As the world gathered over the weekend to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in various forms and under various names, I paused to reflect on the deeper significance of this joyous occasion. Beyond its vibrant colours and festive spirit, Holi embodies the triumph of Dharma over Adharma, of truth over falsehood, and resilience over destruction. Yet, in the same world where Hindu festivals are embraced and enjoyed, Hinduphobia remains an unspoken reality. While people eagerly appropriate yoga, Ayurveda, and spiritual wisdom from Bharat, they often remain unaware—or choose to ignore—the centuries of aggression, invasions, and colonial oppression that Hindus have endured.
Through the tides of time, India, that is Bharat, has faced waves of invasions, colonial rule, and foreign aggression—each attempting to systematically erode its cultural and spiritual essence. And yet, Hinduism, the soul of Bharat, stands resilient. It has neither shattered under oppression nor succumbed to external forces. Instead, like the eternal Sanatana Dharma it represents, it has evolved, adapted, and emerged stronger—undaunted, unbroken and unyielding.
For centuries, the Indian subcontinent has been the target of conquest, from the Islamic invasions that sought to dismantle temples and erase traditions to the British colonial rule that aimed to impose foreign ideals and diminish native wisdom. The Mughal empire sought to replace its spiritual essence and the British Raj reduced India’s ancient traditions to mere superstition while looting its vast wealth and diminishing the self-esteem of its people. Yet, despite these relentless and calculated onslaughts, Hinduism did not end. It endured. It resisted—through knowledge and an unyielding belief in the righteousness of Dharma.
Historically, the history of Hindu civilization is marked by the destruction of thousands of temples or the sanctums converted. The sacred Jyotirlingas, which symbolised the cosmic power of Lord Shiva, were targeted, many broken and desecrated. Kashi Vishwanath, Mathura’s Krishna Janmabhoomi, and the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya—sites of immense spiritual significance—were repeatedly attacked. Yet, despite these brutal assaults, the spirit of Hindus never crumbled.
No matter how many temples were reduced to rubble, Hindus rebuilt. No matter how many Shivalingas were shattered, the devotion to Mahadev remained unshaken. The faith that once flourished in the temples of Somnath and Kashi was carried in the hearts of millions, refusing to be extinguished—not just in Bharat, but across oceans in island nations such as Fiji and Mauritius, where indentured labourers took their Sanatana Dharma with them, building temples, preserving traditions, and keeping the flame of Hinduism alive despite hardship and oppression.
The destruction of physical symbols did not destroy the soul of Hinduism. The invaders could break stones, but they could not break Dharma. They could demolish temples, but they could not demolish faith. The spirit of Hindus, forged in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the resilience of the Mahabharata, and the devotion of the Ramayana, remained unbroken.
If there is one event that symbolises the unbreakable continuity of Hinduism, it is the Mahakumbh Mela. The grand congregation of faith and spirituality is the world’s largest gathering of humanity, proving that Sanatana Dharma is not just surviving but flourishing.
The sheer scale of devotion at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj—where saints, seers, and ordinary devotees converged on the banks of the holy rivers—demonstrated the spiritual endurance of Hinduism. No force in history has been able to halt this sacred tradition, which has existed for thousands of years. Even the mightiest empires, whether the Mughals or the British, could not suppress it. In fact, in an era where modernity often disconnects people from their heritage, the unwavering devotion witnessed at the Kumbh Mela is a reaffirmation of the peaceful Hindu identity, unity, and spiritual power.
No other civilization in human history has withstood such relentless aggression and yet retained its original ethos. The Greeks faded. The Romans fell. The Persians succumbed. But Hindu civilization, with its temples, rituals, languages, and traditions, still stands, vibrant and alive. Today, Hindu festivals are celebrated worldwide, Sanskrit echoes in universities, yoga is embraced by the global community, and spiritual gurus continue to enlighten seekers from all backgrounds.
The attempts to divide Hindus—through caste, regionalism, or political ideologies—have also failed in the grand scheme of history. As many have pointed out: Hinduism is not just a religion; it is a way of life, a civilization, a living testament to resilience. It does not need external validation, nor does it seek conquest. It thrives on unity, mutual respect, and the eternal quest for self-realisation.
As we move forward, many challenges remain—be it Hinduphobia, the distortion of Hindu history, external ideological subversion, or the continued attempts to undermine Hindu unity by agents who present themselves as representatives of Hindus abroad but are, in reality, promoting agendas that divide and weaken the community. These individuals may masquerade as protectors of Hindu interests, but their actions only serve to fragment our collective strength and distract from the true essence of Sanatana Dharma.
The lessons from our past is clear: strengthen your roots, embrace your identity, and pass on the wisdom to the next generation. Stand tall with knowledge, confidence, and the unshakable belief that Hinduism is not just surviving—it is thriving. In the end, the spirit of Bharat is eternal, and so is its Dharma. No matter the trials ahead, remember: do not break!
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