Speaking at Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru, Karnataka, during the 118th birth anniversary and Guruvandana programme of the late Shivakumara Swamiji, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dismissed allegations of northern dominance over the southern states and emphasized India’s united cultural and religious heritage.
Key Highlights of Rajnath Singh’s Speech:
- False Narrative of North-South Divide:
- Singh stated that a “false narrative” is being spread to create divisions between North and South India, asserting that such claims are untrue and misleading.
- Karnataka’s Role in India’s Religious and Cultural Heritage:
- He cited the historic debate between Kashi’s scholar Mandana Mishra and Adi Shankaracharya, where the latter emerged victorious.
- Singh highlighted how Mandana Mishra later became Adi Shankaracharya’s disciple and traveled to Karnataka, where he became Sureshvaracharya Maharaj, the first Shankaracharya of Sringeri Mutt.
- India’s Knowledge Tradition and Cultural Resilience:
- He emphasized that India’s tradition has always valued truth and intellectual openness, advocating for breaking free from lingering colonial-era narratives.
- The Defence Minister credited Adi Shankaracharya for reviving Hindu philosophy and reinforcing the country’s spiritual foundations.
- Karnataka’s Contributions to Nation-Building:
- Singh commended the people of Karnataka for their immense contributions to India’s progress and their continued role in shaping the nation’s future.
- He stressed that India’s 5,000-year-old civilisation has endured multiple invasions and challenges, crediting seers like Shivakumara Swamiji for preserving the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
- India’s Rising Global Influence:
- Singh underscored India’s growing stature on the world stage, noting that India’s voice now carries significant weight in global discussions.
- He asserted that the BJP government is working toward a self-reliant India, urging citizens to recognize and take pride in the country’s civilizational greatness.
Conclusion:
The Defence Minister’s remarks seek to reinforce national unity and Karnataka’s role in India’s spiritual and cultural history, countering claims of regional disparities. His speech also emphasized India’s evolving global influence and the need to embrace the wisdom of historical figures like Adi Shankaracharya and Shivakumara Swamiji.
