Rajnath Singh says India’s cultural and civilisational renaissance remained incomplete after Independence and discusses Ram, secularism and national development.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that while India achieved political independence in 1947, what he described as the country’s Cultural Civilisational Renaissance remained incomplete for several decades after Independence. He made the remarks while addressing the national conclave “One Epic, Many Stories: Ram Katha Across Bharat and Beyond” in Kochi on Friday.

The three-day conclave, organised by Malayalam daily Janmabhumi, is being held from September 18 to 20 and brings together scholars, researchers, academicians and cultural practitioners to discuss different traditions and interpretations of Ram Katha.

Rajnath Singh Raises Questions Over Post-Independence Cultural Policy

Speaking at the event, Singh said political freedom was expected to allow India’s cultural identity to find greater expression. He referred to the inauguration of the rebuilt Somnath Temple and said there had been opposition to then President Dr Rajendra Prasad attending the ceremony.

Singh also questioned why the construction of the Ram temple took several decades after Independence. He linked what he described as delays in recognising India’s cultural traditions to what he called “appeasement politics” and a “distorted concept of secularism”.

These were Singh’s political and historical interpretations expressed during his address.

Debate Over Secularism and Indian Traditions

The Defence Minister said India’s traditional approach should be understood through the principle of “Sarva Dharma Samabhava”, which he described as equal respect for all faiths.

Singh contrasted this with what he characterised as a Western understanding of secularism. According to him, Indian traditions should not automatically be viewed as incompatible with a secular state.

He referred to figures including K M Munshi and H V Kamath while arguing that India’s freedom movement and Constituent Assembly debates included different interpretations of the relationship between religion, society and the state.

Singh Says Cultural Civilisational Renaissance Is Underway

Singh said India is now witnessing what he termed a Cultural Civilisational Renaissance, with efforts to move away from what he described as a colonial mindset.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government with promoting India’s cultural heritage and said greater awareness among young people about the country’s civilisational traditions could contribute to social, economic and national development.

The remarks form part of Singh’s broader argument that cultural heritage and national development should be viewed together.

Nine Qualities of Lord Ram Highlighted

During his address, Singh referred to nine qualities associated with Lord Ram as Maryada Purushottam. He said these values could provide a framework for personal conduct and national development.

Singh said that developing these qualities among citizens could contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a developed country.

The emphasis on Lord Ram was also connected to the theme of the Kochi conclave, which is examining the many regional and cultural expressions of Ram Katha across India and beyond.

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Rajnath Singh Mentions Governance and Development

Singh also spoke about India’s economic and social development since 2014. He referred to challenges including corruption, governance issues, the Covid-19 pandemic and international conflicts, saying India had continued its development efforts despite these challenges.

He mentioned initiatives and achievements related to digital payments, healthcare, housing, drinking water, cooking fuel and women’s economic participation.

Singh also highlighted India’s defence manufacturing and exports, saying indigenous defence production and defence exports had increased substantially.

UPI, Defence Production and Other Achievements Cited

The Defence Minister cited UPI as an example of India’s expanding digital infrastructure and international reach. He also referred to the country’s vaccine supply to other nations and the growth of startups and technology businesses.

On defence, Singh highlighted the increase in domestic production and exports as evidence of expanding indigenous capabilities.

He also referred to Operation Sindoor and the government’s claims regarding counter-terrorism and the reduction of Naxal violence.

Kerala’s Connection With Ramayana

Singh also discussed Kerala’s historical and cultural connection with the Ramayana. He referred to the state’s traditional association with Parashurama and said that Ramayana traditions continue to have a place in Kerala’s social and cultural life.

He mentioned the practice of families gathering in the evening, lighting the Nilavilakku and reciting the name of Lord Ram as an example of continuing cultural traditions.

The organisers say the conclave is intended to explore the diversity of Ram Katha traditions, including regional expressions and their contemporary relevance.

Journalism and the Emergency Also Mentioned

Singh praised Janmabhumi for its role in journalism and referred to the Emergency of 1975 while discussing the media’s role in defending democratic institutions.

He said journalists and publications faced censorship during the Emergency but continued to contribute to public awareness and democratic discourse.

The event was also attended by BJP Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and party leader P K Krishnadas.

Singh’s remarks at the Kochi conclave placed cultural heritage, Ramayana traditions, secularism and national development within the broader framework of what he described as India’s Cultural Civilisational Renaissance.