How Can India Become a Superpower by 2047

By Dr. Keshab Chandra Mandal

The present volume How Can India Become a Superpower by 2047: A Vision is

primarily a vision document of India that tells the readers - especially the students

and youths - about the mantras for making India a country with a very high human

development index. The sole aim of this sacred book is to ignite young minds to

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Jun 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9789362698551

Book preview

Foreword

A

long with the teaching profession this illustrious author, Dr. Keshab Chandra Mandal, has deeply engaged himself in research and publications. In the last two decades, he has published sixteen research-oriented books, four monographs, and more than five dozen scholarly articles. He has presented papers and delivered lectures in more than one hundred national and international seminars, conferences, and symposiums, and was invited to attend conferences from various universities in Europe. He has extensively contributed in the fields of gender studies, local governments, state politics, national development, and Sustainable Development Goals. His four works in six publications in the English language have 46 world library holdings.

    He is an academic genius and all his research works are of top-notch quality, and his literary contributions are highly useful to learning the values of India. The present work entitled How Can India Become a Superpower by 2047: A Vision demonstrates India’s centenary celebration in 2047 with an emphasis that Learning the Art of Living is Cardinal by the lessons imparted by our ancient philosophers and get respite from all sufferings and pains and keep up our body, soul, and mind healthy and salubrious to compete with our stronger global counterparts.

    Each Chapter title speaks volumes of knowledge that is needed by the present generation. In the Preface, the author quoted the famous saying from Swami Lokeswarananda Ji’s Upanishad that clearly said, You will do all works, but you should keep your faith and mind in God....in one hand you perform your works, and with the other hand you hold God. After the completion of your works, hold God with two hands. This is the Philosophy that Dr. Keshab Chandra Mandal is committed to. He wrote this thought-provoking book in 14 Chapters, covering India’s glorious past; how the European merchants came to India one by one and established their trade and commerce along with setting up their army to fight against their European counterparts; the nature and extent of exploitation of the British rulers; the intensity of freedom struggle and contribution of various organizations, institutions, and individuals in the attainment of Independence. This is the only book where the confluence of Science, Politics, and Religion has been examined by the author so extensively. The richness of Indian philosophy and the role of Indian philosophers in bringing about unity, integrity, fellow feeling, peace, and tranquility in India and the world have been studied meticulously. India’s colorful bio-diversity and sincere initiatives for combating climate change effects indicate the author’s concern for our Mother Nature and Mother India. The author makes a comparative analysis of some world’s best education systems and highlights the provisions of the latest National Education Policy 2020 that seeks to strengthen the foundation of India’s holistic development and growth. India’s strengths and supremacy in different spheres have been elucidated. Further, the public policies and foreign policy of India in recent times that transformed the lives of general people both in India and abroad have been examined in detail. India’s greatness and superiority in spirituality, and eulogies for India’s philosophy and spirituality by the world leaders strengthen India’s claim for re-establishing itself as a Biswaguru (World’s leader/teacher). This is a rhapsody-like book that satisfies the thirst of all kinds of readers from young students to veteran professionals including elderly citizens of this country, and motivates all of them to work enthusiastically to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and make India a superpower by 2047 through personal income generation and skill development. All these things add a new dimension to understanding the aspirations and requirements of India with a pure heart. 

    The Government of India is readying an action plan for India@2047, when the country will complete its 100 years of independence with 10 sectoral groups of secretaries being tasked to draw up a blueprint for 'future ready' India. Chapter 11 Secret Keys of India’s Growth and Development; Chapter 12 India is a Global Spiritual Leader; Chapter 13 Foreign Policy and Public Policies in Contemporary India, and Chapter 14 Some Constraints and Recommendations are immensely useful in this endeavor. This is a vision document that aims to attain the ambitious goal of a $25 trillion economy by 2047. 

    This book does not only talk about the goals; it tells the readers how to achieve the goals too. Here lies the uniqueness of this book. It has been a matter of immense pleasure and satisfaction to read this work. The conception of narrative and construction of sequential events are superbly magnificent and grandly enriching. Great credit goes to the Learned Author, Dr. Keshab Chandra Mandal, for putting the narrative in eloquent, impressive, and elucidative language, making it an unputdownable and gripping study. This book, I am sure, will influence people of all ages including young minds and especially the students. It is a must for everyone to own a copy of this book and use it for day-to-day reference.

    I sincerely wish him to bring out more valuable literary contributions that benefit all.

Kishen SSR,

Author

Hyderabad

Preface

There is no book in the world that is so thrilling, stirring, and inspiring as the Upanishads.

- Friedrich Max Muller

T

his book begins its auspicious journey with the famous observation of a great nineteenth-century German-born British-educated philologist and orientalist Friedrich Max Muller. When he was only twenty-one years old and studying in Berlin with Friedrich Schelling, he took up the noble task of translating the Upanisads and started to research Sanskrit. Max Muller even published a translation of the Hitopadesa, a Sanskrit book on Indian fables, in the German language. He studied Sanskrit in Paris and published the complete Rig Veda with the manuscripts then available in England. These acts of Muller indicate that since the ancient period, India has been so rich in its literature and culture that it inspired, stirred, and thrilled millions of people across the world. I acknowledge that I was greatly inspired by the holy book of the Upanisad. Emperor Asoka once said, Doing good work is difficult. He who does it first does difficult thing (Sharma, 1947, p. 4). 

    Many years before my reading of the Upanisad, I read the Amritvani of Swami Lokeswarananda, where he wrote You will do all works, but you should keep your faith and mind in God….in one hand you perform your works, and with the other hand you hold God. After the completion of your works, hold God with two hands (Lokeshwarananda, 1997, p. 1). This was such an inspiring lesson for me that since my possession of the book, I have read it at least ten times. Therefore, when I embarked upon this noble task, I was firmly convinced to write every word keeping my faith and mind in God; and after finishing my manuscript, and submitting it to the publisher, I should hold God tightly with two hands. Let me begin the holy book with the pronouncement of a sacred hymn of the Upanisad –

"Om purnamadahpurnamidangpurnatpurnamudachyate.

Purnasyapurnamadayapurnamebabashisyate.

Om Shantih ShantihShantih."

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 2)

This indicates that Brahma is endless and this universe is eternal. But ‘this universe’ is just an imposed entity of ‘that Brahma.’ This universe has no independent substance. Our universe exists, because of the existence of Brahma. One may remove this universe; still, Brahma remains perpetual. Let there be peace of body and mind; let there be tranquility in the environment and respite from natural disasters; and let people enjoy quietness from the mishap of insects, ferocious animals, and diseases.  

This is the age of modernization, commercialization, and globalization, where almost everything is attainable within the reach of privileged people. Human values are shadowed by human greed. Immorality and falsehood have overpowered ethics and integrity. Instead of enhancing latent powers and arousing inherent qualities, excessive exposure to self is now in vogue. The majority of the people are running after money and material comforts. Astounding progress in science and technology has brought about accessibility and opportunity to avail of all kinds of external amusement and buy worldly joy and happiness. Almost all mundane appetites can be fulfilled by a simple click of a mobile button. But, do all these worldly gadgets and engagement in [un]ethical and [im]immoral activities satisfy your heart and spirit for long? Are you receiving everlasting joy and happiness, good health, and respect from others? 

    It is not a sin to seek mental and bodily satisfaction, beauty, joy, fame, etc. It is found in another sacred book, Sri Sri Chandi that the people were praying for "Ruupamdehi, Jayam dehi, Yasho Dehi, Dvisso Jahi" (Divine Power Stories, 2017). It is the eternal prayer and solicitation of the people to Ma Chandi: O Devi, please grant me beauty, please grant me victory, please grant me glory. But do you know where you commit mistakes? You mostly seek outward beauty, victory against your enemies, and crave for terrestrial glory. But in doing so, most of you often forget to pray for spiritual beauty, moral victory, spiritual glory, and the destruction of inner enemies.

    In this whole process, you are, of course, succeeding many a time to gain immense joy and merriment; but I want to ask you: Is that giving you permanent beauty, fame, glory, pleasure, happiness, and above all, victory? You may accomplish all these by hard labor, personal sacrifice, and devotion. But, for how long does your beauty, glory, peace, pleasure, and victory linger in your life? Mostly you are temporarily enjoying mental peace and bodily satisfaction. Am I correct, or not? If I am wrong, turn the book off here. But, if I am right even to the slightest extent, I request you to browse the next few pages of this book. This might open up your third eye; it might hit hard the door of your mind to ponder about yourself; raise your head, get ready to assess your capabilities, and lastly, it might turn all your skills and energies into the noble task of nation-building through self-development.

    It is you, who is full of immense power; it is you who have all vigor and vitality; it is you who have all potential to transform your present status. Believe me, everything is within you. You are the master of your own destiny. The key is in your hands. You might be feeble or frail; you might be a Hindu or a Muslim; you might be a boy or a girl; you might be small or a teenager, you might be a good-looking or an ugly-looking person; you might be a villager or an urbanite, no problem you have an inbuilt caliber of at least twenty lions. And you are what you think of yourself. Your mental potency has so much potential that you can transform all your odds into your strengths. It only requires a transformation of your thought process. Do not suffer from an inferiority complex. Stop thinking any negative about yourself from today, nay from now onwards. Start believing in your own strengths and capabilities. If you do not find initially any light of hope and good things in your life, don’t give up. Do meditation for at least a fortnight regularly for just half an hour. See the result. You will definitely find out the light of hope and inspiration in the environment. Mother Nature has kept ready everything for all of us as per our requirements. The only thing is that you have to deserve it. See how an elephant survives in the forest, an orphan lives and grows on others’ laps, or a hermit after his day-long begging barefoot smiles buoyantly. Reading some wonderful books written by our sages, philosophers, and religious leaders has completely changed the lives and thoughts of millions of people in the world. Good books, good parents, and good teachers are always conducive to changing our lives.

    To suggest reading [good] books and listening to the moral and ethical value-based lectures of scholars and philosophers might sound a little old-fashioned to my younger readers. Young students are nowadays so busy studying their textbooks and doing home-works, that they get little time to read any reference books, and their parents too encourage them least. But trust me; this evocation must bring about affirmative transformation in your life. I am sure, many of you have heard about the Upanisad. Some may have it in your home. At the same time, there are millions of our students who have neither heard nor seen the Upanisad. Are you feeling a little curious to know what is it? The Upanisad is not merely a holy book; it itself is ‘Knowledge.’ The book is the cardinal source for attaining the supreme knowledge of a person. The knowledge of Upanisad is so powerful that it transformed Naren[dranath] into Swami Vivekananda; Rabi[ndranath] into a Nobel laureate; APJ Abdul Kalam into the ‘best Rocket Scientist, and best visionary President of India,’ and many such thousands were inspired to devote their entire time and energy and sacrifice their life for the peace and progress of the world.  

"Om Eeshabasyamidangsarbang

JatkinchaJagatyang Jagat.

Tena TyaktyenoBhunjitha

Ma Gridhahkasyaswidhwanama."

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 4)

In this ever-changing world, everything is gradually getting changed. Yet, everything is covered with the holy blessing of God Almighty. We must practice renunciation and stick to our all-pervasive soul. We must forsake greed because greed is such a fire that burns all our good qualities, ethical sense, integrity, and honesty. Once a person falls into the trap of voracity, he is sure to indulge in illegal and unethical activities. The illegal and immoral works, further, bring forth sin and entice us to engage in unworthy and illegal works that lead to the destruction of life, happiness, and future. The Upanisad says –

"Yastusarbanibhutaniatmanyebanupashyati.

Sarbabhuteshuchatmanangtatonabijugupsate."

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 8)

It means - the person who sees everything and everyone within himself and considers himself within every object and every person, he does not and cannot abhor anything or anyone. It is called equal outlook and equal perception. Basically, every human being has the same Atma (soul) and that is the Supreme power. We are all equal; the only difference lies in our names and physical appearances. The color of our blood is red, the color of our hair is either black or brown, and we all live on this planet; we have the same feelings, the same sympathy, and the same potentiality within us. The more we sharpen our inherent knowledge the more we become talented and efficient, which smoothens our journey toward attainment of perfection. If we direct our actions and thoughts for good purposes, then we will be good, our surroundings will be better, and our children and students will be better and excellent citizens; but if we work and sharpen our talents for bad purposes, definitely we are going to fall in the ocean of sorrow and destruction. Along with us, we also take our entire team of friends, family members, and neighbors. Hence, let us whet our latent talents with the only goal of all-round development of our self, family, and motherland along with the whole universe – its men and women, poor and unprivileged, insects and animals. Pure and eternal joy can be attained only by working for self-development with the aim of yielding others’ benefits and welfare. Think and work by holding this truth that if people around us are happy; if people around us are healthy, and if people in our locality are joyful, then we are also happy and mirthful. Peace, happiness, and prosperity cannot be established in isolation.

"Jasminsarbanibhutaniatmoybabhudwijanatah.

Tatra ko mohkahsokaekatwamanupasyatah."

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 9)

When a person sees himself within everything and believes that he himself has become everything, then he neither disrespects anything nor is attached to any worldly materials and objects. There is no difference between Him and others; He and I are the same persons with two different names and appearances. This kind of holy thought only comes from the supreme knowledge of humankind. When you give birth to the dual feeling between them and us, between him and mine, it happens to be the root cause of all pangs and sufferings. On the other hand, the feeling of equality and equal treatment for all brings a smile to every face, and thus one gets supreme happiness and joy, which is called heavenly joy. The ignorant man seeks many worldly materials, and to satisfy his personal desires often works unlawfully and unethically. This has continued for almost my entire life; it is an unstoppable desire – to earn more and more and more. In the way of satiating his endless cravings, he falls into the deep sea of sin. Swami Vivekananda said, "In doing evil we injure ourselves and others also. In doing good we do good to ourselves and to others as well…. (Calder, Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy, 2022). According to Karma-Yoga, the action one has done cannot be destroyed until it has borne its fruit; no power in nature can stop it from yielding its results. If I do an evil action, I must suffer for it; there is no power in this universe to stop or stay it. Similarly, if I do a good action, there is no power in the universe which can stop its bearing good results."

Every man has inherent judgment power; if he wishes he can ponder over the matter and keep himself off right away from any of the inhuman, unethical, illegal works, and earthly gratifications. A time comes in everybody’s life when he becomes frail, his limbs collapse, and he loses all his senses. Losing all vigor and vitality, he cannot manage to move, eat food, and do work. At the old and lonely stage of life, every person realizes that there is no supreme joy and happiness in gaining personal wealth, land, and money, and through the attainment of affluence no one can achieve permanent peace of mind and happiness in consumerist life; it gives only temporary happiness and enjoyment. He then starts atonement and chants the name of the Holy God, but in vain. Alas! It is too late.

When you realize God, you will start believing in yourself, and you will consider the magnanimity of God Almighty as your own magnificence. You will then overcome all boundaries of joys and sorrows; you will not only win sorrows and sufferings, but you will also reach beyond all happiness and joys. This state of mind and realization will engender real salvation.

"Yada pashyahpashyateruknabarnang

Kartaramishangpurushangbrahmayonim.

Tada bidwanpunyapapebidhuya

Niranjanahparamangsamyamupoyti."

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 278)

The significance of the above verse is that, when a holy man realizes the haloed creator (jyotirmoysrasta) i.e. almighty God, he reaches above all sins as well as virtues. He becomes completely transformed and gets unaffected by any of the worldly sufferings and pangs. He, finally, acquires the virtue of an equal-viewer. He equalizes himself with all the other things - both human and non-human. He feels that God is only the Reason and everything else is Function. He is the only entity; He dwells in every human and non-human body. He is the creator and carrier of everything in this universe. He is the only Father, Boss, and Director of the whole world. One who abides by this ethos and incantations automatically overcomes all limits of sin, vice, and virtues. When we talk of pure love for mankind, we have to understand that it cannot be achieved unless we see both Soul (Atma) and God (Ishwar) in the same eyes. The discriminatory feelings regarding you and I will go away forever once you acquire pure knowledge. Thereafter, only you could love purely and selflessly.

    Remember, the root cause of all suffering is our narrow mental attitude of having dual views. When we differentiate between Jibatma i.e. individual and Paramatma i.e. God, we do nothing but make ourselves ignorant and sorrowful. This is called knowledge-less-ness (agyaanata) or education-less-ness (avidya). Without cultivating self-knowledge or internal knowledge through pure meditation, and honest study, we cannot be perfectly knowledgeable or wise. Hence, the Upanishad teaches us how to acquire pure knowledge. When we merely think of God, we engage ourselves in holy thought; further, when we discuss only God, we are in a state of doing good works. Our mind becomes full of heavenly joy and happiness and turns cool. This tranquil mental state can be achieved by any person through regular practice and good teachings of a parent, teacher, or elder. There is no dearth of holy souls in society, our job is to search for them, sit with them, and receive the best lessons to make our lives holy and happy, and, thereafter, give a bright light to others to make their lives enlightened and empowered.

"Satyenalabhyestapasahyesaatma

Samyaggyanenabrahmacharjenanityam.

Antahsarirejyotirmoyo hi subzero

Jangpasyantijatayahkshinadoshah."

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 281)

The above verse enlightens us that we need to realize the pure Paramatma by our heart. Self-realization can be achieved only through the holistic follow-up of truth, worshipping of self, the practice of self-control, and celebration of controlled and respected family life both in marriage and (with)out of marriage. The truth-seeking sages do realize this reality. The steps that a holy man needs to take for self-realization have been spoken here. Firstly, a person must be truthful. It means he will be by heart and soul a right or a just person. He will place truth at the top; he will not compromise with anything or any person to uphold the truth. Because Truth is God and God is Truth. The holy man must be engaged in his holy thoughts of God and with an ethical, pure, and impartial mental attitude, he shall serve his profession, institution, and the larger society. Without devotion and dedication to his work or workplace, he will make both his master and himself miser, rapscallion, and unhappy. He has to keep both his mind and soul under his control. Though it is not so easy to abide by the maxims as to say; but still it is not improbable and unattainable. This attribute can be achieved by the following of self-restraint formula. 

The other benefit of self-restraint is that one can increase the power of attention to his studies, work, workmen, family, or others in society. A holy person must stick to his aims and continuously work for the service of mankind without expecting the results in return except for his legal dues.

This highest and truest knowledge can be attained by any person from anywhere in the world only through the purification of his heart. The people who can discard the mental dirt like that of anger, enmity, greed, sexuality, and selfishness are merely able to realize their holy souls within themselves. When the heart of a person gets purified, a common man turns into a holy man. He then understands the truth i.e. the ultimate truth – life is short, and worldly treasures and comforts are temporary. This is the basic truth for every human being.

"Satyamebajayatenanretang

Satyenapanthabitatodebajanah.

Jenakramantresayohaptokama

Jatratatsatyasyaparamangnidhanam."

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 282)

The meaning of the above lines is that only truth wins and falsehood never conquers. The wide road that leads to the door of heaven can be reached by means of resorting to the path of truthfulness. The great saints, who did not have any lust or worldly desires, reached God through the practice of honesty, desirelessness, purity of mind, and truthfulness. You perhaps heard from your parents, teachers, or elders that, ultimately truthful and honest persons reach God and the converse people go to hell. The pious persons always have to fight against the impure, unethical, and selfish persons in almost every sphere right from the family and institute to the state. Many corrupt persons are seen to have earned a lot of money, accumulated huge unaccounted wealth, jewelry, land, and property, and led an undisciplined life through extramarital affairs, illegal activities, smuggling, taking bribes, etc. Apparently, they look like glittering gold, actually, they are artificial gold; and people misjudge them as very happy persons with luxurious clothes, cars, bungalows, and other outward materials; but in the end, if you look closely at them, you will find how painful their life is!

On the other hand, an honest, sincere, and hard-working person may be leading a simple life without the above luxurious items; but he ultimately lives a happy life with his hard-earned limited resources surrounded by his family and children. The happiness and bliss that one earns by giving away all possessions to others are unparalleled in this world. Look at the life of Goutam Buddha, Jesus Christ, Sri Chaitanya Dev, Ramakrishna Paramhangsha Dev, Swami Vivekananda, and others. Did they have thick golden chains or well-decorated bungalows? Their only treasures were honesty, simplicity, sincerity, and service to mankind. Again, when we take a look at the life and works of Mother Teresa, Dr. AJP Abdul Kalam, and the Dalai Lama, we find their same sacrifice, dedication, and service to mankind. Though they are only few in number, they are very powerful in the entire world because of their views, thoughts, and deeds. None of the just-mentioned persons were greedy, dishonest, corrupt, or unfaithful. None of them had costly clothes, costly wristwatches, rings, bracelets, glittering jewelry, or a personal luxurious bungalow and gorgeous lifestyle. They perceived the ultimate truth that to enjoy endless and perpetual joy one needs to sacrifice life for the service of mankind without any personal gratification. The real happiness and peace of mind lie in the works for the upliftment and empowerment of self first, and then for the poor, downtrodden, and unprivileged. 

    This is the ultimate knowledge that they realized and practiced throughout their lifetime. By doing so they smiled themselves and also brought smiles to the faces of millions of people across the globe. Their understanding of the knowledge of Brahma has made them immortal. What is Brahma? He is our Paramatma. He is beyond our general perception and speech. Brahma cannot be imagined. He is invisible also. One can only feel the presence of Brahma within the mind. He is residing in every human body; our job is to realize it merely. This is called self-realization. Many of us cannot understand Him because of our ignorance and unawareness. It is for Brahma that the Sun is shining, the earth is moving, the moon is giving light and the wind is blowing. Brahma is the cause of all the activities. The saints have realized this truth and acted according to His directions. Thus, they have made a permanent impression on the world. How have they seen and realized this truth? This can be well understood through the following verse.

"Jang jang lokong manasa songbibhati

Bisuddhasatwah kamoyate jangscha kaman.

Tang tang lokong jayate tangscha kamang-

Stasmadatmajnang hyarchaed bhutikamah."  

(Lokeswarananda, 2010, p. 286)

This means that the persons with pure hearts can win over all other persons, and attain all things that they desire. That is why many fortune-seeking and wealthy people worship exclusively those pure and mighty persons in society. When such a mighty person interacts sincerely and honestly with the people in a society, he can easily be successful in getting his desires fulfilled as soon as any motive appears in his mind. It may be his personal desires or it may be for others’ benefit. When a king feels oneness with his subjects; when he becomes happy with the happiness of his subjects – in the modern sense citizens, and when he himself suffers from the sufferings and distress of his subjects, he becomes an integral part of the larger society. He happens to be inseparable from his subjects; and the subjects, in turn, also stick to him, and support him even in times of state emergencies.

    On this backdrop of consecrated and sanctified knowledge, the present book is written. In the beginning, I must admit that there are some issues discussed in the book that might exhibit partial or completely contrary to the spiritual and ethical values of sacred knowledge. Also, I avouch that the conception of God has been examined and re-examined at length in the eighth chapter of this book. The principal aim of this treatise is not enquiring about the existence of God, or spirituality; rather the single purpose of it is to draw the current position of India, and from that position how we can reach the top rank globally when India celebrates its one hundred years of Independence. Also, I confess that my target is the young generation people particularly the students who, with vital energy and inherent skills have the potential to transform our country. I believe that the development and growth of the country depend much on the development and progress of our students, and young generation people. The book is primarily a vision document for India that deals with a variety of subjects such as history, economics, politics, ethics, religion, spirituality, science, biodiversity, and climate ecosystems that are important components for the development and growth of India. It is said that Science and religion have both contradictions and cooperation with politics. A complete chapter has been written on this debate. Further, without the attainment of societal integrity, and harmony among our diverse cultures, no sustainable progress can be achieved. Similarly, all the advanced countries have become economically strong and the key to their success is the unthinkable progress in science and technology. Today, where there is more advancement in technology there is more progress in the economy. In the whole process of governance, our political popes and priests are torch-bearers and guides; while the professionals including teachers, farmers, medical practitioners, and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of this country. 

    Therefore, for the preparation of the vision document for India all these things, without any prejudice, have been discussed in detail. The advancement of science and technology in the world and the related national policies adopted by other developed countries were pointed out to suggest similar measures for India’s achievement of a dream. How India was rich in polity, economy, and governance in the ancient period; how this vast and wealthy nation was ravaged and plundered by foreign rulers, and how this country was reduced to poor have been depicted. Despite having all the adversities, and domination of world political masters, how India has been struggling hard to raise its head in the global arena is a story to reckon with respect. Along with these, many other interesting facts about ancient, middle, and contemporary India, biodiversity, and climate change in India have come under the purview of this book. The contributions of great Indian philosophers and the debate over religion vs. politics have been examined thoroughly. How the National Education Policy 2020 can play a catalytic role in shaping the future of India has also been portrayed. The strengths of India and the mantras for achieving the ambitious goals of India are the two most important issues discussed in the present volume. Finally, some challenges in contemporary India and the way out have been incorporated in the end.

    It is a fact that this is my exploration of India as a researcher. Many of my predecessors in India and abroad have already done a few excellent works in shaping what India is today. The NITI Aayog, University researchers, and professors in research institutions in India are in the preparation of various research documents for India’s development. With a view to furthering their works ahead with the help of my own knowledge and experience, I have embarked on this venture. Since my university days, I have been dreaming of a developed and stronger India. It is a big dream indeed for an un-famed author and researcher, and a simple teacher like me. I am the Head Master of a government-sponsored High School; teaching children and teenagers from the most humble backgrounds. My only strengths are honesty, sincerity, hard-working mentality, dedication to my work, and endless love and respect for my fellow countrymen. Also, I have a universal and equal outlook for people of all communities, castes, colors, genders, and countries. I openly admit here that I am greatly impressed with the words, works, and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, and our former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. They have inspired and influenced my thoughts and patriotism. Despite designing this big-dream book a few years ago, I kept in abeyance the project for the time being. But finally, I dared to come out from the hideout only with the inspiring and motivating words of our former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who said: You have to dream before your dreams come true. And, my dream is only to see my country a superpower by 2047 when India celebrates its 100th year of Independence.

Every word of this book emanating directly from the innermost part of my heart will tell you multifarious aspects of this illustrious country. While writing this book sitting in the midst of the century’s worst epidemic of COVID-19, very often I was feeling trepidation with the death news of people from across the globe. I, like many of you, have lost friends, relatives, and others. I admit unequivocally that, I have lost many a time my mental peace and tranquility due to the horrifying death of my near and dear ones. When hundreds of my friends, colleagues, relatives, and others were either dying of shortness of breath or lack of medical facilities, while many others were struggling to survive the dreadful disease, it was really difficult for me to open the laptop and put my fingers on the keyboard. I know that life means movement - the movement of the body, wheel of a car, plough of a farmer, and engine of the motor. All of a sudden all these things halted completely as a result of the country-wide lockdown.

    But life cannot stand still anyway or anywhere for long. Except for a few months, India went on its normal activities following the WHO-directed restrictions. Indian people are brave and adventurous. Also, India is a spiritual land with thousands of saints and sages. We believe in the maxim – Work is worship. Any Indian noble mind cannot but respect and follow the words of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, where Karma Yoga is discussed at length for the advancement of mankind. My Western friends may pause here for a few minutes to ponder over the meaning and significance of Karma Yoga. In layman’s language, the concept signifies ‘work with skill.’ We find the origin of the word Karma Yoga in the root Sanskrit "Kru which means do, or work, etc, and it is opposite to the popular meaning of fate." In the Bhagavad Gita, there are two types of Karma – one, Niskam Karma – which means working without any expectation and attachment, which produces no bondage, and two, Sakam Karma – where works are done for gaining fruits that lead to bondage for the doer. My colleagues and friends in Europe and America may raise eyebrows, and ask indistinctly or may make a big sound: "Can there be any Niskam Karma" at all? It is not unusual to ask this question to the average Western as well as millions of city-dwelling neo-modern Indians because they cannot even imagine a single work without any attachment or expectation. Swami Vivekananda in his book Karmayoga pointed out: Work for work itself. There are some people in every country in the world, whose influence is significant for the welfare of the world; they do not care for name and fame, and they do not like to go to an imaginary heaven. They keep on working only for the benefit and prosperity of the people (Vivekananda, 2012). On the other hand, the concept of Yoga is also very old and significant. It is completely an Indian or oriental practice. ParamahansaYogananda in his Autobiography of a Yogi writes that, in traditional India, Yoga was generally understood as the art of breath control or taking different body postures. On the other hand, Patanjali, an ancient Rishi (Sage) defines ‘Yoga’ as Control of the functions of the mind-stuff (Yogananda, 1946).

    The practice of Yoga originated in India. But in the Bhagavad Gita, the word "Yoga" has been discussed from a much wider and somewhat different perspective. It is said that the word Yoga originated from the root ''Yuj'' meaning joining, tying together, etc. Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi (Ministry of External Affairs, 23 April, 2015) writes that "The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yug’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. As per Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of Individual consciousness with that of Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, Man & Nature. According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be in yoga, and is termed a yogi, having attained to a state of freedom referred to as mukti, nirvana, or moksha. Thus the aim of Yoga is Self-realization, to overcome all kinds of suffering leading to ‘the state of Liberation’ (Moksha) or freedom (Kaivalya). Living with freedom in all walks of life, health and harmony shall be the main objectives of Yoga practice. Yoga also refers to an inner science comprising a variety of methods through which human beings can realize this union and achieve mastery over their destiny. Yoga, being widely considered as an ‘immortal cultural outcome’ of the Indus Saraswati Valley civilization, - dating back to 2700 B.C., has proved itself catering to both material and spiritual upliftment of humanity. Basic human values are the very identity of Yoga Sadhana."

    The ultimate aim of human beings is salvation. "Salvation, according to the Yoga system, consists in concentration of Yoga, i.e. yoking of the mind to God. The Yogi has topractise eight Angas, Yama or discipline (abstention from five acts), Niyama or self-restraint (the performance of five positive duties), Asanam, correct posture, Pratyahara, suppression of the organs of sense, Dharana, the concentration of the attention, Dhyanam, meditation on the syllable Om, Samadhi, absorption, and Nirakatvam, sleeplessness. The Yogi by diet, posture, breathing, intellectual concentration, and moral discipline, enters into the condition called Samadhi, and comes face to facts which no instinct or reason can ever know. He learns that the mind itself has a higher state of existence beyond reason, a superconscious state, and when the mind gets to that higher state, then this knowledge beyond reasoning comes (Prothero &Vidyabhusana, 1915, pp. 34-35). The Bhagvad Gita gives the following sketch of a yogi: "He is a recluse of subdued mind and spirit, free from home and free from perception. He planteth his own feet firmly on a spot that is undefiled, neither too high nor too low, and sitteth upon the grass which is called Kusa, covered with a skin and a cloth. There he, whose business is the restraining of his passions, should sit with his mind fixed on one object alone, on the exercise of his devotion for the purification of his soul; keeping his head, his neck, his body steady without motion, his eyes fixed on the point of his nose looking at no other place around" (Prothero and Vidyabhusana, 1915, p. 35).

    What would be the mental attitude of a Yogi? Sri Krishna described the same to Arjun in the following words:

"Who fixed in faith on me

dotes upon none, scorns none; rejoices not

and grieves not, letting good or evil hap

light when it will, and when it will depart,

That man I love. Who, unto friend and foe

keeping an equal heart, with an equal mind

bears shame and glory; with equal peace

takes heat and cold, pleasure and pain abides, 

quit of desires, hears praise and calumny

in passionless restraint, unmoved by each;

linked by two ties to the earth, steadfast in me, 

That man I love" (Prothero and Vidyabhusana, 1915, p. 35).

Further, the word Yoga has been used at innumerable places in the holy book of Gita with meanings like appropriateness, joining, expertise, attainment, etc. Lord Sri Krishna himself defined Yoga as "Yogah Karmasu Kausalam" (Gita Rashamrita, 2016, p. 17). Here the Sanskrit word Kausalam means a special talent, expertise, or skill in doing something. Therefore, doing work with expertise or specialized skills is Yoga. A Yogi is a person who does work with expert knowledge or skill. In The Ideal of Karma Yoga Swami Vivekananda writes, "Karma-Yoga, therefore, is a system of ethics and religion intended to attain freedom through unselfishness, and by good works. The Karma-Yogi need not believe in any doctrine whatever. He may not believe even in God, may not ask what may not believe even in God, may not ask what his soul is, nor think of any metaphysical speculation. He has got his own special aim of realizing selflessness, and he has to work it out himself. Every moment of his life must be realization, because he has to solve by mere work, without the help of doctrine or theory, the very same problem to which the Jnani (a knowledgeable person) applies his reason and inspiration and the Bhakta (a devotee) his love" (Vivekananda, 2012, The Ideal of Karma Yoga).

    Thus, we find that the root of Indian culture and tradition is based on the broad concept of ‘work with skill’ for the welfare of mankind on this planet. Indian people are traditionally simple and hard-working, entrepreneurial, and explorers of the truth. At present, India is a young country in the world. The majority of the youths are educated. These English-speaking, energetic, and skilled youths are full of dynamism and optimism that are ready to accept any challenge – may it be local, national, or global. India’s science and technology, and research and development have reached an all-time new height. India’s defense research, space research, technology, trade & commerce, industry, and agriculture have excelled in many of their global counterparts. In spite of having all the strengths, potentialities, and innovative ideas of our youths, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, industrialists, and farmers; the quality of progress, GDP per capita income, Human Development Index, and others are beyond the satisfactory level. Climate change and the level of pollution are a matter of grave concern to environmentalists. Peace, equality, and justice are also costly to the people in India.

    Despite having indispensable infrastructure and exigent facilities every year there is a brain drain in India. By stopping such brain drain with our indigenous talented researchers, scientists, doctors, and technocrats we are able to build our country so strongly from all aspects within a period of just a quarter-century that India shall be recognized as the most powerful and most vibrant economy in the world. With this single aim and objective, the book makes its journey from beginning to end. The first six chapters discuss India’s rich past, history of aggression by foreign rulers, India’s national movement, the contribution of India’s great sons in achieving independence, and post-independence problems. The next eight chapters focus on the teachings of India’s philosophers, the relationship between politics, religion, and science, India’s strengths and powers in the contemporary world, India’s new National Education Policy and its salient features to show how it can play a catalytic role in nation-building, bio-diversity and climate action in India, how and why India is considered as a land of opportunity and spirituality, the strengths of India, public policies and foreign policy under Modi Government, the mantras for the attainment of India’s vision 2047, and impediments standing in the way of achieving its aims and objectives, and finally a roadmap has been given for removing all the shortcomings and emerging as a superpower in the global arena during the Amrit Kal (from 2022 to 2047).

    In the end, I must concede that I am completely aware of my own flashpoints and the difficulty of the task before me, and I humbly confess the shortness of my knowledge and learning, still, I shall consider my back-breaking, eye-sight losing, and knee-paining labor of the last several years will be amply rewarded by you with your unbiased judgment, proper attention, and treatment of this volume. It is expected that the book will come into use for the readers, particularly the children, students, and youths to get inspiration for nation-building through personal and familial development, and look at the country with a compassionate and patriotic spirit. This is our duty to show our students the right path, and I have merely endeavored to do this. I shall be happy if this book really can bring some new ideas and freshness in life, and transform the lives of people of all ages, places, genders, religions, and communities. Lastly, I must avouch that the views and opinions expressed in the book are completely mine and I take all the responsibilities for those.

Dr. Keshab Chandra Mandal, M.A.(Triple), Ph. D.,  B. Ed.

Sakher Bazar, Kolkata, India                                                          

7th June, 2024

References:

1. Sharma, S.R. (1947). Ancient Indian History and Culture. Hind Kitabs Limited.

2. Lokeswarananda, S. (1997). Amritvani. Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture.

3. Lokeswarananda, S. (2010). The Upanisad. Ananda Publishers Private Limited.

4. Divine Power Stories. (2017).

5. http://divinepowerstories.blogspot.com/2017/09/argala-stotram-rupam-dehi-jayang-dehi_22.html

6. Lokeswarananda, S. (2010). The Upanisad. Ananda Publishers Private Limited.

7. Calder, Todd. 2022. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The Concept of Evil.  https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/concept-evil/

8. Lokeswarananda, S. (2010). The Upanisad. Ananda Publishers Private Limited.

9. Vivekananda, S. (2012). Karmayoga. Udbodhan Karyalaya.

10. Yogananda, P. (1946). Autobiography of a Yogi. The Philosophical Library.

11. Basavraddi, I.V. (2015). Yoga: Its Origin, History and Development, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

12. Vivekananda, S. (2012). The Ideal of Karma Yoga, https://www.swamivivekananda.guru/teachings/karma-yoga/chapter-viii-the-ideal-of-karma-yoga/

13. Basavaraddi, I. V. (2015). Yoga: its Origin, History and Development. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

14. M. Prothero, M. &Vidyabhusana, S.C. (1915). History of India down the end of the reign of Queen Victoria. Macmillan.

15. Mukherjee, S. (2016). Gita Rashamrita. Gita Press.

16. Vivekananda, S. (2012). The Ideal of Karma Yoga, https://www.swamivivekananda.guru/teachings/karma-yoga/chapter-viii-the-ideal-of-karma-yoga/

Introduction

"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high …

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake."

- Rabindranath Thakur

F

rom the very nomenclature of this book, anyone can presume spontaneously what might be the contents of it. Yes, you have rightly surmised. The name itself is self-explanatory. Notwithstanding it is necessary to explain to the readers beforehand the objectives of this treatise. It is the moral duty of an author. A few years back one of my childhood friends Nital urged me to write a simple book, which should help the general people in our country. Since then he kept on nagging whenever we met. My young son also requested me to write a book about students of his age. I could not honor their appeals due to some professional obligations and time constraints. However, I kept in mind their requests and tried to finish all my academic work in hand quickly so that I could concentrate on a book that would be easy to read and realize by the general Indian readers. Then I thought that India was celebrating Azadi Ki Amritmahotsab and I must participate in the grand celebration through a book with noble and innovative ideas that should strengthen India’s (re)claim to be a Biswaguru. In addition to this, I intended to infuse facts of rich and glorious Indian heritage, culture, and philosophy to the students and youths of the 21st century to make them proud of our country; to sensitize them to patriotism, fellow-feeling, self-dignity, respect for others and hard-working mentality with a purpose of national development through personal development. I started thinking of how India can achieve a $25 economy by 2047. I thought that I must give scientific solutions and a clear roadmap about how India can achieve this big target. 

    These considerations prompted me to pick up a pen and paper to prepare the blueprint of the content of this book and finally confined me in my study room to bend over my laptop for the next several months. My thoughts urged me to rush to my bookshelves, where I found there was a lack of study materials necessary for writing an epic-like book. So, I decided to explore the availability of books as per my requirements. Without wasting a moment, I wrote a message on WhatsApp to one of my friends working in the American Library, Kolkata, but he said it was closed for the members due to COVID-19. Further, I personally visited the National Library, Kolkata, to inquire about the situation. Showing my double dose vaccination certificate at three gates of the entrance from outside to the reading room, I managed to enter the Bhasa Bhawan to read and make notes. I registered myself on their website, renewed my membership card online, and continued visiting after booking a seat almost regularly. The reading atmosphere at the library is superb. The officers are excellent with their behavior and reader-friendly attitude. I know a few of them personally. In the last 23 years, many of my known officers have retired, while the directors have also been changed. My familiarity with some present officers turned into friendship when they came to know that I am a veteran researcher and author, and already my seven books are available in the library with call numbers.  

    I remember that my childhood friend Nital asked me to write a book in a very simple language so that an average Indian reader could understand that easily. He also said, We do not understand the weighty words of your books; tell simply the simple things for the simple people of India. Also, he warned me against writing only for a particular section of society, as I have been dealing with issues on gender empowerment, state politics, local governments, and sustainable development goals; rather he put up a proposal to write on the issues that must touch upon the lives and works of every Indian citizen. I said to him, that a lot of authors have already written on so many topics that I have left little room to write for people of all sections in society. But he was persistent like my school-going son. It is he and my young son, who have encouraged me mostly and showed their full faith in my capability to transform young minds through my writing. So, I humbly accepted the demands of my friend and son Arkaprabha (Ari) and took up the opportunity to embark on this noble mission. Against this backdrop, the journey of my present book started. Emperor Asoka said, Doing good work is difficult. He who does it first, does a difficult thing (Sharma, 1947, p. vii).

    In this volume, I have used the ‘quaint and terse language of Kautilya,’ combined with some technical and old terms used by him and other great scholars such as D.D. Kosambi (1956), Rama Shankar Tripathi (1942), E.J. Rapson (1914), Henry Beveridge (1867), M. Prothero and Satish Chandra Vidyabhusana (1915), S.R. Sharma (1947), H.G. Rawlinson (1938), Rev. Bryce James (1810), and hundreds of authors of ancient, medieval, and modern India. This might create some difficulty for the present readers; I apologize for this inconvenience. Before me, a lot of scholars from India, and Europe have written hundreds of invaluable books and articles and depicted with the color of their minds on the book canvas several aspects of this vast and powerful country. Most of the works were based on the facts and personal observations of historians, pilgrims, and authors. In comparison with the great historians, pilgrims, and authors, I may be a lesser-known Indian researcher of social science with only two decades of experience. Despite that, out of utter love and patriotism for my beloved country, I have embarked on the difficult task of writing a vision document. The book is divided into 14 chapters, which are briefly delineated hereunder.

    These chapters take you back to the Rig Vedic period and tell you the history of the origin of India. Then gradually you will travel to ancient India and through medieval India, you will reach to the valley of modern India. On the journey, you will have the bitter taste of attacks and whimsical activities of foreign rulers in this holy land. Thereafter, you will learn how after a prolonged struggle Indian people attained Independence and emerged as a sovereign country. The lights and shades of modern India, its contemporary strengths and weaknesses, and the struggles to raise its head in the volatile global arena have been depicted in the covers of this book. Let’s have a look at the synopsis of the chapters.

The Preface of the book begins with the eulogy of the Upanisad by a famous philologist and orientalist Friedrich Max Muller. The book starts with sacred hymns of the Upanisad. My prayer for a strong Bharat is not an isolated assertion; rather it is the eternal craving of the Indian people as we find its mention in the Chandi:  O Devi, please grant me beauty, please grant me victory, please grant me glory (Shubhra, 2021). Here, my prayer is for the beauty, victory, and glory of my beloved country. How the reading of good books particularly the Upanisad transformed the lives of millions of people in the world has been highlighted. Along with the Upanisadic teachings, Swami Vivekananda’s Karma Yoga, particularly the Niskam Karma has immensely motivated our young generation people to devote their time and energy to self-development, national development, and personal development. Finally, the discussion of Yoga as interpreted by Lord Sri Krishna in the Gita brings fresh energy to the minds of readers.

    The Introduction part tells the readers about the importance of this book in contemporary India. Also, the chapter traces the rich history and culture of ancient Indian civilization. I confess that this book does not pretend to be a complete work on India’s history and culture; rather it is just a modern approach to the study of ancient Indus civilization and contemporary India. The Veda, its classification, and its importance in shaping our religion and philosophy have also been highlighted. India’s glorious origin, richness, and vastness of its territory take back the readers in the ancient period. The Introduction part further gives a description of how India was reduced to its present position. It seems that the present socio-cultural diversity of India is the result of invasion and settlement in ancient times by different kings and emperors such as the Persians, Greeks, Sakas, Huns, etc. The reference to Brahmanical thoughts and practices and the life and culture in different Vedic periods have been illustrated in this chapter. The description of ancient India’s luxurious and pompous palaces and their vast wealth attracted foreign rulers, and many of them invaded India before the Christian era. Some foreigners even invaded India several times to loot its wealth and destroy its culture and architecture. The splendor of the Gupta dynasty, Maurya dynasty, and the Palas of Bengal are some of the examples that enticed the foreign aggressors the most. The chapter ends with the narration of the destructive history of foreign raiders, and why India cannot afford to lose once again its wealth, and dignity.  

    The First Chapter India’s Glorious Past seeks to examine the historical background of this glorious country. India’s trade and commerce were well-known in the world. India’s trade relations with the West Asian countries right from the Vedic (1500-800 BCE) and Mauryan (c. 324-187 BCE) to Kushana (circa 30 CE – circa 375) and Gupta periods (3rd century– 543 CE) continued on a major scale for centuries. The Harappans are well-recognized as enthusiastic sea-farers. In the subsequent periods, the South Indian dynasties such as Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Cholas also built trade relations with Western countries that continued for many decades. Ancient India was prosperous both in terms of industry and agriculture. Not only that, Indian goods and products were well-known for their excellence in different markets of the world. Indian artisans were so efficient and stirring that made the foreign traders envious of India. Their contribution made India a rich and glorious country for hundreds of years. However, the advancement of British traders in India and the Industrial Revolution in the West destroyed Indian trade and turned the country into a mere supplier of raw materials, and buyer of finished goods.

    Having been informed about India’s vast reserve of gold, silver, and jewellery, and much more natural wealth, many jealous merchants and foreign rulers were scheming for expeditions to India. Thus, we find the start of invasions of the Dutch, Portuguese, French, and British merchants to India one by one, and in the name of doing trade and business, they gradually involved in illegal activities such as setting up forts, owning armies, and procurement of arms and ammunition. They even engaged themselves in bitter competition with their European counterparts, and their trade rivalries turned into a struggle for survival and sustenance in our motherland. The history of arrival, setting up their own establishments and spreading powers and gradual capture of Indian political power make any sensitive Indian shed tears. How the foreign tradesmen and merchants, through manipulation, turned our masters has been described in this chapter.

The Second Chapter Exploitation by Europeans examines the nature and extent of exploitation conducted by the foreign merchants, particularly the British merchants in India. The Battle of Plassey brought forth a golden opportunity for the English merchants to exploit India at their own sweet will. How Lord Clive took control of India in 1757, and 120 years after the Battle of Plassey (in 1876) Queen Victoria became the empress of India has been discussed in this chapter. The socioeconomic condition of the people in the 19th century has been traced. It seems that the history of pre-independence India is the history of ravage and plunder. The rapine of Chengiz Khan, Taimur Lang, and Nadir Shah is beyond imagination. Apart from these three plunderers, Mughal India witnessed the British, French, Portuguese, and Dutch ravagers. Further, the British merchants were the last people who inflicted the most agony and left an unforgettable reign of terror where the Indian people’s right to freedom of speech and expression, right to education, right to participate in meetings and processions, and ultimately right to life was at stake. The British government considered India as a ‘Sone ki Chiriya.’ How their cruel and unjust administrative policies have discriminated against the Indian people, and its industry, agriculture, trade, and commerce have been discussed in the chapter. India became England’s biggest source of revenue. In the end, some contributions of the British Raj have also been highlighted.

    The following chapter (Chapter Three) entitled in Backdrop of Freedom Movement India delineates the freedom movement in India. The people of India were annoyed with the exploitative administration and extensive oppression of the British rulers. Hence, they gradually started protesting, and movements against the British Raj. In this chapter how the Indian freedom movement was inspired and shaped by the American and French revolutionaries has been discussed in detail. The Russian and Irish revolutions have helped to influence the Indian freedom fighters. How the Indian Diaspora from the USA, Russia, and other places helped in forming a favorable public opinion to attain Indian Independence has been examined in this chapter. The role of different organizations, associations, and political parties in the anti-British movements in the 20th century from Indian soil has been investigated in this chapter. The chapter ends with paying homage to all the national heroes and freedom fighters who have contributed to the national freedom struggle. 

    Chapter Four entitled Intense Movement and Transfer of Power begins with the mention of the deplorable condition of the general Indian people. The more the extent of exploitation, the more intense the freedom struggle. People boycotted foreign goods, and Gandhi Ji organized various mass movements. This chapter examines the massive movements of Azad Hind Fauz that perplexed the British rulers.