the Sanatana Dharma, because I know that the Sanatana Dharma is eternal –an ever-existing system, and the ‘Ultimate Truth’ is at its core. The Sanatana Dharma calls upon man, the superior being in the known animal kingdom, endowed with great qualities like intellect and creativity (it does not matter that, despite being superior among creatures, by his knowledge and its application he may never be able to unveil the true nature of the entire universe and all its mysteries) to realize the ‘Ultimate Truth’, to embrace the truth in individual and mutual behaviours and eventually to attain the Satya. The Sanatana Dharma declares the realization of truth, its embrace through truth-centred behaviour and the attainment of truth as the ultimate duty and goal of human life. For, this is the path to make life meaningful. It is, to repeat, the means to fulfil the purpose of life.

The Sanatana Dharma holds firm belief in the ‘Ultimate Truth’ of an Indivisible Whole or Totality. That very Indivisible Totality is referred to by names such as Ishwara, Paramatma, Parameshwara –Supreme Being, Brahman, etc., according to His attributes and characteristics. Everything in the universe, movable-immovable or visible-invisible, exists within the ambit of this very Indivisible Whole. Nothing and no one exists outside the domain of the Indivisible Totality. The Sanatana Dharma acknowledges the reality of universal unity, which is constituted by the Indivisible Totality, and, simultaneously, accepts the reality of interdependence in the Jagata –universe.

The Vedantic mention, “Ekoaham Bahusyaam”, i.e., “I am One, let Me become many”, the basic source of which is the Tenth Mandala of the Rigveda (Sukta 129, describing the creation of the universe as a result of the will of God –Ishwara, the Supreme Being; has been expressed in the Fourth Mantra of this Sukta, “Kaamastadagre Samavartataadhi Manaso Retah Prathamam Yadaasiit/Sato Bandhumasati Niravindanhridi Pratiishyaa Kavayo Maniishaa//”) divulges the reality of the Indivisible Whole or Totality and the truth of Universal Unity. It declares that the entire creation emanates from the One and the Same Indivisible Totality –Brahman, which is imbued with a single fundamental vibration.

Thus, everything in the universe, movable-immovable or visible-invisible, shares a common source of origin. Numerous Vedic texts, including the Isha, the Chhandogya, the Mundaka, and the Taittiriya Upanishads, extensively discuss this concept, placing Brahman, the embodiment of the Indivisible Totality at the centre. The universe is, to repeat, a result of the will of the non-dual Brahman or Paramatma, Who Himself is the basis of complete unity. In other words, the universe is a projection of Brahman’s own will, “I am One, let Me become many.”

A true Sanatanadharmi, dedicated to the truth, realizes the Indivisible Whole in every living being –basic elements, nature and all visible-invisible or movable-immovable. For this reason, he expresses love and respect towards everyone and has goodwill towards one and all. The concepts and practices related to worship and prayer among the followers of the Sanatana Dharma are associated with this reality. This means that the basic spirit of their worship-prayer methods is to express love and respect for Paramatma in various forms, eventually showing dedication to the same Indivisible Totality.

The best Shloka of the Shrimadbhagavadgita (9:26), “Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktyaa Prayachchhati/Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamashnaami Prayataatmanah//”, i.e., “If someone offers Me a leaf, flower or (even) water with love and devotion, I accept it from a devotee with a pure mind and consciousness”, appears prominently and most beautifully before the followers of the Sanatana Dharma as a guiding principle in this context.

The Sanatana Dharma accepts the entire creation as having a single origin. It, especially, acknowledges the inherent equality of all people, women and men alike. Regardless of their gender or colour, their attire, places of residence, beliefs, methods of worship or prayer or traditions; even if they are not believers, they are still human beings. They are equal among their fellow human beings. No discrimination of any kind can be made among fellow beings on the basis of gender, colour, beliefs, traditions, practices, or place of residence. This is the firm belief of the Sanatana Dharma, which is a source of great pride for me as a follower of the Sanatana Dharma.

The Vedas are the basic interpreters of the Sanatana Dharma. They are also the original source of knowledge and science. The Vedanta –the Upanishads, according to the basic spirit of the Vedas, guide the way of life and human behaviour, and actions accordingly. The Vedic hymns were revealed not only by the great Rishis, but also through the contributions of the Rishikas, especially Brahmanvadini Aditi, the symbol of complete women’s freedom, Brahmanvadini Apala, the symbol of women’s empowerment, Brahmanvadini Ghosha, the symbol of deep spiritual knowledge, higher education and independence of women. Brahmanvadini Mamata, the symbol of women’s education and empowerment, Brahmanvadini Maitreyi, the pinnacle of knowledge, Brahmanvadini Vishwavara, a leading promoter of the Vedic literature, Brahmanvadini Vak Ambrini, the founder of Advaita philosophy, Brahmanvadini Surya, who imparted knowledge related to household-marital life and spiritual duties, and Lopamudra are prominent among them.

In this regard, we can especially mention, with the utmost respect and on priority, the name of a scholar par excellence –Brahmanvadini Lopamudra. The Mantras (1 and 2) of the Sukta 179 of the First Mandal of the Rigveda, are attributed to Rishika Lopamudra, “Puurviiraham Sharadah Shashamaanaa Doshaa Vastorushaso Jarayantiih/Minaati Shriyam Jarimaa Tanuunaamapyuu Nu Patniirvrishano Jagamyuh// Ye Chiddhi Purva Ritasaapa Aasantsaakam Devebhiravadannaritaani/Te Chidavaasurnahyantamaapuh Samuu Nu Patniirvrishabhirjagamyuh//”

These mantras especially highlight feminine deeds –their high character, excellent inherent qualities, self-reliance and feminine equality. Along with the Vedas, the Upanishads also divulge highly intelligent and philosophical Rishikas such as Gargi, who made significant contributions, both to the empowerment of women as well as to the richness and expansion of the unique Indian knowledge tradition. A unique work like Shrimadbhagavadgita, emanating from the mouth of Yogeshwara Shrikrishna Himself –the eternal guide for making human life meaningful is also an interpreter of the Sanatana Dharma. That’s why; I am proud to be a follower of Sanatana Dharma.

I am a follower of the Sanatana Dharma, and I am proud to be so once again, because the Sanatana Dharma, as interpreted by the Vedas, calls upon its followers to be firmly committed only to truth. “Truth is one”, though it is referred to by various names. Or, there may be many paths to reach the Satya. In this regard, the Vedic teachings are completely impartial. There is no prejudice whatsoever. There is no dogmatism of any kind. The Rigveda (01:164:46) clearly states, “Ekam Sadvipraa Bahudhaa Vadanti”. The Sanatana Dharma, keeping the greater good at its core, calls upon people to constantly embrace what is new and to innovate according to the demands of time and circumstances. The Rigveda’s mention (01:01:02) of “Nuutanairuta” acknowledges the truth of this eternal principle and is entirely dedicated to progressiveness. Both of these references from the Rigveda are unparalleled. They are the foundational principles of the Indian knowledge tradition. They have influenced all spiritual philosophies across the world. There are no comparable references in any other religious or spiritual text or philosophy anywhere in the world. This truth, too, is a source of great pride for me as a follower of the Sanatana Dharma.

In ancient times, the great Rishis of the Sanatana Dharma laid the foundation of true humanity through their works, which will remain effective for the welfare of the entire world until the end of the creation on the planet Earth. They made one ground-breaking discovery after another, centred on the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” Through their unparalleled contributions in almost all walks of life, they paved the way for future generations to study and conduct research in subjects such as science, geography, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics. The Purusharthas of the Rishis dedicated to the greater welfare of the world make me proud to be a follower of the Sanatana Dharma.

I am once again proud to be a follower of the Sanatana Dharma, because in my Dharma the slogan, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is not only a prominent declaration, but has also been an integral part of the conduct of its followers –the Sanatanadharmis, for thousands of years. The followers of the Sanatana Dharma in India have treated the inhabitants of the world in accordance with the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” The recorded history of the world itself bears witness to this reality. Victims, the underprivileged, and the persecuted in many parts of the world found refuge on Indian soil. Their beliefs, traditions, and faiths were not only respected in Hindustan, but also protected. To this day, their beliefs, traditions, faiths, and religious practices remain safe and secure in India, a land predominantly guided by the principles of the Sanatana Dharma.

Another reason for my pride in being a follower of the Sanatana Dharma is that its fundamental principles strengthen democratic values. We have evidences of democratic institutions such as ‘Sabha’, ‘Samiti’, ‘Narishtha’, and ‘Vidatha’ from the Vedic era. The sublime Vedic pronouncements such as “let us walk together”, “let us think positively and in unison”, “let us have common resolutions and objectives”, “let us work together in harmony and cooperation while  keeping the greater good of all at the centre”, “let us engage in mutual dialogue”, and “let us accept each other in thought and speech” remain extremely and important for the strengthening of democracy, provided that we embrace and move forward with the inherent right to human equality as espoused by the Sanatana Dharma itself.

I am proud to be a follower of Sanatana Dharma, because my Dharma offers a unique path such as ‘Yoga’ for the purification of mind, body, and soul, for discipline, positivity in thoughts and actions, and for developing a sense of duty. This path ultimately paves the way for the union of the soul with the Supreme. It becomes a powerful and effective means of reaching the ‘Ultimate Truth’ – of becoming one with the Satya itself.

I am proudly a follower of the Sanatana Dharma, because, Maryadapurushottama Shrirama and Yogeshwara Shrikrishna (the epitomes of righteousness) are the guiding lights in the life of a Sanatanadharmi, embodying duty-bound responsibility, adherence to desired rules for personal and social conduct and commitment to equality among all. They are our ideals. Along with our

Rishis-Maharishis, as already mentioned, many learned female sages –Rishikas have also been torchbearers of the Sanatana Dharma.

In this context, I could elaborate further, as the subject of my pride in the Sanatana Dharma is vast and significant. However, suffice it here to say that the Sanatana Dharma teaches harmony amidst ideological differences (which I term ‘Attitude-Adjustment’), which are natural; it calls upon people to move forward together, even in the presence of diverse opinions and practices, with mutual cooperation and goodwill, for the welfare of one and all, and is, undoubtedly, unparalleled. This is a source of pride not only for me, but for every follower of the Sanatana Dharma.

Based on the fundamental principles of the Sanatana Dharma, which firmly centres on the reality of a single Indivisible Whole and Universal Unity, and with a strong conviction that the pursuit of truth is essential for the meaningfulness of human life, I present this piece taking it as my utmost duty to all my fellow beings the world over, and especially to my coreligionists with a special appeal to them. My ardent appeal is

that the followers of the Sanatana Dharma, my core-ligionist, should prioritize engaging with the truth-centred foundations of the Sanatana Dharma. They should then act accordingly. My fellow beings worldwide should become acquainted with the reality of the Sanatana Dharma. They should delve into the true spirit of the word ‘WE’, which appears at every step in the fundamental texts of the Sanatana Dharma and accept the call to walk together for the greater good. Let us resolve to truly transform the planet Earth into a single family dedicated to the welfare of one and all!