Reflections on ‘Swa’ (National Selfhood) Consciousness

RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwatji while reflecting on ‘Swa’ in his Vijayadashmi speech on 8 October, 2019 had observed that we need “Swa” based approaches to bring in the desired transformations in our society. He was hinting at ‘Swa’ embedded in the idea of Hindutva. He said, “It should be the light that illuminates the directions and expectations of our country’s collective consciousness. The results of our efforts in the physical plane and their consequences should be in accordance with this principle. Then and only then will Bharat qualify as self-reliant.” The profound and insightful message of Sarsanghachalak laid down a roadmap for the comprehensive analysis of “Swa” in the following manner- What were we? What are we? And what should we have been?

“Swa” in the framework of Rashtra

Western countries exhibit certain specific character associated with their nationhood e.g. England- a country of trade, France- a country with political character. Bharatiya Rashtra as envisaged by the thinkers since time immemorial is situated in the Rigvedic thought of “कृण्वन्तो विश्वमार्यम” meaning let us make this world a noble place to live in. This essentially forms the theme of Indian life work.

In the words of Swami Vivekananda the raison d'état of Bhartiya Rashtra is to spiritualize human race. Late Shri Rangahariji, a veteran RSS Pracharak and thinker says- equating Rashtra with Nation is like equating Upnayanam Sanskar with the thread ceremony. Equating Rashtra with Nation is totally misplaced notion. The etymology of Rashtra or Rashtriyatwa dates back to 8000 years.

Among all writings of Jawaharlal Nehruji, to an extent, it can be said that he has created one contemplative work and that is ‘Discovery of India’. He, in this work, has talked about “Swa”. He says, “Different nations define their behavior and selection of symbols. The animals chosen as the nation’s patron represent its character and aspirations. Hinduism’s mascot animal the cow is a peaceful animal”. Some countries chose eagle, some chose dragon and some tiger as their patron animal. Their selection of patron animals suggests their predatory character. Why did we adopt Hindutva's mascot animal cow? As observed by Nehruji in his book “Discovery of India”- the answer is that our existence lies in the interest of the welfare of all species on the Earth.

Maharshi Arvind defines our “Swa” as Dharma or Sanatana Dharma. Shri Golvalkar Guruji calls our “Swa” as “Asmita” meaning our identity. Guruji in his speeches delivered in the southern Bharat often associated “Swa” with two words- Asmita and Astitva. He further explained Asmita as ‘I am’ and Astitva as ‘It is’

Shri Guruji further explained the Asmita and Astitva from Kumarsabhava’s shloka that says-

Meaning- The great poet Kalidas, quoting this verse of Kumarasambhava, says that in the northern direction (of India) is Himalaya, the king of the mountains with the souls of the gods, which is located like the rod of the earth, overlooking both the east and west seas. The Asmita and Astitva in this shloka can be understood as Himalaya is devine-‘Devtatma’-Asmita and its ‘Nagadhiraja’-Astitva. Therefore, Shri Guruji laid emphasis on the preservation of our Asmita and Astitva while carrying out every other tasks of our life.

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadyaya’s idea of ‘Chiti’ is also a facet of our “Swa”. Bhartiaya world view has also been shaped by this notion of our “Swa”. Based on this notion of our “Swa” we look at the world as Mother centered location. Our ancient scholars have said, “माता भूमिः पुत्रो अहं पृथिव्याः” In ‘Prithivisukta’ we worship Mother Earth. Therefore, as observed by Shri Rangahariji we should refer to matriotism in place of patriotism because we do not hold our place of birth as fatherland but motherland.

We do not consider nature as something outside of us. Bhartrihari in his 100th shloka of Vairgya Shatak says-

Oh Earth, my mother! Oh Wind, my father! Oh Fire, my friend! Oh Water, my good relative! Oh Sky, my brother! Here is my salutation to you with clasped hands.

A famous environmentalist Stefano De Santis in his book “Nature and Man: The Hindu Perspective” has observed that “Ancient India’s spiritual systems share a substantial commonality of conceptions concerning nature seen as a phenomenal reflection of God’s essence.” It shows that we do not consider ecology or environment as something outside of us but it’s intrinsically connected to our existence.

The efforts of juxtaposing Hindutva with multiculturalism is actually a misplaced notion. Based on this view of life how can Hindutva be portrayed as opposite to diversity? In fact, it does not hold any hatred for anybody instead, the propagators of multiculturalism seem to be narrow minded while comprehending Hindutva. As observed by a famous British author Douglas Murray- multiculturalism is leading Europe to a strange death as result of its appeasing appeal towards certain sections of Europe.

Hindus do not hold women as inferior to men as that of Semitic philosophy but complementary to each other. As we have a good deal of social and political stability at the moment, this collective consciousness must be reemphasized. Spirituality rooted in our philosophy (सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म नेह नानास्ति किंचन॥ meaning there is no difference between living beings. Only through the knowledge of Brahma, true happiness is experienced and happiness is created.) is at the center of “Swa”. Dharma- is to be at the root our every activity.

What must be the way forward?

As per Bhartiya view economic development and conservation of environment should go hand in hand and that there should be peace between humans and other animal and plant species in its broader notions.

We had heard about Islamism, Christianism and Judaism but now, we must also start getting to know dataism. This development is also paving the path for newer and tacit form of colonialism. As famous Israeli author Yuvak Noah Herari in his book “21 Lessons for 21 Century” observes that someone sitting somewhere and with the help of the data and algorithms available for them at their hands, they are controlling our minds through so many methods. We should better understand our minds before the algorithms make our minds. He suggests that Yoga and meditation of the East is answer to humans being controlled by the Dataism.

“Decolonization of our minds”, the first resolution among ‘panch pranas’ suggested by our Hon’ble Prime Minister is very important. “Swa” based knowledge system is to be infused in our teaching, academics, pedagogy and in every aspect of our life. The NEP needs to be implemented in its letter and spirit. We need teachers and educators committed to the spirit of NEP.

The idea of “Swa” cannot be merely kept confined to the economic self sufficiency. It has to manifest in issues such as gender justice, sustainability, freedom and equality debate, managing diversities, balancing between material and spiritual life, agriculture, education etc. Our objective is to create a spiritual society in all its manifestations. Even the idea of democracy is also be blended with spirituality.

In order to achieve the Vishvaguru status for our Motherland, we must contextualize our age old thoughts in tune with the present (युगानुकूल) and also learn from the western thoughts and localize (देशानुकूल) them to suite to our realities.

(This piece essentially derives from Shri J Nandkumarji’s (Senior RSS Pracharak and National convener of the Prajna Pravah) Ideas on National Selfhood. To understand ‘Swa’ comprehensively, please do read Swa: Struggle for National Selfhood, Past, Present and Future, a book by J Nandakumarji)