Why do Hindus think differently about knowledge, duty, worship, time and existence? Why Are We This Way: A Guide to Hindu Shastras approaches these questions through the vast knowledge traditions of Sanatana Dharma. Rather than treating Hinduism as a collection of rituals or beliefs, the book introduces readers to the interconnected Shastric ecosystem underlying them. Its accessible treatment of complex traditions makes it particularly relevant to a generation increasingly disconnected from its scriptural inheritance. This review examines the book as a roadmap towards recovering that intellectual and civilizational memory.
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Decolonizing IKS (“Indian Knowledge Systems”)
Delivered by Prof. Prakash Shah on behalf of Prof. Vamsee Juluri at the panel "Decolonisation, Public Discourse and IKS" during the IKSHA Conference at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, this thought-provoking talk argues that decolonisation cannot be reduced to merely replacing Western knowledge with Indian knowledge. It challenges the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) movement to examine its own assumptions and recover the spiritual foundations of Bharatiya knowledge. The talk ultimately asks whether true decolonisation is possible if Bhagawan is removed from the centre of the civilizational worldview.

Scholarship and Sacred Truth
Can a civilization survive if all its sacred truths are judged solely by external academic standards? This essay argues that while historical inquiry has its place, Hindu Dharma must remain rooted in its own sacred framework of shraddha, sampradaya, and parampara. A living tradition cannot endure if its foundational beliefs are endlessly relativized. History may study a civilization from the outside, but only its sacred truths sustain it from within.

Rāmo Vigrahavān Dharmaḥ: The Sixteen Lakṣaṇas as a Complete Condition-Set of Dharma
What does it truly mean to call Rāma "Vigrahavān Dharmaḥ" - the embodiment of Dharma? Drawing on the opening verses of the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, this essay argues that the sixteen lakṣaṇas are not merely admirable virtues but a complete and indispensable condition-set for the embodiment of Dharma. Through a rigorous śāstric analysis of pramāṇa, lakṣaṇa, and embodiment, it presents a compelling philosophical framework that reveals why Rāma is not simply a follower of Dharma, but its fullest living manifestation.

British Colonial Raj: Drivers of Socio-Cultural Impact
This essay examines how British colonial rule reshaped not just India's institutions, but also its everyday habits, aspirations, and cultural imagination. From club culture and hill stations to vacations and leisure travel, it argues that colonial-era practices continue to influence Indian society long after independence. By contrasting these with pre-colonial civilisational patterns, the article invites readers to reflect on whether India can rediscover a balance rooted in its own timeless traditions while navigating modernity.
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Epitaph for the Ayodhya affair
Professor Meenakshi Jain's new book, 'The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya', is a definitive and scholarly guide to the biggest controversy of the early nineties, which totally changed the dynamics of Indian politics.
Back to the Elements – Objects, places, and symbols of worship
The essence of worship in Hinduism lies in recognizing the significance of the archetypical elements that define our world.
An Introduction to ‘Decolonizing Bharat, The Balu Way’
Murali Vadavalli pens a review of "Decolonizing Bharat The Balu Way" by Dr. Pingali Gopal. The book unpacks the deep cultural disconnect between Sanatani traditions and Western frameworks imposed during colonial rule. Dr. Pingali Gopal lucidly introduces S.N. Balagangadhara’s pioneering ideas, urging readers to rethink Bharat’s identity through indigenous conceptual tools. A rigorous and essential read for anyone seeking to understand India's cultural revival.
Vivekananda’s Teachings on Character-Building
Vivekananda propounded ‘man-making education’ which involves the harmonious development of the body, mind and soul.
Jambukeswarar Temple- The Humble Abode of Goddess Akilandeswari
The Jambukeswarar temple, situated in Trichy, was built by the Sangam era Chola King, Kochengannan. It is here that Lord Shiva is worshiped as the manifestation of the element, Water.
The Trap of Devotion to God and Guru
Understanding the difference between one's innate behaviour and the practice to conform to a particular culture is essential when following a guru.
Prithviraj Chauhan – Debunking Historical Myths Around The King (Part-2)
To sum up, ‘Traitors par sum Jayachandras’ is one of the filthiest crimes committed to History in modern times.
The Beautiful Tree and Putana’s milk
A brief view of the history of education in India, the impact of Christian education and the attitudes that it inculcates.
Bhagvada Gita and violence (Part 1)
Bhagvada Gita is unambiguous in its endorsement of Ahimsa as the highest ideal. However, what constitutes Ahimsa goes beyond mere non-violence on the physical plane of being.
History Of Freedom Movement: The View Of R.C. Mazumdar – Part 1
Dr Pingali Gopal uses R. C. Mazumdar's book "History of the Freedom Movement in India" as reference to evoke interest in the truth behind the popularised version of the history of India's independence.
“The Secret of The Veda” by Sri Aurobindo – A Review
"The Secret of The Veda" by Sri Aurobindo is a collection of Sri Aurobindo’s various writings on the Veda and his translations of some of the hymns, originally published in the monthly review 'Arya' between August 1914 and 1920.
Abolition of (Major Parts of) Section 377: A few observations and a rider
Though historically India has always had a place for homosexuals notwithstanding the view of the rest of the world, how does the political climate dictate the manner in which their presence is acknowledged?
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Minority-Progressive Celebrities: Part 1 ‘The Reform Agenda’
Once hailed as voices of modern, inclusive thought, minority-progressive celebrities like Naseeruddin Shah and Javed Akhtar now face growing skepticism. Their politics, once seen as secular and reformist, appear increasingly selective, critiquing Hinduism while sparing other faiths. The essay traces how celebrity activism and the so-called ‘reform agenda,’ rooted in colonial biases,evolved into a quiet but persistent Hinduphobia shaping India’s cultural and political discourse.
Standing up for the Purusha Sukta
Hindus have long been made to feel ashamed of the Purusha Sukta's casteist elements even though they have no reason to in reality.
The Misconception About The Antiquity And Location Of The First Original Site Of Visveswara Jyotirlinga (Kashi Vishwanath)
The Gyanwapi Mosque is the original ancient site of Avimukteswara Linga and not the Visvesvara Jyotirlinga (Kashi Vishwanath). The fundamental factual inaccuracies and misconceptions with regard to the Visvesvara Jyotirlinga cast a cloud on the legitimacy of the otherwise legitimate Hindu claim on Kashi Vishwanath, and the grave errors render all flawed court petitions and prayers void ab initio.
Temples of Tamil Nadu: Ancient Glories and current state of affairs – Part 1
Tamil Nadu's ancient architectural marvels have been at the mercy of the state for far too long.
I for Ishvara
To understand one’s relationship with God, one must first understand the meaning of God or Ishvara. In the vision of the Shruti,...
Epitaph for the Ayodhya affair
Professor Meenakshi Jain's new book, 'The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya', is a definitive and scholarly guide to the biggest controversy of the early nineties, which totally changed the dynamics of Indian politics.
A storyteller’s experiences with divinity
The tradition of storytelling is as old as Hindu culture with its immense impact having defined our very way of life.
The Evolution of Early Writing in India
Writing evolved through different phases as the Indus-valley civilization matured and spread.
Integrating India's Heritage in Indian Education – Part 2
Restoring a sense of pride among Indian students is paramount, which can only happen if the curriculum undergoes a massive overhaul so that the original Indian genius can flourish again.
9 Days – A magical journey of unexpected revelations!
Kishkindha, as the kingdom of the Vanara King Sugriva evokes feelings that transport you to another time.
Sarva Dharma Samabhava
The slogan of all religions being equal is a gross misrepresentation as their inherent aspirations differ greatly.
Conundrum of the Hindu identity
The Indian state refuses to recognize Hindus as the varied trees of the same forest and instead considers them worth protecting only if they conform like the uniform vegetation in a small grove or a garden.
